11 Dog Breeds That Bite the Most

Every dog can become a biter–habitual or aggressive biting is a result of environment and training. Although, some dogs are more likely to become biters than others if not treated or trained properly. It would be easy to say that Pit Bulls are dangerous because they are powerful and are responsible for most dog bite-related fatalities. However, this is not the case and is far from fact. You can also check out dog bite statistics here.

When choosing a dog breed, be sure to do your research! You have to know which dogs are easier to train than others and which breeds are more likely to retaliate under discipline or perceived abuse.

In the second part of the article, we added human behavior that might make your dog more aggressive.

Chihuahua

They may not look like much, but Chihuahuas packs a fierce bite when they become frightened. They have sharp, little teeth that can tear through the skin.

It’s often warned that Chihuahuas are chronically nasty dogs. What most people don’t realize is that Chihuahuas are fiercely loyal animals that react however their owner reacts. If they have an owner that strikes first and questions second, they will likely do the same. Be sure to teach your Chihuahua proper manners to ensure they don’t become a biter.

Bulldog

Bulldogs are generally kind and gentle dogs, and most of them have a very patient and sweet nature that bond well with children.

Although, they have a tendency to become snappy if not properly trained or if they are trained to do so. They are very impressionable dogs, and although patient, they will react if they feel threatened.

Pit Bull

Well, it has to be addressed. Pit Bulls are remarkably strong animals and can be very intimidating if they don’t like you.

They are also fiercely protective of their owner and family and generally don’t get along well with other breeds. An issue with this breed is that they are simply too strong for their own good, getting them into some serious trouble. Often, what they perceive as playing may be mistaken as dangerous, and that’s when the problems arise. Like any breed, there’s also the issue of them being trained to be aggressive and dangerous, which makes them a lethal weapon due to their strength. When you have young children you might want to consider dog breeds better suited for a family.

German Shepherd

There’s a reason that these animals are used for military and police force dogs, and it isn’t just because of their sense of smell.

German Shepherds are easily trained, so biting shouldn’t be a problem. Although, if not properly trained and socialized, this breed can be very aggressive towards other animals and strangers. Poor training can lead to quite a few problems–and lawsuits.

Australian Shepherd

Another Shepherd breed, Aussies, is generally known for being sweet and affectionate dogs.

If you ask any Aussie owner (whose dog is over the age of 2), they will tell you that it’s the best dog they’ve ever had. So, why are they on this list? Well, if you know anything about herding animals, they will nip and push you until you do what they want you to do, making this breed a chronic biter. Even though they do not bite to hurt you, they bite to force you, which can be a problem for many dog owners who don’t understand them.

Lhasa Apso

Like many small breeds, this breed is known for biting simply because it is aware of its size.

This is not a breed that is recommended to be around children because they are easily hurt and easily frightened, which means they won’t hesitate to bite in defense. This breed works better with older children who know how to treat a dog gently and also children who know when the dog needs some alone time. Knowing when enough is enough is essential for this breed because they are also quite independent and value their alone time.

Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russells are hard dogs to train because they are very independent and often view themselves as alpha male.

Because of this, they have a tendency to become biters if not trained properly. This breed needs a strong and firm owner who can show them, without hurting them, who’s in charge of who. Without a strong owner, a Jack Russell is likely to display dominance over its owner in the form of biting. It will often do the same to other animals unless they are trained and socialized properly.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels have been widely known as the most gentle and sweet-tempered dog you could have.

Although, in recent times, they have been known to suffer from rage syndrome, affecting several breeds. Rage syndrome is a serious behavioral problem that is actually very rare. But, when it has been seen, it can be incredibly dangerous. There are treatments for this problem, but these treatments are different for each individual dog. The most tell-tale symptom of this problem is that the dog will react with sudden aggression to anyone nearby. It has been reported that a dog will awaken from a deep sleep with this rage and attack anyone within biting distance.

Bull Terrier

Bull Terriers are also known to have the risk of developing rage syndrome. What most people don’t realize about this issue is that it is comparable to epilepsy.

In the same way that one might have seizures, they have bouts of aggression due to confusing signals in the brain. Although, bull terriers are notoriously stubborn and independent, similar to Jack Russell’s. They need a strong owner that will train them properly, and when properly trained, they are protective of their family. An ongoing issue with this breed is that they are very aggressive towards other animals. They are also incredibly strong in the body and jaw, which can be dangerous if they become a biter.

Pekingese

A Pekingese is likely to become a biter because of their aloof personality and acknowledgment of their size.

They are incredibly self-aware in terms of their visual appeal and their size. They often perceive sudden movements, as with children, as a threat and don’t respond well to rough play, which can make them react aggressively.

Papillon

Shockingly enough, Papillons are also known to suffer from rage syndrome despite their small size.

