Dangerous Dog Breeds And The Most Aggressive Dogs: The Big Picture
78MOST AGGRESSIVE DOG BREEDS
I consider myself to be a seasoned malamute dog owner, having had the pleasure of their company for more than 10 years. However, realizing that my particular dog breed is on the most dangerous dog breed list came as quite a shock to me.
You can find many different lists of aggressive dogs or dangerous dogs. Some of it might not surprise you but then again, some of it might be very revealing.
You can check out the American Veterinary Medical Association for a list of the most dangerous dogs.
You can also check out the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for more information on their programs for bite control and their list of the most dangerous dog breeds.
Let's take a look at the dogs that made the list and some other "dogs of notable mention". Then let's look at some of the reasons for these lists and ways as a society we can hopefully eradicate the need for having these lists.
DANGEROUS DOGS LIST
- Pit bull - weighing in at 30-55 pounds
- Rottweiler - weighing in at 85-110 pounds
- German Shepherds - weighing in at 70-85 pounds
- Huskies - weighing in at 35-55 pounds
- Alaskan Malamute - weighing in at 80-110 pounds
- Doberman - weighing in at 65-90 pounds
- Chow Chow - weighing in at 40-65 pounds
- Presa Canario - weighing in at 100-125 pounds
- Boxer - weighing in at 50-64 pounds
- Dalmation - weighing in at 40-70 pounds
Also given dishonorable mention were:
- Saint Bernard - weighing in at 110-180 pounds
- Great Dane - weighing in at 90-120 pounds
- Wolf Hybrid - weighing in at 70-100 pounds
- Mastiff - weighing at 100-170 pounds though some claim up to 200 pounds
- Akita
- English Sheepdog
- Border Collie
Most Dangerous Dogs
Click thumbnail to view full-size
AGGRESSIVE DOG BREEDS LIST
When you look at the list of the most dangerous dogs, of course what stands out most is that most of the dogs are large dogs.
However, it should be noted that one of the main reasons dogs make it to the dangerous dog breeds list is because by and large, the dog bite reports or incidents reported almost always involve large breed dogs.
The reason for this is that smaller dogs generally do not do as much damage as a larger dog and consequently many dog bite incidents go unreported, simply because they are small and people assume that the dogs are not dangerous.
DANGEROUS DOG BREEDS
As a dog owner of one of the dogs on the aggressive dog breeds list, I believe there is information lacking. In terms of bite reports, many dogs are arbitrarily "assigned" to a breed because there is no category for the dog.
For example, a Wolf Hybrid dog attack may be classified under the bite statistics for Alaskan Malamutes (which happens quite frequently) which thus skews the reporting results for my particular breed of dog.
Or a brown and black dog of unknown breed will be classified as a Rottweiler when in fact it could be a shepherd or another mixed breed.
Also lacking in the reporting of bite statistics and most dangerous dogs is the fact that in many cases, the bites or attacks happened because of dog owners or situations out of the control of the animal itself. I always believe that there are no bad dogs....just bad dog owners.
If we stopped to consider the situations that some of these dogs are in when the attack or the bite has occurred, in my opinion, you would find in almost every case that it was an unnecessary risk that was taken by the pet owner and a no-win situation for the dog involved.
Correcting Aggressive Dog Behavior Early
WHAT MAKES A DOG DANGEROUS?
There are many factors to consider when talking about aggression in dogs or the term "aggressive dogs". Yes, certain dogs if allowed to pursue their own road without training can develop certain traits that are not desirable in today's society. However, this is where the pet owner's responsibility is crucial.
Would we allow our children to grow up undisciplined? Would we allow our kids to roam without supervision? Lastly, would we place our children in dangerous situations unsupervised and expect them to behave? Of course not.
The question then becomes why do people get dogs that they know relatively little about in terms of exercise, behavior, personality, etc., and then expect that there is no training or work involved in growing the pet into a good citizen?
Or even more saddening is the staggering number of dogs remanded to shelters for euthanasia each and every year because someone thought they wanted an Alaskan Malamute or a Siberian Husky but they didn't get the facts. They discover that they simply can't "cope" with their decision and drive off into the sunset to let their dog be destroyed.
I believe that every dog has an inherent need to please its owner. I also believe that every dog is trainable and no dog is disposable. That said, there are some mitigating circumstances that can perhaps shape a dog and turn them into a dangerous dog. Sadly, there are some that cannot be rehabilitated because the window of opportunity has passed and they cannot be turned into a good citizen in some situations.
These types of dogs can still be a companion but they necessarily require vigilance on the part of dog owners to make sure that they do not have access to situations they become dangerous in.
|
Waterproof/Rechargeable LCD Shock/Vibrate Remote Dog Training Collar 1 To 1
Current Bid: $26.99
|
|
Remote Dog Training Shock Vibrate Collar 4in1 New - US Seller!
