What makes one dog breed get a reputation for being more dangerous than others? Should you be more cautious around specific breeds? And does a dog’s breed even matter, or is it always a case of bad training?
Let’s explore some of the world’s most dangerous dogs together. You’ll also learn about what makes us think of certain dog breeds as dangerous. Additionally, we’ll cover the role and history of dog training in building these reputations.
There are a number of reasons people tend to think of certain dog breeds as more dangerous than others. Not all reasons are valid in the same way: Some are hard statistics, others are personal experiences. But they all can play an important role in our understanding of these animals and our discussion about what might make some more dangerous than others.
Here are some of the reasons we tend to consider certain dogs to be the most dangerous dog breeds:
Let’s focus more on that last reason, as I believe it can have the most impact.
Whether it’s right or wrong for us to judge a dog breed based on our limited experiences and the stories we hear about them, it’s something most of us do on some level (myself included). So I’d like to share some personal stories and how they’ve affected me (or not affected me, though you might think it should have).
We saw this in your comments on the original list. For example, we had people saying Pit Bulls aren’t dangerous because their own experiences with the breed have been pleasant. Others shared experiences on the other side of the spectrum.
Personally, I come in somewhere in the middle. I’m not naive enough to think that breed alone makes all pit bulls dangerous or more vicious than other dogs. But I’m also not naive enough to ignore the evidence that this breed has a history of causing more frequent and more serious injuries than most, if not all, others.
Clearly the breed plays some role. Some breeds lean toward different temperaments, or have different loyalties. These might make them great with their own families but naturally suspicious of strangers or other animals or even small children, who have less self-restraint than adults.
Personal experience is also a factor, though. My brother has a small dog. He took the dog outside at his apartment building into the parking lot. Another neighbor was outside with their Pit Bull. It wasn’t on a leash (while this is a requirement, going unleashed isn’t terribly uncommon around here). By all measures the dog would have seemed like a normal, calm family pet.
Until it saw my brother’s dog.
It immediately charged at them and grabbed his dog by the throat. There was no provocation, no unusual noise, and they were across the lot — not close to the pit bull’s owner in any way. My brother was able to rescue his dog by lifting the Pit Bull and literally prying its mouth open (which, by the way, is a stupid thing to do — please don’t ever follow that example). The dog let go and his dog was okay after being treated for its injuries. The Pit Bull then latched onto my brother’s arm though. Again, he was okay after being treated, but the wound wasn’t insignificant. It could have been far worse.
That puts me in that middle ground territory I mentioned before. Personal experience with this breed is terrible. There was no warning sign that the owner trained this dog to attack or fight. In fact, the aggression caught its owner completely off-guard. It just snapped at the sight of a smaller dog. That kind of sudden reaction is far from unheard of with this breed.
But that said, I don’t fault an entire breed (in the case of Pit Bulls, actually three different breeds) for the actions of that single dog. The lack of predictability of some breeds would make them “more dangerous” in my view. But the same goes for poor training and bad behavior by an owner (like allowing any breed with known issues with children or other animals to run free without a leash).
This is far from the only example I could give. Saint Bernards are also sometimes cited as some of the most dangerous dogs. But they’re also known for being calm-tempered and being good with kids. It’s their fierce loyalty that can be an issue.
A family member had one years ago. That dog was a great dog for most of its life. It even helped to stop a burglar in the family’s building. But years later it lunged at another family member who the dog knew for its entire life. They came to visit, and out of the blue the dog lunged and went for her eye. She’s still terrified of the breed to this day (and understandably so after an experience like that).
We can’t explain the unprovoked attack. It might have been a breeding issue. The dog might have been having a bad day in some way. We just don’t know. I understand her fear of the breed. But it’s not one I hold myself as a result — perhaps because I didn’t see it first-hand.
I personally own a mixed breed dog — Border Collie mixed with a Lab. At this stage in her life, I would also consider her to be a dangerous dog, especially around children. She is in no way violent. She’s great with cats and other dogs.
She’s still at that point where she’s young, wants to play all the time, and she doesn’t realize her own size or strength. The hyper aspect is specific to breeds. Both Labs and Border Collies can be very high strung, especially in their first couple of years.
