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Dog whisperer's most aggressive breeds
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23-11-2010 2:56pmI'm not a huge fan of the dog whisperer and find myself watching it occasionally just to see the dogs. Anyway, I watched an episode last night where they took a look at aggressive dogs.
Over 10,000 viewers voted for what they thought were the most aggressive breeds and Cesar Millan listed the top nine breeds.
The first 6, in no particular order where:
Alaskan malamute
Boxer
Chow chow
Doberman pinscher
Great Dane
Siberian husky
The top 3, in order where
1. Pitbull
2. GSD
3. Rottie
(Of course, the pit bull technically isn’t a breed and he mentioned the staffs etc that are covered under the umbrella of PB.)
When it came time for Millan to say which breed he thought was the most aggressive, he said “none" and that aggressive dogs can be any breed and are a result of their upbringing.
I was happy to hear him say that bit as I feel the exact same and despise the negative press these breeds get for no reason other than an effort to sell papers by shock value. Now I know the top 6 listed above differ from one list to the next but we can all agree that GSDs,pits and Rotties are always a certain addition.
So the reason I'm posting this thread (and I'm hoping it doesn't turn into a war) is to get peoples opinions on aggressive breeds. Do people on here condemn a breed based on hype and bad press alone? You won't be judged if you do but you'll have to have an open mind to the replies.
Could any owners of these amazing breeds post up a pic and positive story about their "devil dogs" to help educate people who aren't aware how great and misunderstood they are. that staffies are known as the nanny dog for example.
Most of you know I'm very passionate about restricted breeds, Akitas in particular and I think it'd be great if we had a thread going to show people how great all these breeds are. We only ever seem to post in response to a bad thread or news story so I'm hoping this will be a preemptive, positive thread. If only a few people read this thread and change their minds about the dogs then it'd be a success.0
Comments
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I'm always torn on Cesar, some of the stuff he does is great, some of it, not so good. But good on him for that, it definitely is the individual dog, and not the breed.
I know that its been discussed many times before, but people get different breeds mixed up, so a lot of the public will say they say a pitbull bite someone, when it could have been a staff, or some totally different breed, that they don't know, but it looks a bit like a pitbull, so thats what they'll say it was. It is the same with siberian huskies, no offence Adser;) but a lot of times people will say they saw a husky bite someone, when it could have been an Akita, shiba inu, even GSD cross, but it looks a bit like a husky, so thats what they say it is.
I used to have a rottie cross who was the soppiest dog ever, everybody loved him, even my friend who has never let a dog into her flat, let Gus stay overnight there. I have photos of him licking her baby's face (under total supervision of course). An ex of mine had a doberman, I used to do the morning dog walk, he'd do the afternoon one, people would cross the street when they saw me coming down the road with Lucky and my own two dogs (lab cross and spaniel cross). But he was soooo gentle, he would sit for hours nibbling my spaniel cross's neck, she would lift her head up, and he would nibble away, she loved it and obviously so did he. He never ever hurt her. He lived with a cat, and they used to groom each other.
Although I have to admit that I do find myself being guilty of breed 'racism' (sorry, not the right word, but my minds gone totally blank) when I meet staffs and pits sometimes. I know its wrong, but I guess the media hype seeps into my brain - they wouldn't do it if it didn't work hey. I don't let it stop me interacting with the dogs, but that little bit of doubt flits across my mind.0 -
ISDW wrote:It is the same with siberian huskies, no offence Adser;) but a lot of times people will say they saw a husky bite someone, when it could have been an Akita, shiba inu, even GSD cross, but it looks a bit like a husky, so thats what they say it is.
Seriously though, I agree with you in that 100%. Any wolfy type dog is a husky or Malamute (Akitas are still rare enough here), any black & brown dog is a Rottie...same for GSDs and PBs0 -
I have the "flicker of doubt" around red setters due to an unprovoked attack on a foster dog I had here. Then the dog turned on it's idiot owner when he tried to pull her off. Terrifying.