Current Bid: $19.99
|
|
NEW LCD 100LV Level SHOCK&VIBRA REMOTE PET DOG TRAINING COLLAR For 10-120lb Dog
Current Bid: $28.77
|
|
Rechargeable LCD 100LV Level SHOCK&VIBRA REMOTE PET DOG TRAINING COLLAR New
Current Bid: $32.99
|
AGGRESSIVE DOG BREEDS BEHAVIOR
The most important factor in reducing aggressive dog breed behavior is the human factor. That means not putting your dog into situations where he or she cannot succeed.
Here are some triggers of dog aggression to consider:
- Reproductive status - Most dog attacks and bites occur from males who are not neutered or females with puppies
- Dogs acquired for fighting purposes and trained to fight
- Protection dogs that are trained to react and protect at all costs
- Lack of socialization especially at an early age
- Individual temperament of the dog - was he or she a bully in the litter?
- Genetic conditions such as cocker spaniel rage syndrome
- Victim's age and physical condition
- Loose, roaming, unsupervised dogs
- Chained dogs
- Animal neglect and abuse
- Lack of confidence - a frightened dog will react more than a confident dog
- Being in the wrong place at the wrong time
All of the above situations have the potential to end in tragedy. My question is then do these dogs truly qualify to be listed as statistics on the list of the most dangerous dogs? If trained properly and not put into situations where they cannot succeed, most experts would agree that the incidents would not have occurred.
There are no breeds of dogs that simply attack for no reason. There is something wrong or going on that the dog doesn't understand when a dog attacks. Or an unfavorable owner-induced lack of structure and responsibility with the dog.
For instance, many of the attacks on children and bite statistics come from dogs who are left alone with children. Many more come from children left to wander around dogs when they are eating. These situations are in fact no brainers in my opinion. Dogs are not human, nor are they babysitters.
Dogs are animals with natural instincts to protect themselves and their food. Training of course can teach a dog to curb those instincts and again, be a good citizen. However, would anyone want to test a dog by putting a child in the middle of a dangerous situation?
MOST DANGEROUS DOGS IN THE WORLD AND MOST AGGRESSIVE DOGS
The most dangerous dogs in the world are the ones who have improper training or none at all.
The most aggressive dog breeds are the ones who have the potential to do bad things if left to their own devices and are not trained properly.
Understanding the breed of dog is essential to a positive outcome for any dog we choose. Knowing their strengths and weaknesses is also essential in providing them a safe environment and a life where they feel successful.
There are many misconceptions about dog breeds today and many movements to ban certain dog breeds altogether. I think that would be a mistake on so many levels as each breed has its own unique qualities that make it special. Extinction should not be an answer as many of these dogs have been bred down through the decades successfully.
There are no easy answers when it comes to aggression in dogs. In subsequent articles I will deal with some of the associated issues with dangerous dog breeds such as:
- Obedience Training
- Socialization
- Finding Your Dog's Niche
- Understanding Dog Breeds
- Real Life Situations and the Law
- Keeping Your Dog Safe
These are just a few of the many aspects of dog ownership that I feel strongly about. Our dogs are only as good as we allow them to be. Much as when we have children, we need to train up our pets to live their lives happily coexisting with us but learning the rules of the road.
Discipline is the name of the game when it comes to any dog breed but especially so when it comes to breeds with a tendency towards aggression or dog breeds that are large and strong.
There should be a zero tolerance policy for pet owners who do not understand the proper care for dogs in their possession. I believe that if we started at the core of the problem and people were smarter about man's best friend, there would be fewer and fewer bite reports and perhaps less need for the most dangerous dog lists.
As the scripture says "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it." This most definitely applies to our canine companions as well.
 | Amazon Price: $11.00 List Price: $29.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $2.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $14.85 List Price: $14.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $18.80 List Price: $14.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $3.47 |
 | Amazon Price: $4.35 List Price: $16.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $20.00 List Price: $40.00 |
More Hubs on Malamutes by this Author
- All About Malamutes: Tips On Bringing Home Your New Puppy
BRINGING HOME YOUR MALAMUTE PUPPY We recently acquired another malamute puppy and have had her now for exactly one week. There are many factors to consider when you get a puppy of any breed, but a malamute... - Snowshoeing With Malamutes And Other Dogs - What Tip...
I have snowshoed before but absolutely nothing compares with the fun I had recently taking our 2 malamutes out on their first-ever snowshoe trip! It was wonderful! It was beautiful! It was totally... - Poems About Malamutes And Puppies: A Rhyme For Griff...
I often marvel at you folks who are so good at poetry and when I read what others write, I never have been able to see myself ever possibly writing a poem. That said, I woke up this morning early before the... - About Alaskan Malamutes: How To Exercise Your Malamu...
Backpacking with your dog and having your DOG carry a backpack designed specifically for him or her is a wonderful way to exercise a malamute and/or any working dog. It can be a fun way to get in their daily... - Challenging Dog Breeds: Alaskan Malamutes And Great ...
