Do not make the mistake of thinking only big dogs can cause dog bite injuries.
When it comes to dog bite injuries, most people think of big breeds like pit bulls, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, etc. Large, aggressive dogs can indeed cause serious injuries or even death, in part due to their strength and size. Just recently we had a case in southern California where a 63-year-old woman was mauled to death by four loose pit bulls while out jogging.
However, we have also had cases in the news about much smaller dogs terrorizing entire communities, such as the packs of Chihuahuas that have been roaming the streets of one Phoenix, Arizona neighborhood. The little dogs run in packs of 8 to 15 according to some residents, and are making parents afraid to let kids walk to school or play outside alone.
The truth is that any size dog has the potential to become aggressive and cause injury. The following 6 small dog breeds are considered especially prone to bad behavior, including aggression and biting. If you encounter any of these breeds, be especially careful to avoid provoking the dog in any way. Just go about your business and know that if the dog bites you through no fault of your own, you can hold the owner or handler legally responsible for your injuries with the help of an expert dog bite injury attorney.
- Dachshund.
Some studies have found that dachshunds are more prone to violence against both other dogs and people than even the most feared big dogs like pit bulls and Rottweilers. The name Dachshund means “badger dog” and reflects what it was bred for in Germany, namely digging into badger burrows and killing badgers. If you know what good fighters badgers are, you will understand why Dachshunds have such willful, aggressive natures and never back down from a fight.
- Chihuahua.
Though these dogs top out at 6 pounds, Chihuahuas have the attitude of a much bigger dog. Many owners think it is cute how closely their Chihuahuas bond with them and how protective they are of their masters. They allow their Chihuahuas to indulge in all kinds of incredibly aggressive behaviors like barking, snarling, lunging, etc. that would never be tolerated in a larger dog.
- Cocker Spaniel.
This breed has some of the saddest “puppy dog eyes” you will ever see. However, some Cocker Spaniels have a “genetic rage” syndrome that can cause them to lash out violently for no reason at all, only to be back to their placid, almost mopey selves a moment later.
- Pekingese.
This dog breed does not take well to strangers or children. They have an impulsive, sensitive temperament that seems only fitting considering that they were bred in the Chinese Imperial court and for centuries were indulged and pampered like royalty themselves.
- Beagle.
Beagles were bred to follow scents and to hunt, and they have a very strong drive to indulge in this behavior. They also have an excitable and impetuous nature. This can make it dangerous for beagles to be out loose in strange environments, where even the most well-trained beagle could easily become captivated by a scent and get completely out of their masters’ reach and control. If surprised or stressed the dog could then lash out and possibly bite.
- Jack Russell.
This little terrier was bred to hunt foxes and rats and became popular as a pet relatively recently in the history of dog breeds. The main problem with Jack Russells is that they have a ton of energy and need mental and physical stimulation to prevent them from becoming neurotic. A bored or poorly socialized Jack Russell could be dangerous.
