What's the worst breed of dog?

[bif]

I'd say Sheltie. I've lived next to a cocuple of them and they yip constantly.

[Liberal Veteran]

1. Chihauhau....

Yappy mean rat/dog crossbreeds.

[tandot]

5. C-H-I-H-U-A-H-U-A

and I bet I am not the only one offended. Ask Skinner...

:spank:

[Endangered Specie]

35. Alert Alert Alert

Ban him skinner!! (j/k) ;)

[trogdor]

62. I hear they're high-maintenance.

I read a thing where pocket pooches like these (and the frail little thing Paris Hilton owns) are as fragile as premature infants. The article I read says they need to be fed every 3-4 hours, and falling out of a chair could kill them. Walking them? Fuggedaboudit! You're carrying that dog. What did they call them..."teacup" breeds?

[tandot]

81. well, my "teacup" is 8 pounds

my Chihuahua has some Pug in him. So, he looks like a chunky Chihuahua. He is pretty tough.

I wouldn't get one of those tiny 2 pound toy breeds.

[geniph]

87. That is a total crock of shit

I grew up with pedigreed teacup Chihuahuas, all under 4 pounds full-grown, and they were as tough as any small dog. You could not convince the males that they weren't Rottweilers. My little guy Pedro used to go on 10-mile hikes with us all the time. They ate as often as any dog. Yes, falling directly on their head *could* kill them, because of the fontanelle (soft spot) - but not all Chis have it, and it takes a fall directly onto the fontanelle. Falling on your head could kill YOU, too.

What a bunch of BS. I don't own small dogs anymore, but the trick is to treat them like DOGS, not spoiled infants. My Chis were nice little dogs, no more yappy or snappy than any dog. I carried Pedro in my coat a lot, but mostly because *I* liked it, not because he needed it. He used to walk around the lake with me nearly every afternoon after school, a 3-mile walk (probably a 30-mile walk for him, with those short little legs).

Now, critters like Paris Hilton probably ARE hothouse flowers that have to be treated like premature infants...

[Flaxbee]

43. my niece pronounces it Chi - wa - WAA

cracks me up every time.... (as opposed to CHI wawa).

They're cute dogs, there are no bad dogs, only bad owners!

[LynneSin]

56. better watch it: Skinner owns one and he can have you permamently

banned for that comment

:eyes:



(just kidding)

[7th_Sephiroth]

60. Great Pyraneese

they have thier moments, but you cant train them you cant house break them, thier loud as hell and 100% uncontrollable

[radwriter0555]

65. chee ow ow? Just kidding, sorry, but you're right, and Spitz's are a mean

dog as well.

Cockers aren't much better.

[Samurai_Writer]

70. Cocker Spaniels are sweet!

At least, mine is. He doesn't bark, is completely housebroken, very calm-natured yet energetic when it is time to play. He's a sweety!

[achtung_circus]

2. You need to define some parameters

What do you mean by worst?
Annoying?
Dangerous?
Sheddiest?
Dirtiest?
Nastiest (not necessarily the same as dangerous, ankle biters take note)?

[bif]

7. Most annoying...

I guess I should have been clearer.

[achtung_circus]

9. Well in that case,

Shelties are right up there for yappiness.

Border Collies can be annoying. If you don't have a job for them, they'll invent one for themselves, usually something annoying.

Many terriers are annoying because they are terriers, built to kill rats, they are aggressive and toothy.

Any dog, of whatever breed, that is unsocialized or too closely bonded to one person only is annoying. Good dogs have manners.

[Canuckistanian]

40. Yes, I agree, Shelties

But not for your reason. It's just that they're so damned nervous and neurotic. Some friends of mine had one over one day and the damned dog would not sit still for a minute. Just running back and forth, then hiding under the couch, then out again, ad nauseum.
Shame, though. They're beautiful looking dogs.

[mstrsplinter326]

3. dogs depend entirely on their owners for personality and behavior

Bad dogs come strictly from bad owners or bad training. Obviously a rotwieler (sp?) will require more time and attention than a golden retriever, but nonetheless, if you purchase a dog you know if you have a aggressive breed or not.

