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What creates a dangerous dog?
A dangerous dog is created by the human breeding it and the human owning it.
Breeding dogs with poor temperaments creates the predisposition for issues. Note, many breeds are supposed to be wary of strangers - it is part of what makes that breed different from all others. A Maremma with the temperament of a Golden Retriever is incorrect. Maremmas are live stock guarding breeds. If they are everybody’s buddy then they cannot do their job. Just as a Labrador Retriever with the temperament of an Akita is incorrect. So, good breeders know the correct temperament for the breed and breed for it.
Next comes how the dog is placed. A good breeder or rescue should know the ideal home for the dogs it breeds and will make it tough for the average person to get a dog. Lots of questions, maybe a home check, references called, why? Well, they do NOT want their dogs becoming a problem. A good breeder wants a home prepared for the dog and one who will do all possible to keep the dog from becoming an issue. Sadly, there are too many potential dog owners who seek out the bad breeders out of ignorance.
Now comes the owner’s part.
- Is the owner knowledgeable of the breed?
- Can the owner safely manage the breed?
- Is the owner acting as a responsible owner? (Regardless of the breed - I have worked with many small dogs that were risky animals thanks to the human end).
If the answer to any of these is “No” then there is a greater risk of the dog becoming a biter.
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