Dangerous Dog Breeds

[Weedygarden]

There are lists that insurance companies have compiled for those seeking coverage, to help the companies prevent pay outs for dog attacks. Some of the dogs on the list will be recognized as being previously identified as dangerous. I am just going to copy the identified dog breeds, but not all the information about them. I have never heard of some of these breeds.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/...14-dog-breeds-blacklisted-insurance-companies
The 14 most often blacklisted dog breeds were:

• Pit Bull Terriers
• Staffordshire Terriers
• Rottweilers
• German Shepherds
• Presa Canarios
• Chows Chows
• Doberman Pinschers
• Akitas
• Wolf-hybrids
• Mastiffs
• Cane Corsos
• Great Danes
• Alaskan Malamutes
• Siberian Huskies

https://ehlinelaw.com/blog/dangerous-breeds-list
Following are the dogs' breeds that AVMA has found out to be more frequent biters (See also.)

• Rottweiler
• Doberman Pinscher
• Pit Bull
• German Shepherd
• Spaniel
• Labrador Retriever
• Jack Russel Terrier
• Chow
• Collie
• Saint Bernard.

https://worlddogfinder.com/blog/dog-breeds/most-dangerous-dog-breeds
15. Siberian Husky
14. Boxer
13. Tosa Inu
12. Alaskan Malamute
11. Bullmastiff
10. Dogo Argentino
9. Boerboel
8. Wolf Hybrid
7. Caucasian Shepherd
6. Doberman
5. German Shepherd
4. Fila Brasileiro
3. Perro de Presa Canario
2. Rottweiler
1. Pit Bull

 

[phideaux]

The most aggressive dogs I've known in my life were the Chows.
Then Pit Bulls.

Jim

 

[Weedygarden]

The most aggressive dogs I've known in my life were the Chows.
Then Pit Bulls.

Jim

I agree with you about Chows and pit bulls. When I am at dog parks, I am always looking at dogs and assessing which ones coming in the gate or are present might be a concern. I rarely see Chows in dog parks, but I have seen pit bulls and I have seen some come through the gate and attack immediately. A couple of my clients are pit bull mixes and I have to be on my toes with them.

My experiences with dogs who were problematic include an Akita who attacked our Crosby. I never trust Akitas and I have seen others who had no business at dog parks.

I have seen German Shepherds that are alphas. I have learned with one who goes after one my charges frequently. Z will come and sit right by me and the GS will come up and try to intimidate him. I now stand up and make loud noises. It works. It drives the GS off. Now D dog, who is almost 50% pit comes and barks at me when I do that to the GS. The GS and I now seem to have an understanding.

Another problematic dogs include Huskies. Because of Game of Thrones, they are extremely popular, and fortunately, I do not have any clients who have one. I do not like them for house pets. I was bitten by one several months ago. I intervened in a situation with one of my dogs and I did not use the strategy I had been taught, to grab their back legs and lift them off the ground. They can no longer continue fighting that way.

 

[WVDragonlady]

oh well. I love my Pitties. Don't care what others say. They're my babies

 

[Spikedriver]

These lists are skewed a bit. Labs are the most popular breed. Since there's so many Labs out there, the bite numbers are high simply because the total population of labs is high.

I hate these kind of lists anyway. Bad owners make bad dogs. Yes, some are more territorial than others, but still...

(Blue Heelers are the bitingest dogs I've ever known. Every one I've known has bitten, or has seriously threatened to bite someone. But if I had a farm or big acreage, a Heeler would be near the top of my list for what kind of dog to get...)

 

[phideaux]

Yes on the Akitas ,
My SIL had one,
Had to get rid of it.
Too aggressive and dangerous.
Unpredictable.

Jim

 

[Weedygarden]

These lists are skewed a bit. Labs are the most popular breed. Since there's so many Labs out there, the bite numbers are high simply because the total population of labs is high.

I hate these kind of lists anyway. Bad owners make bad dogs. Yes, some are more territorial than others, but still...