Neighbors and family members don’t want her playing with their tiny dogs, and I think that’s understandable. And I wouldn’t take her out to play with small children for fear that she’d accidentally hurt them by jumping up or knocking them over as she tries to play. Being dangerous isn’t always a case of being naturally vicious, and that’s why so much falls onto the owner. It’s our responsibility to make sure our dogs aren’t put into situations where they’re more likely to cause harm.
If you’ve had experiences that have shaped your own views of what makes for a dangerous dog breed, let us know in the comments. Tell us what happened and whether or not you think it’s a fair way to judge a larger group of dogs based on the action (or actions) you’ve seen first-hand, and why.
Now let’s get to our original list of some of the seemingly most dangerous dogs, based on breeds. Now that you know why certain breeds have earned their “most dangerous dogs” reputations, can you think of others that might also have a similar history? Tell us in the comments.
Every person that I know deeply cares about his or her pets. They are their best friends. They tenderly love each other. Sometimes they eat together, sleep together, and go for walks together.
I’m more of a cat person, but I can’t sit still when I see little puppies or big dogs with big soft fur. I want to hug them, play with them, and give them some of my love and tenderness too. I’ve also seen many adult dogs of different breeds worth praise and true admiration. They are clever, sociable, and funny when you want to play; calm and patient with kids.
And they’re something I can’t credit cats with: They are faithful.
Personally, I don’t know any dog that would bite without warning or just snap. It’s my firm belief that behavior of the dog doesn’t depend on its breed so much as it being the right training and the “master” that matter. In my opinion, humans are most often responsible for dangerous dogs. That said, there might be some truth in the idea that some breeds have more unstable temperaments than others. Knowing this, we should never provoke them.
Think for a minute and analyze your own life. Are we always polite? I can think of several situations when I would have gladly slapped a man in the face, but thank God I’m weak enough and I can control myself (at least I think that I can). Now think about animals. They have instincts too, and they may forget about good manners. It’s not as if they understand them in the same ways we do.
It’s also important for dog owners to protect both other people and their dogs from unexpected circumstances and thus the unpleasant situations. For example, when going outside, they could always use a dog-lead and a muzzle. They could be careful and not let the dog play on its own without a leash, especially when there are other people around. When you have a dog, you become forever responsible for the animal you’ve trained and tamed.
In any case, it’s good to know what breeds of dogs might be most dangerous, just to keep yourself safe. Sometimes the danger in a dog isn’t even a nasty personality, but a matter of them not knowing their own strength.
Even though I personally still find it hard to believe that breed alone determines whether a dog is “dangerous,” you never know what a dog’s owner has taught it. Reliable research into the most dangerous dogs included below comes from the American Veterinary Medical Association, the CDC, and the Humane Society of the United States.
We’ll start with least dangerous of the bunch. Sorry, but there won’t be any terrifying photos today.
Read Also: Ready for a Dog? What Breed?
Origin: Croatia, Middle Ages
Weight: 40-70 lbs
Height: 20-24 inches
Dalmatians are active and energetic dogs, and love to be outdoors. They are very playful and love running.
There’s still no definite info about what this breed was originally bred for. What is known is that it is the oldest spotted breed in Europe, Asia and Africa. They were serving as warriors, hunters, and shepherds long before finally becoming the symbol of the US fireman.
Origin: Germany, 1850s
Weight: 50-64 lbs
Height: 20-25 inches
The boxer is a very strong “square” dog. Boxers love to walk, but the owner should never forget the leash. It’s also better to refrain from aggressive games. Still, boxers recognize all members of the family and can play well with the children.
The boxer breed has its origins in feudal Germany and dates back to the line of bulldogs that existed in Europe in the 16th century. These ancestors lived for hunting wild boars and other big wild animals. The first puppy in the new breed received the name “Box”. Boxer’s qualities, such as their strength, were highly valued by farmers and shopkeepers.
Origin: Canary Islands, Africa, 18th century
Weight: 100-125 lbs
Height: 25-26 inches
The Presa Canario hails from the Canary Islands. Dogs of this breed had two jobs: Hunting – and war. During the 18th century, English traders and merchants came to the Canary Islands, bringing with them their working and gladiator dogs, notably the Mastiff of England and the bulldog. Englishmen also brought with them their traditions of pit fighting for which their breeds and the island dogs were inevitably mixed and eventually bred to produce the ultimate fighter. Nowadays the breed finds use in guarding, handling, and driving cattle.
The dogs of this breed can be gentle and noble with their families, showing great affection to their owners, but are highly suspicious of strangers.
