The subject of aggression in dogs is one of much debate among dog owners. At the crux of the argument is the nature vs nurture question; are some dog breeds more prone to aggression or is it purely down to how they are raised and trained?
The true answer is likely that both nature and nurture come into play. While there are some aggressive dog breeds, the majority of problematic aggressive behaviour comes from improper care and training. Let’s take a closer look at aggressive dog breeds and discuss how aggression can be controlled.
What causes aggression in dogs?
There are various factors that can cause aggression in dogs, many of which can be easily identified and addressed.
One of the most common types is resource aggression, which is the display of aggressive behaviour when guarding food or toys. Territorial aggression is also common, this is when a dog will act aggressively towards strangers or visitors in the home. Fear can also cause aggression in dogs, with other dogs, people, or loud noises as common triggers.
Other less well-known things can cause aggression in dogs, and owners must be aware of these. Pain and disease can manifest as aggressive behaviour, so it’s vital you get your dog checked by a specialist if they are acting out of character.
The most aggressive dog breeds
There are certain stereotypes around aggressive dog breeds with some breeds, perhaps unfairly, painted as volatile, unpredictable, and dangerous.
The American Pitbull is undoubtedly at the top of the list. This breed’s reputation is so infamous that it is actually banned in over 80 countries around the world.
Rottweilers are also perceived as particularly aggressive, as are Dobermans and Mastiffs.
Is this fair? Dog owners have to take some responsibility for this perception. In the right hands and with the right handling these dogs are no more likely to be aggressive than most other breeds
A 2021 study of aggressive dog breeds revealed some interesting insights. Contrary to popular belief, the breeds with the highest probability of aggression weren’t the Pitbull or the Rottweiler, but in fact the Rough Collie, Miniature Poodle, and Miniature Schnauzer.
These are fascinating results and force us to rethink our opinion on aggressive dog breeds.
The least aggressive dog breeds
The same study also ranked the least aggressive dog breeds. The two breeds with the lowest probability of aggression were the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever. These results are perhaps less surprising, given how popular these breeds are as family dogs.
However, the study did throw up one unexpected result. The breed with the fifth lowest probability of aggression was the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. This breed has long been perceived as dangerous, so this is another indication that we may need to reconsider what we think we know about aggressive dog breeds.
Are some breeds really more aggressive?
Research may reveal that long-held opinions about aggressive dog breeds are incorrect, but studies have worked to prove that some breeds are indeed more prone to aggression than others. Or are they?
When measuring aggression in dogs, the disparity between different breeds is often minuscule. What’s more, a dog’s likelihood to act aggressively can be the result of its unique personality, with significant differences observed between individuals of the same breed.
In fact, according to a 2022 study, breed accounts for just 9% of behavioural variation in dogs. What this means is that many of the triggers that cause aggression may have similar effects in all dogs and that managing behaviour is a case of the correct care and training.
Another key thing to note is that the study revealed that some behaviours and traits, such as fear of loud noises, are not inheritable and more prone in different breeds. Instead, they are determined by an individual dog’s personality. This is further evidence that dog behaviour, such as aggression, stems from personality and individual temperament rather than breed.
Controlling aggression in dogs
Aggression in dogs can be incredibly disruptive and potentially dangerous. It can damage our relationships with our dogs and with friends and family and can even lead to legal trouble in extreme cases.
Controlling aggression in dogs starts with identifying the cause of the behaviour. Only then can steps be taken to address the aggression and train your dog to better handle their emotions. While there are methods that can be used to treat dog aggression yourself, sometimes the best approach is to seek professional help. Contact Pawsitive Solutions at 07842 050 998 or at enquiries@pawsitivesolutions.com to get expert advice on controlling your dog’s aggressive behaviour.