Thursday, October 30, 2008

The Aggressive Dog List


Did you know that most apartment communities and even a few cities ban "aggressive breeds" from their premises? I wonder, what are the aggressive breeds? After learning a few breeds on the list, I had to reconsider people's positions on this. I happen to own a so-called aggressive breed, an Akita, and I do not see her as aggressive in any way. She is one of the sweetest, most loving and dedicated dogs I have ever met. Everyday she greets me with happy whines, a wagging tail and plenty of kisses. I've never seen her even hint that she would attack a human or other animal.

I'm sick of people giving certain dog breeds a bad reputation. Dogs are NOT born aggressive, nor is any one breed more inclined to behave aggressively. It is owners that determine the aggressiveness of their pets, not the dogs themselves. For example, many people fear pit bulls because of their larger size and reputation as fighting dogs or even attack dogs. However, every pit I've ever met is probably more loving and gentle than your average Yorkshire Terrier.

Also, I googled "aggressive dog breeds" and this is what I found. Now this website, may not be credible, but its on the first page of google search results, meaning it is easily accessible to many curious people. This may be giving the wrong impression about dog aggression. This is a list of dog breeds that are considered "potentially aggressive":
  • Chow Chows are one-person dogs that tend to bite without any warning. They are also a bit ferocious around strangers, and can be quite a tenacious fighter. So make sure to discipline this dog and set right from wrong, immediately.
  • The Papillon is fiercely loyal of their owners - to a fault. They can be quite possessive and standoffish to strangers.

  • Old English Sheepdogs are very protective of their owners so they might be aggressive if anybody tends to be too close to its owners.

  • A Llasa Apso often gets cranky around kids.

  • Rottweilers are extremely protective of their masters.

  • Chihuahuas aren't too fond of kids. They'd rather be with adults than play around with tots.

  • Toy Poodles bite people and other animals out of self defense. Unfortunately, 'playing' according to you may be perceived as a form of 'attack' to them.

  • Dachshunds aren't known for their patience.
  • Jack Russell Terriers are feisty creatures who require early training to prevent long-term biting and digging problems.

  • Giant Schnauzers are very dominant. They often challenge adults, particularly strangers.
  • Cocker Spaniels often suffer from a dangerous genetic disease known as "rage syndrome." This syndrome causes spontaneous violent action against not strangers, but actual family members. Many Spaniels have been put down because of this unwanted behavior. Check with the breeder to ensure your Spaniel is free from this dangerous dog disease.

  • The Pekingese isn't all that tolerant of strangers.

  • Miniature Pinschers usually have aggression issues because they've got this "big dog-little body" mind set going on.

Now really, my Min Pin is just as sweet as affectionate as can be. She's never had aggression issues, in fact she is absolutely terrified of other dogs, strangers and anything else unknown to her. Maybe she just missed out on the "big dog-little body" thing, but I'm positive she understands her place as a little dog in a little body. Also, this don't sound like aggression to me, but just personality flaws.

Here is their list of dogs with unfair reputations. I totally agree with this list.

  • Boxers are pretty good with kids. They are good watchdogs, but will only become aggressive

  • Bulldogs are very playful and gentle.
  • Great Danes, while considerable in size, happen to be kind and affectionate.

  • Mastiffs are especially quiet and docile.

  • German Shepherds are great with kids too. These are courageous, fiercely loyal dogs who, if trained properly, will be extremely gentle to family and guests.

  • Rottweilers are also capable of tenderness and affection. They have a bad rep, but if they trust you, you'll never have to worry.

Personally, I would like to add something to this aggressive dog drama. Owners today are getting more and more irresponsible. If you raise a dog with cruelty and aggression, the dog will also be aggressive and dangerous. Its up to people to report bad owners, especially those who are raising their animals to fight or to be aggressive. This is not only potentially harmful towards humans, but also towards the dogs themselves. It isn't fair to abuse a dog and determine their fate. Most aggressive dogs who are removed from these types of homes will be put down because they can never function in a real loving home. They were bred to fight or attack at all costs, and it ended up costing them their lives. Every dog has the right to a happy home, proper care and the love they deserve. So lets help give them that.

1 comment:

Morgan Elizabeth said...

I agree for the most part but I think that some breeds are born agressive to a degree(as far as being more prone to agression). Genetics play into it and while Pitts are normally great and sweet dogs they are one breed that seems to become agressive if unsocialised. I think another reason for their bad reputation is that since they have strong jaws and get fixated on their goals(whateve it may be) when they DO bite it causes more damage and even though that terrier bites 5 kids a week its the pitt that gets noticed. In defense of pitts, I adopted a dog recently and in one of the shelters visited I was growled at by an Australian Shepherd for passing its kellel, glared at by labs, and then the pitts were smiling and wagging their tails when I walked by. There goes the stereotype! Sorry for the long comment.