Origin: Switzerland, Middle Ages
Weight: 110-180 lbs
Height: 24-29 inches
Saint Bernards are amazingly big and easygoing dogs, but due to their impressive size they can look a bit awkward. They are quiet and peaceful, love children, and are not inclined to active and rapid games. A Saint Bernard will need all of your attention, so if you spend days in the office, this dog is not for you. They are tremendously strong and, of course, they require a good bit of space.
Most likely, the ancestor of the Saint Bernard was the Alpine Mastiff, a pretty aggressive breed. The original Saint Bernards were working dogs and scouts. They were also much calmer than their Mastiff ancestors. For that reason, they make for excellent home companions today.
Origin: Germany, Middle Ages to 19th century
Weight: 90-120 lbs
Height: 27-32 inches
Great Danes are beautiful and majestic animals, with a gentle and loving nature. They love to play with children and participate in all family events and activities, especially in the outdoors. They are happy to go for a walk and don’t mind the company of other dogs. Despite their gigantic size, Great Danes can even feel quite at home in a city.
In the Middle Ages, these dogs earned their living in dog fighting and by hunting big mammals.
Origin: China, Antiquity
Weight: 40-65 lbs
Height: 18-22 inches
The chow chow is an independent dog often focused only on its own needs. Chow chows need constant physical activity and communication, even if they don’t seem to like being disturbed much.
The chow chow’s original purposes were hunting and helping shepherds.
Origin: Germany, 19th century
Weight: 65-90 lbs
Height: 26-28 inches
Doberman Pinschers (often just called Dobermans) are dogs whose traits emphasize protecting and defending instincts. It is important to avoid any type of aggressive play and struggle with these dogs. Instead, use the games to develop the Doberman’s intelligence. Even though they aren’t small dogs, Dobermans can adapt to life in a city and become a perfect companion for an experienced, physically active owner.
This breed has its roots in in Germany. The breeder Louis Doberman decided to combine the qualities of guard dogs and and the terrier. Luis was a policeman, and so saw the need for a dog that would devotedly defend its owner.
Origin: North America, Ancient times
Weight: 80-110 lbs
Height: 23-28 inches
The Malamute is a friendly dog, but it has rather an independent temper. It’s better to keep this dog in a village, far from the city. Sometimes violent and energetic, they constantly need to move or play.
Note that Malamutes are a working dog breed from a colder climate. So, if you don’t live in the deep north, make your Malamute a nice playground. That’s because they are always in need of physical activity.
The name of the breed comes from a local North American tribe. They used the Malamute to transport goods on a sleigh.
Origin: Siberia, Ancient times
Weight: 35-55 lbs
Height: 20-24 inches
Training a Husky is not that easy. For these reasons, breeder don’t recommend this dog for beginning owners. Initially, these dogs transported goods on a sleigh. Not afraid of cold weather, they’re very active and loving dogs. Huskies love to get together with other members of their breed and howl at the moon.
Origin: Germany, 19th century
Weight: 70-85 lbs
Height: 22-26 inches
German Shepherds are very beautiful dogs, distinguished from other breeds by their reliable and obedient temper. They are in need of constant and serious physical activity though, and they seem to prefer long walks and active games.
Originally (as obvious from the name), the dogs guarded grazing sheep. They are great home guards and often participate in programs for the disabled.
Origin: Germany, 1820s
Weight: 85-110 lbs
Height: 23-27 inches
Rottweilers are powerful dogs with strong jaws, primarily meant to protect. Their original breeders selected those traits especially for that purpose. They often don’t like strangers and other dogs — they are guards at heart, and the dog owner should always remember that.
Origin: US, 19th century
Weight: 30-55 lbs
Height: 18-22 inches
The Pit Bull is named after its original purpose: The questionable amusement of dog fighting in pits. Sad as it is, that bloody tradition has survived in places, and Pit Bulls still have to take their part in it.
Photos source: Flickr
Origin: Southern U.S., 17th century
Weight: 60-120 lbs
Height: 20-28 inches
The American Bulldog is descended from the now-extinct Old English Bulldog, which was bred for farm guarding, livestock herding and bringing down game, and blood sports such as bull-baiting.
Today’s American Bulldog arose from any such dogs brought to America by working-class immigrants, many of them former farmers. In the South, these dogs were an important line of defense against feral hogs.
