I mentioned before that my 14 week old puppy has growled twice (different days, different dogs) while out passing other dogs. She has met tons of dogs and never growled at them.

Both of these 2 times, these were dogs from breeds Im just not very partial too.. that probably sounds horrible.. but thats how it is.

When I see these dogs, I dont get nervous or feel any kind of fear, they just kind of make my skin crawl. Both times show growled it was at these kinds of dogs. (both were smaller than her)

But she's met LOTS of other dogs smaller than her and she doesnt growl at them..

And today, a Pom, and 2 Daschunds both growled and barked within a few feet of her and she just stared at them.

She has never barked back at a dog who has barked at her, ever. Sometimes she looks up at me like 'whats wrong with that stupid dog?' but usually she just stands still and stares at them curiously.

So Im wondering.. do you think these 2 times she growled (and it was just for a second, and I did correct her with a very firm 'NO' each time right away, and that did stop it) was more because she sensed I dont like these dogs?

I know taht probably sounds so stupid.. but.. I have to ask.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I kind of doubt it was because you don't like the dogs, but we never really know how aware our dogs are on that level. I think it is more likely the look of the dog. I know that I have noticed that my dogs have tended to bark or be more suspicious of dogs that don't have obvious tails that wag, for example a boxer. Also dogs who's ear carriage doesn't change much like a pitbull. What breed were these dogs? Just curious..... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

One was a pug.. a very harmless little thing. My reason for not liking them is complicated.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Im not sure my puppy was really being aggressive with this one. At the time i was thinking it was a 'I want to play with you' bark.. but it was too long ago to remember it really.

The other looked like a miniature Pit, if there is such a thing.. was just slightly smaller than my puppy.

The bark on this day really got my attention and I remember thinking 'whoa, we should avoid this dog in the future'

Also, now that Im thinking about it, this mini-Pit thing was offleash and rushed us out of the trees up on the hill type path that paralleled the paved one we were on. but it stopped a few feet away and its owner came running to collect it.

I forgot that, I guess because I was so upset about the growl..

Still i know its not acceptable for her to growl.. and I dont think that dog growled at her.. I have no idea if it was friendly or not..

The pugs have the smushed in face and the pits from my opinion don't show many outward signs either. Maybe that was it, but nevertheless sounds like your dog is doing great!

Here's something about bracheocephalic breeds like Pugs: That smooshed-in look (the source of many health problems, btw) is readily identifiable to each other. That is, Pugs recognize other Pugs quickly, and, in fact, are often a tad racist. (Yes, this sounds unbelievable, but long exposure to the breed and a lot of reading have convinced me. Take it or leave it.) Based on that, it wouldn't stun me if other breeds with regular dog-snouts also recognized Pugs as "different" from themselves.