But I know it's my problem, and it was the dog and not the breed who did it. (and very obviously the owners fault :mad:). I'm sure when I meet a friendly one it'll get rid of any doubt but for now, my only dealing with a RS was a very bad one.
Same with small dogs, I'm always worried they may be snappy, and indeed, even out walking, my fella has been verbally attacked by jrts and other tiny dogs a good few times. But again the problem obviously lies with the owner. The trouble a small dog who is uncontrolled can cause is amazing! And a lot of the time these smaller dogs who do cause problems do so because their owners think they're too small/cute to need discipline.0 -
All dogs can bite, and a dog's bite of any type on the face is never going to be pleasant. However ...
I know "staffs and pitbulls aren't any more dangerous/aggressive than springer spaniels" is the mantra and groupthink on this forum, and anyone who dares to suggest otherwise is going to get shouted down, but clearly different breeds do have different characteristics, and those characteristics include both physical attributes and behavioural ones.
Certain breeds have the physical characteristics to make an attack far worse if one occurs, some have much less bite inhibition than others, and yes some are more aggressive.
"Temperament is not the issue, nor is it even relevant. What is relevant is actuarial risk. If almost any other dog has a bad moment, someone may get bitten, but will not be maimed for life or killed, and the actuarial risk is accordingly reasonable. If a pit bull terrier has a bad moment, often someone is maimed or killed—and that has now created off-the-chart actuarial risk, for which the dogs as well as their victims are paying the price."
Merritt Clifton (see wiki link below)
Have a look at US fatalities for 2010 here (wikipedia)
It's predominantly pitbull (types?) with the odd GSD, husky, rottie etc thrown in. THERE ARE NO SPRINGER SPANIELS IN THAT LIST!
Even if you want to fall back on "bad owners", which does almost certainly skew the results towards PBTs there must be some bad spaniel owners out there too, read back all the way to 2005, the only two breeds there that would give anyone a surprise are jack russell and dachshund. Bad owners doesn't come close to explaining those lists.0 -
I don't really understand what people's real issue with Cesar Millan is to be honest. He clearly says there's a time and place for positive reinforcement, and a time and place for correction of bad or unwanted behaviours. Do you raise a child with purely positive reinforcement? No - the child needs stability and rules as well as love and rewards.Even if you want to fall back on "bad owners", which does almost certainly skew the results towards PBTs there must be some bad spaniel owners out there too, read back all the way to 2005, the only two breeds there that would give anyone a surprise are jack russell and dachshund. Bad owners doesn't come close to explaining those lists
Actually I'm not surprised to see jrts on that list. They're small dogs with lots of energy, so people are often inclined to see them as cute. If a large dog was to jump all over you, you'd probably fall over or at least be knocked back a bit, so it's unlikely you'll tolerate that behaviour. If a Jack Russel does it many people allow it because they're cute and looking for affection - it's unlikely someone would get hurt. The small dog gradually becomes more aggressive if its unwanted behaviours are not corrected.0 -
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society is a major problem, and even when we try not to, even the best of us can be swayed by the media and public opinion.
Im fostering a Pit Bull at the mo (on a different note, whats the difference between a pit bull and a staffie? i don't see any), and though i've worked with dogs for years, ive very little experience of the breed.
When the dog was dropped off to me I couldnt help but feel a tiny but hessitant when approaching him. Im not sure if i would have been like that if it was another breed, but I just felt a little cautious when looking him in the face.
I only have him just over a week, but within 10 mins I had totally fallen for him, and when he's mixing with the other dogs he's so submissive, he's a pleasure to have around.
My sister met him on Saturday evening. I had told her how amazing he is, and when she met him she got very upset, because he was just kissing her hand but she found it hard to look at him. if he was a lab she would be cuddling him, but she couldnt help her subconscious fear simply because of how he looked. She wanted to be able to cuddle him (and did after a while) but she couldnt help but feel incredible guilt for being afraid of him.
