Researchers found pit bulls and mixed breed dogs have the highest risk of biting and cause the most damage per bite. The same goes for dogs with wide and short heads weighing between 66 and 100 pounds.
Among cases where the breed of dog responsible was known, the study found that the dog breed most associated with severe bites was the pit bull (relative risk vs. German shepherd 8.53, relative risk vs. unknown, 3.28).
More than 2 million children are bitten by dogs each year in America. The Humane Society estimates 51% of dog bite victims are children. Children between the ages of 5 and 9 are most likely to be bitten by a dog. Around 26% of all children bit by dogs require emergency treatment at a hospital.
Are you surprised by the findings? Rough Collies are the most aggressive dog breed, a new study of more than 9,000 pets has found. Research conducted by the University of Helsinki found that smaller dogs are more likely to behave aggressively, growl, snap, and bark compared to mid-sized and large dogs.
Pit Bull Terriers
Probably the most notorious breed on this list, the pit bull has a reputation for unpredictability and aggression, even against its owner or his family.
Yes – the wiener dog! The study found that “one in five dachshunds have bitten or tried to bite strangers, and a similar number have attacked other dogs; one in 12 have snapped at their owners.” Number two on the list is an even more diminutive breed – the Chihuahua, while Jack Russells came in third.
Fighting dogs were revealed as the group with the highest levels of aggression. This group includes American Bulldog, American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino and Presa Canario.
There are multiple reasons that a dog may exhibit aggression toward family members. The most common causes include conflict aggression, fear-based, defensive aggression, status related aggression, possessive aggression, food guarding aggression and redirected aggression.
Myth 1. Dogs socialized to children as puppies will not bite them as adults. The most common reasons for bites to family children are fear, resource guarding, pain (including accidental falls), and “benign” but provocative interactions, such as petting or hugging.
Spitz breeds like huskies and Akitas are known for their stubborn streak when it comes to training. Other poor choices around little kids are lumbering giant breeds like bullmastiffs or Saint Bernards, which tend to bowl over toddling children or most anything in their path.
Labrador Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Newfoundlands are among the safest dog breeds that are least likely to bite, new research has found. While any dog can nip, these breeds are known for their particularly sweet-tempered spirit as long as they are treated right.
Family dogs such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, and Irish Setters are playful and protective. Pugs, Brussels Griffons and French Bulldogs love their families – particularly their laps.
Several breeds such as wolf hybrids, Rottweilers, Dobermans, pit bulls and pit bull mixes, German Shepherds, and Akitas often make the list.
Are Australian shepherds aggressive? No. These dogs are not naturally aggressive and make excellent family pets in many homes — they're active, loyal, and loving dogs. So if you're looking for a new canine best friend, an Australian shepherd could be one of the best dogs for you and your family.
Are Chows Chows Aggressive? The short answer is yes; Chow Chows are considered to be aggressive. This is part of their temperament and personality, but many factors contribute to this aggression, so it isn't necessarily all the dog's fault.
According to Svartberg's data (PDF), a pinscher, a Bernese mountain dog, or an English springer spaniel might be the most disloyal since each ranks very low on playfulness, with moderate sociability.
Golden and Labrador Retrievers
Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers rarely need an explanation when it comes to why they've made this list of least aggressive dog breeds. These are fun-loving, large dogs and tend to be some of the most popular breeds around the world.
Pitbulls came in at number one for the breed responsible for the most dog bites, at 10.3 per cent. They're believed to have a predisposition to violent behaviour, thanks to their history of being used as fighting dogs.