Doxies Ranked Among Most Dangerous Dogs

06 Jul 08

Us dachshunds may be super-cute, but a new study has found that 1 in 5 dachshunds have bitten or tried to bite strangers — and a similar number have attacked other dogs. Even more worryingly, 1 in 12 have snapped at the two-leggeds in their lives.

Known as sausage dogs (or weiner dogs in America) for their elongated bodies, dachshunds have not, until now, had a fearsome reputation. But now they’ve achieved the dubious distinction of topping a list of 33 breeds rated for their aggression in a study that analysed the behaviour of thousands of dogs.

Chihuahuas, an even smaller breed, were the second most hostile, regularly snapping or attempting to bite strangers, family and other dogs. Another small dog favourite, the Jack Russell, was third. Woof!

Dr James Serpell, one of the study’s researchers, said smaller breeds might be more genetically predisposed towards aggressive behaviour than larger dogs.

Until now, research into canine aggression has almost exclusively focused on dog bite statistics. Previous findings might, however, be misleading as most bites are not reported. It is more than likely that big dogs acquired a reputation for being aggressive because their bites were more likely to require medical attention.

Not surprisingly, these findings have angered owners of small breeds. Chris Moore, secretary of the Northern Dachshund Association, said: “As far as breeders in the UK are concerned, this is rubbish. It is not in the dogs’ nature. I have never been bitten in 25 years.”

Tony Fitt-Savage, president of the British Chihuahua Club, added: “I have had Chihuahuas for 30-odd years, and they’ve never put anybody into hospital.”

The study, published this week in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science, involved researchers from the University of Pennsylvania questioning 6,000 dog owners. Breeds scoring low for aggression included Basset hounds, golden retrievers, labradors, Siberian huskies and greyhounds. The rottweiler, pit bull and Rhodesian ridgeback scored average or below average marks for hostility towards strangers.

GggrrwooooF! Archie — a barker, but not a biter!