Next time she meets him im sure she'll cuddle him straight away, and next time she meets a bull breed hopefully she'll feel that she can approach them (with the owners permission) with much more confidence. (btw she's never had a bad experience with any dog).
I think that people have to actively educate themselves about every breed.
The majority of the general publics only experience of these breeds is what they read, and they dont have much of an oppertunity to meet and cuddle these dogs.
Im sure there are millions out there (and on this forum) that can say "i used to be scared of GSDs/Pit Bulls/Rotties etc until I met one..."0 -
All dogs can bite, and a dog's bite of any type on the face is never going to be pleasant. However ...
I know "staffs and pitbulls aren't any more dangerous/aggressive than springer spaniels" is the mantra and groupthink on this forum, and anyone who dares to suggest otherwise is going to get shouted down, but clearly different breeds do have different characteristics, and those characteristics include both physical attributes and behavioural ones.
Certain breeds have the physical characteristics to make an attack far worse if one occurs, some have much less bite inhibition than others, and yes some are more aggressive.
"Temperament is not the issue, nor is it even relevant. What is relevant is actuarial risk. If almost any other dog has a bad moment, someone may get bitten, but will not be maimed for life or killed, and the actuarial risk is accordingly reasonable. If a pit bull terrier has a bad moment, often someone is maimed or killed—and that has now created off-the-chart actuarial risk, for which the dogs as well as their victims are paying the price."
Merritt Clifton (see wiki link below)
Have a look at US fatalities for 2010 here (wikipedia)
It's predominantly pitbull (types?) with the odd GSD, husky, rottie etc thrown in. THERE ARE NO SPRINGER SPANIELS IN THAT LIST!
Even if you want to fall back on "bad owners", which does almost certainly skew the results towards PBTs there must be some bad spaniel owners out there too, read back all the way to 2005, the only two breeds there that would give anyone a surprise are jack russell and dachshund. Bad owners doesn't come close to explaining those lists.
I do see your initial point but its my opinion that bad owners are the root of it. Yes a pb may do more damage in a full attack than a poodle, size and strength alone dictate that. However a pit is not simply more likely to attack than a poodle. And temprement, along with upbringing and socialisation are vital factors for any breed. I'm not saying there arent bad springer owners out there but proportionatly there are more bad owners of pits,rotties etc as they are an attractive breed for scumbags the world over who want to look hard and/or fight dogs. A pitbull is not born vicious, mistreatment causes that to manifest and in my own experience I've come across a lot more vicous small breeds than those on the restricted list. Do you mind me asking if you have any experience with pits or the like? Im not having a go or anything, i'm just curious as to the origins of your opinion0 -
Its most definitely the owners. Dogs are not born evil, owners can make them that way however. Its time to put the whole evil breeds thing to bed. Its a size issue, the big dogs can do the most damage. Thats why we never see a JRT on the news even tho they are miniature killing machines basically.
By the way, Adser, cheers for the BBC horizon dogs docu recommendation, absolutely loved it. The beginning of it was scientifically backing up everything Ive seen Cesar Millan do for years. Which was nice coz Im more of a scientist than a spiritualist. If u every want a loan of his books gimme a shout!0 -
my jessie,rescued from a dog's life,underweight burn marks on her paws(b######s) and desperately nervous :mad:
today,she is a true lady,gentle and loving,all she wants is to be loved,no aggression in her what so ever,i have had a types of breeds and im an avid lover of rottie's now,i have friends with rottie's and dont no a bad one(all bitches have no experience of male's)0 -
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I try my best to not judge any dog, no matter the breed, until I have had some interaction with it. Like humans all dogs are different, some are ambassadors and some really let the side down.
There are so many things to consider when looking at statistics for dog bites and fatalities. PBs are hugley popular in the US and so there are bound to be more incidents associated with a more popular breed and statistics will be skewed. They also tend to attract less than stellar owners in some cases as they are seen as a tough guy's dog.
Poor breeding practices have a huge role to play in dog aggression in all breeds I feel.
