Man’s tiny best friend! Expert reveals why owning a small dog has become the ultimate sign of masculinity – with King Charles, The Rock, and Orlando Bloom all opting for mini breeds

By XANTHA LEATHAM, EXECUTIVE SCIENCE EDITOR

Published: 08:08 EDT, 25 September 2026 | Updated: 08:09 EDT, 25 September 2026

Tiny dogs have long been branded the handbag accessory of choice for celebrities and socialites.

But according to one expert, owning a pint-sized pooch may actually be one of the strongest signs of modern masculinity.

In a new book, titled ‘Yap! A Short History of Small Dogs’, historian Stephanie Howard-Smith argues that the days of men using large, powerful dogs to project strength are over.

Instead, confident chaps are increasingly choosing smaller companions because they feel no need to prove themselves.

Notable figures include Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, who regularly shares photographs of his French Bulldogs online, and Orlando Bloom who has a small rescue dog, a Teacup Poodle named Biggie Smalls.

King Charles is also known for his affection for Jack Russell Terriers, while Prime Minister Andy Burnham owns an adorable Bichon-Poo named Axel.

‘These days, choosing to proudly show off a small, “girly” dog in public can demonstrate a man’s absolute confidence in his masculinity: they have no need to overcompensate by owning a typically macho dog,’ Ms Howard-Smith writes in her book.

Despite being the ultimate macho man, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson regularly shares photographs of his French Bulldogs online

Orlando Bloom has often been pictured with his small rescue dog, a Teacup Poodle named Biggie Smalls

Traditionally macho dogs, including German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Dobermans, have been associated with strength, protection and toughness.

Their imposing size, powerful build and history as guard, police and military dogs have helped cement their reputation as the canine companions of choice for men keen to project a rugged image.

However, Ms Howard-Smith says a tiny dog, such as a Chihuahua or Dachshund, can signal self-assurance, emotional intelligence and a willingness to reject outdated stereotypes.

This may help explain why miniature breeds have found favour among some of the world’s most famous men.

According to the expert, small dogs can also encourage a different kind of relationship between owner and pet.

Because they appear more vulnerable, they often bring out nurturing instincts that have traditionally been associated more with women than men.

King Charles is also known for his affection of Jack Russell Terriers. Pictured: The King and Queen Camilla (then the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall) holding dogs Beth (left) and Bluebell, in 2015

Hugh Jackman carries his Terrier–Poodle mix called Allegra (left). Meanwhile action star Sylvester Stallone also has a love of smaller breeds (right)

One of the most devoted small-dog owners of all is Chris Packham.

The broadcaster has previously spoken about how his miniature poodles, Itchy and Scratchy, helped pull him through suicidal depression, saying the pair ultimately saved his life and became the centre of his world.

In the book, Ms Howard-Smith also refers to Sir Winston Churchill, who is often associated with the Bulldog.

However, the wartime leader actually spent much of his life surrounded by far smaller dogs.

While he owned an English Bulldog called Dodo as a schoolboy, his family later kept a succession of Pugs and Miniature Poodles.

Churchill was so fond of Pugs that he and his wife, Clementine, nicknamed each other ‘Pug’ and ‘Kat’ in their letters, and he would occasionally sketch himself as a pug.

Despite this, he was happy to embrace comparisons with the tough, patriotic Bulldog in public, while keeping his love of lapdogs largely behind closed doors.

‘Given the pointed way in which a man’s choice of dog tended to be interpreted, it’s no surprise that the gruff wartime leader is still so closely associated with the macho bulldog and not the little pug,’ she wrote.

‘We’re still too used to seeing dogs as symbols that tell us something about the people who own them rather than as living, breathing individuals,’ Ms Howard-Smith added.

She explained that in the last few decades, owning a little dog has ‘entered the mainstream’ for men.

‘There’s a sense now that proudly owning a small dog shows a man is unperturbed by the stereotypes,’ she said.

Earlier this year the Kennel Club revealed the most popular dogs in the UK, with miniature breeds appearing high up the rankings.

While Labrador Retrievers came in first place, the top five favourite breeds included the much-smaller Dachshunds and French Bulldogs.