[radwriter0555]

67. Oh no, of course not. There are specific temperments inherent to breeds

that are dead on accurate.

Chewies are mean and irritable, because hey have to be defensive, cause they're so little.

Corgies are very laid back.

Jack Russells are bouncy and very friendly and very hyper.

Aussies are obsessive compulsive.

Dachsies are irritable. They all growl when you move them when they're sleeping in the middle of your bed.

[Bluzmann57]

4. Poodles and Chihuahuas

I mean they're friggin' poodles. And Chihuahuas, well, my grandpa had one of those miserable little things and it was just annoying. Now Boxers and good ol' beagles, there's some dogs.

[TX-RAT]

6. I'll get flamed but, PIT BULLS

[DrWeird]

11. Pit bulls are great dogs.

They were the American family dog breed of choice for decades.

[TX-RAT]

14. We've had 66 pit bull attacks in 2 years, resulting in 2 deaths

[DrWeird]

18. US troops have murdered over 20,000 Iraqi civilians.

What's your point?

[TX-RAT]

57. Whats yours

20000 Iraqi civilians? I believe we're talking about dogs.

[gatlingforme]

20. I love Pit Bulls, I have one right now I adopted from the shelter

when my baby Gatling passed away. A dog is as much as you put into it and I they adopt the owners personality I think. There is too much misconception about Pit Bulls and that is very sad -- They are an excellent dog to a responsible owner.

[TX-RAT]

61. They are an excellent dog to a responsible owner

Responsible owners are far and few between.

[Dropkick]

36. And what has been done...

...by your local authorities to strengthen the laws and consequences for people convicted of pet abuse/neglect and owning a dangerous dog? Because, I can tell you, these pansy ass slap on the wrist laws are a huge contributor to the problems cropping up with certain breeds. You would not believe how seldom people who abuse/neglect their dogs face real consequences, such as substantial fines and/or real jailtime. On average, the usual sentence is just removal of the pet, so that the unfit owner is free to run out and purchase another dog, with little to no fear of reprisal.

Pit bulls are extraordinarily misunderstood. They are a terrier, which means that they are HIGH energy, they are smart, and yes, they can be aggressive under bad conditions/conditioning. Often, in areas with pit bull problems, there is little done until it becomes clear that there is more going on than just a breed popularity explosion. It has been found over and over that in economically depressed areas, where there is a pit bull explosion, there is also fighting rings. And where there are fighting rings, there is gambling and drugs (both for human use and use on the animals). But it usually takes until the situation gets to this point before anything is done by law enforcement. I've had to work with dogs who were confiscated from these rings, and their condition is more often than not horrifying (I've seen dogs so wracked by infection from multiple untreated wounds that the ONLY humane thing to be done is to put them down as quickly as we could draw up the euthanasia solution, one reason I can't work in rescue anymore, I am just unable to deal with the sorrow and rage I suffered almost everyday).

If there is this type of problem in your area, push push push for stricter animal cruelty laws, or at the very least for greater enforcement of the existing laws.

Another problem is that there are many people who have very little exposure to animals at a young age, and they are never taught that these are thinking, feeling animals. If they DID get this exposure and learning, perhaps people would be more responsible at a later date when considering purchasing a dog (make sure the dog is medically cared for, has adequate husbandry-type care, and properly socialized).


BTW, the #1 breed for reported dog bites? The Cocker Spaniel.

**edited to clarify

[TX-RAT]

59. Its a tough fight.

We are fixing to vote on a tether ordinance. It will be illegal to chain your dog. That will eliminate most of the problems we have with dog fighting. There is no way they can keep 2-4 dogs in 1 yard.

(BTW, the #1 breed for reported dog bites? The Cocker Spaniel)
How many deaths?

[gatlingforme]

83. TX RAT, interesting point "...how many died" - I hope you

do pass a tether law. That is a good idea. How many people die of drowning in a pool.?? and what are the circumstances of the dogs attack. most of the time it's the people who toy or tease the dog. No matter what kind of dog that is. I do not think the top dog responsible for deaths is the Pit Bull. I love dogs but if my dog ever showed aggression towards another human I would train and if that dog ever bit a human I would put the dog down.

