Aggressive Dog Breeds: Separating Fact from Fiction

As a lifelong dog lover and certified canine behavior consultant, I‘ve worked with hundreds of dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds. One of the most pervasive myths I encounter is the idea that certain breeds are inherently aggressive. The truth is, any dog can show aggressive behavior without proper training, socialization, and management. Aggression is much more complex than a simple breed label.

In this article, we‘ll take a closer look at some of the breeds most commonly associated with aggression, explore the history and original purposes behind these breeds, and dive into the latest scientific research on canine aggression. My goal is to provide a balanced, in-depth look at a highly charged topic and give you the tools to be the best owner you can be, no matter what kind of dog shares your home.

Breed History and Purpose

Many of the breeds that are now considered aggressive were originally developed for jobs that required a certain degree of aggression, or at least the willingness to stand up to a threat. Understanding what these dogs were originally bred to do can help explain some of their innate tendencies and drives.

Pit Bulls

Pit Bulls were originally bred for the cruel sports of bull baiting and dog fighting. The dogs needed to be courageous and tenacious enough to take on a bull or another dog, but also human-friendly enough to be handled even in the heat of a fight. Today‘s Pit Bulls still carry those fighting dog genes, which can manifest as a higher likelihood of dog aggression. However, true human aggression is not normal for the breed – the whole point was for the dogs to be safe for humans to handle.

Rottweilers

Rottweilers are descendants of the drover dogs used by the Roman Legion to herd and guard livestock. They later became popular as draft animals, pulling carts for butchers and other tradesmen. Their guarding instinct comes from this history of protecting cattle and property. A well-bred Rottweiler should be calm and confident, with a discerning approach to real threats.

German Shepherds

German Shepherds were originally developed as an all-purpose herding and farm dog. Their intelligence, trainability, and courage made them popular military dogs in the World Wars, and they continue to serve in police and military roles today. A German Shepherd with a stable temperament should be aloof but approachable, with the judgment to react appropriately to real threats.

Doberman Pinschers

Doberman Pinschers were developed in the late 19th century by a German tax collector named Louis Dobermann, who wanted a medium-sized dog that could deter robbers and protect him on his rounds. Dobermann selected for traits like intelligence, fearlessness, and loyalty. A proper Doberman should be alert and watchful, but also friendly and obedient.

Statistics and Studies

When discussing aggression, it‘s important to look at what the numbers actually say about which breeds are most likely to bite or attack. However, getting accurate statistics is challenging for a few reasons:

  1. Breed misidentification is rampant, especially among mixed breed dogs. A study by Voith et al. found that even experienced shelter staff misidentified breeds over 50% of the time when compared to DNA results.

  2. The popularity of a breed affects bite statistics. A very rare breed is going to have fewer bites overall than a very common breed, simply because there are fewer of them around. To get a true sense of a breed‘s likelihood to bite, the number of bites needs to be compared to the total population of the breed.

  3. Dogs who bite are often incorrectly assumed to be purebreds of a certain breed when they may be mixed breeds. For example, a study by Patronek et al. found that 91% of "Pit Bulls" identified in the media were actually mixed breed dogs.

With those challenges in mind, here are some key statistics from the available research:

  • A Dognition study of bite force by breed found that the dogs with the strongest bites were Kangals, Cane Corsos, and American Bulldogs. Pit Bulls and Rottweilers were further down the list at #5 and #8 respectively.

  • The American Temperament Test Society, which tests dogs‘ reactions to various stimuli, reports that Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Doberman Pinschers all have passing rates over 80%. For comparison, Golden Retrievers have a passing rate of around 85%.

  • A study in Ireland found that German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and cross-breeds were responsible for the most bites reported to authorities, but when compared to registration data, the breeds most likely to bite were actually Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers.

While these statistics can give us a general sense of which breeds may be more likely to show aggression, it‘s crucial to remember that most dogs of any breed will never seriously bite or attack. Aggression is a complex issue with many contributing factors beyond breed.

Breed Specific Legislation

The idea that certain breeds are inherently dangerous has led some lawmakers to propose breed-specific legislation (BSL), which restricts or outright bans ownership of certain breeds. However, BSL has been widely criticized as ineffective and even counterproductive by major organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The main problem with BSL is that it targets dogs based on appearance or breed, rather than actual behavior. A well-trained, socialized Pit Bull is not a public safety threat, while a poorly trained Labrador Retriever can be. Focusing on breed ignores the real factors that cause aggression, like irresponsible owners, lack of socialization, and poor living conditions.

