Surprising dogs breeds to be wary of
by Angie Felton Jul 7th 2008 9:00AM

http://www.parentdish.com/2008/07/07/dogs-breeds-to-be-wary-of/

When you think of dangerous dog breeds, which animal do you picture: a pit bull or a wiener dog?

According to the results of research published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science, the breed most prone to aggression is the dachshund. New research that involved questioning 6,000 dog owners, found that one in five dachshunds have bitten (or tried to bite) strangers, a similar number have attacked other dogs, and that one in 12 have even snapped at their owners.

Prior research on dog aggression focused solely on dog bite statistics. Using that data, breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans were thought to pose the most danger. Researchers now feel prior studies were not painting a full picture, as most dog bites (especially those of smaller dogs) go unreported and were not included in the past.

Chihuahuas ranked second on the list of aggressive dogs, while Jack Russell Terriers came in third.

Just like with people, it's not fair to stereotype an entire group based on the actions of a few. But it's also good know some small dogs might not be the ideal choice for children.


What do you think about the lastest findings on dog breeds and aggression? Its about time people realize small dogs are the most aggressive 3358 (77.8%)
I'm not so sure about the findings. 757 (17.5%)
Complete hogwash, everyone knows big dogs are the aggressive ones. 198 (4.6%)

another article that was linked from the one above:

Dog Breeds Rated for Feistiness
Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News

June 26, 2008 -- Little dogs -- think Chihuahuas and Dachshunds -- tend to be feisty, while certain breeds, like Golden and Labrador Retrievers, are as mellow as their reputations suggest, found a new study that identified the most and least aggressive common dog breeds.

Although certain pooches appear to be more cantankerous than others, the study supports the old adage that "there are no bad dogs," since aggression is often balanced by other more beneficial attributes, such as watchdog skills.

"Most dogs are a mixed bag of positive and less desirable traits -- just like people," lead author Deborah Duffy, a research specialist at the University of Pennsylvania's Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society, told Discovery News.

Duffy and colleagues Yuying Hsu and James Serpell collected basic and behavior-related dog data from two separate groups.

The first consisted of members of 11 American Kennel Club recognized national breed clubs, such as The Labrador Retriever Club and The English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association. The second involved an online survey posted at the university's Web site.

The study, which has been accepted for publication in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science, represents one of the most extensive of its kind and is the first to report replicated findings of breed differences in aggression, since both of its data sets led to similar conclusions.

Chihuahuas and Dachshunds scored higher than average for aggression directed to both humans and dogs, putting them towards the top of the list.

Akitas and Pit Bull Terriers, which have "bad boy" reputations, mostly scored high for dog-directed aggression. When they did injure humans, however, the injuries tended to be more severe than those inflicted by the scrappy, smaller dogs.

"Small size very likely plays a large role in the development of fear-based aggression among some breeds," Duffy explained. "Smaller dogs may feel more threatened by other dogs and people -- a perception that may be well founded."

"There is some evidence that smaller breeds are more often the targets of aggression by other dogs," she added, "and small breeds, particularly Dachshunds, are more prone to injury due to rough handling by children, so this form of aggression among small breeds may be a learned response due to negative past experiences."

Other breeds with a greater tendency to bite humans included Jack Russell Terriers, Australian Cattle Dogs, American ****er Spaniels and Beagles.

On the "least aggressive" end of the spectrum were Basset Hounds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Brittany Spaniels, Greyhounds and Whippets. Interestingly enough, several of these dogs also rated low for "watchdog behavior" and "territorial defense" behaviors, suggesting that they tend to be lovable family pets, but are less vigilant watchdogs than Chihuahuas and Dachshunds.

Having a tough appearance, however, can make up for a lack of skill.

"Certain breeds, through either their reputation or their size, are inherently more intimidating than others even if they show little or no aggressive behavior," Duffy explained.

A more complete list of the breeds included in the study and how they rated may be found here.

As in humans, behavioral patterns in dogs seem to arise from a combination of environmental influences and genetics. The DNA component is supported in a separate study published this week in the journal Genetics.

Paul Jones, a Mars Veterinary genetics researcher at the Waltham Center for Pet Nutrition, and his co-author identified locations in a dog's DNA that contain genes believed to contribute to behavior, trainability and longevity, as well as body and skull shape, weight, fur color and length.