EXERCISING AN ALASKAN MALAMUTE The easiest exercise method of all that we probably can ALL participate in on some level would be simply walking our dogs. Be prepared, however, because the malamute will just... - Dog Breeds And Dog Behavior: How To Know If An Alask...
What word pops on the Internet when you type in Alaskan Malamute or malamute? Rescue - that means that there are a whole lot of folks out there who do not know what they are getting into and turn these... - Dog Behavior And Alaskan Malamutes: A Day In the Lif...
On any given day in the life of owning an Alaskan Malamute, you have to be prepared for bad days. One of those bad days was today. It is to this end that I write so fervently about the malamute breed - because... - All About Malamutes: Tips On Bringing Home Your New ...
BRINGING HOME YOUR MALAMUTE PUPPY We recently acquired another malamute puppy and have had her now for exactly one week. There are many factors to consider when you get a puppy of any breed, but a malamute... - Dog Sport Of Skijoring: How To Cross Country Ski Wit...
Skijoring is actually bikejoring only on skis! It is yet another great sport that you can participate in with one dog or several. Your dog does not have to be malamute or another arctic breed. Actually any...
 | Amazon Price: $7.83 List Price: $17.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $8.07 List Price: $15.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $10.83 List Price: $18.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $31.95 List Price: $49.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $16.65 List Price: $34.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $13.13 List Price: $19.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $6.13 List Price: $14.98 |
 | Amazon Price: $1.99 |
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (4)
- Funny
- Awesome (7)
- Beautiful (3)
- Interesting (2)
CommentsLoading...
I am sooooo confused, Aud! Not sure if I told you that I had my total hip replacement surgery on the 14th. They thought I'd had a heart attack during the procedure, flew me to Reno, found it was NOT a h.a., but a virulant/dangerous infection. I am good now-tons of antibiotics...if you've the time/inclination, check out the thread I wrote about it:
http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/95264
Thanks!!!
I do hope this isn't a repeat!!!
Hey babe-thought you didn't respond to my comment-but duh, just noticed you prefer to place the most recent comments first! Ahh, I'm a tad slow...;) Anyhow, on another subject, I just had my hip replaced-FINALLY, had complications-the docs thought I'd had a heart attack during the procedure, flew me to Reno and stuck me on the Cardiac Unit for a week. I did NOT have a h.a. after all, but did have to endure the tasteless food for a week. YECH.
Anyhoo, love to you, my dear friend!
Hey there back, Laurel~ Good to see you - I figure the only "dangerous" aspect of some of these dogs are the people who decide to get some of the breeds. It's all about not putting your dog (any breed) into situations where they can do nothing but fail. I believe in testing your dogs to make sure they are trained appropriately but never taking them into situations where you know they might fail just because of their natural instincts.
That said, I'm grateful every day for the opportunity to share my life with my 3 goofballs. They are challenging (to me) simply because of their size but so far, so good (knocking on wood~).
Take care and thanks (as always) for your kind, kind comments!
HEY there, akirchner!!! Long time no see, my friend...I'm so glad to see this writing career of yours is so incredibly successful-at least I'll bet it is. Though this hub was written quite a while ago, it is certainly timeless in its shock value, know what I mean? Ranger, dangerous? PALEEZE!
Don't know if I ever told you, but I 'acquired' a Queensland Heeler, rather, he 'acquired' me, and this breed is far more aggressive-dangerous-than my mal/wolf. Long, long story, but Clifford adopted me, and me alone, and after 1 1/2 years still growls at Anthony every time he comes to bed. He 'mouths' my hubby, growling in protectiveness, then after around a minute, allows Anthony to retire! Of course Clifford rules this home-nipping at the cats' heels-keeping them in line. Of course he patrols the house, constantly on alert. But he's never bitten anyone seriously...yet.
He's certainly 'out there' but has chosen me, and that's that.
So good to read your wonderful words-grand hub as usual!
Take great care and love to the pups.
Exactly, David - I think that is why it is so vital that people actually understand their breed but also are aware that on any given day in any given circumstances, things can go wrong. We as pet owners are supposed to try and minimize bad situations, and while we cannot control everything that happens, I've found it is worthwhile to try and NOT put them into situations where they can potentially fail. Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for sharing. It’s definitely true that while any dog can be trained to be a companion, not everyone is up to that job. Conversely, good-tempered dogs may also become vicious under the right circumstances.
Cute way of presenting the facts, Larry and I do agree. However, most often it seems that in my humble opinion the trouble lies in the owner and not realizing his or her own dog's 'limitations' or 'propensities' to get themselves into situations which might backfire - on both the owner and the dog.
