1.
American
Pit Bull Terrier
These dogs
repeatedly make headlines for attacking people. Their aggressive temperament
matched with their strength historically saw them bred as fighting dogs. While
dog fights are illegal, many of the dogs still exhibit the traits of fighters.
These dogs were also used for baiting both bulls and bears so their genetic
makeup is rather fierce.
Pit bulls have been
known to attack children, the elderly, their owners – anyone that happens to be
in their path. If the dog feels provoked or startled, it has been known to
bite. Many owners swear that their pet would never attack them; however, this
breed has led to more human fatalities than any other.
The sheer volume of
Pit Bull attacks have prompted many insurers to deny coverage associated with
homeowners insurance. Many owners have to seek a special policy for coverage
liability protection where their pet is concerned. Of course, some don’t bother
to tell their insurer about their new pet and this could lead to problems,
especially if the dog does bite or injure someone.
It’s essential for
pet owners to understand the nature of the breed they choose to bring into
their home. While it may be true, indeed, that many of these canines have
become revered members of the family, it also cannot be denied that this particular
breed is responsible for more fatalities than any other type of dog.
2.
German Shepherd
A favorite breed for
police and military units among other professionals who require the use of
canine squads, German Shepherds are well known for their intelligence.
While they are
popular pets, there are many cases where the dogs have turned on their owners
or someone in the household.
They are aggressive
and self-assured dogs that often exhibit protective behaviors for their human
family. Even so, some poorly socialized German Shepherds have been known to
attack and even kill.
Just this year a
thirty-five-year-old woman was attacked and killed by the family German
Shepherd. Statistics show that these dogs are among the top five most likely to
bite.
While these dogs are
extraordinarily smart and alert, they were originally bred for work. As working
dogs, they have been used and trained by the military and police for various
occupations in their line of duty. While they may be suited to their jobs in the
line of duty, they may not always be suitable for the role of family pet.
Though they can be
fun-loving and loyal, people should not ignore the fact that they have the
capability to do harm as some have discovered. In fact, their energetic and fun
loving nature can easily make the leap to excitable and aggressive depending on
the situation they are faced with.
3. Rottweiler
This
breed is often used as a police dog orguard dog. As an old breed
dating as far back, according to historians, to the Roman Empire, Rottweilers
have also been used as herding dogs.
Their
aggression and strength makes them dangerous, however, even for households
where they are called pets.
While
they can be obedient and lovable canines, they have been responsible for
fatalities as recently as this year.
Many
experts advise Rottweiler owners to seek professional training for their dogs
as their strength is an inherent risk, particularly for children. If you choose
to have one of these dogs, be sure it is properly socialized and always remain
vigilant regarding its temperament.
Would-be
Rottweiler owners should keep in mind that Dogbite.org stated that from
2005-2013, 74% of all dog bites could be attributed to Pit Bulls and
Rottweilers. Frequently employed as guard dogs or police dogs, Rottweilers’
fierce reputation is not built upon thin air. They have proven numerous times
that they can be dangerous and even deadly.
Even
when purchasing a Rottweiler from a reputable kennel, owners must certainly
weigh the pros and cons of bringing this dog breed into their home. Also, it’s
a good idea to check with your homeowner’s insurer to see if they’ll even cover
it as many will not.
4.
Doberman Pinscher
Sure it looks like
it would be right at homeguarding the gates of hell, but looks aren’t the
only scary feature of this dog breed.
The Doberman
Pinscher was bred in Germany and remains one of the most distinctive looking breeds-particularly
when its ears are cropped.
These working dogs
have been called ‘ferocious’ to the lament of their owners who revere them for
their many fine traits.
Though these dogs
make great guard dogs, their bite and strength makes them a hazard, nonetheless,
as evidenced by the attacks they have been involved in. Studies show that these
dogs are more likely to bite another dog than a human, but they have been
responsible for human fatalities as the result of attacks.
Dobermans have been
called fearless and exhibit strong traits of loyalty toward their owners which
is why so many deem that lifelong friends. Yet what if the dog is mistaken and
believes someone with no ill-intent has designs on its owner? While these are
noted to be intelligent dogs, is it smart enough to know the difference from
friend or foe 100% of the time?
These dogs may be
revered by many dog owners, but they were initially bred to be intimidating to
would-be trespassers. Owners should also check with their homeowner’s insurance
provider before bringing one home.
5.
Wolf-Dog Hybrid
Wolves are, of
course, rather controversial figures in the wild. Though many work for their
conservation, many a farmer has lamented their presence so near humans.
The wolf’s notorious
reputation has, not surprisingly, also attended the wolf-dog hybrid. These dogs
are regarded as having considerable potential to do harm.
While many hybrids
that involve dangerous breeds are also responsible for attacks, this is not an
indictment against mixed breeds.
The wolf mix,
however, is one to avoid and such pets are typically never going to win the
insurer’s favor. Wolf-dogs exhibit many wild traits and are not likely to be
tame. By the end of the last century, there were roughly 300,000 known
wolf-dogs in the United States.
With behavior traits
that are difficult to predict, the wolf-dog has proven a danger to owners as
well as other humans that come in contact with the breed.
The fact is that one
generation removed from the wild wolf isn’t enough to breed out the aggression
and dangerous elements of the animal. The wolf, while majestic, is a survivor
and uses all of its power to survive and dominate its foes. Moreover, if the
wolf is bred with another especially aggressive breed, the outcome could be a
highly volatile and dangerous mix.
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