Is Dog Aggression Breed Specific?

Although dog aggression is not as breed-specific as many people think, we might tell our children to be particularly leery of certain breeds or we might get nervous when the neighbors bring one of the “dangerous” breeds into their home.

Right or wrong, there’s a perception that some breeds are more dangerous than others. These breeds usually include pit bulls and Rottweilers and sometimes other breeds, depending on the community or state.

Most dog experts believe that there is no genetic tendency in certain breeds to be aggressive but, rather, these dogs are more likely to be bred to be aggressive.

However, many cities and counties have enacted legislation that either completely bans the breeds or requires that certain special conditions be met. These can include:

Keeping the dog behind six-foot high fences
Muzzling the dog when he is in public
Buying additional liability insurance for your home or specific to the dog
Higher license fees for the dogs

Not all dogs are aggressive, but all dogs have some aggressive tendencies. Aggressive dog behavior is not unique to certain breeds. It can and does affect all breeds, with around 1% of every single breed displaying aggressive tendencies. Even the ones that seem mellow and happy. Even the ones that act as if they couldn’t or wouldn’t hurt a fly. They all have some aggressive tendencies. It’s nature.

Of course, some dogs take this to the extreme and become aggressive in their general nature and that’s where problems can begin. While some dogs are just naturally mean, most often aggression is a sign of communication and is brought on by fear or a need to protect. All breeds are capable of aggression, regardless of their nature or their purpose. Environmental factors can lead to aggression. Abuse can lead to aggression. Natural competition within the
house can lead to aggression.

Accepting this is actually the first step towards stopping dog aggression completely. Many owners go into denial when witnessing aggressive behavior. Their Labradors, Greyhounds, Boxers, Pugs and other breeds may be easy going by nature but any of them may display aggression. Thinking it is cute or that you imagined it may make you feel better but it will not help your dog.

You must accept that your dog’s breed makes no difference and only then will you be ready to start the process of stopping dog aggression.