I agree wholeheartedly - research your dog breed BEFORE getting the dog and putting the dog in harm's way. If you cannot do the 'time' with the dog, meaning training and situations appropriate to the breed, don't do it! It's as simple as that. Just because a dog "appeals" to you from the get-go doesn't mean you should have it!! Much like children, they need consistent 'parenting' as it were and most need a 'job' so if you don't have the time (or the personality) to be a responsible pet owner, babysit your friends' dogs when you need a 'fix' and don't get a dog you might doing more of an injustice than a service by 'neglecting' its needs as a breed.
Good analysis, akirchner. Rated up and interesting.
I'd like to add that the relative dangerousness of a given breed is NOT the absolute number of dog bites, or dog bite deaths that's relevant, even when the breeds of the biters are correctly identified. The figure of merit (or demerit) is the raw statistic, DIVIDED by the sub-population of dogs in that breed.
Suppose that most people owned several hypothetical Tribble Dogs, which only bite people who look like Klingons, act like Klingons, or say, "Kaplah!". The TD could easily make The List. However the risk of an individual TD biting someone could actually be LOWER than average.
Prospective dog owners should be mindful of the relative risk for a typical dog of a certain breed, rather than the Scare-of-the-Month-Club headlines in newspapers. Hence the need for correcting for the sizes of the various sub-populations.
Unfortunately, most journalists are less intelligent than the average Border Collie. BCs never make the kind of statistical howlers to which journalists frequently succumb. *pun intended*
That's an interesting point moonlake and I do agree that some dogs are just more prone to certain behaviors no matter what. In that case, all you can do is make sure you never set the dog up to 'fail.'
I think some dogs are just the way they are no matter what you do with them. You can be the leader of the pack but if that dog wants to attack it will. You can't be with your dog every minute. We have owned dogs for almost 50 years. We have had some that wouldn't hurt a fly and others that you could just not trust, not because we had done anything to make them that way. All of them had been raised around children. Some dogs are just one family dogs and they have no use for other people being around their family.
BDawna - you could be quite right about it - I tend to probably be a little on the "slow top" side when it comes to people posting lies. I just don't see the point to be honest but then would be a statement about life in general. I never can see the point in people not being real. Thanks for pointing it out though!
hmm... I'm a bit hesitant to regard this pitbull death post as genuine. Unless Sam & Holly are other dogs/animals, and not humans, there is absolutely nothing on any databases or on the internet as deaths occurring from pitbulls to a brother & sister named "Sam and Holly". You'd think there'd be something, especially since this sort of thing gets media frenzy. Also the person can't spell the country they're from? Plus name is randomized and not connected to anything. Smells a bit fishy imho. There are people on the net that try to provoke others/ issues on the web. Just wise to note.
Oh my - that is a hard comment to answer. I have had bad experiences myself with pit bulls but none obviously as severe as your experience. I am so sorry for your loss.
in my opinion the pitball terrier is the most vicousous dangerous dog in the hole of great britian because it killed mY son and daughter sam and holly
Ah yes, I do understand a bit. One accidental bite & I'm in E.R. However we used to live next door to a deaf elderly couple with 2 chihuahuas & they would run out and bite us on our ankles, 2 dozen times or so. It was really annoying and earned an expletive or two, but the people were really sweet and apologetic when we got upset & no report was ever made.
Even though my dogs have never been aggressive towards people, neighborhood folk are afraid of them (due to their size). Once my dogs got out (gate wasn't latched fully) and they were running down the street. A local preschool called the police because they were terrified. I understand as there was no way for them to know that my dogs are actually friendly & gentle towards children. But if it'd been a chihuahua, it more likely would've gotten dressed in doll clothes and fed a cupcake! haha
Thanks for visiting my malamute hubs, BDawna - I hear you and I also was very shocked to learn this. However, they are listed as dangerous because of a couple of things....they are considered "unpredictable" as in COULD bite someone were food involved, COULD kill a cat out of prey response, COULD, COULD, COULD. Yes, they have a great potential to disobey if as you say not properly trained. But they also have an uncanny ability to interact with their human counterparts like no other dog I've ever owned. However, that said, it is a constant thing, which you know too.
We exercise ours every day, we train them every day and we never, ever, ever put them in situations that they can fail in. However, not all pet owners are the same and that is why the bad "rep" I think. They let them run wild, they call it "natural" for them to kill small animals or they generally let them get into dog fights and do nothing to stop it. Bad behaviors in my book and bad owners in my "big" book.
I've heard from so many people out walking my dogs, etc. that say "OMG - I had a malamute and he/she was SO difficult I had to give her away or put him to sleep." That makes me sick to be honest. I always look them square in the eye though and ask "but what did YOU do about their behaviors? Did you try to FIX them or try to WORK with them?" The people are usually very innocent about their reply - "well, no - I thought they were just a bad breed."
Ah - I can only hope that some of the dog owners I've come into contact with come back in another life as that dog. Too sad sometimes but they definitely are a working breed and you need to make sure that they stay focused on what they have rather than what mischief they can find to make up for it!