Whenever I meet anyone walking a restricted breed I make an extra effort to be friendly to them and their dog. I once had someone cross the road from me when I was walking my Malamute and I'll tell you it was the worst feeling in the world. I'd hate to have to deal with it on a regular basis.0 -
Even if you want to fall back on "bad owners", which does almost certainly skew the results towards PBTs there must be some bad spaniel owners out there too, read back all the way to 2005, the only two breeds there that would give anyone a surprise are jack russell and dachshund. Bad owners doesn't come close to explaining those lists.
The press overwhelmingly chase stories on "devil dogs" attacking or killing people, and will either gloss over or ignore deaths caused by other breeds. The article is relying on the press to report every death at the hands of a dog in the United states. But they don't report them. They generally only report them where it's likely to sell papers. Nobody wants to hear that their lovely lab could be their death, but when it's some stranger's "dangerous" pitbull, then the public laps it up.
That alone can easily account for the overwhelming number of pitbulls in the list. On top of that however, you also have misreporting. In more ways than one:
- A pit-bull "type" could easily be a lab, such is the ignorance of the general media.
- What initially looks like an attack, can later be revealed to be nothing of the sort, but the paper will never print a correction. Especially if it's a pitbull.
I picked two from the 2010 list, randomly as I could;
This one. Tragic. Not much to say really. Probably an accident - a playful or curious dog with strong jaws did serious damage to a very vulnerable child. In reality could have occured with any medium-size dog. But probably reported because it was a husky.
This one. Much more interesting:
- The man was family, and he often walked the dogs
- The dogs appeared to be well behaved for the daughter and never caused any trouble
Some of the wounds (bearing in mind that I wasn't there) don't appear serious enough if this was a full-on attack by four pitbulls. There's certainly little there to indicate what killed him. In fact, it reminds me of a similar story in the UK where it was reported that a rottweiler attacked and savaged his owner while out walking - the man's face and ears had bite wounds as had his arms and chest. Eyewitnesses reported the dog going crazy attacking the man with absolute viciousness. It later emerged (after the "savage attack" had been reported in the media) that the man had died from a heart attack and his best friend of ten years was simply trying to wake him up.
I would put very good bets on a "county medical examiner", bored or anxious to get home, being quite happy to chalk a death up to an accident caused by the dogs rather than actually find out what it was that killed him.
From looking at various reports of "attacks" from countries all over the world, and digging a little deeper into them, I'm of the opinion now that media reports as a source of information on dog attacks are completely and utterly worthless for any kind of rational or scientific discussion on the issue. They are frequently wrong and overwhelmingly self-selected to only report on attacks by certain breeds.0 -
By the way, Adser, cheers for the BBC horizon dogs docu recommendation, absolutely loved it. The beginning of it was scientifically backing up everything Ive seen Cesar Millan do for years. Which was nice coz Im more of a scientist than a spiritualist. If u every want a loan of his books gimme a shout!
No bother Vai, I thought it was brilliant too. Like you I'm more of a scientist when it comes to thingsand cheers for the offer, might take you up on it if I can ever convince the missus (and myself lol) to get a third akita
I once had someone cross the road from me when I was walking my Malamute and I'll tell you it was the worst feeling in the world. I'd hate to have to deal with it on a regular basis.0 -
When it came time for Millan to say which breed he thought was the most aggressive, he said “none" and that aggressive dogs can be any breed and are a result of their upbringing.
I saw that episode and was confused as to why he bothered at all with the whole thing if that's his opinion, which I agree with. But then anything to popularise his show/dvd/booksI know "staffs and pitbulls aren't any more dangerous/aggressive than springer spaniels" is the mantra and groupthink on this forum, and anyone who dares to suggest otherwise is going to get shouted down, but clearly different breeds do have different characteristics, and those characteristics include both physical attributes and behavioural ones.
