The Enduring Power of Small Dogs: From Historical Shrines to Modern Scandals

Small dogs, often dismissed as "rats on a string," have a long and influential history, according to Stephanie Howard-Smith's book "Yap!". The book, penned by an avowed lover of miniature breeds, delves into the ways these diminutive canines have shaped human lives, providing companionship and even influencing historical events.

The historical affection for small dogs is evident in ancient artifacts. A 16th-century discovery revealed a large marble stone with a Latin inscription dating back over two thousand years. The inscription was a tribute to a beloved lapdog named Patrice, a "catella" or little female dog, whose owner's grief still resonates today. Throughout art history, small dogs are frequently depicted adorning the laps of wealthy owners, a testament to their enduring appeal across centuries.

However, the relationship between humans and small dogs has not always been without controversy. Napoleon Bonaparte, in 1796, famously encountered his bride Josephine's pug, Fortuné, occupying their marital bed. The pug even bit Napoleon on the leg when he dared to encroach on its territory. "Yap!" also recounts historical "health scares and moral panics" fueled by critics who accused lapdogs of spreading diseases and even engaged in sexually suggestive behavior with their owners. These accusations, often fueled by jealousy from men who felt displaced by their partners' canine companions, highlight a darker side to the intense human-dog bond.

The book explores various anecdotes, with chapters named after specific small dogs, from Mary Queen of Scots's Jupiter to Paris Hilton's Tinkerbell. It argues that while larger dogs are bred for utility like herding, hunting, or guarding, the primary role of a small dog is to be protected, loved, and to ward off loneliness. Howard-Smith, described as a "doggist"—a devout worshipper of minuscule mutts—contends that these small companions pack a significant emotional and historical punch, making their owners "slaves" to their charm.