I feel that you cannot blame any particular breeds for the way they are, most dogs are placid what ever the breed. A dog is more likely o be aggressive due to the ingnorant owners that the have.

If a dog is brought up with love and respect that they deserve and are well socialized with both humans and other dogs there should not be a problem. Parents such teach their children including myself in this, to respect not only dogs but other animals as well.

ANy animal will attack if they feel threatened or inimidated in any way just like us humans whether we do it verbally or none verball.

I have two akitas and they are so loving and loyal, yes I have heard all the horror stories regarding this breed, but they are well socialized and very much expected. When someone comes up to my dogs and ask are they friendly I will always say yes as long as you don,t rush them and let them come to you.

because I cannot garantee that they won't just in case because no one can say no my dog doesn't bite. I hope tha mine won't but you can never tell. I am doing everything possible to ensure that they never will but you never know what is around the corner.

I posted this on Nina's thread, these are my views on dog attacks.

I am surprised at the list but looking at it again a breed that becomes popular is then bred by irresponsible breeders for a quick buck. These breeders don't take potential health/hereditary problems or temperament into consideration and because these breeders don't care who they sell to hey presto the recipe for disaster.

It really is a sorry state of affairs because certain breeds are getting a bad reputation. I have no doubt there be will forum members who own one of the breeds on the list and they know their dog is not aggressive, I know all dogs can bite but not all do.

Lets look at percentages how many dogs are there in the UK alone and how many attacks are there. Where I live there is a higher risk of being knifed or shot than being attacked by a dog.

Why can't the media put incidents of dog attacks in proportion and Joe Public would realise that considering the number of dogs including those which are neglected the number of attacks is negligible. There is a higher risk of harming yourself in the home than being attacked by the family dog.

Sue

Did you know the smallest dog to have killed was a Pomeranian cross I don't assume small dogs can't inflict much damage a young baby/child is vulnerable. An adult I would think could restrain a small dog easier than a larger breed to avoid serious injury.

Sue

what it killed an adult?!

I am not sure it isn't stated in the statistics that's why I assume it was a baby or young child - I would have thought an adult could have restrained it.

Sorry if I didn't make my post clear.

The point I was making is that small dogs can and have killed and shouldn't be under estimated.

Sue