This just goes to show you that it doesn’t matter how big or small a dog is. They all have the potential to become aggressive biters. Although they are mostly mild-mannered and loving dogs, this breed can suffer from rage syndrome and is entirely aware of its small size, like a Pekingese.

It’s important to be calm and gentle with them and train them properly to ensure they have a well-mannered disposition.

11 Things That Will Make Your Dog Attack You

Most dogs are quite friendly and loving, but in some instances, a dog can turn and attack and it’s usually due to certain ways it has been treated and raised. You’ve probably heard alarming stories of dogs attacking children or adults, but usually, they are either being provoked, have been abused, or perhaps they are scared or sick. As a pet owner or if you happen to be around pets, it’s important to know certain things that may set a dog on edge and perhaps attack you. Here are 11 things that could make your dog become aggressive:

1. Inadequate health care for the dog.

Withholding health care for the dog may be a basis on which dogs can surprisingly be aggressive to their owners. In cases where a dog is suffering from a serious disease like rabies without the owner’s knowledge, it may be possible for the dog to attack. In addition, there are other conditions like tumors that interfere with the functioning of the dog’s nervous system. Such conditions alter the dog’s normal health status as well as behavioral patterns. Hence, leading to abnormal traits like recurrent growls, lunges, barking, snarls, and even biting. A toothache can also cause a dog to become snappy.

2. Inappropriate methods of punishment

If you are prone to hitting and constantly inflicting pain on your dog, then you may get a surprise growl or bite. The dog would deem it a habit to be punished heavily and develop an attitude that is aggressive in order to protect himself against the pain inflicted through hitting. Just as you may become aggressive if someone were using adverse punishment methods on you, so would a dog.

3. Deliberate teasing and emotional provocations

If you tease your dog a lot or provoke it emotionally, you may make the dog develop aggressiveness. This habit may catapult to unplanned attacks, as the dog may become frustrated or confused. The dog can overreact to a tease due to emotional swings and attack you instead.

4. Lack of care and caution when handling your dog

In cases where the dog is hurting, any touch that escalates the level of pain due to an injury may make the dog attack you. It’s not that he is trying to be mean, it’s just that when he feels the pain, it’s automatic to react with aggression for some dogs. Be gentle when caring or handling your dog, as this will help decrease the likelihood.

5. Isolating the dog

If you separate the dog from the rest of the pack or family, this can also make him reserved and self-defensive. This isolation deters the dog from spending quality time with you. Hence, a bonding gap between you and the dog is created. Lack of this emotional attachment can make the dog be in a defensive mood much of the time. Being in such a mood means that any move that is suggestive of undue closeness may result in an attack.

6. Poor training of the dog

In most cases, rewarding a dog for fighting another dog or a cat, growling at a stranger, or for any impulsive behavior is showing approval. This could be to your disadvantage, as the dog may think that aggression toward you or others is alright. In addition, when you get him used to be rewarded for such naughty behavior, withholding such rewards at similar instances may get him worked up to the extent of attacking you.

7. Being violent and aggressive as an owner

This type of behavior has an impact on the dog’s orientation too. Dogs do learn from us and play along with our style of doing things. If you as an owner is violent, impulsive, and chaotic, the dog may follow in those very footsteps. The dog may be instinctively tuned into getting what he wants by aggression. That would mean that if it is by attacking you that he would get that food you are withholding then so be it. Dogs are sensitive to the surrounding energy, so do your best to have a happy environment for the animal.

8. Starvation

It’s tough to think anyone would starve a dog, but it does happen. A dog could have worms or something wrong with its digestive system and the food it does eat might not be incorporated into the body for fuel. As a result, the dog could be starving and become irritated and perhaps even aggressive over time.

9. Poor knowledge on behavioral patterns of the canine family

This happens when a dog is bred without proper information on how to shape it to fit in the social and family setup. When this happens, tips on how to build a concrete relationship, relevant positive training of the dog, and appropriate training on pet obedience will be elusive. Breeding a dog without such skills is a time bomb, for you never know when the pet turns into an aggressive animal.

10. Anxiety and fear

When you pile up fear and anxiety in the lifestyle of the dog, rest assured that he may be aggressive in defending himself. When he defends himself, attacking can occur an easy option rather than just barking off.

11. Encouraging Impulsive and Over-Excitement

Encouraging impulsive and over-excitement of a dog can result in a buildup of loose character and sometimes intolerance. It is even worse when you allow the dog to grab your arm and leg. It may seem to be a nice and funny game only until it turns into a bite. As the dog matures, the idea of grabbing, pulling, and nipping, which are aggressive in nature, become part of its lifestyle. Without predetermination, the dog may use such skills in attacking you when he gets worked up.

As a pet owner, it’s important to learn how to take care of your dog and recognize when an issue pops up that could make your dog aggressive. Certainly, there is no excuse for the mistreatment of a dog, as they are precious animals who simply want to love and be loved. First time pet owners might opt for some of the happiest dog breeds as their first selection.