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Any dog can be aggressive if it finds itself in a situation where it has to defend itself.
However, we have prejudices against certain breeds. For example, we automatically assume that a doberman or pit bull terrier are aggressive dogs. Scientists therefore decided to create a ranking of the most aggressive breeds. You’ll even find a poodle in the top 10.
Older dogs are more aggressive
Whether a dog will be aggressive depends on a number of factors, including upbringing
Additionally, if it is an older male, it is more likely to growl at people and possibly even snap at the hand that wants to pet it, writes the Daily Mail.
According to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, the degree of aggressiveness may depend largely on the breed. Did you know, for example, that the long-haired collie is among the most aggressive breeds? On the other hand, it will probably surprise few that the least aggressive are the Labrador or the Golden Retriever.
Scientists from the University of Helsinki studied more than 9,000 household pets, with the research including 24 different breeds. They focused specifically on those aspects of canine personality that influence the likelihood that a dog will behave aggressively toward a person. Small dogs are, according to the scientists, more aggressive than medium-sized or large dogs. Although precisely because of their size we often do not perceive them as a threat.
The study also revealed that males behave more aggressively than females, regardless of whether they were neutered or not. It is also important how much experience the dog owner has. If a person has a dog for the first time and has no previous experience with animal behavior, it is more likely that the dog will be aggressive. Dogs that often meet other dogs are also less aggressive. If a dog lives constantly alone, only in the company of its owner, it is more likely to be aggressive.
Which breeds ended up at the top of the ranking?
Besides age, experts say the most important variable is the breed. The top three places in the ranking were taken by the long-haired collie, the poodle and the miniature schnauzer.
Which breeds are the most aggressive?
- long-haired collie
- poodle
- miniature schnauzer
- German Shepherd
- Spanish Water Dog
- Lagotto
- Chinese Crested Dog
- German Spitz
- Coton de Tulear (also called the cotton ball or the Malagasy Bichon)
- Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Kern Terrier
- Border Collie
- Lapland dog
- Chihuahua
- short-coated collie
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Sheltie
- Lapland Herding Dog
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
Of course, whether you are going to get any dog, make sure that you can provide everything it needs and that you will be compatible with each other. In addition, a dog that does not have a tendency toward aggressiveness can behave aggressively if it is afraid or suffering from an illness or chronic pain.
