Dangerous Dog Breeds: Are some breeds actually bad?

For centuries, the question — “Are there dangerous dog breeds?” — has haunted trainers. The issue of whether dangerous dog breeds are this way because of their natural instinct or due to their upbringing is highly debated. However, thanks to some evidence, we have possibly come up with an answer.

People should understand that dangerous dog breeds are a human creation. There is no information that shows whether some breeds are more dangerous than others.

Where did this myth about dangerous dog breeds come from?

During the 20th century, people reported attacks from numerous dog breeds. The most prominent cases were Rottweilers, Bulldogs, or Pit Bulls. There were reported cases of attacks on other dogs and even humans.

This has led to owners abandoning these animals during the last 30 years. Owners think that they’re not able to train these “dangerous dog breeds.” So they feel that the best option is to abandon the dog when in reality that’s the worst thing they can ever do.

People believe that there are certain dog breeds that are more likely to attack people than other animals. The truth is that the reasons why there are several reasons why a dog is aggressive. It’s true that there are breeds that are more muscular than others, but this does not mean they are dangerous.

Factor such as the personality of the animal, breeding, and its environment greatly influence the behavior of the animal. However, no dog breed is naturally aggressive.

So what motivates humans to think that certain breeds are dangerous or aggressive? The answer to this question is right in front of us.

The Reality of Dangerous Dog Breeds

Wolves, the ancient ancestors of dogs, were not aggressive towards humans. Humans were the ones that awoke this primal instinct within them.

Why do we make this claim? Because dogs act according to how humans have taught them. People raise dogs to act in a certain way. These animals learn the behaviors that are shown to them. Let’s take a look at an example:

During the first years of the new millennium, Pit Bull attacks made international news. There were almost daily reports and from then on.  People consider Pit Bulls to be one of the most dangerous dog breeds.

Unfortunately, the reality is that these dogs hardly get enough exercise. This is why they develop such destructive and undesirable behaviors, such as aggression.

The same thing happens with other dog breeds as well. These dogs are usually confined to a very solitary lifestyle that doesn’t meet the requirements of their need.

If there is something in common between all these “dangerous dog breeds,” is that they are breeds designed for working or hunting large prey.

Dobermans and Rottweilers are guard dogs who defend their territory. Pit Bulls and certain Bulldogs are used to herd cattle and protected. There is a clear factor in common. These breeds often are not used for the work they were originally bred for.

Another mistake humans make is humanizing their pets. Some dogs are dressed in clothes, which causes them to identity problems. These issues could end up creating unwanted behaviors.

Luckily, there is more to it than just all the bad news. Through training, owners can correct aggression, even in older dogs. Training is key.

Train Your Dog Well

There is no such thing as dangerous dog brees. All dogs are capable of becoming dangerous. Once you understand this aspect, you can start to act as early as possible to prevent your dog from developing unwanted habits.

Depending on the breed of the dog, it will require exercise that suits their physical needs. A short walk in the morning and another during the night usually doesn’t cover what your dog needs. As a dog owner, you should make sure your pet is happy and healthy. There are several types of activities your dog will enjoy.

In addition, you also need to train your dog to complete obey. Obedience exercises are mandatory for all dog breeds. There are several training methods that have been proven to work.

As a last resort, you can also neuter your dog. It is proven that this procedure helps calm a dog’s impulses, which in turn calms down your dog.

There is a lot you can do to prevent “dangerous dog breeds” from becoming dangerous. Owners can do their part to prevent incidents of violence by providing their dog with good training, especially because pets are a reflection of their owners.