(Blue Heelers are the bitingest dogs I've ever known. Every one I've known has bitten, or has seriously threatened to bite someone. But if I had a farm or big acreage, a Heeler would be near the top of my list for what kind of dog to get...)

Yes, these lists are not the best, but they are a talking point. I told my friends who have a German Shepherd that Rhodesian Ridgebacks were on some insurance lists for dangerous dog. They knew our RR Crosby well and laughed when I told them that, but when they changed their home insurance, RR were on the list. Many dog breeds are very sweet and likeable, unless and until certain things happen. Crosby loved to run, chase and to be chased. She was very friendly and never started anything. She loved to play! She would tell other dogs to calm down if they were upset. She was known to go nose to nose with unhappy dogs, look them in the eye and hold the gaze until the other dog turned around and went away. It was her way of asking for peaceful play. Others were amazed when they saw her do this. She loved to spar with other dogs. But when we were at home and the doorbell rang or someone knocked on the door, watch out. She was loyal and protective. Her bark was scary when she thought her home was being invaded.

 

[Cascadian]

I have seen great and bad pits. We have rotties they are big babies but we worked at socializing. But our chiwawa is by far the biggest A hole.

 

[Weedygarden]

I have seen great and bad pits. We have rotties they are big babies but we worked at socializing. But our chiwawa is by far the biggest A hole.

Those chihuahua's are something aren't they? I could not stand to have one of those barking things. Sorry! I know a Jack Russel terrier ~ chihuahua mix named Jitterbug. It is so full of energy and runs so fast. Need a laugh (don't we all?)? Watch Jitterbug run around with bigger dogs chasing her. It is hilarious!

 

[Amish Heart]

Our blue heeler, Chookie, always was a good boy. But now that he is very old, he is fussy with other dogs and will start fights. He can't win the fights he starts, either. He's the one that pees in his food dish. Think he has dementia. He likes routine, and likes to be the boss of certain things. Like the ball. The ball is always his.

 

[Rebecca]

So my German Shepherd cross Chow Chow would not be popular then? LOL.
Not that it matters we don't go to or need dog parks out here.

 

[Weedygarden]

So my German Shepherd cross Chow Chow would not be popular then? LOL.
Not that it matters we don't go to or need dog parks out here.

I don't think it is so much about dog parks as it is about the potential around your home.

 

[Hardcalibres]

I don't think it is so much about dog parks as it is about the potential around your home.

Situational.

The bigger the piece of land you live on, the less you need to exercise your dogs outside your own patch - and the less frequent interactions with other peoples dogs become.

Our dogs mostly exercise by running with the quad bikes when we do patrols around our land.

But back when I lived in the city and took our dogs out for walks (and to the park), I often took along a baseball bat and tennis ball to hit the ball around.

If you or your dog gets attacked by a dangerous dog, that baseball bat can be expediently repurposed.

Dog attacks stop when the head of the attacking dog changes shape.

 

[Weedygarden]

Situational.

The bigger the piece of land you live on, the less you need to exercise your dogs outside your own patch - and the less frequent interactions with other peoples dogs become.

Our dogs mostly exercise by running with the quad bikes when we do patrols around our land.

But back when I lived in the city and took our dogs out for walks (and to the park), I often took along a baseball bat and tennis ball to hit the ball around.

If you or your dog gets attacked by a dangerous dog, that baseball bat can be expediently repurposed.

Dog attacks stop when the head of the attacking dog changes shape.

I don't see many dog attacks, but I am sure there are some that I have missed. I have heard stories. Usually someone who has a dog who is prone to attack quickly has his dog identified and prohibited from certain activities.

