There are many types of dog breeds that can be aggressive and make people nervous. In fact, three of the top four dog breeds that have a bad reputation will probably come at no surprise to most individuals, but one breed might. The top four worst reputation dog breeds include the American Stafford Terriers, known as AmStaff predominantly Pitbulls from this family, followed by German Shepards, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinchers.
Why do these breeds have bad reputations and are all dogs in those breeds bad? Is it in their genetic code or is is the environment in which they are surrounded by. There has been extensive research on theses four breeds to find out more about them, many Americans are surprised to hear that German Shepards make the list. They are often seen as good dogs, used by police and military, but think about that for a second why might that be?
All of these breeds are known to be strong and aggressive dogs. Often times these dogs have developed body muscles and can pull owners along during walks or can knock over children when playing or jumping. Does this automatically mean though that all Pitbulls, German Shepards, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinchers are inherently bad? Not at all, in fact, research shows that it is about how the owner integrates the dog into society, how they treat the dog and which behaviors they encourage or discourage. Let me give you an example using the Pitbull breed because they make the top of the list as dangerous dogs.
Like people, Pitbull dogs are products of their environments, because of their ability to develop strong muscles and their less than 'family-friendly' stature, they often times are owned by tough individuals or people with bad intentions. This breed is the number one breed used in illegal activities such as dogfighting. This activity in itself is sad, people train the dogs to be killers and lock them in a ring together until one kills the other. Because of this reason, it often comes up in news and all that is ever shared about the breed is negative creating a false persona that all dogs in the breed are bad.
Second, on the list is German Shepards, this is a popular family dog breed due to their instinct of protection. But because of their protection instict, it can make them dangerous as well. German Shepards have strong jaws as well, which is why they are used as police dogs, they can bite down and hold on for life. Leaving deep inflicting bite marks, when training in the police academies, the trainers have to wear pads to protect themselves from these dogs. Additionally, these breeds can build strong body muscles as well giving them much power force. They can be known to pull owners on walks and knock over children as well.
Third and fourth on the list, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinchers are similar to Pitbulls. They have strong bodies, Pinchers also are used in dogfighting rings. Often times Pinchers are associated with clipped ears as well, creating a less friendly appearance than the typical family dog such as a labrador retriever. Rottweilers and Doberman Pinchers are also medium to large size dogs having a substantial weight and force to them which adds to the fear people have because they can overpower adults and children.
While these dogs can be strong, aggressive, biting, killing or overpowering machines, they also can be gentle, loyal, friendly, family dogs. They need to be socialized properly early on and are known to be silly loyal dogs who make strong and create security in family and homes. Just like people, while there are a few bad ones out there for whatever reasoning, whether its how they were raised, the environment they grew up in or something that happened to them not all are bad. Do you own or know anyone who owns one of these four breeds? Are they bad or good dogs?
