There are some dog breeds with bad reputations – but are they warranted or are these pups simply misunderstood? Well, the answer is more complicated than you might think.
When the media labels a breed as ‘aggressive’ or ‘destructive’ what they fail to understand is that breed is only one factor that determines whether or not a particular trait will be expressed. Life experiences, early training and socialization, diet and exercise also play crucial roles.
A dog that doesn’t get enough physical and mental stimulation, lacks regular play sessions with the best dog toys, is put in situations that make them feel uncomfortable, or is fed poor quality food can end up displaying undesirable behaviors.
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And while it’s true that some breeds are not the best family dogs or need experienced owners, that’s not because they’re inherently ‘bad’, they just need a home where their breed-specific needs can be understood and met.
To find out more, we asked expert vet Dr Hannah Godfrey to comment on each of the breeds below and whether their bad reputation is deserved. Here’s what she had to say…
Dog breeds with bad reputations
1. Rottweiler
Of all the dog breeds in the world, the Rottweiler is one of the most misunderstood. Believed to have descended from the herding dogs of Ancient Rome, Rottweiler’s were originally drovers and guard dogs.
While this breed does have a reputation for being an attack dog and they can be territorial and protective of their human family, with the right training and socialization they make incredibly loving and gentle companions.
“I’ve met several Rottweilers who are very friendly and absolute softies, but they can be unpredictable,” cautions Dr Godfrey.
2. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas have a reputation for being both yappy and mean, but that’s not because they’re nasty dogs. This breed isn’t aggressive and they don’t go out of their way to hurt people, but if not properly trained and socialized, their small size can make them feel nervous in unfamiliar situations. That’s when they may lash out and snap or bite.
“Most Chihuahuas that I’ve met haven’t been particularly vocal, instead, they’ve been very timid, and those who have been aggressive have only lashed out through fear,” confirms Dr Godfrey.
As long as owners work with their dog from a young age, using lots of positive reinforcement, this breed can make a devoted friend for life. Loyal, intelligent and eager to please those they love, Chihuahuas are sassy, charming, and full of fun.
3. Doberman Pinscher
Thanks to Hollywood films which have portrayed them as vicious guard dogs, Doberman Pinschers have found themselves landed with an unfair reputation as being both unfriendly and dangerous.
“I used to walk a Doberman, and he was very gentle and certainly not dangerous,” says Dr Godfrey. “I’ve never met a vicious or dangerous Doberman, but I haven’t found them to be particularly affectionate.”
Dobermans were born to protect but, as with all breeds, if you raise them right and provide them with the right training and socialization, this intelligent dog will quickly learn how to use their guarding instincts appropriately.
4. German Shepherd
An outstanding all-purpose worker, the German Shepherd has a long history of being as being a vocal and protective service and guard dog. Often working in law enforcement roles, this breed is courageous, confident, smart and tireless.
Over the years, they have found themselves being labelled as dangerous and aggressive, but nothing could be further from the truth.
“German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, which may be based on their use within the police and armed forces,” Dr Godfrey explains. “However, they can be lovely family dogs.”
While they are protective of those they love and therefore very wary of strangers, they are not naturally aggressive, they’re simply hesitant of those they don’t know. When trained and socialized correctly, and when all their physical and mental needs are met, the German Shepherd makes a gentle and steadfast family pet.
5. Chow chow
The chow chow certainly won’t be winning any awards when it comes to the friendliest dog breeds, as this breed is known for being serious-minded and aloof.
Chow chows are very misunderstood as their independent and temperamental nature coupled with their guarding instincts can lead people to think they won’t make a good pet.
“The few chow chows I have met have been quite temperamental,” says Dr Godfrey, “but that might be due to them being quite stressed about their visit to the vet.”
However, as with all dogs, the correct training and socialization from a young age will help ensure you end up with a fiercely devoted and well behaved canine companion.
Chow chows are serene, adaptable and known for being incredibly clean – in fact, they’re so fastidious about personal hygiene that you’d think they were a cat instead of a dog!
6. Cane corso
A breed that’s often labelled as aggressive and difficult to handle, the cane corso is definitely watchful, protective, assertive and may well forcefully intervene if their loved ones are at risk.
“Cane corsos are large, strong dogs, so naturally, without training, they could be difficult to handle,” explains Dr Godfrey. “Rather than labeling a breed as aggressive, which any dog can be, it’s more important to consider that these dogs have the potential to cause more serious injuries due to their size.”
Cane corsos are loyal and emotionally sensitive dogs who are affectionate and eager to please, and as long as they have an experienced owner who knows how to train them, they can be incredibly well behaved family pets.
7. Akita
There’s no denying that the akita is best suited to experienced dog owners. They can absolutely make loyal and loving pets when handled correctly, but they have a reputation for being very aggressive towards other dogs – especially those of the same sex.
However, Dr Godfrey says that this is not what she has witnessed when working with them.
“I’ve not known an akita who can’t be around other dogs, although I have met a few with quite challenging behavior. It’s sensible to supervise any dog closely, particularly if they are with children, cats, or other dogs.”
In the right environment and with an owner who can meet their training and socialization needs, the akita is a courageous and one of the most loyal breeds. They can be wonderfully silly and affectionate and thrive on human companionship.
8. Dachsund
If you’re after a quiet life, think twice before adopting a dachshund! They may be small, but this dog has a big bark and they’re not afraid to put their vocal cords to good use.
“In general, dachshunds are a vocal breed, especially if there’s more than one of them,” Dr. Godfrey confirms. “However, they often still enjoy relaxing and some quiet time.”
They also have a reputation for being both rash and stubborn, which can make training them a bit of a challenge at times. However, with patience, consistency and perseverance on your part, the dachshund can make for a delightfully playful and affectionate member of the family.
9. Border Collie
Border Collies are working dogs, which means they need to have a job to do in order to stay happy and healthy. When they’re not given enough mental and physical stimulation, this breed can become destructive, chewing your furniture, digging up your flower beds and, in some instances, nipping people.
“Border Collies can be nervous, and particularly those kept as working dogs may be prone to nip in an effort to protect their family or the farm,” explains Dr. Godfrey.
Energetic and the smartest breed around, the Border Collie either needs to be kept busy on a a farm all day or paired with an owner who leads a very active lifestyle. They’re a watchful breed that’s prone to barking and they can also be wary around strangers, so early training and socialization is key.
10. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are loyal, outgoing and mischievous, but pair them with an inexperienced owner who doesn’t have the time to meet their needs and you start to run into problems.
Intelligent and independent dogs, they need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to ensure they thrive – if they don’t get this, they’ll engage in all sorts of destructive behaviors such as chewing, digging and barking.
“Siberian Huskies can also struggle with separation anxiety, perhaps because, as sled dogs, they’d usually be in a pack,” explains Dr Godfrey. “When left alone, they often howl or whine, so it isn’t just distressing for them, it might also frustrate your neighbors.”
Because they get anxious when left alone, this breed does best in homes where someone is around all day to keep them company.
Read next: The most Googled dog breeds, dog breed lookalikes, and most popular dog breeds. Or check out our comparison of the Cane corso vs Rottweiler and American Pit Bull vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Dr. Hannah Godfrey BVetMed MRCVS
Vet
Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and began work straight away at a busy mixed practice. Initially, she treated all species, but focused on small animals from 2014. She has a passion for soft tissue surgery, ultrasound, and canine and feline dentistry, having completed additional training in these areas.
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