I admit that I might be quick to jump in on a discussion here when someone suggests that staffs/pits are more aggressive/dangerous. However it is frustrating when people are clearly basing their opinions on media hype and misinformation. I don't really think that posters get "shouted down" in that regard, there are a number of posters here (myself included) that are passionate about the subject and just want to tell the truth about these breeds.
I know that a larger dog may cause more damage due to size and jaw strength, but there are far bigger and stronger breeds than the likes of staffs/pits/other RB's that are never mentioned in that regard.CreedonsDogDayc wrote: »I only have him just over a week, but within 10 mins I had totally fallen for him, and when he's mixing with the other dogs he's so submissive, he's a pleasure to have around...
..Im sure there are millions out there (and on this forum) that can say "i used to be scared of GSDs/Pit Bulls/Rotties etc until I met one..."
+1, you really fall for these breeds when you meet one.my jessie,rescued from a dog's life,underweight burn marks on her paws(b######s) and desperately nervous :mad:
today,she is a true lady,gentle and loving,all she wants is to be loved,no aggression in her what so ever,i have had a types of breeds and im an avid lover of rottie's now,i have friends with rottie's and dont no a bad one(all bitches have no experience of male's)
Jessie is a beaut - she looks so noble0 -
This is Benson, my 2 y/o Rottweiler
Such a softie, he's great with kids and other dogs. And loves giving kisses! lol
march 044.jpg0 -
No one who knows dogs or has studied the research could ever believe that one breed is more aggressive than another. If we think that a breed is potentially aggressive then we act differently with that breed & the dog picks up on this reaction.
A breed that is perceived as aggressive will appeal to the type of owner that wants a "guard" dog or a owner who will encourage aggression.
Dogs are not naturally aggressive. Wolves & other pack animals cannot afford to be aggressive. If they fight & one of them gets injured it reduces the packs ability to hunt. It amazes me how people will use the "Wolves" argument in stating that any dog can bite. Wolves rarely bite. They even have a pack member who's job is to break up & pacify any potential aggression.
From what I have seen of Milan he owes dogs a few bonus points for all the crap that he has been spouting over the years.0 -
We have over the years had sheep dogs, red setters, old english sheep dog, elkhounds (currently 2), soft coated wheaten terrier and the most volatile and difficult to manage is my basset hound who provokes the cuteness response in everyone!! You never can tell, wouldnt believe the amount people terrified of the elkhounds0
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This sums up Milan really well - it is also very funny & rude !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXuj3Kss9c40 -
liquoriceall wrote: »We have over the years had sheep dogs, red setters, old english sheep dog, elkhounds (currently 2), soft coated wheaten terrier and the most volatile and difficult to manage is my basset hound who provokes the cuteness response in everyone!! You never can tell, wouldnt believe the amount people terrified of the elkhounds
People afraid of Elkhounds :eek:
That's mad they're closer to cats than canines :rolleyes:
One thing to remember for those fatal dog attacks is to consider that 300 million people live in America, & who knows how many dogs !
I'm sure 10 times more people are killed by cattle, horses & other livestock in any given year than by dogs !
Another thing to consider; is to ask how many people die thru infection with pet borne diseases like Toxoplasmosis, Tetanus, or Saelmonella compared to biting; & yet awareness of this legitimate risk is non-existent compared to animals attacks.
Even if there are 'Dangerous Breeds', the risk they represent is infinitesimal, compared to all the other risks we face in life, & even the real concerns we ought to have about our pets.0 -
There are a number of factors here. Primarily you have to look at every single item in that list with suspicion because they're compiled from press reports.
The press overwhelmingly chase stories on "devil dogs" attacking or killing people, and will either gloss over or ignore deaths caused by other breeds. The article is relying on the press to report every death at the hands of a dog in the United states. But they don't report them. They generally only report them where it's likely to sell papers. Nobody wants to hear that their lovely lab could be their death, but when it's some stranger's "dangerous" pitbull, then the public laps it up.
So basically for what you're saying to be true is :
"Since 2005 100's of people have been killed in the US by spaniels, beagles and corgies and the press haven't bothered to report even one of the deaths?"Have you any evidence for that at all, or did you just make it up?