By the time of World War II, the American Bulldog almost went extinct, but was saved through selective breeding.
These dogs are large, heavy, and have powerful jaws with a typical overbite. They were bred for aggression and protection instincts. While they are suspicious of strangers, they are also very loyal and family-friendly. However, they need lots of space and attention.
Origin: England, 19th century
Weight: 100-130 lbs
Height: 24-27 inches
Bred around 1860 by English gamekeepers, the Bullmastiff’s job was to guard game preserves. They caught poachers, holding them until they could be arrested. They emerged from a cross of the large but non-aggressive Mastiff with the aggressive but smaller, lighter Bulldog.
Starting in the 20th century, they became a distinctive breed.
Today, Bullmastiffs are typical watch and guard dogs. They are fiercely loyal and love their families, but they have an extremely strong territorial instinct, and can be stand-offish towards strangers. When they’re properly trained, Bullmastiffs are also frequently used as gentle therapy dogs.
They are easy to groom, doesn’t shed, but are very prone to drooling. Bullmastiffs generally don’t need too much attention or movement.
Note that this dog was bred to be very quiet, so it won’t audibly warn when it’s startled or otherwise in a bad temper. In combination with their strengths, this makes Bullmastiffs one of the potentially most dangerous dogs.
Note: This post was originally published on April 1, 2009. It has since been updated with a new introduction and further background on the history of dangerous dogs.
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i want very powerful and dangerous dog for sefty purpose
your comment above about wanting a dangerous and powerful dog for protection is exactly why Bull@!*% list like this are made! your stupid and I see nothing but a sad life for good dog at the hands of total idiot. Also malamutes are one of the most gentle,loyal,and social dog breeds-they have to be or inuits would never get the arctic. same with huskys. Rottwieler where over breed for years,same with german shepards,st.bernards,and dobermanns. there's so many holes in this "list" if I was the author I'd be more than embaressed-oH! wait their more of a cat person. *DO YOUR RESEARCH AND REMEMBER ANIMALS ARE NOT TOYS- THEY HAVE NEEDS AND IF YOU CAN MEET THEM DON'T GET IT*
I wrote this pertains to horses; but as a horse and dog trainer I know it applies the same for dogs
A “CUP of Blended T’s “
Before one may become a good trainer of horses or dogs, or any animal for that matter; they must understand that training is all about communication. In my relationship with animals, I discovered for myself the Three Innate Mediums of two-way communication common to all animals; which are Visual, Sound and Touch, which are in part, inter specie; perhaps not to the intimate level as is intra species, but the generality of a given message is clear.
This is the little thought of, but profoundly simple reason why people become good trainers and why good trainers become great trainers.
When I am in the presence of a horse; I am learning the signals with which he conveys information using the three innate mediums of two-way communication. He is the teacher; granted, his teaching role may be unintentional, but that does not lessen my role as an intentional and willing student. Upon learning his signals I begin training him to learn mine. The results are three mediums of two-way communications.
Read on and you will discover the very heart of maintaining enduring relationships with animals.
If you have “Horse in the Heart” you are one of ”US in EQUUS” … we are a family that learns through sharing. I believe when you understand the three innate mediums of two-way communication; your life and that of your horse or dog will be enhanced.
Of the three mediums of two-way communication; the human communication of sound; as in the spoken words of a sentence; is excessive of what a horse requires or is able to understand. For this reason, we use very few (Compared to the many at our command) human word sounds in training.
We may talk at or to them using sentences, but the horse only recognizes the key directive word(s). The tone of the other words in the sentence, merely enhance and support the message of the key word. Such as the soft drawn out “whoa, Easy it will be alright”, which we often accompany with touching; as when we are wanting to sooth and calm a horse.
I recognize some of the Sounds in the horses’ communication and I have a good idea of the message or intent of the sounds, but I do not recognize the profound intimacy of all the horse’s sounds. There may be sounds with which the horse communicates, which my ears cannot pick up.
Training horses is all about Two-Way, Communication; it is an intentional act to modify a horse’s behavior. Communication conveys information. Clear intentional communication is the essence of any enduring relationship. Communication when Understood leads to Predictability.
As humans we are able to develop sounds that mimic those of some animals. Animals, however (for the most part) cannot produce sound to mimic us. At the same time both humans and animals seem to learn quickly the superficial aspects of each other’s visual and touch mediums of two-way communication.
