Are there really aggressive dog breeds?
According to a University of Bristol study1, it’s more likely the case of aggressive dog owners than aggressive breeds. The study found a dog’s aggression relates more to characteristics of the owner, like age and training methods, than the breed itself.
Dogs owned by people under 25 were nearly twice as likely to be aggressive compared to those with owners over 40. Positive training reduced aggression towards strangers by 50%, but using punishments and negative reinforcement significantly increased aggressive behaviors.
But unfortunately, there have been reports that certain breeds are disproportionately involved in attacks on humans. According to research2, here are the dog breeds that are frequently associated with serious attacks:
1. Pit Bulls: The Controversial Canine
Pit Bulls have long been the subject of heated debates regarding their temperament. According to a 2015 study, Pit Bulls were responsible for 82% of dog-bite related fatalities in the U.S., despite making up only 6.6% of the dog population. (ref)
But many argue that these statistics are skewed due to the breed’s popularity among irresponsible owners who encourage aggressive behavior.
With proper training and socialization, Pit Bulls can be loving and loyal companions. It’s crucial for potential owners to understand the breed’s needs and to provide a stable, nurturing environment.
2. Rottweilers: Powerful and Protective
Rottweilers, known for their strength and loyalty, have also been involved in a significant number of fatal attacks. In 2015, Rottweilers were the second most lethal dog breed, and together with Pit Bulls, they accounted for 91% of dog bite fatalities in the U.S.
As with any large, powerful breed, Rottweilers require consistent training and socialization from an early age.
3. German Shepherds: Intelligent & Intense
German Shepherds are highly intelligent and often used as police and military dogs due to their trainability and loyalty. But their protective nature and potential for aggression towards strangers can make them dangerous if not properly trained.
Early socialization and obedience training are essential for German Shepherds (check out these German commands) to ensure they are well-behaved and can distinguish between real threats and harmless situations.
4. Doberman Pinschers: Sleek & Strong
Doberman Pinschers are known for their elegance and intelligence, but they have also been involved in several attacks. Most of these incidents occur when the dog is protecting its owner or property.
5. Bullmastiffs: Gentle Giants with a Bite
Weighing up to 130 pounds, Bullmastiffs are imposing dogs that were originally bred as guard dogs. Their size and strength enable them to inflict serious harm if they feel threatened or provoked. Proper training is crucial to prevent aggressive behavior.
Despite their intimidating appearance, Bullmastiffs can be gentle and affectionate with their families. They require an experienced owner who can provide firm leadership and plenty of socialization.
6. Siberian Huskies: Beautiful but Unpredictable
Siberian Huskies are striking dogs known for their wolf-like appearance and piercing blue eyes. While they may look cuddly, they are not always very social unless raised to be.
Huskies have a high prey drive and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
7. Alaskan Malamutes: Powerful Sled Dogs
Alaskan Malamutes, originally bred for pulling sleds, are strong, independent dogs with a high prey drive. They can be aggressive towards other dogs, which can result in injury to the other dog’s owner or nearby children. They are not well-suited for apartment living or novice owners.
8. Chow Chows: Fluffy but Fierce
Chow Chows, with their teddy bear-like appearance, may seem like cuddly companions, but they were originally developed in Mongolia and have been known to have aggressive tendencies. Early socialization and training are essential to prevent territorial or aggressive behavior.
9. St. Bernards: Massive & Mighty
St. Bernards are massive dogs that can weigh up to 260 pounds. While they are often portrayed as gentle giants, their size and strength can make their bites lethal if they feel threatened or provoked.
10. Great Danes: Towering & Temperamental
As with any large breed, Great Danes require an owner who can provide plenty of space, exercise, and consistent training. They can be gentle and loving family pets when raised in a responsible and nurturing environment.
The Human Connection
Aggressive owners may gravitate towards particular breeds, perpetuating a cycle through improper training methods like punishment which can increase aggression up to three-fold, according to the RSPCA (ref).
The organization emphasizes that aggression in dogs often stems from:
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Learned behaviors
…that they have picked up from their owners. They also advocate that dogs should not be declared dangerous based solely on their breed or appearance. Each dog should be assessed based on their actual behavior.
Breed Tendencies vs. Individual Behavior
While certain breeds may be over-represented in bite statistics due to their guarding backgrounds, a dog’s likelihood of aggressive or dangerous behavior depends heavily on the owner’s age, experience, training methods and commitment to proper socialization.
Responsible ownership focused on positive reinforcement training is crucial for minimizing risk, regardless of breed.
Making assumptions about aggression based solely on a dog’s breed is inappropriate, as their behavior is a complex product of situational factors, genetics and their unique history with their owner.
Sources
- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/owners-not-breeds-predict-whether-dog-will-be-aggressive-180949962/
- https://www.dogsbite.org/reports/13-years-us-dog-bite-fatalities-2005-2017-dogsbite.pdf
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.