If you ask a few Maryland residents about the most dangerous dog breeds, you’ll probably receive the same general responses: Pit Bulls, Great Danes, Mastiffs, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans… most people agree that these are the most aggressive breeds in the world. However, people often make the mistake of assuming that many other dog breeds are friendly or safe. Here are a few surprisingly dangerous dog breeds in Maryland:
Golden Retrievers
Generally speaking, Golden Retrievers have a well-deserved reputation for mellowness and friendliness. However, there are a few important caveats to consider. Golden Retrievers, like many other dogs, are extremely protective of their “pack.” This might include small children, elderly people, and anyone else in the family. If the Golden Retriever interprets you as a threat to the family, they may attack you. For example, you might get too close to a small baby who is “under the dog’s protection.”
You also have to consider the popularity of the Golden Retriever. Many families want Golden Retrievers due to their beautiful appearance and famous gentleness. The sheer number of Golden Retrievers in American households means that they may be statistically more likely to bite or attack innocent victims.
Dachshunds
Many people do not realize that Dachshunds were specifically bred to hunt badgers. These bearlike creatures are some of the toughest animals on the planet, and this highlights the Dachshund’s deceptively predatory qualities. When breeders created the Dachshund, they almost certainly prioritized aggressive traits.
This aggressiveness may seem at odds with the Dachshund’s small stature and short legs. However, the size of a dog is not an indicator of their friendliness. In fact, most workers at kennels and veterinary hospitals will tell you that smaller dogs are more likely to bite humans compared to larger dogs. This is because smaller dogs are more insecure, and they become easily frightened by humans. They are also known to bite small children who get too close or handle them in a rough manner.
Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas rank highly on the “feistiness” scale. Like Dachshunds, these dogs are likely to feel insecure about their small size – interpreting even small children as legitimate threats. This makes them likely to bite. Again, this aggressiveness may seem totally at odds with the playful, almost pathetic reputation of the Chihuahua. However, these animals still have plenty of sharp teeth – and they are capable of causing disfiguring scars.
A small child might put their head too close to the Chihuahua, causing the dog to suddenly snap out. Even a quick bite can leave permanent scars on a child’s face, and these lacerations may never truly heal.
Find an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer in Maryland
If you’ve been searching for an experienced Baltimore dog bite lawyer, look no further than Furman Honick Law. Over the years, we have helped numerous plaintiffs pursue compensation, justice, and closure after suffering vicious dog attacks. We know that many breeds are more dangerous than they appear – even if they have a reputation for being friendly. Contact us today and speak with a partner for a free case evaluation.
Sources:
akc.org/dog-breeds/dachshund/
xinsurance.com/blog/dog-breeds-most-likely-to-bite/