"By applying this research approach, we may be able to decipher how genes contribute to physical or behavioral traits that affect many breeds," said Jones, who indicated future applications might include tailor-made foods and medicines, along with specific recommendations to individuals about what would be the "most lifestyle-appropriate pet for an owner."

Duffy countered that "just because there is a genetic component to behavior does not necessarily mean that it is predestined."

"Anyone looking to bring a dog into their home should find out as much as possible about the individual dog's history and temperament," she advised. "Certainly some breeds are better with children than others on average. However, it wouldn't make sense to pass up a well-socialized, well-trained, non-aggressive Rottweiler for an atypically aggressive Labrador Retriever."

Certain miniature Australian shepherd dogs are very hazardous to humans. Megan can cause grave injury....if you trip over her.

Thats very interesting.
We had a dachshund once, that bit a little boy that came over to our house.
The boy was about 4yrs. 1st time she had ever done that!, I think she had never seen a human that small before and figured he was fair game..?

Chihuahuas and JR Terrier I can see, but not a Dachshund. Interesting!

Beware of the Rocket Dog bite :D

JRT's can be nasty little buggers...I volunteer at a shelter and can honestly say that most any breed can have behavior issues...I have been bitten by a chihuahua, a chocolate lab, and a poodle...I have never had any trouble with rottweilers and pit bulls (knocking on wood)

I always thought doxi's were sweet, but then again I have never owned one

Beware of the Rocket Dog bite :D

Rocket Dogs do NOT bite.

* jet blast *

Rocket Dogs do NOT bite.

They still frighten me a little.

They still frighten me a little.

Be afraid......be very afraid:cool:

Help! Franky the wiener dog lives across the street.
http://www.sfskiclub.org/images/hot_dog.jpg
For all these years, I thought he was harmless.
Should I call Animal Control?

http://www.obeythepurebreed.com/images/wiener_dog_action.gif

In defense of wiener dogs.

You'd be aggressive too if you weren't much more than an animated intestine stuffed with leftover bits.:-P

When I was a kid our dachshund bit me.

I wonder if doxi's have chronic back pain that contributes to agression...I mean they all have sway-backs and that has got to hurt...they aren't put together well

My dog is a dachsund mix and she can get a bit aggressive. She hates strangers and is not really a fan of small children(hoping to break her of that with a baby on the way)

Bad temperments are another form of bad health. Just like dog buyers are generally mindless about selecting breeders who care most about health (these are generally NOT the breeders who will sell you a dog the minute you show up at their doorstep), similarly few fail to take into account the temperment of not just the breed they are buying, but the specific lineage and parentage of the puppy they buy.

I'm a breeder and show dogs. I have a drop dead goregeous male dog here that earned his championship at a very young age with significant wins. He is now 6 years old and I refuse to breed him because I don't feel that his temperment is true to the breed. He is not agressive, but he is reserved with strangers. Intelligent breeders key into these minute deviances and nip them in the bud. Fear is one step away from agression. Brittanys (as your list suggests) are very sweet, lovable dogs as a rule. We don't need fearfulness or anything worst ruining our breed. But when JQ Public calls me about buying a pup, they never ask about all this. They want a pup, they want it now, and they want it cheap. They approach the endeavor like they are buying a box of Cheerios, not a live animal.

Whenever folks complain to me about their dog's health, breeding, or temperment, I ask them what they did to assure they got a dog with quality to begin with. If you don't do your homework and make an intelligent purchase, well..... Then these poor specimens go out, bite somebody and make a bad name for the breed as a whole.

Re rescues, TOO MANY TIMES I have seen rescue agencies placing dogs with poor temperments. I recently saw a woman at dog park trying to train an aggressive shepherd that she had rescued. With all the rescues out there needing homes, I see no reason to take on a mercy mission with potentiallydangerous dogs. These dogs should be euthanized.

Please select your dogs--purebred or not---intelligently and you will be fine.

Excellent post Dogbox!

I rescue pit bulls, so temperament is at the top of my list of things that I look for in a dog, unfortunately the byb-ers are flooding the market with unstable dogs are ruining it for people like me, who know that a pit bull is not supposed to be human agressive at all! A responsible breeder will remove the unstable dogs from the gene pool.

There is a rescue local to me that only pulls pregnant mama's and puppies from shelters...places them in homes with no regard to temperament or health...to me, they are no better than a back yard breeder, placing rescue puppies is risky business...it is almost impossible to place a good stable adult dog in rescue.

