

It can arise from fear, pain or frustration.ĭog biting is influenced by a combination of genetics, experience and training.

When dogs bite, it is usually a last resort. Breeds favoured for intelligence, problem-solving skills and working roles may be more sensitive. However, the purpose a dog was originally bred for is a useful guide. It’s tricky to predict what a dog’s behaviour will be like based on breed alone. While dogs of the same breed share common characteristics, there is as much variation within a breed as there is across breeds. Other dogs have been bred for an aloof and wary personality as guard dogs. Some dogs, such as the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, have been bred for their appearance and as a docile companions. Humans have selectively bred dogs over thousands of years for appearance and behaviour traits.Īlso Read | Man's friend or foe? Rising public concern in wake of increasing dog bites in Kerala Understanding the reasons why dogs bite is the key to prevention.

This likely because Labradors make up such a high proportion of the dog population.īut it also highlights why we should be aware of our interactions with all dogs, no matter the breed. Labrador retrievers, one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK often feature in lists and reports about aggressive dog breeds. There is little evidence breed-specific laws reduce biting. In fact, banned breeds are no more likely to bite than other breeds, despite a reputation for being more aggressive. People tend to label some dog breeds as aggressive and some, such as the pit bull terrier, are often banned, yet all dogs have the potential to bite.
