Dangerous dog breeds - myth or truth?

Pitbull, amstaff, doberman...these are just some of the dog breeds considered aggressive. Why is this particular breed of dog on the list of aggressive dogs? How much truth is there in the opinions that a given dog breed has aggression in its genes? Let's try to answer these and other questions today.

Before we answer the question whether dangerous dog breeds are a myth or truth, let's explain what aggression in dogs is.

Causes of aggression in dogs

The most common causes of aggression in dogs include:

• improper socialization of the dog
• dog training using violence
• traumatic experiences of a dog
• keeping the dog in difficult conditions, e.g. in a kennel or on a chain
• feeling of danger
• uncertainty in a given situation

Remember that aggressive behavior in a dog always has a cause. If a dog is aggressive for no apparent reason, it may have neurological problems.

List of aggressive breeds

In Poland, a list of aggressive dogs was created in 1997. This list included dogs with specific character traits. These include: endurance, stubbornness, tenacity, courage, aversion to strangers, and a tendency to defend resources. They are distinguished by great physical strength and a massive body structure. The list includes most dogs that were or still are used for illegal fights. great strength and a massive body.

Some dog breeds have a stronger defense instinct and are more difficult to train. For this reason, dogs of these breeds require especially wise and consistent management and a responsible owner.

Current list of breeds classified as aggressive:

-American pit bull terrier

-Pies z Majorki (Mallorcan Mastiff Dog)

-American Bulldog

-Dogo Argentino

-Presa Canario Dog

-You are welcome.

-Rottweiler

-Akbash dog

-Anatolian karabash

-Moscow guard

-Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Innate or acquired aggression?

The Polish Kennel Club clearly criticized the Polish list of aggressive dogs with the words: "In no case should the phenomenon of aggression be associated with a specific breed of dog. Regardless of breed or lack thereof, a dog is transformed into a dangerous tool by a person who improperly controls it... the statutory banishment of dogs of any breed is therefore unjust, unfair and unworthy of a civilized society."

Interestingly, the list does not include mixed breed dogs, which according to statistics are the perpetrators of the most bites. They are followed by German Shepherds and Dachshunds, which are in the next places in terms of the number of bites. The latter, perhaps surprisingly, are considered the most vicious.

Deadly jaws of a pitbull

One breed of dog has a particularly bad reputation. These are pit bulls. They are the ones who are credited with the most aggressive behavior. This opinion is fueled by the fact that this breed is at the top of the above infamous list of dangerous breeds. It is said that the gripping force of these dogs ranges from 2 to 3 tons, and the structure of the skull means that when the teeth are clenched, they automatically lock, making it impossible to extract the victim from them.

This matter has been thoroughly investigated by scientists who have decided to dispel doubts. The anatomical structure of pit bulls is no different from that of other dogs and they do not have a mechanism that would permanently tighten them. So everything indicates that dogs of this breed, like any other, can exhibit aggressive behavior if they are not properly trained.

Gentle as a lamb

Most dog owners are afraid when a bull-type dog runs up to them. They imagine a murderous dog that will immediately lunge for your throat. No studies clearly show that bull-type breeds are in any way more dangerous than other dog breeds. Experienced breeders indicate that Amstaffs are wonderful, very nice, very sociable and loving dogs that are famous for their beautiful and wide dog "smile". Bull terriers, like the rest of the bulls, love children! Although Tosa Inu or Argentinian Dog have the need for dominance and defense of resources in their genes, if properly socialized from an early age, they will not show aggression towards people or other animals.

Disenchantment of aggressive races

Every dog can almost equally exhibit aggressive behavior, whether it is a dog that is considered aggressive or a dog from a very gentle breed. Owning a dog, regardless of breed, is an extremely responsible task and all dog owners should remember this.

And finally, I will quote a very accurate statement that the most dangerous dog is the one in the wrong hands.