When Chihuahuas attack

[cjolley]

http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/12/30/ankle.biters.ap/index.html

FREMONT, California (AP) -- A pack of angry Chihuahuas attacked a police officer who was escorting a teenager home after a traffic stop, authorities said.

The officer suffered minor injuries, including bites to his ankle, Detective Bill Veteran said.

The five Chihuahuas escaped the 17-year-old boy's home and rushed the officer in the doorway Thursday, authorities said.

The teenager had been detained after the traffic incident.

The officer was treated at a hospital and returned to work less than two hours later.

[ZokesPro]

OMG!!!

Protect your ankles! PROTECT YOUR ANKLES!!!!!

[Dr Mordrid]

Hey....little dogs can be AGGRESSIVE!!

You should see my mother in laws daschund when he gets ticked

Dr. Mordrid

[Nowhere]

And I wonder if I have right or wrong impression when I think it's mostly issue with totally inadequte raising of such dogs, treating them like couhc pets, etc....

[Dr Mordrid]

How you raise a dog is one major factor, but certainly not the only one. Some breeds are just plain nasty by nature.

I've seen doxies raised in every way possible; pampered old persons lap dog, scent hunters (their intended purpose), family pet...whatever, and it matters not. Most all are playful and cute, but a huge percentage can get very aggressive at the drop of a hat....especially older dogs.

Same goes for many smaller breeds; Jack Russell and other terriers, chihauhaus, Pekingese, miniature pincers etc. Some think their higher level of agression is a survival adaptation that compensates for their smaller stature. In some cases it's territoriality run amok.

The most common description I hear for these small breeds is "100 lb's of attitude in a 10 lb package".

Not far from the truth.

At the very least many of these breeds require much more training than usual, but some of their behaviors (territoriality, high-strung behavior etc.) are part of the breed.

Some large dogs show the same "symptoms" and some don't. ex: I've yet to see an overly aggressive Labrador Retriever. They'd rather sleep

Many breeds are just not good "family dogs" because one mis-step by a child could trigger a negative response; pulling an ear, bumping or steping on the dog etc.

Dr. Mordrid

[Nowhere]

I see...oh well, not an isuue for some time - no dog planned for some time. But perhaps one day I'll ask about specific races (BTW, I also guess that one of the best local sources are police centers who train dogs? )

[Dr Mordrid]

The dogs used by police depts. tend to be dogs that are naturally agressive or territorial; german shepards (though I've had good luck with 'em) and other similar large breeds.

If you were in the US I'd point you to the AKC (American Kennel Club) for breed advice. Their website has breed info;

http://www.akc.org/breeds/index.cfm?nav_area=breeds

As noted the Labrador Retriever is an excellent medium sized dog. They were originally bred as a waterfowl hunting breed, but are just as prized for family dogs because they are smart, docile, willing (actually eager) to please & just flat GREAT with kids. Most Labs I've seen would let little kids crawl all over 'em and just soak up all the attention.

In fact the only times I've seen Labs get upset has been in defense of what the dog considered their kids & family, and they were willing to go to the wall in doing so. They're mild, but very loyal.

Temperament

True Labrador Retriever temperament is as much a hallmark of the breed as the "otter" tail. The ideal disposition is one of a kindly, outgoing, tractable nature; eager to please and non-aggressive towards man or animal. The Labrador has much that appeals to people; his gentle ways, intelligence and adaptability make him an ideal dog.

http://www.akc.org/breeds/labrador_retriever/index.cfm

I've never seen a bad Lab, but it could happen if you bought a dog from a puppy mill. Puppy mills often inbreed the dogs, bringing out the worst, both physically and behaviorally, in any breed they sell.

Uppance: get a dog from a reputable breeder.

Dr. Mordrid

[Nowhere]

Well, I mostly wanted to ask somebody from there because they certainly know a lot about this stuff, not neccesarilly to choose the same breed as them. But, accidentally, I like german shephards . They are in some way an archetype of dog for me (some other shepherds too, and perhaps springer spaniel, wolfhounds or setters), and when it comes to temperament...I guess I was lucky, having contact only with well behaving. Or my perception is skewed because those dogs were living in "natural habitat" (in the country), among people who knew how to treat them...

BTW, I could sware I had seen once a labrador as a police dog...

[Jammrock]

Chihuahuas are rats disguised as dogs so women will think they are cute. But really ... they're just rats. And damn ugly rats, too.

[GuchiGuh]

Chihuahuas are rats disguised as dogs so women will think they are cute. But really ... they're just rats. And damn ugly rats, too.

LMAO