No legitimate rescue would place an aggressive (poor temperament) dog - period. But, in defense of rescues, they offer a good alternative to those who really aren't looking for a 'show quality' animal. A good rescue insures the 'faults' present are not carried on - spay/neuter is another quality measurement of a good rescue.

Sadly, you are correct... there are less than scrupulous "rescues" that will indeed, push dogs through and out into the public when any reasonable person knows the animal should never have been 'rescued'.

As with anything - buyer beware, a tad bit or research is warranted when purchasing anything - especially a dog.

Again, I say, rescue animals are great pets, they do come from 'questionable' backgrounds, and often times the rescue is spending two or three times any adoption fee in medically treating the dog. But does that make them not worthy of ever having a home? I say no. They deserve a chance too.

Sadly, I've had to take more than one dog in for euthanization due to his/her poor temperament. I cannot imagine how anyone could place a dog of questionable temperament - the risk is far too great.

I've known doxies are fairly aggressive for years. Remember they were originally bred to hunt badgers, which are not exactly docile little creatures. And not just hunt them, but chase them back into their holes and kill them. Certainly they can be well-adjusted and loving dogs, but as with any dog breed you need to look at what it was bred to do as well as if it's right for your lifestyle.

Molly, our late Brittany Spaniel, was true to her breed. Very curious, outgoing and friendly. But VERY protective of family members. As a kid (8 or so), I wandered away from camp to go take a look at a burned out wreck of a car (1/2 mile from camp). About 10 minutes or so after e got there, Molly comes tearing up the lane barking and growling. My parents caught up and said that through the binocs, they saw coyotes coming out and down toward us. Molly walked behind us on the way back to camp, stopping every 30 feet or so and barking at the coyotes (we couldn't see any anymore, but she could still smell them, we think). Many moons since Molly passed away, but she was always a good dog.

great thread, good info!

Re rescues, TOO MANY TIMES I have seen rescue agencies placing dogs with poor temperments. I recently saw a woman at dog park trying to train an aggressive shepherd that she had rescued. With all the rescues out there needing homes, I see no reason to take on a mercy mission with potentiallydangerous dogs. These dogs should be euthanized.

Please select your dogs--purebred or not---intelligently and you will be fine.

Dogbox- I couldn't have said it any better myself!

We, unfortunately, were on the wrong side of this policy when we rescued a dog from a local group. We thought we had researched and done all we could to make sure the group had carefully screened their rescues, but it turns out the head person would rescue any dogs in any circumstance, regardless of their temperment or ability to be properly socialized with humans.

After years working with our vet with behavior modification, medicine, etc (and I don't even want to think about the money we spent!), we had to make the incredibly painful decision to euthanize our dog after his shyness dramatically changed to extreme aggressiveness. He was a member of our family and I would never wish this decision on anyone.

To add injury to insult, we found out the person running the agency was asked to leave because of her zealousness; she just turned around and started her own rescue and it is still running! :shock: I certainly won't name names here, but if someone here is looking to rescue in the greater central Pennsylvania area I would strongly advise contacting me first!

That being said, there are wonderful rescue organizations (and breeders :wink:) and I don't think my situation should deter anyone; I just think it should make those aware of the potential problems that can arise.

I have known some wonderful doxis, but also some that are nasty. There are bad animals of every breed; stereotyping a breed (just like with pits) is dangerous.

I have known some wonderful doxis, but also some that are nasty. There are bad animals of every breed; stereotyping a breed (just like with pits) is dangerous.

I beg to differ. All Rocket Dogs are dangerous as a rule! :shock:

I beg to differ. All Rocket Dogs are dangerous as a rule! :shock:

:lol: That may be true :rolleyes:

And thanks for making me laugh . . . I wanted to cry after writing that and it's been almost 4 years.

I beg to differ. All Rocket Dogs are dangerous as a rule! :shock:

So much so, they even paint a warning on the ships...

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/bh241/EOC/norfolk/IMG_1910-small.jpg

So much so, they even paint a warning on the ships...



I wonder if diet has anything to do with it?

That's right I am dangerous! ( makes bite gesture ala Tom Cruise in Top Gun)

. . . I wanted to cry after writing that and it's been almost 4 years.