Lastly, they are on the dangerous dog breed list much like many of the other large breeds simply because their teeth are HUGE. As you yourself found out, a bite is a bad thing - but imagine if that was a child. Their teeth can do a horrendous amount of damage in seconds just because they are large. Some of the WORST dogs I've ever met are small dogs - nippers, biters, etc. But they rarely have reports filed against them even when there is violence involved or bites why? Because they are so small they did relatively "little" damage.
It's a bad rap I say and I fight the malamute cause everywhere I go BUT I take them very seriously. I have no doubt that in any given circumstance, if they misbehaved seriously, I would have to lose them and that is something I just never could bear. Hence, the training, the attention, etc. I know you do the same and bravo to you~! Glad you got accepted~~~
I'm so shocked that malamutes and huskies make this list. I'm moving right now and signing a lease and the landlord stopped short and questioned if her insurance would cover the malamute and she thought it might be on the aggressive dog list. WHAT?! She's making an exception for me regardless as I come with references from my current landlord for my dogs, proof of full vet care & pro training, and a hefty deposit. I'm looking it up now though & am really surprised. They look like pretty girly dogs and I've found them to be polite & quiet. Yeah, my mal can be stubborn at times but that's what good training was for. I find it hard to believe that anyone would consider them dangerous!!
The simplest and most effective means of establishing yourself as leader of the pack is to walk the dog on a leash. Never allow the dog to lead you. Always keep the dog by your side or slightly behind, to establish yourself as leader. Never allow the dog to go through a door or gate in front of you. You must go through first. That makes you leader of the pack.
If you let your dog walk in front, your dog becomes the leader of the pack!
Amazing post.get nice information.
As the owner of rescue rottweilers, I'm always offended by these listings. Personally I think we ought to have a list of the most dangerous dog owner traits. People who encourage aggressiveness or are ignorant to what it really takes to make a dog a good canine citizens are really the problem. Certain breeds are prone to certain behaviors, but when someone keeps that in mind while training a dog, those problems can be minimized.
Great article.
I believe WillStarr is correct as well. If you do not establish yourself as the Alpha, you will always have trouble with the animal.
MP - Thanks so much for adding more oomph to my post. That is exactly it. There are so many 'little' dogs that are total pests and should be on the worst breed list but they are not. It is understandable that my dog breed has very large teeth - but I am totally responsible with my breed of dog. Unfortunately, I do not see the same care and attention in some other people's little dogs that needs to be addressed.
Banned breeds is like a dog holocaust in my opinion. There should be no such thing as a 'bad breed'. I think the goal should be to inform more OWNERS how to raise their bloody dogs and we would see a considerable decrease in the bite statistics!
Thanks again for stopping by!
I loved this. I own a White German Shepard. It is so hard to find a place to rent with him. We have a place now, but it a rent from owner situation. And we are settling for sure. A lot of rental companies have a banded Dog list now and it has a lot to do with the most dangerous list. Is sad really since I have seen many dogs that are breads on the list that would never hurt anyone.
For a while I was in the door to door sales biz. I saw a lot of different people own dogs. The dogs that snapped or acted badly were many different breads. And I saw first hand that it was all about the owner. You could tell it was the owners fault the way their dogs behaved.
Great hub!
Shellie - I think they are all different - I'm not sure if Griffin and Denaya would defend me ever...they would probably go off with the bad guys hoping for a snack! Too funny with the thundering...my Denaya is under the bed trembling with any noise whereas Griff doesn't even notice. We'll have to see how our little Gabby reacts...every mal's a different story as we both know!
What?? My dogs are 4 and 5? Apparently they've never seen this 143 lb dog whine and get in the bathtub when it thunders. lol I have to say though...I'm sure they'd both tear someone to shreds to protect me...well, at least Shiloh would...again...as long as they didn't have a snack to offer.
Winter - Thanks so much for stopping by - and isn't it just like with people? They get a rep and we usually only know HALF of the story! I think everything in life is all about perspective and doing the right thing the right way. Thanks for supporting my view!
I can't agree more. I own Rotts and we get same reputation for size, but it's all in the training, breeding and handling.
OM - Thanks so much for the read. I hear you on the space!! Wow - we are lucky we have an 'open' type of house where there is a lot of space for them to run around in while they dodge the furniture! Actually they are remarkably light on their feet (or my Griff is) for his size. We also have tile which is a godsend with all that hair!
The Chow Chow is really a funny dog and can be aggressive simply because it has a bit of an inferiority complex! Who knew? They can become insecure and want a lot of attention and are supposedly not good with kids. I've only known one in my lifetime and she was a little 'psycho'....sweet but psycho. Amazingly though, I think most folks with the proper training and encouragement can turn any 'dangerous dog' into a wonderful addition to the family. You just have to know your own limits and the dog's I think.
I expect a lot from my brood in terms of good behavior, however, I try and remember their strengths but also am aware of their weaknesses and try and avoid situations that do not accentuate the positive!