I once saw a man with a Rottweiler that was overweight and the dog spent his time going after other dogs. I was fortunate to be in a space with a fence between us whenever they were there, but I heard from others about the man's misguided thinking. The man thought it was funny when his dog attacked other dogs. He openly laughed. Dog finally went after the pit mix that I now care for. It was with its owner and I was not there, and for that I am grateful. I always take her to the smaller side because the larger side is more prone to be problematic for her and her dog friends are brought over to play with her. Attacked dog needed medical care and the owner immediately called Animal Control. Within mere minutes Animal Control showed up and so did the police. Man with attacking Rottie was cited for not having a city license, having an unneutered male dog over the age of 2 years in the dog park without a special permit, and for attacking the dog. The fine: $500. Man was not laughing any longer and he no longer visits the dog park with his Rottie.

I have a few other stories about attacking dogs, but those people generally learn quickly that it is best not to bring their dogs to the dog park. When their dogs attack others, they are stuck with hefty medical bills and often have a court visit that then results in a fine.

 

[Hardcalibres]

I don't see many dog attacks, but I am sure there are some that I have missed. I have heard stories. Usually someone who has a dog who is prone to attack quickly has his dog identified and prohibited from certain activities.

I once saw a man with a Rottweiler that was overweight and the dog spent his time going after other dogs. I was fortunate to be in a space with a fence between us whenever they were there, but I heard from others about the man's misguided thinking. The man thought it was funny when his dog attacked other dogs. He openly laughed. Dog finally went after the pit mix that I now care for. It was with its owner and I was not there, and for that I am grateful. I always take her to the smaller side because the larger side is more prone to be problematic for her and her dog friends are brought over to play with her. Attacked dog needed medical care and the owner immediately called Animal Control. Within mere minutes Animal Control showed up and so did the police. Man with attacking Rottie was cited for not having a city license, having an unneutered male dog over the age of 2 years in the dog park without a special permit, and for attacking the dog. The fine: $500. Man was not laughing any longer and he no longer visits the dog park with his Rottie.

I have a few other stories about attacking dogs, but those people generally learn quickly that it is best not to bring their dogs to the dog park. When their dogs attack others, they are stuck with hefty medical bills and often have a court visit that then results in a fine.

Yep.

It is a sad fact that there are many more bad owners out there than there are bad dogs.

While the law does sometimes hold the owners somewhat accountable, often the dog is the one that pays the biggest price for an (unlawful) attack.

But having said all that, if I am walking a dog and have it under control, and an aggressive dog approaches or attacks either me or my dog, I will treat the attacking dog as the threat that it is - without mercy or hesitation.

I have done a lot of killing. Whatever boundaries/barriers I had about killing things disappeared decades ago.

 

[Weedygarden]

Yep.

It is a sad fact that there are many more bad owners out there than there are bad dogs.

While the law does sometimes hold the owners somewhat accountable, often the dog is the one that pays the biggest price for an (unlawful) attack.

But having said all that, if I am walking a dog and have it under control, and an aggressive dog approaches or attacks either me or my dog, I will treat the attacking dog as the threat that it is - without mercy or hesitation.

I have done a lot of killing. Whatever boundaries/barriers I had about killing things disappeared decades ago.

I take these two dogs to the dog park three mornings a week, and I also board them as their owners have need. Sometimes they are here together, and sometimes one visits the other for a slumber party while the other is here. I pick them up from their respective homes and take them to the dog park so that they can play while their owners work from home. They are always so excited to see each other that it is nearly impossible for me to safely walk them from the car to the park together. They began to play and run and chase each other while on leash and one is very strong. I have taken to walking one into the park and then returning to the car to get the other one. We have leash laws, but some people just blow that off. I was walking the stronger of the two into the park and here comes an unleashed dog running around and acting crazy. I know that this dog I had is more reactive with a leash on and is a fence guarder. She is always after anyone or any dog on the other side of the fence. I raised my voice with the man whose dog is running around and ask him to keep his dog away from us. He tells me my dog looks friendly. Right. That is why I feel the need to walk two dogs in separately? Once inside the dog park, the two dog friends run around and chase each other, biting each others ankles and sparring. The mellower of the two has his way of telling his friend to chill in regards to other dogs.
an aggressive dog approaches or attacks either me or my dog, I will treat the attacking dog as the threat that it is - without mercy or hesitation.

