Top 9 most misunderstood dog breeds: Are they bad dogs or not?

In the canine world, dogs are sometimes labeled without deserving it. Many dogs have been called aggressive, destructive, unfriendly, etc. But in reality there are no bad dogs.

There are only bad pet parents who do not raise their dogs right.

Today, we will talk about nine of the most misunderstood dog breeds.

It is not the dog that should be feared. Instead, fear the owners and breeders.

Is there such a thing as a bad dog?

No. There is no bad dog breed. Some bad owners either neglect their dogs, do not train them properly, or purposely train them to be aggressive.

Aggressive dogs are not born that way. They learn aggression through their upbringing. It is the same with kids.

Owners who negatively punish their dogs are more likely to raise an aggressive dog and provoke a dog attack. We cannot assume a dog is aggressive because it is of a specific breed.

Many of these dogs have a high prey drive and are high energy. They need lots of exercise and training.

With that in mind, here are the most misunderstood breeds that are often labeled as the most dangerous dog breeds.

American Pit Bull Terrier

On the top of the list is arguably the most misunderstood breed of all time, the American Pit Bull terrier. This breed suffers from a bad reputation and history.

Back then, the American Pitbull Terrier was used in dog-fighting sports. But nobody mentions that in its history, American Pit Bull terriers were also used as nanny dogs.

The American Kennel Club wants to stay away from the breed’s history so much that they do not even recognize it. Instead, the term Pitbull is an umbrella term for several dogs. And the reality is most of them are also on the list of misunderstood breeds.

The Pittie is a loving, affectionate, pleasant, and friendly dog. You will hardly find a dog that wags its tail as much as the Pitbull terrier.

American Staffordshire Terrier

Many people in the United States and the world mistake the American Staffordshire Terrier for the American Pitbull Terrier.

The American Kennel Club recognizes the Staffy. But because it has a lineage history with the Pitbull, people think the Staffordshire terrier is also aggressive and dangerous.

The irony is that back in the 1990s, the American Staffordshire Terrier was part of one of the most famous children’s movies. Petey in Little Rascals was a sweet and loyal Staffordshire.

His demeanor and nature made him easy to work with. All those kids trusted him.

But because of the history of dog fighting, Staffies nowadays are labeled dangerous.

American Bully

Recently, we had a case in the United Kingdom where an XL bully bit someone. As a result, the American XL Bully is now banned in the country.

Over the years, many celebrities have been advocating for Pitbulls and Bullies awareness.

The reality is that American Bullies do not have an aggressive, dominant, or dangerous gene in them.

Instead, they are happy and smiling all day long. Just look at any American Bully, and you will see a dog with the largest smile possible.

Sadly, they get the same bad reputation as Pitbulls.

Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher doesn’t have a bad history, but he has the looks to make you wet your pants. Arguably one of the most intimidating dogs in the canine world, the Doberman Pinscher was bred as a protector and guardian.

In the 1990s, these dogs found a role as guard dogs and police dogs.

However, because of popular media depicting them as police and military dogs, many people believe they are aggressive and will attack when given the command.

But these dogs can be amazing pets and family members. They are extremely loyal, loving, and attentive to their surroundings. They can live in households with cats, who they accept as part of the pack they need to protect.

Yes, they do have protective instincts. But with early socialization and proper training, that can be handled.

Rottweiler

We see a pattern. Many dogs originating from Germany were once considered dangerous and aggressive. The same applies to the Rottweiler.

There was a myth at one point that Rottweilers became senile and attacked their owners.

But that is nothing more than a myth. Rotties get a bad reputation because they have been part of several horror and suspense movies.

In reality, they guard dogs but have a loving temperament and character.

Their natural disposition to protect might make them look intimidating and scary. But they are caring and will cuddle with family members all day long.

Boxer

The problem with the Boxer is a lot of people do not understand the breed. Boxers have plenty of energy. And when they do not get their exercise, they become destructive.

