Top 5 Deceptively Dangerous Dog Breeds

5. Bull Terrier

 

The Bull Terrier’s comical, egg-shaped head and its appearances as Spuds MacKenzie and the Target mascot have done much to paint this breed in a false light. In reality, the Bull Terrier’s history is similar to that of the Pit Bull, used in bloody baiting sports. They were particularly effective in ratting games, being tossed into a hole swarming with rodents and dispatching dozens at a time. Today, it is far gentler than in the past, but it maintains some of its gladiator genes. If not properly trained by a dominant owner, the Bull Terrier can become bossy, and acts of aggression against other dogs and animals are part of its character. They are also prone to certain conditions, including deafness and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

4. Shar Pei

 

Once among the rarest dogs on the planet, the pudgy, wrinkly Shar Pei has been a resident of China for over two thousand years. There is no clear link between them, but it is likely that the Shar Pei and the Chow Chow have a common ancestor; both are extremely antiquated breeds and sport the distinctive purple tongue. Although they look cute on motivational posters, the Shar Pei’s loose skin has a gruesome purpose – it allowed the dog to twist and bite during dog fights, leaving it capable of retaliating even if an opponent got a good hold in. While their popularity as dog fighters has subsequently waned (due to comparative rarity and the overwhelming dominance of western bull-breeds), the Shar Pei maintains its guarding instincts and a serious temperament.

3. Pekingese  

 

Unlike most of the breeds on this list, the Pekingese has a royal pedigree. Another ancient breed, for many years only denizens of the Chinese Imperial Palace could keep them. They were not imported out of their native country until 1860, when British and French troops invaded during the Second Opium War and took some home. Blunt faced, furry little gremlins, their temperament is somewhat reflective of being the pampered, overindulged pet of royalty. They are not keen on strangers or children, and will take on other dogs despite being relatively defenseless themselves.

2. Beagle

Charlie Brown’s pet Snoopy is the world’s most famous beagle, a plucky hunting breed of small to medium size. Like a lot of the other dogs on this list, its recent working heritage has instilled in it a sometimes unmanageable drive. This excitable, impetuous will makes the beagle very hard to train and may cause it to act out inappropriately, including biting. If it catches a tantalizing scent, the beagle will often become completely unresponsive to its master. Given the proper foundation, they are known to make wonderful pets, but they suffer greatly from any indulgence.

1. Chihuahua

The smallest of all dog breeds, the Chihuahua seems to maintain an urge to overcompensate for its size. Under six pounds at maturity, these quivering balls of nerves are especially unsuitable for homes with children. They are known to bond intensely with their owners to the point of obsession, lashing out viciously at anyone else who approaches, including larger dogs. More than anything, Chihuahuas are a victim of their masters, allowed and even encouraged to perpetrate behaviors which would never be tolerated in a larger dog. Called ‘small dog syndrome,’ this can only be overcome if the owner is willing to demand respect. Chihuahuas suffer a litany of health problems, probably due to a certain amount of inbreeding early in their history necessary to achieve their tiny size.