There is something about aggressive dogs being attractive to some people. You can almost look at an aggressive dog, such as a pit that has had it's ears docked and dressed to look mean and bad. I always wonder what is that some people want the meanest and baddest dog? Our RR's were protective, yet playful and friendly, a joy and a pleasure for the time we had them.

 

[Hardcalibres]

.......

There is something about aggressive dogs being attractive to some people. You can almost look at an aggressive dog, such as a pit that has had it's ears docked and dressed to look mean and bad. I always wonder what is that some people want the meanest and baddest dog? Our RR's were protective, yet playful and friendly, a joy and a pleasure for the time we had them.

Yes, that is definitely a thing.......there are a few types of stereotypical dangerous dog owners.

That is fine with me, as long as they can and do control their dogs (by keeping them in their yard and on a leash when out). But, even then you do hear of kids straying into yards or visiting a house and getting hurt/killed........

I have a had a RR - but now we have Min Pins. They can't really hurt someone - but they do work very hard 24/7 at detecting any intruders and warning us. From that point on, their job is done and the rest is up to me.

The above (9 lbs) dog can spot small game animals at over three hundred yards - his eyes are just amazing.

We have found that some Min Pins can be very good at tracking too.

 

[Bacpacker]

One things that stands out to me from that list. One, those are all large breeds and mostly working dogs whether guard, pulling sleds, hunting, etc. IMO those dogs will have a harder time around strangers, espically in crowds. For the most part I wouldn't want them in my house. They have boundless energy and need to be worked a lot to help burn that off. They are working dogs. But a Lab??? Those are hyper dogs, but I have yet to see one with an attitude unless it was a bitch with pups.
I have been around several of the breeds mentioned, some do fine if, IF, they are well raised and well trained. Left to their own and not conditioned to be around people they will have a hard time.
But as far as aggressive dogs or biters, I've saw many more small dogs that go off at anything. Shitzu, chihauha's, etc are highly aggressive in many cases. Granted they probably won't kill you, but you better watch your ankles.
IMO the owners are a much larger problem than the dogs in many, many cases.

 

[hashbrown]

I don't know, I guess I maybe one of the problem owners. I don't want my dogs to know anyone but me, my wife and son. I've always kept a big chuckle headed dog of some sort that has been taught to be suspicious of everyone and raise hell if someone is around. We rarely have guests and when we do the dog is kenneled in the basement until guests leave. We live in an extremely secluded area on a private dead end road and don't have the luxury of police protection. I'm gone a lot with work and I want a big scary nasty acting dog in my house to look after my family in my absence. Methicans beware.

 

[Bacpacker]

I don't see that as being a problem owner. Your dog/s aren't roaming around harrasing folks or other animals. You train and control them. They serve the purpose you have them for. Much like a sled dog, or hunting dog.

 

[hashbrown]

I don't see that as being a problem owner. Your dog/s aren't roaming around harrasing folks or other animals. You train and control them. They serve the purpose you have them for. Much like a sled dog, or hunting dog.

I grew up with hunting dogs we had birddogs, foxhounds, coonhounds, rabbit dogs and deer dogs. They were not considered pets they had jobs. They fed us and helped us make a living, I don't figure I'll ever be the pet parent type but who knows the older I get the softer I am.

 

[phideaux]

@hashbrown , soft enough for cats ?


Jim

 

[Bacpacker]

I grew up with hunting dogs we had birddogs, foxhounds, coonhounds, rabbit dogs and deer dogs. They were not considered pets they had jobs. They fed us and helped us make a living, I don't figure I'll ever be the pet parent type but who knows the older I get the softer I am.

We had herd dogs growing up, Guard dog at times. Since I've been married we've had a couple of Golden Retrievers one at a time that wife has made into severe pets. Not good for anything other than companionship. They have been good at barking when a car comes in driveway or someone on the porch. I have thought about getting a perynees or some type of livestock guard dog.

