top 10 most agressive dog breeds?

[dustyhelp]

I have had a few dogs that we have bought from breeders (cocker spaniel and a chihuahua). i was wondering the difference in personality traits in "bred to be sold" dogs like the ones above, and those that are saved from shelters?
The cocker we had bit everyone in the house, and was very rough with my little sister and I. we had her spayed and trained, but nothing worked. sadly, but also luckily(not to be mean) we had to give the spaniel back to the breeder we got her from. The Chihuahua had the same basic personality, but we had to give her away to the local shelter (she was later adopted). But we rescued a spitz/blue heeler mix and he is the sweetest dog ive ever had.

so are shelter dogs nicer?

and as the title says, what are the top 10 most agressive dog breeds?

thanks

[ckranz]

While others may disagree, I don't think there are any breeds more or less aggressive than any other breeds.

Individual dogs may be more aggressive than others of the same breed, but most aggression is a learned response...something all dogs are capable of learning.

If you look at the ATTS statistics you will find that breeds that people generally consider aggressive tend to actually do really well on this test compared to some of the smaller more common biters.

Purchasing a dog from a reputable breed, you should get a good quality dog of sound temperment meeting the breed standard, or working standards and drives if looking for a working/field bred dog.

There are so many backyard breeders producing ill-bred chi's and cockers that it is truly hard to find a good breeder. Most often these ill-bred dog develope genetic related medical issues like hip dysplasia, eye issues, skin issue releated to the particular breed.

Aggression is not something to be compared between breeds.

What might be a better comparison would be something like Drive, tenacity, bidability, independence as these characteristics are often used to separate competative dogs (sporting venues) or working dogs (police and SAR and PP trained dogs) from the average pet dog.

When purchasing a puppy, Its always best if you can meet the parents. If a breeder will ot allow you to meet the parents..run don't walk, run away, that is not a breeder whose pups you want. While the temperment of the parents does not guarentee good temperment, it is a good indicator.

Dogs end up in shelters for a variety of reasons. At least prior to current economic situation, the biggest reasons involve behaviors that owner's have no idea or lack the willingness to deal with. If all dog were acquired perfectly trained our shelters would be relatively empty.

[Gert]

When people start to classify dog breeds as aggressive we get breed ban legislation. It is attitudes like this that make it hard for people like me to own APBT, bulldogs ,rots ect...

I would suggest you do tons of research. It is very upsetting to me that you have went through 2 dogs so far. Owning a dog is a huge responsibility. Do not do it if you can not train and provide for the dog. A responsible owner will work with the dog and try to rectify the situation, and not pass the problem off and forget about it.

Dogs are individuals just like people. One of the most gentle dogs I have been around was a large APBT. The worst dog bite I have ever seen was a little girl bit in the face by a Lab.

If you get another dog please please research first and get a trainer or behaviorist.

How would you have felt if the dog you sent back to the pound was not adopted and PTS? Did you try a trainer?

You should also read up on dog behavior,training and basic care.
Do not add to the horrible dog pound problem by sending dogs there b/c you have not been a responsible owner.

[Nettle]

The best dogs come from careful breeders and go to careful owners.

Good breeders (yes we do exist) choose parent dogs for temperament and soundness, and handle and socialise puppies constantly so that they know they have nothing to fear from human hands, and that people are a nice experience. Pups from breeders like these will always turn out far better than pups from less good sources. If they cost more, it is money well spent.

Good owners seek to be fair and consistent with their pups, to acknowledge that they are dogs not fluffy toys or ego boosters (I am not saying OP has done either of these things) to train, feed and exercise to the dog's needs not their own, and to be "a safe place" to their dogs at all times.

Badly-bred dogs can often be turned into good companions by the right people: well-bred and reared dogs can be ruined by the wrong treatment.


Anyone who has had to rehome/pts two dogs in succession would benefit from guidance from a good behaviourist, to find out exactly what went wrong.