How Dangerous Are Small Dog Breeds?
You shouldn’t get fooled into believing that only big dogs like German Shepherds and Rottweilers can cause bite injuries. As a matter of fact, large and aggressive dogs can, in fact, cause you serious injuries, sometimes even death, mostly due to their strength and size.
Only recently, we had a case in southern California, where a poor 63-year-old woman was simply mauled by four loose pit bulls as she was out jogging. But we also had cases in the news on much smaller dogs that end up terrorizing entire communities, like large packs of Chihuahuas that have been allegedly roaming the streets of Phoenix, Arizona.
Moreover, the small dogs run in packs of 8 to 15 according to some residents, and they are making parents afraid to let their children walk to school or even play outside alone. The truth of the matter is that any size dog has the true potential to become aggressive and could ultimately cause injuries.
These small dog breeds are seen as especially prone to bad behavior, including aggression and biting. If, by chance, you encounter any of these 6 breeds, make sure you’re careful not to provoke the dog in any way. Just go about your day and know that if the dog bites you through no fault of your own, you could easily hold the owner or handler legally responsible for any injuries.
20 Responses
Being the owner of 2 Pit Bulls, I strongly disagree. They are gentle and loving to both other animals and people of all ages. It’s the owners who don’t let them socialize and train them (all it takes is to be the Alfa and like with any other dog, be consistent). It’s the owners who train to be aggressive are at fault.
I totally agree. We have one and he is the biggest baby
I agree, all of my family members all have pit bulls and they are the most loyal, family dog. It’s the owners and people who cross breed dogs that give them the bad name. I’m the 1800’s pit bulls were used as nanny’s while the moms worked in the fields.
Oh like the family dog who loved the lady’s kid for years until it killed him? She was a pit bull advocate until then.
I agree
Real talk! Among aggressive dog breeds “pit bulls” in reality rank extra low on the agression scale especially related to people especially children. Even the author seems to actually know this because he says “REPUTATION” for aggression..
It depends on how you raise them also ! We had 2 Rottweilers as puppies until age 6 and 10 with young children. Now we have a mixed breed pitbull territory and a pitbull black lab.
We have a Chiweenie (Chihuahua-Daschund). It’s a breed NOT meant for children or busy families. They’ll suit a calm, quiet, warm environment with lots of blankets and small toys where they can be the center of attention perfectly.
If you have cats, that’s not a problem. They’ll get along wonderfully with them.
Explains my mixed Chihuahua/weiner dog . She is VERY possessive when it comes to me. Never had a dog so unwilling to share me with my poodle. They are the same size and she has gotten better but when it comes time to share the bed, she scares her sister (the poodle) to death. She’ll finally let up and allows the poodle to groom her face..
My first pit bull…sweetest dog ever. My Shih tzu that passed away was the only dog that we had to put a muzzle on at the vet. My poodle that the family had was the meanest dog ever would bite a stranger..very protective.
I think there are differences within the breeds themselves as well in all animals. The behavior of the shark that terrorized the Northeast coast on which the Jaws book and movie was based was deemed a total anomaly. The conclusion of marine biologists was that particular shark was “mentally impaired” for lack of the scientific term. The same theory can be applied to any species of animal.
All I see in this article is fear mongering and false statements.
I have a full bloodedAmerican Pitbull Terrier who isn’t nearly as apt to bite and be possessive as my Chi-Whippet ( chihuahua whippet mix). But both are kid-loving and sweet. It is in how you train them and what we expect of them that matters, all breeds need lots of excercise and attention. Dogs need to feel like they have a job to do, and be kept physically and mentally challenged.
Note , all dogs are inherently dangerous and will bite without warning . This is particularly true of smaller breeds as this is their only defence . That said , it depends more on how the dog is raised . Those raised gently with love return that love in kind . I have had three boxers that look intimidating at first appearance but are extremely loving and protective of their family , my children grew up with them and were protected by them at times in conflict with playmates and even when being scolded by an adult .
I have had two Hybrid McKenzie Wolves who were loving and gentle especially around children . Pets return the love they receive they also remember those who would abuse them . If given the option , they avoid those people , aggression is their last resort .
I believe all dogs are prone to be naturally protective, just some more than others (a little training never hurt). I think that (by instinct) some feel that it is their responsibility to protect their owners. Remember, that female animals are also very protective of their children. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
I agree with one of the commenter about it depends on how the dogs are raised. All dogs have different temperaments. My chihuahua is very laid back, sweet and goofy. We’d have to pay him to come from under the bed to bite someone.
I totally disagree with this article, it’s absolutely absurd! Any dog can bite or have aggressive tendencies, so tired of Pit Bulls being labeled aggressive, my pit Bull was a teddy bear, I also have had a Rottweiler/husky mix, a chihuahua mix, a pug . Honestly I trusted my large breeds with kids more than my small breeds.
It comes down to us Humans and proper training, we as humans have failed dogs in so many areas. It is up to us to keep our dogs properly trained and socialized. I had a VEt tell me once, do all humans get along, NO, well all dogs don’t get along either? If your dog isn’t social with People or other dogs, then it’s up to you to keep them safe as well as the others. It does not mean they are a “bad” dog.
I rescue dogs is this a joke !!!!! THERE ALL LIES
Growing we had a chloe dog also Duffy dog a fluffy cat we liked our pets, we also had a mixed dog we picked up at the pound named her Addie. Addie was playful you could take her outside and walk her she was friendly and quiet. Duffy and fluffy were very obedient, now we have a family dog but she’s a mixed mutt. We have to keep baby away from the pet because she had an allergic reaction to one of them. My neighbors Gregg and Gregg have a husky he’s not very friendly, they also have a German shepherd and labradoodle. Mom once told me she enjoys Gregg’s company. Sometimes Gregg asks us to walk his dogs.
Having had doxies I will verify and agree they can be terror on short legs. Most of them are not fans of small children. My 3 wanted nothing to do with anybody under the age of 13yo. How they knew I never figured it out. They are loyal to the owners beyond. They pick which parent they want to associate with. But they are loving and loyal dogs. I think the same thing of both Pits and Roxies. When I’ve had any contact with them they have been awesome and snuggies. Think about it though any dog can get a bad name if they are raised to be nasty.