Why do little dogs shiver so much? We asked the experts.
Popular Science
by Niranjana RajalakshmiFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Small dogs often shiver more than larger breeds, and while it might seem puzzling, there’s a scientific explanation rooted in physics and thermoregulation. According to experts, small dogs have a higher surface area relative to their body mass, which causes them to lose heat faster in cold environments. This means they must expend more energy to maintain a consistent internal temperature, often resulting in shivering as their bodies work to generate warmth. Veterinarian Carlo Siracusa notes that while no formal studies compare shivering across dog sizes, small dogs like Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus are frequently observed trembling in clinical settings.
The key factor is energy expenditure: Small dogs burn about 60% more energy per gram of body tissue than larger breeds. This is due to their unique physiology—much like a tennis ball retains less heat than a basketball because of its greater surface area relative to volume, small dogs lose heat more rapidly and must work harder to stay warm. Biologist John Speakman highlights this phenomenon in his 2003 research, showing that smaller dogs allocate a larger portion of their metabolic energy to thermoregulation, making them more susceptible to
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Originally published on Popular Science on 2/22/2026