[TX-RAT]

84. how many died

The 2 that died were small children. Both were girls 1 was 2 1/2 the other was 4.Both simply wandered within chain length of a pit. These dogs were chained up without a fence. The new ordinance will require 100 sq ft minimum for dogs in fenced areas. Too pass this ordinance we had to find a way to make it non breed specific.

[gatlingforme]

85. Good for you -- I hate animal abuse and I believe tethering a

dog on a chain forever is abuse. so you are doing two good things with this new ordinance. Good luck.. ;)

[RebelOne]

48. I agree. They are great dogs.

I have owned 2 of them and they were both sweethearts.

[achtung_circus]

13. I don't know

I've shared house space with 2 Pit Bulls. They were sweet dogs. We see a lot of Pit Bull problems around here, but they are usually with gang-banger wannabees who think a "tough" dog is cool.

[TX-RAT]

64. gang-banger wannabees who think a "tough" dog is cool

And the wannabees ain't going away, and neither are the pits.

[Awsi Dooger]

47. They can flame me also: PIT BULLS, period.

They aren't even dogs, not worthy of the description. I would vote straight ticket Republican before owning one of those assassins.

[radwriter0555]

68. I will NOT trust a pit bull, ever. I knew one that ripped the face off the

best friend his human raised him with.

The dog had had problems with unpredictable behavior and was on notice by animal control over incidents spanning 2 years. Nice, friendly dog, but had snapped several times.

One day his owner called AC in tears, as his best friend who had helped him raise the pup had had his face literally ripped off because he snapped one last time. These were honestly nice guys, well-to-do, well intended, treated the dog very well, but the dog went off.

He had the dog put down on the spot... bless his heart.

[DemExpat]

72. Pittbulls, along with 3 other breeds, are forbidden in Holland.

Too many deadly attacks on children.....

Incredibly powerful jaws teamed with some owners who have the dog only to intimidate others, or who have not raised the dog well, equals danger to society.

DemEx

[sbj405]

53. I tend to think it's not the dog, but

the type of people that are attracted to what they think the dog is. Around they have gone so far as to ban them. It's sad to see how many pit bulls are destroyed. I have met many that are very sweet dogs, but they were raised in that environment. Alternately, I've met plenty of cute small dogs that liked biting children. I think it's all about the owner.

[dutchdemocrat]

8. Jack Russells

By far. Absolute NIGHTMARE!

[OKNancy]

46. My Jack Russell

is better now that he is older, but as a pup he was pretty...rambunctious. They are a handful, but a smarter, more loyal, and loving dog, I've never had.

[DemExpat]

49. I'm on my second Jack Russell terrier now.....an adopted 1 year old...

super little dogs that need tons of exercise and firm leadership from the owner!

But their energy, joy, intelligence and sense of humor is hard to beat. And they are easy to travel with - in a basket on the bicycle...

:kick:

DemEx

[maxpower]

76. I adopted mine

After he was given up on by two owners. I should have bought a lottery ticket that day, it was my luck day.

[maxpower]

75. I disagree

My Jackie is the greatest dog ever. Smart, obedient, great with my 4 year old daughter and above all mellow.

[k in IA]

10. This seems like dangerous territory you have entered into because

everyone gets defensive when somebody bashes their puppy.

I love dogs but keep my kids away from the ones that have reputations for biting and attacking - Pit Bulls, Rottweilers(sp?), Chows and German Shepards (the one type I was attacked by as a kid - thank god for my heavy winter coat or I was toast).

My sister kept getting Cocker Spaniels and they would bite. One had to be put to sleep for biting a couple kids. She then got another one that also had a mean streak. They also did not get along with other dogs and cats. Duh - try a different type Sis.

A veterinarian told us they became so popular that breeders had "bred the brains out of them".

