Dachshunds Most Aggressive Dogs

Size does matter, or at least it does according to a recent study released by U.S.  Yep, it seems smaller dogs tend to be more aggressive than larger dogs and will even be more likely to attack than larger breed dogs.

Is it possible that these little dogs are truly aware of how small they are compared to other animals and feel a need to make up for it? Perhaps they’re hiding something, an insecurity about their size, behind their aggressive behavior towards people and other animals.

The study appears in the Applied Animal Behavior Science Journal which is published by the Dutch group Elsevier. Researchers who created the study sent questionnaires to the owners of 30 different breeds of dogs, more than 6000 dog owners. The study asked questions determining how a pet responded to a variety of common stimuli and different situations.

The results of this unusual study found that Dachshunds, Chihuahuas and Jack Russell Terriers topped the list for aggressiveness and likelihood of attacking strangers and other dogs. The small dogs, especially the Dachshunds, are likelier to attack compared to other larger breeds like pit bulls, Rottweilers, and other breeds commonly thought of as “macho" breeds.

Doctor James Serpell, a University of Pennsylvania researcher on the study stated that these smaller breeds might be more genetically predisposed towards aggressive behavior. He stated, "Reported levels of aggression in some cases are concerning, with rates of bites or bite attempts rising as high as 20 per cent toward strangers and 30 per cent toward unfamiliar dogs.”

So keep your eyes peeled for that dangerous Wiener dog when you’re walking the streets because you never know when he may attack.  He’s low to the ground, though sure the get the sausage dog quite the advantage.  If you aren’t careful you may lose an ankle or suffer severe bites the next time you come across this vicious little creature.

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/features/mutts/blog/2008/07/the_most_aggressive_dog_breeds.html