What type of dogs are mean? Is it true that chiuauas and Dalmatians are mean?

Question

Have you ever owned a type of dog that is supposed to be mean?

Answer 1

Some dogs are bred to have personality traits that if left unmannaged can turn into aggressive or destructive behavior. The breeds you listed above are on this list, along with chow chows, pit bulls, dobs, etc... That aside, any dog can develope bad habbits. The most agressive dog I met was a Lab ( a breed known for thier friendly personalities) We own a chow chow, and the best advice I can give is, learn about the type of breed and the dangers and advantages to each breed. Make sure that the dog gets plenty of exersise, and plenty of activities and toys and intereactions with you, other people, and other dogs. With the right attention, any breed can be we mannered and friendly. With the wrong attention any breed can be mean and aggressive. Get your dogs from good breeders. Make sure that the puppy stays with mom and litter mates for at least 10 weeks. (most ppl say 8 weeks, but the extra time gives them a chance to learn more manners from mom and siblings) hope this helps!

Answer 2

I am a dalmatian owner and never had a chi. Basically all dogs need obedience training and socialization with all kinds of people, other animals and exposed to various situations.

There are friendly and mean dogs and everything in between in all breeds.

If you are considering a dalmatian or any dog -- do your homework. Good breeders will breed for good temperament and many will be there to give you a lifetime of counseling. Many have a contract and you agree to return the dog to them if there's a problem.

Rescue groups, especially breed specific rescues, are quite knowledgeable and will match the dog to your family and living situation. Good rescues have a thorough adoption process to make sure its a good fit.

Many shelters, although not as knowledgeable generally about specific breeds, do have staff who can counsel you.

None of these groups will allow an aggressive (to people) dog available for adoption.

Then there are pet stores, free to good home, classifieds etc. Either they want your money thank you very much or just want to give their problem to someone else.

I can tell you I learned the hard way. Our first dalmatian (and first dog) came from the newspaper and yes he grew up to have a mean streak. Our next two are both rescues and they are wonderully well adjusted and Canine Good Citizens. We train with them all the time.

I would not recommend a dalmatian to a first time dog owner or someone inexperienced with dogs and has small children. These dogs have a lot of energy and need to be exercised regularly and require your time. In the right hands they are wonderful loving and playful dogs. Obedience training is essential.

Go to some dog shows and meet some dalmatians. The breeders will be happy to introduce you and answer questions.

Answer 3

As an earlier posted said chihuahuas are nervous and high strung so tend to be snappy. In my opinion part of this is a Napoleon complex. Dalmatians when purchased from a reputable breeder are very nice dogs. However, the problem stems from money hungry irresponsible people who look to make a quick buck every time Disney releases 101 Dalmatians, everyone wants one because they're just so darn cute leading to over breeding, breeding with disregard to temperament etc.
That said a dog that is well bred, and owned by a loving responsible owner will reflect their upbringing and be a dog you can be proud of. When you notice any dog has aggressive tendencies your dominance should quickly be asserted and teach the dog that aggressiveness is not tolerated.

Answer 4

Any dog can be mean... its usually how they are raised.. there are a few dogs that are just plain mean and usually its a genetic thing..... I have known several of both kinds of dogs, yes Dalmations are ones to WATCH but only because they are a one person/family type dog...not in there own surroundings or if they feel thier family might be in any type of danger then watch out... I also have been around chihuahua's and they can be ankle biters so to speak but they are usually not "mean" and just fine... they might posess the smll dog syndrome (because they are small they need to stand up for themselves...lol) But no I have not owned a "mean" dog but my oldest dog does get "grumpy" on occaision... that came with age and arthritis.....smile

here are some links to help you understand genetically mean type dogs most of the stuff I found was on pitbulls... which yes they have a bad rap but there are some that just have some bad genes, like (some) pits, rots, dalmations, or just a mutt..keep in mind I AM NOT SAYING "ALL" OF THEM ARE MEAN!! :

http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/thoughts.html
http://www.champdogsforum.co.uk/board/topic/7194.html
http://board.dogchannel.com/Topic5660-13-3.aspx (read the whole posting)

Answer 5

I have had a dalmatian and they are great dogs. high strung but good dogs. I would have to agree with everyone else that it isn't the breeds that make them mean it is the upbringing.
Just do some research on the dog before you buy. Look into the humane society or area shelters, you can always find pure breds there too. Hey Heinz 57 are great too, I love mixed breeds.

Answer 6

There really isn't a particular mean breed. It mainly depends on how you treat them.
I use to breed Chihuahuas, sweet little dogs.
Chihuahuas, indeed most small breeds, can be a little snappy, they like to think they are Great Danes, but there hasn't been any reported mamings that I know of.
The best natured dog is either the Labrador or Golden Retriever.
The American Pit Bull, can be a bit of a worry, particularly around small children or other dogs. These would be the most notorious breed.
But any dog can be dangerous if it is put in a situation where it feels threatened.
Dalmatians are another good natured dog. But as I have said, it depends completely on how you treat them. Treat them rough, and they'll bite, tease them (as many children do) they'll bite.

Answer 7

Chihuahuas are high strung and naturally nervous, and can easily get snappy

Dalmatians are actually fairly event tempered - the problem is when purebred dals get overbred, they can get unstable. But in general, they're not a bad breed.

Dobermans are quick to respond and defend their territory or their pack - which can include people - and their mean streak can be developed, which is why they are often used a guard dogs.

But in any breed there can be a mean dog - and almost any dog can be turned mean if it is treated badly.

Answer 8

I have two pitbulls and a cocker spaniel. (3 dogs). Ptis are suppose to be one of the mean dogs but my dogs must not know it. I'm a strong believer that any dog can be mean/agreesive. None of my dogs have shown any signs of either. My parents had a poodle that use to hate the mail man. My dogs don't even bark at the mail man.

Answer 9

It is all in the way you raise dogs. Some breeds are more suseptable to bad behavior, like being mean, than others, but it is in how you raise your dogs. I have a pure bred male pit bull that is the SWEETEST dog you will ever meet. Everyone comments on how calm, sweet and well behaved he is. I also have a pure bred female beagle and I would have to say my pit is more obiediant and well behaved than her. (Though she is sweet too, she has a bit of aggression.) No matter what, you need to get a puppy that has a good bloodline, meaning no inbreeding, and raise it in the right environment, even with obiediance training is a good idea. I have heard that dalmations have a bad temper and are easily ruined.

Answer 10

Meanness or aggression is not a breed specific condition it is created by owners who fail to properly socialize their pets from the beginning.
I have never owned a breed that is presupposed to being mean but I have trained several and helped to correct the errors that caused the behavior.