| What do you think is the most dangerous dog? A | | | | there are sheep and accordingly he may try to herd |
| pit-bull, right? Nope, wrong. Surely then it must be a | | | | people or other objects. He is generally a loving, |
| Rottweiler, a German-Shepherd, or maybe even a | | | | sweet animal but may become aggressive if he feels |
| Chow-Chow. Again, nope, no-way, and incorrect. The | | | | someone or something is interfering with his herding |
| correct answer is... a Dachshund. Yes, you read that | | | | job. |
| correctly. Dachshunds are the most dangerous type | | | | 7. Dachshund - The Dachshund, meaning "badger dog" |
| of dogs. Researchers from the University of | | | | in German, was bred to dig into holes, hunt for, and |
| Pennsylvania recently surveyed 6,000 dog owners | | | | fight to the death with badgers. Dachshunds tend to |
| and found that "one in five dachshunds have bitten | | | | be territorial and in order to make the integration into |
| or tried to bite strangers, and a similar number have | | | | family life as smooth and happy as possible he |
| attacked other dogs; one in 12 have snapped at their | | | | requires consistent assertion from his owners |
| owners." | | | | throughout his lifetime. |
| So, surely the number 2 dog on the list must be a pit | | | | 8. Llasa Apso - Llasos were bred for hundreds of |
| bull, right? Wrong! It appears that Napoleon | | | | years as indoor watchdogs. They are naturally |
| Syndrome is real because the number 2 dog is a | | | | suspicious of strangers. Additionally, the dog |
| Chihuahua. Chihuahuas have similar statistics to | | | | possesses an aloof and independent personality - it |
| dachshunds when it comes to biting strangers, their | | | | requires consistent handling throughout it's life and |
| owners, or other dogs. Completing the top 3 list is | | | | requires daily walks or exercise. Llaso's are best for |
| the Jack Russell Terrier. So, why is that we assume | | | | adult only families. |
| pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Chow Chows are the most | | | | 9. Miniature Pinscher - Miniature Pinschers are fearless, |
| dangerous dogs? | | | | animated, and independent creatures. They are |
| The answer is actually quite simple. It's because most | | | | spirited, and require consistent reminders about who |
| clinical studies on this subject use medical data as the | | | | the true alpha dog is in the family. |
| basis for their research. Since big dogs create bigger | | | | 10. Jack Russell Terrier (officially known as Parson |
| wounds they're reported more frequently and this | | | | Russell Terriers) - These little dogs are bright and |
| causes the medical data to be skewed inaccurately | | | | very energetic. They require lots of exercise and are |
| toward big dogs. Truthfully, all breeds can be | | | | better in families with older children as they do not |
| provoked to bite. Whether or not a dog actually bites | | | | tolerate rough handling from small children. |
| is generally a result of how well it's been trained and | | | | 11. Pit Bull - What is commonly known as the pit bull is |
| treated. So, the question really is what dog breeds | | | | officially known in England as the Staffordshire |
| are genetically predisposed to aggressiveness? Here's | | | | Bull-Terrier and in the United States it's known as the |
| a list, in no particular order, of the 15 most dangerous | | | | American Staffordshire-Terrier. Whatever you call it, |
| dogs. | | | | this dog is actually very people-oriented and is |
| 1. Giant Schnauzer - Similar to German Shepherds, the | | | | happiest when he is made part of the family and |
| Giant Schnauzer was trained in Germany to assist | | | | given a job to do. He is generally very friendly but is |
| soldiers. This dangerous dog possesses the size of a | | | | loyal to a fault to his family and will protect them |
| Great Dane with the intelligence of a Schnauzer. | | | | from any threat. |
| These qualities in addition to his natural tendency to | | | | 12. Rottweiler - Rottweilers love their people and are |
| be fiercely loyal make this a dog of which to be | | | | protective of their territory. They do not welcome |
| aware. Stranger anxiety in the Giant Schnauzer is | | | | strangers until properly introduced. Obedience training |
| more common than other dogs. | | | | and socialization are musts. |
| 2. Akita Inu - The Akita Inu is a heavy boned, | | | | 13. German Shepherd - The German Shepherd is a |
| powerful, and alert dog. He possesses a dignified and | | | | renowned guard and military dog. It is also a loving |
| courageous persona and has a tendency to be | | | | family companion. The breed is direct and fearless, |
| aggressive toward other dogs. | | | | with a strong, muscular body. He is a great family |
| 3. Chow Chow - According the American Kennel Club, | | | | dog and is only on the most dangerous list because |
| "... the Chow is reserved and discerning with | | | | he can be trained to be aggressive (as can most |
| strangers. Their cat-like personalities make them | | | | dogs) |
| independent, stubborn and less eager to please than | | | | 14. Dalmatian - The Dalmatian is the only horse |
| other breeds. They require early socialization and | | | | "coaching" dog in the world and he has retained a |
| training, and some kind of exercise daily. | | | | natural affinity for horses. Dalmatians are very |
| 4. Bullmastiff - The Bullmastiff is fearless and | | | | energetic and require daily long walks or romps in a |
| confident. They were originally bred to guard natural | | | | fenced yard. Without regular exercise he can become |
| game preserves from poachers as such they are | | | | destructive. |
| natural guardians of the home, but do not bark much, | | | | 15. Chihuahua - Swift moving and terrier-like in |
| as silence was a virtue when guarding the preserves. | | | | behavior, Chihuahuas are highly intelligent and should |
| Bullmastiffs are independent thinkers and may not | | | | not be underestimated even though small in size. |
| respond to traditional obedience training. | | | | They do not tolerate the rough handling that comes |
| 5. Papillion - The Papillion, is very small and very loyal | | | | with young children so they are best for families with |
| to its family. It can be weary of strangers and | | | | older or no kids. |
| though they are generally sweet tempered they | | | | Remember, all dogs can be provoked and all dogs, |
| need to be watched carefully around non-family | | | | given the proper training, can be well mannered |
| members or other dogs visiting their home. | | | | animals. Whatever breed you decide to add to your |
| 6. Old English Sheepdog - Old English Sheepdogs | | | | family it is important to socialize your pet with other |
| (OES) are athletic and energetic and require lots of | | | | animals and people as soon as possible. Also, |
| exercise. The OES was bred to herd sheep. He has | | | | consistent routines, affirmation, and discipline will |
| retained his natural tendency to herd whether or not | | | | make your new dog a happy member of the family. |