It seems to me you have already decided that a pitbull is no more aggressive or dangerous than a spaniel, and when confronted with evidence to the contrary you just dismiss it and make up a defence.
I'd have thought that the press would love a story about a raging pack of chihuahuas savaging a passer-by to death, but you're suggesting it happens on a regular basis and the press (even the local papers) can't be arsed?
On the whole "bad owners" thing, I do accept that those who want a vicious dog will be attracted to these breeds, and the figures are skewed somewhat because of that but in no way does it explain those lists.
Also, I guess it's back to how you'd answer the question "are guns dangerous?" in of themselves they're lumps of metal and wood that lie in a cupboard and can't hurt a fly, a child left alone with one, or in the hands of the wrong person, well that's different. Guns don't kill people etc etc, I'm still glad I live in a state with very tight gun laws though.This one. Much more interesting:
- The man was family, and he often walked the dogs
- The dogs appeared to be well behaved for the daughter and never caused any trouble
Some of the wounds (bearing in mind that I wasn't there ) don't appear serious enough if this was a full-on attack by four pitbulls. There's certainly little there to indicate what killed him.
Are you serious?
Johnny Wilson, 56, was found Jan. 17 lying on the floor covered in blood. His ears were bitten off, one eye was mauled, and he had bite wounds on his chest, upper body and head, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office, who ruled Wilson's death an accident.0 -
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I'm on my phone so have ti keep this short but will reply property later.
PH I hear everything you're saying and while I disagree I'm glad you're posting as I wanted a good debate in this. Like I asked already, have you a reason for your feelings on pits or is your opinion based on the media? The reason I ask is because Ithink its relevant to my reasons for starting this thread. i.e to help educate people and help change their preconceived notions about these breeds. The inaccuracies of dog bit stats are well documented on here as they are almost always based on inaccurate and inconclusive media reports. As for the media targeting these breeds, EGAR(a very well respected member on here who runs a bull breed rescue) was attacked and badly injured a few years back by a Lab if I remember correctly. The media had her hounded,.even in the hospital for the story until they found out it wasn't one of the bullies that did it. Hearing it was a lab, they scarpered and it never hit the papers0 -
I met the most beautiful cane corso today, so calm and gentle, the couple have a young child also who gave him a big hug and he didn't even try and jump on her or knock her over (unlike the cocker spaniel I seen after that).
When I see a dog regardless of breed I look at the owner and then make a decision as to weather I need to be be weary or not. If they are your typical looking scumbag with their trousers tucked into their socks and a dog at the end of a chain jumping and lunging at things I stay well away. I also look at how they are controling their dog, if the dog is offlead and running amock in public and the owner is clearly making no effort to control the dog (I don't care if it's on a lead or not I just want to see people controling their dogs) I stay well away. I first judge the owner as they are the one's who shape their dog's behaviour.
As regards my experience of aggressive dogs, I would have to say westies, poms, jrt's and collies. Doesn't make me hate or avoid all of these breeds (just their owners :rolleyes:).0 -
From personal exerience there are only 2 breeds that people I know of have been seriously bitten by and I put this down to them being the most common amongst the general population of people I know.From what I have seen of Milan he owes dogs a few bonus points for all the crap that he has been spouting over the years.
I watched the episode where the dog whisperer meets the horse whisperer which completely brings this into perspective, there are no two species more different imo and to see how they condensed it all into a bunch of principles that were basicly the same thing in both cases is shocking.0 -
So basically for what you're saying to be true is :
"Since 2005 100's of people have been killed in the US by spaniels, beagles and corgies and the press haven't bothered to report even one of the deaths?".
Please have a read of the following and tell me that there is no bias against Rotties, Pits and the like in the media:
http://nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/dog-bites/dog-bites-and-the-media/audience-interest/
http://nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/dog-bites/dog-bites-and-the-media/breed-identification/
http://nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/media-reporting-of-canine-aggression.pdf0 -
"Since 2005 100's of people have been killed in the US under circumstances potentially involving the family dog and the mainstream press haven't bothered to report most of the deaths correctly?"Have you any evidence for that at all, or did you just make it up?