Very interesting info. I don't like having large dogs as pets anyway, not because I'm afraid they might be dangerous, but because it's just more convenient for me to have small pets (less food to buy, smaller living space to provide, etc). By the way, I can't believe the chow chow also makes the list.
Crewman - now that gets even funnier and funnier! Sounds like my Griffin's personality in a turtle! That is hilarious....poor catfish!
Audrey, your question about male or female made me smile at the memory... Part of a male (yellow-eared slider) turtle's courtship ritual is to flutter his front feet (with very long nails) delicately over the back of the lady who's caught his affections. For lack of a female companion, mine developed a crush on a big catfish that shared his tank. The catfish found it hugely annoying to be followed all over the tank by this large amorous turtle! (I tried to keep my response family-rated)
Crewman6 - I LOVE the turtle story - that is fantastic! What a great pet and how long he lived! By the way, how could you tell male or female...probably don't want to ask on this 'family' site...ha ha. Indeed the perfect pet.
Adopting dogs by 'proxy' though is just fine! I agree with you though wholeheartedly - taking on a dog is a promise to have and to hold from this day forward in sickness and in health....I think I remember that from somewhere else!! Thanks so much for the read.
Rex - Can't say as I blame your poor boxer. That's what's happened to Griffin only it was a couple of RAT dogs that bit him - in the nose no less - at the same time! Now when he greets other dogs, he doesn't know if he should growl and act tough (which he isn't at ALL) or if he should pee on himself!! Very frustrating to say the least. He is fine once he gets to know the dogs but people misinterpret his confusion for aggression and get worried about him right away. It may have something to do with those giant fangs.
As in anything in life though, it's in our case a work in progress as we try and help him 'get over' this - I hope he does! Maybe having his new little playmate the Gabster will help - we certainly hope so. Good for you that you continue to socialize your boxer though - that's the main thing. You just can't give up and hide them away if they've had an incident.
Griffin and Denaya both were attacked on the street by a loose Presa Canario I think - all I know is that it was HUGE. It came out of nowhere and attacked one and then the other. It could have been a horrendous scene but luckily some neighbors ran over and helped us get my dogs free. I've never done this before because I don't like to see any dog get a 'rep' but this dog was TRULY not friendly. He came flying at our dogs to attack while the owner just STOOD there looking stupidly at what was happening. We called the police and reported it. Again, didn't want to and felt badly about it - but this dog in this case was out of control. I blame the owner - as did the other neighbors who were ranting and raving at him!! Hopefully he will get a clue and learn to train his dog and SOCIALIZE his dog....we shall see.
My boxer wasn't aggressive until she was 2. After an indecent with another large aggressive dog, she became aggressive with strangers. She is most aggressive toward anyone approaching our front door. Once they come inside and she greets them, she's OK. If she's out on a leash, she isn't aggressive toward people at all but she's very tentative toward other dogs that approach.
Wow, excellent hub, and a great point of view. While I've 'inherited' my wife's dogs, and enjoy them immensely, I've always declined to adopt a dog of my own because I believe taking a dog into your heart is a responsibility and a promise. I'm not going to make a promise unless I'm committed to keeping the promise.
As an aside, for 24 years, I owned a turtle. He was the ultimate pet for my lifestyle. No barking, no messes on the floor, no destroyed furniture... and his vocabulary was perfect. He could tell me he wanted 'out' of his tank, back 'in' to his tank, and when he was hungry. We had a perfect understanding!
Gitrdun444 - gotta love your user name! Thanks so much for the read and I totally believe it after so many years with my canine pals and seeing the world around us.
Bottom line, you said: " I always believe that there are no bad dogs....just bad dog owners." There, inlays the problem! Awesome article, with very useful information, and very well written in my opinion! Voted up, thank you! Debbie
Marie - Totally agree with you - it is all about how they are brought up and all that! Small dogs are some of the most vicious out there to be honest and they never make the 'dangerous dogs list'. It is tough when you happen to like big dogs and their breed is on the list through no fault of their own really - except that they have really big teeth and a lot of pounds! I am for equality in all things and you nailed it right on - the dog owner is the answer in all things canine!!
I agree with you Audrey, dogs are not dangerous it is just how they are trained and brought up. Our cross Cocker Spaniel/King Charles, Sassie, can be a right b*tch at times but because we have taught her otherwise, 99% of the time she is a delightful dog.
Sassie does have a nervous disposition and had she not been trained correctly or had owners who didn't care she may have developed those nervous tendencies and become an aggressive dog. It's all in the teaching, I say.
Great hub, thanks Audrey. Give the dogs a cuddle from me :)
Thank you, Simone....more to come!
This is a VERY helpful guide, akirchner. I'm glad you've written it!
chspublish - I think actually EVERY dog could be on the dangerous list because there are always personality traits that are 'dangerous' simply because we don't understand them I guess.