 

[Hardcalibres]

One thing to consider for those with big dogs intended to keep the family safe is this: When the threat is just idiots, big dogs can work very well as a deterrent, burglar alarm and to actively defend your home turf.

But up against a serious/professional bad guy, dogs left unsupervised/unsupported in some enclosure/perimeter are actually pretty vulnerable.

When your dog(s) detect a bad guy and make it to your outer perimeter, they will usually stop and bark. A stationary target is pretty easy prey for someone with a bow or even just a spear (ie knife on a pole). Meat with poison in it is a favorite guard dog neutralizer used by full-time bad guys in South Africa. All the bad guys know what chemicals work best, where to procure them, how much to use and how long it will take to kill the dog.

In the military we had a breed that isn't on the list (but probably should be) - the Belgian Malinois. They look a bit like a smaller German Shepherd.

We used them to go on patrols/assaults with us and they were great at that.

The level of aggression they showed towards the bad guys was spectacular. But then they would come back to base and want to play ball again.........being an attack dog was just a job to them.

But we would have never dumped them into some wired enclosure (like a Forward Base or something) and left them to secure that while we were out. If we had, they would have just got smoked (or poisoned) by the bad guys (and they were way too valuable/well liked to end up like that).

 

[bamadeb48]

I do not like pit bulls..... would not have one around grandchildren.

 

[Spikedriver]

I do not like pit bulls..... would not have one around grandchildren.

My niece has a pit mix. It is amazing with her young daughters age 6 and 2. But it doesn't like strangers and we all worry it may bite one of the girls' playmates.

It was hit by a car resulting in having a hind leg amputated. That seems to have calmed it down some. But it's still a suspicious mutt with an attitude...

 

[Rebecca]

When your dog(s) detect a bad guy and make it to your outer perimeter, they will usually stop and bark. A stationary target is pretty easy prey for someone with a bow or even just a spear (ie knife on a pole). Meat with poison in it is a favorite guard dog neutralizer used by full-time bad guys in South Africa. All the bad guys know what chemicals work best, where to procure them, how much to use and how long it will take to kill the dog.

This is precisely why my dogs were always inside with us at night when we lived there. They still are even where I am now. They are a combination of beloved pet and guard dog. Their job is to warn me of someone approaching. And to help if someone actually manages to break in. The police are very far away from here if something happens.
The dogs absolutely adore the family. And I can introduce people to the family group if needed. But I generally don't need to being that I am some what of an introvert hermit.
And yes I am careful, they are not allowed to wonder off the property, it is fenced, I have signs up. But I am on a dead end road with no neighbours in sight. I feel safer having them all sleeping inside with me, I am also aware this is a hold over paranoia from living in Africa that may never go away.

 

[Weedygarden]

In the military we had a breed that isn't on the list (but probably should be) - the Belgian Malinois. They look a bit like a smaller German Shepherd.

I have seen several Belgian Malinois during my time in dog parks. They are all about chasing tennis balls.

I once saw a shepherd that was different looking. I asked if it was a Mailnois. No, it was a Czech shepherd. I had never heard of them before and have never seen one since.

German Shepherds also like to chase balls. The one that I see the most and know his owners best will bring the ball, like many dogs do, drop it at its owners feet and wait for it to be kicked or thrown. It also brings it to others that are regulars and drops it. If I try to kick the ball for this dog, it is like a dance. It knows how to position its body so that I am rarely very successful in getting the ball more than a few feet. If I move around, repositioning myself, it does too. I always think of it as dancing with this dog. I need a Chuck-it to be able to throw a ball very far, and this dog also understands the physics of my positioning if I am throwing it by hand.

 

[Alaskajohn]

With only one exception, there is no such thing as a bad dog. Only bad human owners. The only exception? Chihuahua. Pure evil.

 

[squirrelhunter]

We have a pit bull mix and it's 1 of the nicest tender hearted dogs we've ever owned next to our beagles.