This is a topic that requires some study for those seriously interested, but briefly and in random order, here goes:
1. Problems of aggression: No, it is not breed specific, but specimen specfic. And since it is largely specimen specific, it has a lot to do with the genetic make-up of the specimen (not the breed per sé).
2. Somebody mentioned proclivity to viciousness: Not true again of the breed, but of the individual specimen.
Was it about two years ago that they put down a Dalmatian in the UK because it bit the three year old (rather badly). The incident as I remember was that the three year old, after seeing the movie 101 Dalmatians wanted a Dalmatian of her own. The grandparents went off to a local rescue and adopted a six year old Dalmatian that had been abandoned. And shortly after the parents left the three year old alone with the six year old Dalmatian bitch - unsupervised. Now, with all this talk about proclivity to viciousness: Dalmatians are usually very well tempered. This combination was a recipe for disaster. Instead of putting down the dog, I would have recommended something nasty for the parents and grandparents, before they got the kid a bear when she demands it after watching Winnie the pooh!
But one thing I do appreciate here on the forum: Some of us did acknowledge that we are not experts in animal behaviour.
Coming back to the topic of proclivity to viciousness: Why do some of the breeds get a worse reputation? I.e. as compared to a nip from a small-sized dog? Solely because some of the dogs, e.g. larger ones can even unwittingly cause greater damage merely due to their sheer size, or bite force. Ask someone who has raised a e.g. Great Dane and a one-year old simultaneously. These dogs, although very friendly and well tempered (generally), take anywhere from 2-3 years to mature mentally. They can create havoc, e.g. by knocking down a one year that is barely able to stand while simply playing and running about. That can cause damage. Imagine a frolicky 2 year old Rottweiler suddenly wanting to playing tug of war with a three year old kid's clothes (i.e. whild the kid is wearing it) or inciting a kid to join its games using its paws (read claws) and mouth (read teeth)!!!
Now, coming to genetic coding - what the writer wrote is kind of true.
BTW, there are no attackers in genes. The best dogs, e.g. patrol and guard dogs are those of the soundest nature and temperance. They don't just bite, or bark without reason. They are not uncontrollably aggressive. These animals have different drives that are used to enhance their concentration and efforts to a particular act. E.g. a play-drive or a chase-drive, i.e. for the opportunity to play with a tug or to chase a ball, they are made to do something, e.g. sniff and inform of a particular smell such as a body (cadaver dogs).
That being said, breeders who breed solely for the money part of it don't care about the characteristics and temperament of the sire and dam. This leads to undesirable qualities in their offspring. More so, a lot of breeders don't know how to pair a prospective owner with the right specimen. Nowadays, a lot of breeders are starting to ask the purpose and recommending the pup/specimen and refusing to sell some pups to owners who they feel they won't be able to handle. Yes, these traits are very recognisable by an informed breeder.
Then comes the training part. Larger dogs, with more powerful jaws and dexterity, need more careful training and obedience training. Then again, not each specimen (irrespective of the breed) is suited to all types of handlers. Dominant dogs are not suited to first time owners or then owners who cannot establish themselves as leaders of the pack. E.g. a very docile, easily subdued dog is of no-use for patrol purposes, but would make an excellent pup for family purposes. And vice versa, a first time owner with a dominant natured dog with a strong will and drive would have more on his hands than he bargained for. Add the size and strength of the dog in question and you can either have a good dog or a perfect nightmare. True, some of the specimens can be in-between in terms of the characteristics mentioned. Each specimen needs recognising and appropriate working with (i.e. training for obedience in particular and pack establishment).
Sadly, less than 10% of the owners know this. And worse even are situations where the dogs are matched up to the wrong kinds of owners!!! And so, it isn't the rotten apple, sadly! Rather some of the uninformed breeders and owners. And very sadly, yes, a "bad" owner/handler is more than enough to turn a dog into a man-killer. Whether the victims succumb, depends largely on the size of the dog and the victim.
Hope this helps.
Kind regards.
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PS: These are my views and opinions.
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If its muddy, Can I drive it?