I had a rescued border collie and she saved our lives one night when there was an intruder and just my daughter and I were alone in the house. She sounded like a Doberman! She was wickedly protective though and unbeknownst to me, she did not like other dogs...so when I added another dog to the mix and then 2 abandoned lab pups, she went a little nuts on me. She also had a penchant for chewing up poodles of all things!
Thanks so much for your insightful remarks about the border collie....a breed I dearly love but then I love them all. I do believe (it's a broken record I know) just like children - it's all in how they are raised, however, and ANY dog can be dangerous if treated in a manner that isn't appropriate or tests the limits of what they are capable of enduring. You can't expect them to reason!
Had a border collie once and though her breed is on the dangerous list I would not have classified thus. She was highly trainable and extremely obedient with a great protective instinct needed sometimes to deter intruders from our farm property, but not vicioius. Unfortunately those kind of dogs may not go through the correct training at an early stage and therefore do end up creating trouble because of their very excitable nature. They generally are kept as 'working' dogs on farms to work sheep for the farmer. In that situation they are ideal dogs. The nature of the dog has to be taken into consideration when brought into a family situation as a pet. Thanks for the hub.
Dearabbysmom - I have had mostly rescue dogs over my lifetime and they really are a butt-load of work. Nothing like healing a damaged dog though and that proves that you are a caring dog owner. Thank you for saving one more!! I think if most people tried thinking about it logically they would understand that just like us humans, dogs need guidance and we are the ones who are supposed to be capable of caring for them. Like kids, they can't do it alone - and especially if they are damaged!
Great hub! I agree there is no such thing as a bad dog, but there is such a thing as a damaged dog. I've got a rescued border collie with fear aggression issues. He is much, much better but it has been a butt-load of work. And it will be on-going. Thank you so much for addressing the responsibility of dog owners. People need to research and committ to providing what the dog needs before diving in.
BJ - Thanks for your great comment (as always)....a puggle is a pug plus a beagle. I have no doubt about the poodles....I have another article I will be doing and hope you are not offended.
I had a border collie I tried in vain to train NOT to try and eat poodles. She never hurt them but people just really had a problem with her shaking the living daylights out of them! It was not my finest training moment. I simply could not abide by some of the training methods that my so-called experts were giving me so I did the next best thing....found her a home with a kindly old gentleman who had NO poodles for 50 miles around!
Important information, Audrey, for every current and wannabe dog owner. I, too, do not believe there is any such thing as a 'bad dog.' Only bad owners and bad situations.
Thanks for this easy to read hub. BTW, what is a puggle, A combination of a pug and a ??? Forgive my ignorance but the only dogs I have ever owned were very small poodles and they had hearts like lions. Big dogs were afraid of them. True!
I know, Dim - neither can I believe that malamutes are on the list! Go figure....it is after all though ALL ABOUT HOW YOU RAISE THEM. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. These 'statistics' are compiled according to bite reports unfortunately and as I pointed out, because we own big dogs with big teeth, I think that's what stands out...not all the little rat dogs that bite people and other animals every single day and go unscathed! Terribly unfair in my humble opinion. Here in the US, you cannot even get homeowners if you have certain dogs because they are considered 'high risk'. Is this fair? Especially when dog owners such as you and me are so dang good about raising GOOD dogs! I'm done with my rant now!! (maybe for a while)
Lela - GREAT points - I knew a chow growing up and she was a feisty thing for sure....not your run of the mill kinda dog but if you know what you're doing (as you obviously did to have such success), that's what it's all about.
My mals are great dogs - fantastic dogs - but I always worry about them 'reacting' to certain things - like biting small rat dogs (Griffin's been bitten twice now in the face!!) or sudden movements by small dogs triggering a prey response. I err on the side of being cautious - but thankfully NO problems! That's what it's all about. I have friends who scold me sometimes and say my dogs are harmless....I invite them to look once more at their teeth and say that! It could be an 'accidental' puncture but it could kill something unintentionally so I try to always monitor their behavior, correct the 'not so good' and reinforce their positive attitudes.
They are fantastic with children - however, again, due to the size of their incisors and my rescued malamute's food issues...no one is allowed to have food around her and I will not tempt her by leaving it out for 'random feeding'. It's just not fair. I also will not let kids of any size, shape or form approach my dog with anything in their hands simply because I worry about them getting a chomp - harmless on my friendly dogs' part but it could hurt someone. Same with jumping on people - I know...I'm very anal - but I figure if you have a dog that's on this dang list, you should be OVERLY cautious to a fault to protect the world rather than create more of a problem for the breed - or 'dangerous' dogs in general.
I still think the most dangerous element of this whole scenario though is the dimwit owners - more to come on later hubs on THAT stupid score! I honestly wish I could make citizen arrests....in many areas but especially in this one area. I have not met such stupid goons as some of the pet owners I observe. Hopefully they can read and maybe they'll find their way to my pages!!
P.S. It gets up to about 105-110 here sometimes and the mals do fine - except HERE it cools off at night - we run them back and forth though inside when it's too hot and give the excuse that we are running the AC for them!