Some areas are moving away from BSL and instead adopting laws that target individual aggressive dogs and reckless owners. Calgary, Canada has seen success with this model – their "Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw" has reduced reported dog bites by focusing on owner education and accountability rather than breed.

Nature vs. Nurture

So if breed isn‘t the sole determining factor in aggression, what is? The truth is it‘s a complex mix of genetics, environment, and learning. Even within a breed or litter, individual dogs can have very different temperaments.

Proper training and socialization are essential for any dog, but especially for breeds with a tendency towards aggressive behavior. The critical socialization window for puppies is between 3 and 16 weeks old – this is when they form positive or negative associations that can last a lifetime. A puppy that has positive experiences with all kinds of people, animals, sights, and sounds is more likely to grow into a confident, stable adult.

Socialization doesn‘t end after puppyhood though. Dogs need lifelong training and exposure to new things to stay mentally and emotionally healthy. Working breeds in particular often need jobs to do, whether that‘s actual work like herding or agility, or just tons of playtime and trick training. A bored, understimulated dog is much more likely to develop behavior problems.

Finding a Responsible Breeder

If you‘ve done your research and decided that a breed prone to aggression is still right for you, finding a responsible breeder is crucial. Good breeders are trying to improve their breed, not just make money off puppies. They extensively health test their dogs, title them in conformation shows or dog sports to prove sound body and mind, and carefully research pedigrees to avoid aggression or instability in their lines.

Responsible breeders also start socialization and enrichment right away with their puppies, so the pups have a strong foundation before going to their new homes. A good breeder is invested in their puppies for life, and will insist on being a resource for training and behavior advice for the dog‘s entire life. They‘ll take a puppy back at any age if the owner can‘t keep them.

In contrast, backyard breeders and puppy mills are pumping out puppies for profit without regard for health or temperament. They often skip health testing, socialization, and any activities that prove their dogs are good tempered and trainable. Avoid breeders who always have puppies available, won‘t let you visit their facility, or show little interest in where their pups end up.

Adopting and Fostering

If you‘re open to a rescue dog, you may actually have an easier time finding an adult dog with a known, solid temperament vs. the genetic wildcard of a puppy. Look for a rescue that uses foster homes to house their dogs, as the fosters can give you detailed info about the dog‘s personality and behavior in a home setting.

Many rescues also offer foster-to-adopt programs where you can bring the dog home for a trial period before committing. This can be a great way to make sure the dog is a good fit for your lifestyle. If possible, choose a dog that has already lived peacefully with a family, rather than one with an unknown background.

Whether you‘re adopting an adult or raising a puppy, consider that you are making a 10-15 year commitment and the dog‘s behavior and training will be a daily responsibility. If you aren‘t prepared to manage a strong-willed, energetic working dog, you may want to consider a lower-key breed. Working with a certified trainer or behaviorist from day one can help prevent problems before they start.

Preventing Aggression

Even the friendliest dog can bite if pushed far enough. Learning canine body language is key to preventing bites, as most dogs give clear warnings that they‘re distressed before resorting to biting. Signs like yawning, lip licking, turning away, and a rigid body posture can all indicate a dog is uncomfortable.

It‘s also crucial to supervise all interactions between dogs and children. Young children in particular may inadvertently hurt or scare a dog, as they don‘t always understand how to gently pet and respect the dog‘s space. Teaching kids to ask permission before petting a dog, not to interrupt a sleeping or eating dog, and not to climb on or try to ride dogs can prevent many bites.

No matter how friendly your dog is, they should never be allowed to roam free. A secured yard or leash protects both your dog and the public. Proper containment also prevents your dog from being stolen for dogfighting or otherwise abused, which is sadly a risk for breeds like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers.

Conclusion

The idea of aggressive dog breeds is a complex, emotionally charged topic. While certain breeds may be statistically more likely to show aggressive behavior, the majority of individuals within a breed are not dangerous. Genetics do play a role, but so do training, socialization, and responsible management.

If you do choose a breed with a reputation for aggression, be prepared for the level of training and commitment they require. Work to ensure your dog is a canine good citizen and make them an advocate for their breed. Ultimately, the only thing inherently dangerous about these breeds is misinformation and irresponsible owners.

With education, compassion, and responsible dog ownership, we can fight stigma and build a safer world for humans and dogs alike. Always strive to be the owner your dog deserves, no matter what breed they are.

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