In general, the chances of your death being due to a dog attack are about 1 in 700,000. 2.5 million people die in the states each year. So I would expect to see between 3 and 4 deaths per year in the United States due to dog attacks.
Yet you're trying to tell me that it's consistently ten times higher than it should be?
So either there's a serious problem with dog attacks in the US, or there's something amiss with the reporting. Since they don't seem to be too hysterical about the former, I'm erring towards the latter.It seems to me you have already decided that a pitbull is no more aggressive or dangerous than a spaniel, and when confronted with evidence to the contrary you just dismiss it and make up a defence.
Just ask another poster here who was badly mauled by a Golden Retriever, but when she told the press who came knocking that it wasn't a vicious pitbull, they left and wrote no story about it.Johnny Wilson, 56, was found Jan. 17 lying on the floor covered in blood. His ears were bitten off, one eye was mauled, and he had bite wounds on his chest, upper body and head, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office, who ruled Wilson's death an accident.0 -
In MY experience, the most agressive dogs I have me have all been of toy size. I personally think its because the owners screw up their social development by letting them stand on them possessively cus its "cute" and scaredly picking them up when they are tiny pups because all other dogs look like monsters and they think they are about to be attacked.
When my collie(who get very bad press around small animals and children) was a pup she got rolled over, bowled over, sat on, sniffed at even snapped at by every dog we came accross. If she hid behind me I turned her around and offered her butt to the other dog. Best thing I ever did. She learned doggy rules fairly quickly.(She was constnatly around my rabbit and nephews/neices too)
BTW, I have NEVER met a nice Pom. They only ever seem to nice to their owners0 -
In MY experience, the most agressive dogs I have me have all been of toy size. I personally think its because the owners screw up their social development by letting them stand on them possessively cus its "cute" and scaredly picking them up when they are tiny pups because all other dogs look like monsters and they think they are about to be attacked.
When my collie(who get very bad press around small animals and children) was a pup she got rolled over, bowled over, sat on, sniffed at even snapped at by every dog we came accross. If she hid behind me I turned her around and offered her butt to the other dog. Best thing I ever did. She learned doggy rules fairly quickly.(She was constnatly around my rabbit and nephews/neices too)
BTW, I have NEVER met a nice Pom. They only ever seem to nice to their owners
Likewise. I've never been bitten by a dog, but I wont approach a toy breed without scoping it out for a few moments. RB's on the other hand, not a problem. I've never owned one (so far, my own little RB will be here in a few weeks) but that's never stopped me from approaching them. My parents, of course, tried to tell me over and over to stay away from German shepherds, rotties, dobies, etc, but I've never hesitated in walking up to one. Staffs and Pits get bad press but every single one I've met was a complete and utter slob. Its like humans, nature or nurture? And quite frankly, I believe its nurture.
Then again, I have two pet ferrets and I'm constantly being asked if they bite, being told that they could do serious damage etc. Yet I walked into the kitchen earlier to find the two ferrets and one of our latest rescued kittens curled up together sound asleep. Yes, so very dangerous aren't they0 -
Ok so here are my so called 'devil dogs'
Pebbles A Staffy , Bear A Staffy , Socks A Staffy, & Boots A Pitbull
SOCKS
BOOTS
AND MY 2 GIRLS
Ive Never had a problem with any them. They are so loving & loyal to me. They are very obident too. Im sure if you come and look at http://eirepitbulls.forumotion.com/forum.htm
you will find loads of staffy & pitbull owners with nothing but good postive stories to tell you about them0 -
Absolute beauts!! One thing I have to say about staffs is, to me anyway, they always look like they're smiling0
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Does anyone notice it is mostly small dogs he deals with. Mostly Chihuahuas as far as I can see. Vicious buggers!0
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