Excellent hub and useful. I hope all the potential dog owners check this out.
I had Chow dogs once and they were the best guys in the world - to me. But if anyone tried to come on our property, they would certainly be dangerous dogs. We had to put up a warning sign. They are both gone now and our current dogs don't even bite their fleas. But I miss my Chows the most. They were special as I'm sure your Malamutes are! They certainly are beautiful!
Texas is NOT the state for Malamutes, so don't even go there fellow Texans.
IP, my last dog of twelve years was a St Bernard and previous to him three Great Danes in sequence. They would not hurt a living thing. I cannot beliee that they are listed as agressive dogs. No way!
Suhail - that is a DELIGHTFUL story! I hear you on the panic first and relief afterwards....my 2 malamutes decided to prank us by getting in our downstairs door. My girlfriend was visiting with her toy chihuahua who is a PAIN in the butt - she is so aggressive. And they had a part chihuahua who was a cranky old buzzard - both dogs were lying in their beds in our dining room area.
My mals came charging up the stairs and went right to the dogs. I figured the same thing....bloody news at 11:00!!! Lo and behold they only sniffed the 2 miscreants and then went over and laid down....whew!
Actually my Griffin who is 2 years old almost has a best buddy (besides his new niece puppy)....my daughter's puggle - she weighs less than 20 pounds and they look ridiculous playing together! I just make sure we always err on the side of caution though and make sure someone is always present to say 'easy' - to either one of them! She is absolutely ferocious!
I believe that a dog is a reflection of his owner and therefore, I agree with the author that there is no dangerous breed, but only dangerous dogs from the way they are brought up. I once had a female GSD and a male Doberman and people thought they were ferocious from the way they looked at the strangers. But I always knew they were like me, bold and abrupt from the outside and meek from the inside. They showed their true character when one day a cat with her 4-5 kittens came out of our neighbours home on to the driveway through an open door as we chatted. My dogs were off leash and rushed towards the cat, treeing her. Each of them then grabbed a kitten, setting panic in the neighbourhood. Everyone thought that the kittens will be dead in seconds. But lo and behold, the dogs came over to the neighbour dropping the two kittens at his feet. No injuries, no harm, just a prank from the "ferocious dogs". I had the biggest sigh of relief.
And yes, voted up from my side too.
Thanks, Darski - appreciate the vote up!
Yes, your right you diffently know your dogs that's is a given. I love this hub, beautiful and done to perfection. You are truly a master of writing hubs, cooking, dog training, interview, LOL and so much more...rate up, love & peace darski
Alekhouse, Until the past 10 or so years, I was a lab and other breed fan myself and they are wonderfully gentle companions, too. However, I've met a few that were super aggressive and even bordered on vicious - all in the training. I think that bears out the idea that I am trying to get across here....if the circumstances are the same for a dog of any breed across the board, they can and will most likely end up in the same place - as a dangerous dog.
It's in part due to their inherent nature and their weaknesses and strengths, but I believe personally that the greatest factor in a dog being stable or dangerous is the human element. We can make a dog or break a dog so easily.
Thanks so much for your great comment!
Really good hub, Audrey. You made a lot of good points. I have always had Golden Retrievers and they are pretty gentle even though they can be fairly large.
Pamela...Thanks so much for your kind comment. I think I know a lot but then every day I learn something new. Dogs are complex, just like people are but you are right on there...if you don't raise them the correct way, you can have a disaster waiting to happen no matter what the breed of dog.
I am very passionate, however, about certain breeds of dogs being labeled as dangerous. I think ANY dog in ANY situation that is bad can be dangerous. Hopefully folks will realize one of these days that if they take on a dog, it should be a forever kind of deal and they should think about their responsibility and do the 'right thing'.
I think this is an excellent article as I've always wondered why some dogs are so much more dangerous than others. I know that some small dogs will bite you more easily than some large ones but you never hear about them. I do think the way that the dogs are raised is essential to their training. You seem to be very knowledgeable about dogs and I learned a lot reading your hub. Voted/rated up.
Totally agree with ya Will - that's why I think we get along well with our pups. They are terrifically fun to work with because they are so highly intelligent but they do require an alpha!
In my opinion, it's the owner that's dangerous.
If you are not willing to become the leader of the pack, you should not have a dog, because you will not be able to control it.
akirchner Hub Author 2 months ago
OMG - Hope you are okay!!! I've had a thing with my leg - totally unbelievable but I was walking Griff and fell down on a rock! That NEVER happens to me! I've been laid up for weeks now with a golfball knot in my leg (blood) and managed somehow to also give myself a severe burn with icing it. I'm not sure I should be giving medical advice~~~ I will do my best to check it out - but PLEASE take care - I'm thinking of you!!! Hugs and dog slurps~~ (Mine have been so sweet about NOT jumping on my damaged leg - go figure...they are more graceful than their owner by far!)