You should bring a Boxer to your home only if you can meet your puppy’s physical exercise and mental stimulation needs.

Otherwise, you will end up with a destructive dog instead of a fun, active, and happy puppy.

English Mastiff

Our next dog on the list is the English Mastiff. This is another dog that gets a bad reputation because of its size. The English Mastiff is among the most giant dogs in the canine world.

They might be the largest in terms of weight. But unlike the Great Dane, known as the gentle giant, the English Mastiff has a reputation for being a dangerous dog.

People tend to be scared of them because of their size. Yet, despite that large size, Mastiffs are gentle and loyal dogs.

Their history might say otherwise, as they were bred for barbaric baiting and gladiator practices in Roman times.

Yet, they ended up in the hands of peasants who adopted them as family dogs.

Beagle

You might be wondering what a beagle is doing on the list of misunderstood dog breeds.

Well, there is a reason for it. A lot of Beagles end up in shelters, and that is because pet parents around the world do not understand the character of the breed.

These dogs are adorable, smart, and cuddly. But they also have an incredible sense of smell, which can make them fixate on things.

Beagles love to chase and might go after every squirrel they find. Or every cat. They are also talented escape artists.

Add in all those challenges, and people do not get to experience the full-loving nature of Beagles. Instead, they give them up in shelters.

Border Collie

The last dog on the list of misunderstood dog breeds is the Border Collie. Another cute and cuddly dog, but suffers from a reputation of being too hyper.

Yes, Borders are amazing dogs. They top the list of most intelligent dog breeds.

But what do smart people and smart dogs need? Plenty of exercise for their brain. If your Border Collie doesn’t get enough mental stimulation, it will become destructive.

It takes a lot of effort to provide mental and physical exercise for a Border Collie. Do not get one if you cannot provide it.

Reduce aggressive behavior risks

Positive training and responsible pet ownership go hand in hand in reducing the risks of dangerous behavior in dogs. 

It’s important to understand that training influences a dog’s behavior, and no breed should be stereotyped as “bad” or labeled as the most dangerous breeds.

Positive training creates well-behaved dogs

Many people mistakenly believe that harsh methods, such as physical correction or scolding, are necessary to train a well-behaved dog, especially for breeds labeled as “bad dogs.” 

However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Positive reinforcement training rewards good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior and is more effective in creating a well-behaved and happy dog. 

You can teach your dog commands and behaviors without causing fear or anxiety by using treats, praise, and other rewards.

This approach fosters a strong bond that relies on trust and communication rather than dominance and control. 

Responsible pet ownership

Providing your dog with proper care, socialization, exercise, and supervision helps reduce the risks of dangerous behavior.

All dogs need daily exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. 

Without proper stimulation and outlets for their energy, dogs may become bored or frustrated, which leads to destructive behaviors such as chewing or excessive barking.

Socialization is also essential for all dogs, regardless of breed. 

Securing homeowners insurance

As a dog owner, it is vital to understand homeowners insurance’s role in protecting you and your pet. 

Most homeowners insurance policies include coverage for liability claims related to dog bites or attacks. 

If your dog were to injure someone or damage their property, your homeowner’s insurance would cover the costs associated with legal fees, medical expenses, and any settlements or judgments against you.

However, it is crucial to note that not all homeowners insurance policies automatically cover dog-related incidents. 

Some insurers have breed-specific exclusions for breeds deemed as “high-risk” due to their history of aggression or potential size and strength. These breeds may include Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German shepherds, and Akitas.

Breed-specific legislation has been proven ineffective in reducing dog bites. It often unfairly targets specific breeds without considering individual behavior. 

In fact, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, breed-specific legislation is ineffective for preventing dog bites.

Aleksandar Mishkov has been a dog owner since he was a child. He’s owned small dogs, large dogs, purebreds, mutts, and everything in between. He shares his life with an energetic 4-year-old male Jack Russell terrier who is an absolute joy to live with. He also takes care of stray dogs and tries to help them as much as possible.