Horses throughout the world communicate using the same signals, it is universal. An Italian horse understands the communication from an English horse, even though neither has never before heard or seen the other. I do not think it is possible for a normal horse to misinterpret the communications of another normal horse.
In addition, to our benefit; horses are not able to lie, so we do not have to consider whether their communication is or is not true. On the other hand, we humans are not only able, but apt at lying, misleading or deceiving each other; using all three innate mediums of two-way communication.
In my work I hold fast to a clear fundamental belief and understanding of certain words and phrases in the world of US and EQUUS. I cannot and will not vary from these fundamentals.
They are in part; Training is an intentional endeavor to modify behavior; Learning is an intentional or unintentional process, Trust is status we extend to others when they prove trustworthy and Confidence is an ever changing state of mind an animal or human holds of themselves.
On the subject of unintentional and intentional learning, consider; I fall off a bridge into the water and don’t know how to swim; I would probably frantically begin flailing my arms and legs about, trying to stay afloat. If I did stay afloat and made it to shore I would have unintentionally learned to swim, to a small degree. An example of intentional learning is: I now take swimming lessons, I am intentionally learning to swim, and the instructor is teaching me.
As a trainer; in order to develop a mutually respectfully relationship with a positive, residual affect; the animal and I must experience each other face to face. As a trainer, I communicate to the horse, my true intention; that being, I mean him no harm. The horse, by accepting or rejecting what I do with him; teaches me my communication is working… or not working. It sometimes is a process of trial and error, but it works well.
The moment we both realize each other’s intent, we are standing at the thresh hold of mutual trust. As our training sessions continue, and our communication is refined, mutual trust increases. Our sessions of Ground training, enhance my future efforts of training the horse for riding or driving.
My nomadic life style, has allowed me to experience and learn from many people, horses and dogs. My experiences led me to create an aphorism, titled: A CUP of Blended T’s; the letters C. U. P. are an acronym for Communication, Understanding, and Predictability. The Blended T’s, segment is stated below.
I find keeping this in the forefront of my thinking, fuels my search for new or more subtle communication of animals, as well as people.
C.U.P. Defined
The letter C = Communication through Visual, Sound & Touch, which are also three of the horses’ five senses.
The three mediums of two-way communication listed below are not prioritized.
The first medium of communication is visual. I call it visual because one must have and use their eyes to understand the communication being conveyed to them through the body movement of the origin in whole or in part. I
In the Deaf community this medium of communication is called Signing; and is well refined in that community.
Horses’ when communicating visually use their eyes, ears, bearing of their teeth, rapid opening and closing of the mouth, lip licking, movement of the head, feet, tail, and the overall demeanor of their body. The signal(s) of the aforementioned faculties may be presented individually or in correlation.
One easily understands visual communication when one sees a strange dog wonder into the pasture of a horse; if the horse is territorial; the horse, not knowing or liking the strange dog in its pasture, will bear its teeth, lower its head and make an attempt to bite kick or strike the dog.
Mules, unless trained otherwise, are known to be aggressive about dogs, strange or otherwise; for this reasons Burros (One of US in Equus) are often a protective member of a Sheep herd.
The dog understands what the horse is communicating; which is, get out! The communication can be deadly serious or one of a threatening aspect. The horse’s action is an intentional visual communication.
When a pack of carnivorous animals on the hunt see a prey animal limping, Unable to keep up with the herd, that is an example of an unintentional visual communication from the prey animal, conveying the message; I am hurt. The predator(s) knows from past experiences, this prey animal will be an easier catch than would be one not limping. And the chase is on.
The Police officer, directing traffic; conveys directives to the motorist and pedestrian using Visual communicates via his arms and hands.
I may use my entire body or my extremities, individually or in correlation; to communicate. With the aforementioned; I am able to create and develop signals which I present consistently and persistently, while at the same time; I incite the horse to perform a certain action or movement corresponding with that signal.
The second medium of communication is Sound. Horses create various sounds via their breath flowing from the lungs, through the nose and mouth. The sound might be a slight “mmmmm” as horses do when, I am ever so slightly late in feeding them, or like that of a mare nickering a message to her foal to stay close or the scream of a mare that lost track of her foal, or the screams of warning…from a stallion telling another stallion to stay away, or to give alarm to his herd as to the presence of danger.
