Who said “It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.”?

Misattributed

Not Mark Twain. It's commonly credited to them, but the evidence shows it isn't theirs.

What the research foundNot by Mark Twain. Earliest known source: Arthur G. Lewis, Book of the Royal Blue (April 1911).

Evidence: Quote Investigator · Wikiquote · How we check

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“It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.”
MisattributedNot by Mark Twain. Earliest known source: Arthur G. Lewis, Book of the Royal Blue (April 1911). · evidenceCourage

Cite this quote

APA

“It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.” [Quotation attributed to Mark Twain]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/11930-its-not-the-size-of-the-dog-in/

MLA

“It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.” Attributed to Mark Twain. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/11930-its-not-the-size-of-the-dog-in/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.” Attributed to Mark Twain. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/11930-its-not-the-size-of-the-dog-in/.