[izzie]

12. I lived with big dogs but Ger Shep scare me.

I have been chewed on by 2 and my daughter also. I have grew up with Danes so it is not big dogs.My sisters son was also torn up by his own.

[achtung_circus]

16. There are 2 basic ttypes of German Shepherds

The American line dogs have the sloping back that predisposes them to hip dysplasia and the narrow head that means there isn't much room for a brain.

The German line dogs have level backs, wider backs, broader heads and a brain. Mostly imported by serious Schutzhund afficianados. Czechs also breed good German Shepherds. I have been ripped up 3 time by Shepherds, this cute dimple in my right cheek in't a dimple, it's the scar from the upper left canine of a white German Shepherd. Statistically they are responsible for most dog bites, a good part of that is due to their popularity.

[k in IA]

26. It is the only dog that has ever bitten me and one also bit my hubby

when he was a kid.

[gatlingforme]

15. I know who is the best dog,,,,,,,,mine

[achtung_circus]

17. Where did you get my Scout Dog??

[gatlingforme]

22. Gatling is - was - actually Springer/Cocker mix he was my

baby for 14yrs. I miss him but have great memories for the rest of my life. He had Cushings Disease

[achtung_circus]

23. Scout, OK I'd just finished reading To Kill A Mockingbird, yet again

is a Border Collie/Springer Spaniel cross that I had to leave with the ex in BC when I left. It wasn't fair to bring her to a big city, but I miss her so bad. Sigh.

[gatlingforme]

29. I understand how you feel.

:-(

[JohnLocke]

19. CHOW CHOWS

Mean, vicious, black-tongued maniacs. And Afghan Hounds! Them, too.

[Liberal Veteran]

28. You take that back or I'll sick my Chows on you!

[JohnLocke]

37. Aahhh!

:D

[Liberal Veteran]

41. As you can see, Tantris (the red one) is NOT amused at your comment.

:)

[JohnLocke]

42. I see ... and I'm scared.

:scared: :scared: :scared:

[sbj405]

54. And mine, too

Alex is the sweetest, gentlest dog you will meet. He might lick you to death with his black tongue. I rescued him off death row, after being abused.

[pink-o]

21. Yorshire Terriers.

Yuk! Little rats with red bows in their hair.

Think about it: dogs are descended from wolves, and to breed one down to the size of a tall Starbucks Latte is just criminal. Of course they're gonna be little mutants.

Best dogs are still labs of any kind--but all dogs should be mutts to make 'em stronger. My golden had some collie blood and had no problems with hip dysplasia or blindness. Inbreeding sucks for all species.

[Bonhomme Richard]

24. No such thing as worst breed............................

Only worst owners

[achtung_circus]

25. Breeds are suitable for different things.

People get a breed without doing their homework, going strictly on appearance. A Border Collie is the smartest of the breeds, but unless you know what you are getting yourself into, a poor choice for many people.

Other breeds have other "issues".

[Lorien]

39. Amen! n/t

[H2O Man]

27. I say the cheney.

They growl under their breath, bite the back of ankles, make messes in their owner's homes, and aren't worth the vet bills.

[gatlingforme]

30. I have to agree with you 100%

[Auntie Bush]

82. Is he any relation to Dick Cheney? They sound just alike.

[Liberal Veteran]

31. Ann Coulter.

Bet on it.

[bahrbearian]

32. What an insult, some of us are dog lovers.

[SmileyBoy]

33. On opposite sides of the spectrum: Rottweilers and Shit-Tzus.

:puke:

[RebelOne]

52. I have a Rottweiler and in my opinion,

they are the best of dogs.

[Liberal Classic]

34. Shelties are very smart, high energy dogs

Ones that bark incessantly are usually not getting the attention they crave.

The worst kind of dog is a neglected dog. They are more likely to have behavior problems and are prone to bites.

[leftofthedial]

38. Oh, Barbara Bush without a doubt

nasty, nasty, annoying little breed.

[Bat Boy]

44. Dingo

They're filthy, completely untrainable and have an insatiable appetite for babies.