The squeal or whine of a wounded prey animal is an example of an unintentional sound communication. A predator recognizes this sound and moves toward the sounds of the wounded animal.
During riding or driving I use sounds (such as the word Whoa) to direct my horse to stop or encourage them to stand still when In-hand. My horse can just as easily be trained to stop’ or stand when they hear other sounds, such as a whistle; if I were to consistently associate that sound with the act of stopping or standing. The old teamsters trained their work horses/mules to turn left to the sound of Haw’ and turn right to the sound of Gee’.
The third medium of communication is touch: An example of touch communication between horses would be when a foal rubs against his mother for comfort or bumps her in the flank to demand she let him nurse, still another touch communication is when the stallion nips, nuzzle or rubs against a mare during the mating ritual to determine her receptiveness. Still another would be when two horses walk up to each other and both, using their teeth scratch the other on certain areas of their body.
Another example of Touch is; if when a blind person is holding the harness handle of a guide dog walking forward. Suddenly the dog stops and refuses to walk forward upon command. The stopping and refusal to walk on upon command is noted in the non movement of the dogs harness handle, as the handle does not move unless the dog moves. This non movement communicates to the person holding the handle; there are dangerous or undesirable conditions ahead, in which case the person will heed the dog’s communication and stand still or direct the dog to go another way.
Brail’ is another example of touch communication; where in the reader must use their sense of touch with their finger tips moving along upon an array of raised dots on a Brail board. The arrangement of the dots, convey the message.
Another example of touch communication is a man and woman holding each other while dancing.
Still another example of touch communication is; when in the presences of a domestic cat, it rubs against me, this is an intentional touch communication from the cat; perhaps showing affection or marking me.
When I pet, rub and scratch my horses, I am communicating peace, and friendliness and pleasure, which brings comfort to them and me. When riding or driving and I apply pressure and release of my personal aids in an effort to direct a horse’s movement, I am using touch communication.
U = Understanding: When I recognize, and understand the signals horses uses to communicate; I know the generality of message they convey.
P = Predictability: Which means I am able to forecast the outcome of various circumstances and consequences.
Blended T's = Training & Trust: The sequence is definitely training first, and if done humanely, kindly, consistently, the horse will extend to me a degree of trust.
Trust between me and an animal is simply: willing participation in degrees without fear. The more I train; the greater degree of trust the horse extends to me.
I must mention the absence of fear, does not necessarily reflect the presence of trust. The Lion in the wild having never seen me certainly does not fear me; he may move away from me until he discovers what I am about, who knows what he will do then. I guess it would depend on if he was hungry or wanted to use me as a chewy to play Tug of War with his partner?
One should remember; both fear and trust are learned and earned.
Training can be accomplished two ways. One way is face to face, where we train the animal through ground work, and he learns to trust us. We then continue training him to ride, drive or perform at liberty. This training begins at the first encounter when both parties are present and aware of each other. I feel; with a psychologically sound horse; humane, good training will produce trust.
The other way to train a horse has limits; it is through Pavlov’s involuntary response to a stimulus. Take an example of a wild horse held captive in a pen. Where in, without the horse being aware of my presence or participation; I will train him to open a gate or load into a trailer or something of that nature.
In either case he will develop trust for the environment, but he will not develop trust for me; I wasn’t in his presences, so how could he.
In closing, may I suggest; while incorporating a "Cup of Blended T's" will not make one a trainer, it certainly is a fundamental aspect of good training. I myself enjoy a "Cup of Blended T'S" every day.
Footnote: Oder
Communication conveys information; therefore Taste and Odor are mediums of two-way communication. However these two senses only incoming information about the matter is communicated to the horse. When a horse Taste or smells something, the horse cannot convey information to another being via its taste and smell. Any information conveyed to must be visual, sound or touch and will be unintentional, although, it may be beneficial to the observer.
On the other hand with humans’ odor can be Unintentional or intentional; as is the case with use of perfume, after shave or the absences of. At the same time, one can, after tasting something, convey one’s feeling about the taste of it. However that communication must be via visual, sound or touch.
Having said this, I question the conduct of a dog rolling in a dead, smelly animal, manure or other debris and I ask, is his rolling in that stuff, an intentional act or a biological, involuntary function to hide their own odor.
Whatever it is; a horses’ ability to smell or their odor is a non-cognitive, biological, involuntary function. It communicates status or presences, it is unintentional communication.
