Are the Most Aggressive Dog Breeds Also the Most Dangerous?

It's not accurate or fair to classify a whole breed of dogs as "dangerous" or "aggressive". Aggression can occur in any breed and is usually the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as poor socialization, abuse, or neglect. Any dog, regardless of breed, can become dangerous if it feels threatened or provoked.

Still, most people innately understand that certain breeds deserve more caution and distance than others. Few parents, for example, would encourage their child to pet a stranger’s rottweiler. Switch the rottweiler with a golden retriever, and you have a scene that plays itself out probably millions of times per day throughout U.S. parks.

Do these innate biases reflect reality, or is this just a weird form of dog racism? Well, as it turns out, things aren’t so simple.

Until relatively recently, dog researchers and laymen alike made a rather silly cognitive error — they mistook aggression for danger. That is, they produced studies and statistics on the biggest, most notorious breeds as though these breeds were the only ones with the potential to bite.

And sure, most people don’t have much to worry about from small breeds, unless you’re two years old, and even the Taco Bell dog looks like a terrifying monster.

But it’s important to identify trends, whether for aggression or family-friendliness, in every breed.

According to a recent study done in Finland, the breeds with the highest likelihood of biting, snarling, or lunging often aren’t those you’d expect. A few of the top contenders included:

1. Chihuahua

2. Dachshund

3. Jack Russell Terrier

4. Miniature Pinscher

5. Australian Cattle Dog

6. Beagle

7. Bichon Frise

8. Lhasa Apso

9. Shih Tzu

10. Toy Poodle

For anyone who has ever been startled by a Shih Tzu in the park doing its best reenactment of “come at me bro,” this might not be much of a surprise. But for those who swaddle their precious Chihuahua in a blanket and carry it to the gym like a purse, it might come as a bit of a shock.

Of course, large canines with big jaws and considerable bite strength are far more likely to severely injure adult humans. Here are a few breeds that are sometimes considered dangerous due to their size and strength:

1. Pit Bull Terrier

2. Rottweiler

3. German Shepherd

4. Siberian Husky

5. Alaskan Malamute

6. Doberman Pinscher

7. Great Dane

8. Saint Bernard

9. Akita

10. Bullmastiff

It's important to note that this list is not comprehensive and that any breed of dog can exhibit aggressive behavior. It's also crucial to remember that individual dogs, not just breeds, can display aggression.

When choosing a dog, focus on selecting a breed that fits your lifestyle, and make sure the dog you bring into your home has been well-socialized and trained. Proper training and socialization can go a long way in reducing the risk of aggressive behavior in dogs.

And that’s all for this week. For more metal nature, keep browsing Metalblog.