Once this one dies, I'm definitely not getting another.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

45. There are no bad dogs, only bad owners.

I don't always blame the parents, because once the children are grown up they can take responsibility for their own lives. But dog owners bear the full responsibility.

[RebelOne]

You are absolutely correct.

[Champ]

51. Seconded

[AngryAmish]

58. Disagree

There are bad dogs. Some dogs owned by perfectly good owners just do not have the proper mental make-up. I do not throw entire breeds away, but as individuals, some dogs are just born wrong.

For example, everyone has heard about problems with puppy-mill Dalmations. I am sure there are some quality Dalmations out there, but the dog is not for everyone.

[radwriter0555]

69. That's right, dogs, like people, can have mental problems and will BE BAD.

In many cases they're just not redeemable.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

80. Is it time for a nature vs nurture debate?

Naa, I'm too busy today, lol.

[Champ]

50. Bad owners

Any dog can be a good dog depending on the owners, same with children. Owners have to teach them the difference between right and wrong.

[noonwitch]

55. Yorkies. They are cute, but really annoying

My mom has one. The current one is okay, but yips too much. Her old dog was really annoying. Neither were ever housebroken, and the old dog was a biter.

I like my humane society specials. My dog Katie (I have no idea what breed she is) is one of the sweetest, best-behaved dogs I've ever seen. Her worst habit is lunging when I'm walking her, if she sees another dog or a cat or something. Otherwise, she's mellow, gentle with children and old people, smart, and only wants to be loved.

[Gildor Inglorion]

63. Beagles.

Horrible, noisy, annoying little things. NOTHING will make them stop barking.

[lojasmo]

66. Pyrenese

Psychotic, shedding freaks. I love my dog, but JESUS!

[Commendatori]

71. Poodles, French or otherwise. All of them. Even the dead ones.

They're four-legged toilet brushes that take our oxygen.

[hyphenate]

73. If a dog is properly raised

with love, compassion and kindness, they're ALL good dogs. I love almost all dogs, but I have a particularly soft part in my heart for labs and goldens.

My friend Barbara has two bassett hounds, an English setter, and her mom has a poodle. The nastiest of them is the poodle, but she is also almost 15 years old. The bassetts are stubborn as all hell, and the setter is a nervous wreck. They were all rescues from horrendous living conditions, but Barb has devoted a lot of time and love to them all.

I personally prefer cats, though, and I don't think my brood of 5 would want a dog to be added to the clan right now.

[Maddy McCall]

74. Dalmations

Stupid and unpredictable. Regardless of training.

[phillybri]

77. Poodles...

Puffy little vermin...:grr:

[THUNDER HANDS]

78. Bulldog

They fart, belch, poop all over the place and have tons of medical probelms.

[TX-RAT]

89. Sound like most men over 50

[pagerbear]

79. Seems to me a lot depends on you

...and your lifestyle and what kind of canine companion you're looking for. I think every breed has its good points and bad points (except miniature Schnauzers--they have no bad points!). Finding the right breed for you is a matter of honest self-appraisal and research.

Just my two cents.

[Susang]

86. Men

Just trying to start a big flamewar. }(
<ducks>

[geniph]

88. I've known good and bad individuals of nearly every breed,

I mean, I could say all Shelties and Bichon Frises bark a lot because most of the ones I've known have been incessant barkers...but I've also known a couple who were no more barky than any other dog. I could say all German Shepherds are butt-biters because I've had two jump me - but I've known dozens who'd die before they'd bite without good cause. I could say all Pomeranians suck because my next-door neighbor has the Pom From Hell - unhousebroken, yappy, snappy, and stupid - but I've also known a Pom who was a national obedience and agility champion. I could say all miniature Schnauzers are biters and all Dachshunds are sneaky little bastards that like to bring rocks into the house by hiding them in their mouths, because I've known individuals that were like that. I could say all Beagles are uncontrollable spoiled brats because my mother raises hers to be fat, spoiled monsters.

But none of those things are true of all of any breed. You get a properly-bred and properly-raised dog of ANY breed and it's a joy to be around. You get a badly-bred or badly-raised dog of ANY breed, and it's going to make your life a misery.