I had to put one of my rescue dogs down for fear agression issues and it was the hardest thing that I ever had to do...(((hugs)))

Sometimes you can't right the wrongs of a dogs past

We know we did the right thing and we know we at least we were able to give him a few good years, but I don't think we'll ever completely get over the loss.

He drastically went downhill after we were indirectly hit by lightning; we were outside when our tree was hit and we were all standing on the root line- figures! He could be such an awesome dog in the privacy of our own home- as long as no one else was around, he didn't hear anything outside . . . the list could go on and on :rolleyes:

Some day when the timing is right we will rescue again . . .

That's right I am dangerous! ( makes bite gesture ala Tom Cruise in Top Gun)

He'd be intimidating if he were just a bit taller...:rolleyes: :lol: :evil:

It's kinda like a growling pom - you can't help but not be scared if it! :D

He'd be intimidating if he were just a bit taller...:rolleyes: :lol: :evil:

It's kinda like a growling pom - you can't help but not be scared if it! :D

We can't all be the king of disco. :):)

We can't all be the king of disco. :):)

That's too bad, because I would love a disco world :D

Watch out for big bad mean Rosie !!! LOL

Watch out for big bad mean Rosie !!! LOL

Holy crap I'm shakin in my boots! :lol:

Holy crap I'm shakin in my boots! :lol:

I know I am.................notice the KIWI eyes !!!!!!!!!

Whats that dog been smokin :shock:

I know I am.................notice the KIWI eyes !!!!!!!!!

I swear I saw them shoot laser beams!:shock:

Whats that dog been smokin :shock:

I know, what's with all the high dogs...........first Megan, now Rosie

I've worked at both an animal control facility and a vet's office. Aside from the few large dogs that are terrified of vet's offices, and the fighting dogs we had confiscated at the shelter, I've seen more aggressive 15lbs and under dogs than pits or rotties. In fact, the only things I've been bitten by were under 15lbs, except for a 50lbs mutt at the shelter that snapped at me when she was giving birth (turns out she had a breech puppy that was stuck, and we had to put her down ... I would have tried to bite, too). Heck, one night I even had to get the catch pole out after a 7lbs chihuahua, cause the little turn latched on to my boot and wouldn't let go!

I've seen people line up 20 long on the day that a <10lbs dog goes up for adoption, even though it was the meanest thing in the shelter, and completely ignore the 45lbs perfectly well behaved dog that was sitting there waiting for a home.

I've seen parents in a pet store literally drag their children to the other side of the store, just because Fern, a mastiff, walked in the door. Really, you're scared of Fern? Sure, she's 170lbs, looks like a cross between a hippo and a tiger (she was brindle), but as soon as she got back to the vet's office, she flopped down on the scale and rolled over for a belly rub. She lived in a house with a 2 year old, who from the day he was able, has been poking, prodding. pulling, you name it. What does she do? Sits there and licks him. Treats him like her puppy.

My sister and her ex-husband had a samoyed mix when my youngest neice was born. The day they brought her home, and let him smell her, he gave her a big ol lick right up the side of the face. That was it, Allie was Ivan's puppy. She learned how to sit up, stand up, and walk holding on to Ivan. She took naps on the floor curled up on him. Oh, yeah. He came from the shelter.

My ex-brother-in-law now has a great pyreneese. He's about 160lbs, INTACT, almost 2 years old, and is scared of EVERYTHING. The dog next door, my dog (who is small enough to walk UNDER HIM, even though she's 45lbs), children (except for the aforementioned Allie, who walks him by his collar ..... looks like she's leading a horse, he's as big as she is, and she's 6) ..... BUTTERFLIES. Yes, big bad Goliath is scared of BUTTERFLIES. If one flits by the window, BOOM, he's headfirst under the couch on the porch. And the 2 inches of snow we got last summer ... Forget it. Freaked him out totally.

Well I think I know why the doxi's are so pissed.. How would you feel if your **** was dragging the ground everytime you wanted to walk somewhere? (rocket dog... dont you say a word) lol:roll:

And the 2 inches of snow we got last summer ... Forget it. Freaked him out totally.

You got snow in the summer? in NC ?

HA HA HA HA HA ... Yeah, meant to say last year.

Ya know, the whole actually seeing cold white stuff on the ground warped my mind forever. I'm from sunny Florida. The only white powdery stuff I'd ever seen was beach sand.