Judging a dog by its breed is the worst way to determine if it will bite you.
Any dog can be dangerous, even a tiny Chihuahua, although larger dogs are capable of doing the most harm. The biggest risk with smaller dogs is being bitten, since they typically receive little or no discipline.
Owners who baby their tiny breeds usually are not aware they are setting their little dogs up for an attitude problem, because they see them as too cute and too little to hurt anyone. Nothing could be further from the truth, because they can cause serious injury from angry biting if they don't get their way.
Animal bites can be dangerous, not just from tissue damage, but possibly also from bacterial infection, including rabies if the animal is not protected.
All dogs, no matter their size or breed, need about the same kinds of attention: discipline, order, routine, and the ability (and opportunity) to recognize and honor a pack system. Without these things, a dog can become confused, and thus, a huge behavior risk.
While the most commonly feared dogs include such breeds as Pit Bull Terriers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers, none of these dogs is inherently bad.
What makes them dangerous is not their genes, but their environment.
If a dog is treated poorly, which may include neglect and/or abuse, or even purposeful training to fight or "guard," this certainly can cause one to become extremely dangerous.
A number of communities have banned certain breeds, and some insurance companies won't provide coverage if such dogs are present in the home. But this is a false way to judge the situation.
Breed bans are not the answer, because any dog can be trained to be mean. Conversely, any dog can also be trained to be a loving, obedient companion given the right surroundings, such as a loving home with boundaries.
The safest dogs are those that are happy and well cared for. Unhappy dogs, such as those relegated to lonely back yards, where their only mental stimulation is listening to themselves bark, constitute the largest group of dangerous dogs, no matter what breed they are.
How to Tell if a Dog Could be Dangerous
Here are some clues that may help you determine if a neighbor's dog could be unpredictable and risky to be around:
- Is the dog tied, chained or penned all the time?
- Do the owners spend no time with him?
- Does the dog ever get to go for walks?
- Is the dog often yelled at or hit?
- Does the dog have adequate shelter, food, water?
- Does the dog bark all the time?
- Has the dog stopped barking? This could be a sign that his spirit has been completely broken and is now at the greatest risk level, because he may be neurotic at this point.
Remember, a dog that is chained all the time is a serious potential threat to your safety. Never let any children approach such a dog, as they can be mauled and even killed, because these dogs are more territorial than those that have a family life.
Common Sense Tips to Protect Yourself
The following precautions apply to all dogs, whether you know them or not:
- Never approach a dog you don't know, even if its owner is present.
- Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, playing with a toy, or occupied with something.
- Try not to make eye contact for more than a second or two, as the dog may feel threatened by it.
- Never bother a mother dog with puppies.
- Never tease a dog or throw things at him.
- Do not run from the dog, as this will excite his chase reflex, and you will not be able to outrun him.
- Ignoring a dog is the best policy, so don't yell, scream or shout, either.
If a dog in your neighborhood is being neglected, abused, or is allowed to roam free, please report it. It's not just for the dog's benefit... it may save someone's life if the authorities are aware of the situation and can do something about it.
