Myths about aggressive dog breeds

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american pit bull terrierMany people are under the impression that there are breeds of dogs that are innately aggressive. They believe that these “aggressive dog breeds” are more likely to attack people at random than other breeds. However, statistics and facts show that the breeds usually called “aggressive” by the media and the public are not particularly aggressive and they are not the breeds most likely to bite.

Breeds Most Likely To Bite

According to a recent study published in the journal Animal Behavior Science, which was conducted by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, the breed most likely to bite is the Dachshund, followed by the Chihuahua, and then by the Jack Russell Terrier. The survey questioned 6000 dog owners.

The breeds which rated low for aggression in the study were Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Siberian Huskies (which some people fear), and Greyhounds.

And, surprisingly, breeds which scored as average or having below average tendencies toward aggression and which were not considered likely to bite included the Pit Bull, the Rottweiler, and the Rhodesian Ridgeback. None of these breeds were rated as being particularly hostile or aggressive toward strangers.

Ideas About Aggression

So, if these are the facts, why do people think there are aggressive or dangerous breeds? There are approximately 4.5 million dog bites in the United States each year, and about 1/5 of these bites need some medical attention. However, these figures include bites to people in animal professions, such as dog groomers, veterinarians, vet techs, and people at animal shelters, and other people who work with dogs every day and who are more likely to be bitten by dogs in stressful situations. Even so, many of these “bites” include scratches and nips from puppies and other non-serious events.

Not everyone who is bitten by a dog, or who sees or hears about a dog bite is knowledgeable about dogs. This is particularly true of people in the media. They often tend to call any dog a “Pit Bull” or whatever scary dog they have heard of, regardless of the facts. They may also make a bite sound worse than it is.

At different times, different breeds have been feared by the public. In the 19th century Collies were considered dangerous dogs. At one time German Shepherds were considered to be dangerous. Doberman Pinschers were considered the “dangerous dog breed” in the 1970s. Since that time people have feared Rottweilers and “Pit Bulls” as aggressive dog breeds. Pit Bulls were extremely popular in the early 19th century and were considered one of the best family dogs before they got an undeserved reputation as aggressive dogs. They still make good family dogs. Rottweilers also make good family dogs.

Are Dogs Naturally Aggressive?

No. The point is that dogs are not naturally aggressive toward people. At least 15,000 years of domestication has made the dog a loyal and devoted friend to humans. An individual dog’s temperament will depend largely on the way he is raised and trained by his owner.

Conclusion

The idea that there are aggressive dog breeds that will attack humans without cause is largely a myth. Dogs generally have a temperament that reflects the way they are raised and trained by their owner.