On the other hand with humans’ odor can be Unintentional or intentional; as is the case with use of perfume or after shave or the absences of. At the same time, one can, after tasting something, convey one’s feeling about the taste of it. However that communication must be via visual, sound or touch.
Having said this, I question the conduct of a dog rolling in a dead, smelly animal, manure or other debris and I ask, is his rolling in that stuff, an intentional act or a biological, involuntary function to hide their own odor.
Whatever it is; a horses’ ability to smell or their odor is a non-cognitive, biological, involuntary function. It communicates status or presences, it is unintentional communication.
All dogs can snap,i believe it is how they are raised.Think about this if you were slapped,beaten,yelled at,etc would you not attack back.If i were them i would spend time with the animal before i put them on this freakin list.
You are such an idi*** all of the dogs listed above are wonderful strong loyal breeds that just want love. They become harmful to people when someone does not train it properly, abuse, and neglect them.
Hello Madeline
You are in correct about "all the dogs listed above" just wanting love.
There are individual dogs within almost every breed which do not accept our training and are dangerous to society. The bigger the dog the bigger the threat to society.
A good trainer(s)knows when a dog is not or will not modify their behavior via good training. If the dog is of such character and several trainers have worked with the dog; what should one do with such a dog which will not conform, respond, comply, or otherwise accept training??
Just as there are individual people who do not accept the rules of society. Those people (criminals) murder, rape, maim, cheat, lie, steal and abuse other people.
The above description of undesirable persons are the reason for prisons.
Seriously? This list is stupid. I've had pretty much all of these dogs at one point or another. They are NOT aggressive. People confuse aggression with high prey drive. It's really annoying. A Malamute or Husky has a VERY high prey drive, as do some lines of Shepherds. You must correct bad behavior, not treat them like your child, or abuse them. Fact is, if you're a responsible dog owner, and you train your dog the RIGHT way, it doesn't matter what the hell the breed is. It will be a damn good dog.
Even the most aggressive dogs can be retrained to the point of not biting/attacking. It's very rare that they can't. Saying a breed has ANY part in aggressive behavior is absolutely stupid. It all starts with the owner, the dog will not know better if never taught.
Hello Danielle
Everyone has opinions and some of us voice them, but then some do not. My opinion is; Your comment about “This list being stupid is correct. I would guess that it was designed that way to get people to comment, and it works.
I am curious about several things in your commentary. “I've had pretty much all of these dogs at one point or another” What happened to all the dogs you acquired.
You comment about “People confuse aggression with high prey drive” is correct. However, “High Prey Drive” will quickly turn into aggression,
If a dog of this character is in the hands of inexperienced, unknowledgeable, or irresponsible people.
You are also correct about “if you're a responsible dog owner, and you train your dog the RIGHT way”. The problem is there is so much undesirable or ill training out there it is hard for the average dog owner to know who or what is the correct training for their dog and them as well. As far as treating dogs like children; If there is good parenting or dog training, the behavior of the child and dog will be enhanced.
The difference is the child will lie and deceive where the dog does not. In addition if good training is continued, the dog will continue to behave well, whereas, even if we continue good teaching/training of the best; the child will ultimately do what pleases them.
In the world of dogs there are bad ill tempered mean dog, just as there are people of the same character; no amount of good training of the dog or the finest education will make their innate character less.
In the case of humans; education and training will simply teach them how to be more successful in their ways.
Reiterating your comment of “Good training makes good dogs” the owners must continue with the good training or the dog will set his own perimeters.
Thanks for sharing.
In reference to Sonia
Carl Manson was a cute baby ......as was Will Rogers.
I owned 'uche' local breed in Uganda. This has been the toughest dog in history. Hunting and killing antelopes were easy gaming and could have registered numerous medals until we crossed over to Murchison national park for more challenging job. It took 2 African lions a great deal to overpower uche. Thank God I survived.
these dogs are not aggressive its the way they are trained if u love your dog like a family member and spend time with it,,it would have a total different attitude
I have a rotti and he is the best most loving dog I have ever had! He's not at all food aggressive and wold NEVER attack anyone, not even a stranger. He even plays with my three ferrets! He might love you to death, but that is about all he is capable of.
I am a 3rd year vet student, and I am wonder where you have gotten your information from. Some things such as how originally Great Danes were used for fighting an rotties for guarding is not true.