Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Like the Moscow Dog, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog did not get its official breed standard until 1984. In this case, however, it does not mean that it is a young breed – quite the contrary! These shepherd dogs come from the far Caucasus and have been bred there for centuries, but their existence was unknown in the rest of the world. The shepherding and guarding duties of Caucasian Shepherds left a permanent mark on the character of the dogs. They are balanced, firm and very vigilant. However, they do not like strangers and are prone to aggression without proper guidance. You can read more about this breed in the description dedicated to Caucasian Shepherds
Pit Bull Terrier
Almost everyone has heard about dogs of this breed! Incredibly popular, heavily muscled, but are they as dangerous as they say? Pit bull terrier owners have been fighting the opinion of extremely aggressive and dangerous dogs for years. History definitely doesn’t help them. In the nineteenth century England, a breed was bred specifically for the needs of dog fights. Dog gladiators were supposed to be tough, strong and resistant to pain, as well as being aggressive enough. However, many years have passed since then, dog fighting has fortunately been banned, and pit bulls have undergone a major transformation. Currently, they are happy dogs that attach very much to their owner. However, they are massive and when they play, especially with smaller children, they can hurt them without having to do so. Of course, these dogs can still be aggressive towards other animals, but proper upbringing can prevent this.
The described breeds are popular in Poland, but the list of dogs considered aggressive is longer. It also includes:
- Canary Dog
- Dog from Majorca
- American Bulldog
- Argentinian Dog
- Tosa inu
- Akbash dog
- Anatolian karabash
Are all dogs aggressive? A question of upbringing!
Dogs, like most animals, have an instinct that has allowed them to avoid threats and survive in harsh conditions for thousands of years. It has been almost eliminated in some breeds, but is still very strong in others. In a situation where the dog feels uncertain or in direct danger, his natural instinct is to run away or aggressively. However, this strictly defensive mechanism should not be confused with actual, unfounded aggression. The latter are especially prone to representatives of hunting or fighting breeds, individuals with too many hormones, regardless of the breed, as well as those dogs that have experienced traumatic experiences in their lives. Most of the dog’s inappropriate behavior can be eliminated at the puppy stage. Proper training and socialization of the dog is then especially important, and in difficult cases, the help of a canine behaviorist may be necessary. Also, keep in mind that dogs react to their owners’ personalities, so if you have an aggressive attitude towards the world, your pet may start to behave the same way. As you can see, some dog breeds are more prone to aggression than others, but you shouldn’t be afraid of them. They simply require more attention and knowledge, so they should be decided by people who have the appropriate experience in raising dogs.