The truth is that there are some dogs that were bred to be more violent. (I am a dog lover btw). Yes, you can socialize and properly train some of the "rougher" breeds, but the fact is, you have to know what you're doing and train them right. Its nature and nurture. There are some breeds that don't need someone who knows what they're doing to get a "safe" dog. My brother had two rotties. One was the sweetest thing in the world. The other had behavioral issues even at 8 weeks (they almost gave him back bc of concern). They didn't train him properly either (you shouldn't tease or play tug-of-war games, etc., with a dog with this disposition). That dog bit several people...all family.
That being said, the dogs most common to bite people are actually small breed dogs! However, these dogs aren't likely to inflict much damage. "A study, published this week in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science, with researchers questioning 6000 dog owners had some surprising conclusions. The dog breed most likely to bite was not the Pit Bull, Rottweiler, or German Shepherd, but …wait for it…the Dachshund. And second was the Chihuahua, followed by the Jack Russell Terrier." |
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But if a small dog bites, it's not likely to kill you. |
Wolf hybrids are just dangerous. Period. |
+1. Mine is absolutely amazing with kids. We routinely let him play with our friends children- it is the cutest thing ever to watch him. He is so very gentle (especially if they are trying to give him a treat) He is very cautious. He is a great dog, but you have to do submissive training with the breed from a young age (essentially put him on your lap for at least 30 minutes on their back). The first week or two they will struggle. After that, once they develop a trust, they will be the best cuddle dog EVER. Our dog loves to snuggle. Best dog ever- with the right training. |
cocker spaniel. One person dogs, and mean as hell if you are not that one person. And they stink, I will never again have a cocker. Mine is only 5, sure he will live another 10 yrs to drive me crazy. Still pee's in the house if you are not home, even for a minute. Total anxiety. |
Who ARE these people who over react about dogs? What exactly do you know about dogs besides identifying breeds? Really, anyone can Google all day - if they had that kind of time.
I just can not imagine going through life with an irrational fear of anything, dogs included. There seem a disproportionate number of people who seem outrageous about dogs. Educate yourself. |
I just wanted to add another pro-pit bull voice. We have a wonderful rescue pit bull who has been a member of our family for 5 years. he's the most well behaved dog I've ever known. Of course we are very responsible with him (never letting him off leash in a non- fenced area or unsupervised with kids) but we would be just as careful if he was a lab or any other large sized dog. |
I used to walk the SWEETEST Wolf hybrid. This dog was enormous and stopped traffic, his name was Bear. He was 180lbs and very calm and extremely sweet. He was not protective at all and would allow anyone in the home. |
The only dog I truly can not stand is a Pomeranian. All my dogs are mutts, love them. |
I have a rescue Rottweiler and Pit Bull. They were rescued at 4 and 7 weeks from a breeder who was (very much illegally) fighting Pit Bulls. My Rottie has no teeth, they were pulled at 6 weeks because they are used as training dogs against the Pitt Bulls (for size and strength, but pull teeth and claws so they can't do much damage).
They are both the sweetest things, all the older dogs had to be put down, and WERE violent, but they were RAISED to be that way. My dogs would eat out of your hand, I would have NO issue letting either of them around an infant. It's all about how they are raised and loved. |
Border Collie/black lab mix. Sweet and smart, but they take four years to mature. They chew, dig and nip. only when we started throwing a ball several times a day to wear her out, did she start behaving. We love her, and will keep her forever, but never again!! |
I was raised with hybrids. The key is getting one that is mixed with a docile dog breed. Like Golden Lab or Retriever. Our best was 3/4 wolf and 1/4 golden retriever. But even though she was sweet, she was strictly outdoors, and she could not be trusted off a leash. I would not recommend them as a family pet, or to someone who won't exercise them or socialize them. Great for a single or couple. |
But if they bite a small child in the face, they can do horrible damage that will require many surgeries to fix. I speak from experience. |
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