Research Finds Greyhounds Are The Safest
A University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine study by the Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society has found that the much maligned greyhound is rated the most docile or least aggressive canine by breed.
The research involved researchers from the University of Pennsylvania questioning 6,000 dog owners.
Breeds scoring low for aggression included Basset Hounds, Golden Retrievers, Labradors and Siberian Huskies.
The Rottweiler, Pit Bull and Rhodesian Ridgeback scored average or below average marks for hostility towards strangers.
Greyhounds rated the most docile and were the least aggressive toward both humans and other dogs.
The most vicious breed ?
Heading the list of 33 dog breeds that were rated for their aggression in a study that analyzed the behavior of thousands of dogs, was the Daschund.
Dr. James Serpell, a University of Pennsylvania researcher who worked on the study, said smaller breeds might be more genetically predisposed towards aggressive behavior than larger dogs.
“Reported levels of aggression in some cases are concerning, with rates of bites or bite attempts rising as high as 20 per cent toward strangers and 30 per cent toward unfamiliar dogs,” he added.
Most research into canine aggression up to now has focused on dog bites, but researchers said that data (pit bulls aren't at the top of that list either) is misleading. Most dog bites aren't reported, and because the bites of big dogs are more likely to get reported, they are generally viewed as more aggressive.
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The Aggressive Top Ten
- 1. Daschund
- 2. Chihuahua
- 3. Jack Russell Terrier
- 4. Akita
- 5. Australian Cattle Dog
- 6. Pit Bull
- 7. Beagle
- 8. English Springer Spaniel
- 9. Border Collie
- 10. German Shepherd
I found this article and associated “research” to be a load of codswallup, all dogs no matter what there breed have very high behaviour disposition not relating by breed instinct , but by handleing and training and directing the natural instinct by the aformentioned into stable socially acceptible responces.
bob
Thanks for your input Bob. We welcome any and all points of view and encourage discussion on any of our stories.
Anyone that is owned by greyhounds already know how docile this breed is. Greyhounds can teach humans the true meaning of love and companionship. If everyone adopted a greyhound, the world could be a better place.
I agree with you Ruth. Yes our Greyhounds teach us well.
Kevin thanks for the reprint of your previous article which is very helpful to the current debate. In another post you mentioned that a participant group were short sighted in pushing for a parliamentary review into greyhound racing and the backing of the Greens motion which included animal welfare aspects. I was a strong supporter of the upper house enquiry on the following grounds. When a political party or private member puts forward a motion for an inquiry to be formed it often floats around the parliament for years being defeated on agenda’s . If the mover of the motion… Read more »
I don’t understand the “much maligned” comment, but I’m in the States, so maybe the views are different here. I’ve had two greyhounds, senior females, and I wouldn’t have any other breed. They are great companions, and definitely change your life. The only acts of aggression I’ve seen are possibly trying to get them off the bed (territorial stuff) or when confronted with a cat. Otherwise, completely docile and well-behaved.
I also have grehounds! Never met a gentler breed! I also have basset hounds, these two breeds live quite comfortably together. My home will never be out of either breed!
my ex racing greyhound is now a registered P A T dog , and we visit care homes , she is a wonderful and loyal pet
I have a Greyhound mix, and sadly I have recently been experiencing aggression with him. He is VERY territorial of me. If anyone tries to hug me, he jumps, barks and tries to nip at them. He just started this behavior over the Christmas holiday (2014). I have read about “possession aggression ” and this is how he is behaving. I do not know what to do to keep him from acting like this. It is really saddening to me.
StacieDinkel Have you had him checked for thyroid function? Low thyroid is common with Greyhounds, and one of the symptoms can be aggression. Make sure the vet doesn’t just check THS; he or she should do a full thyroid panel. Many “aggressive” Greys turn back into their sweet former selves after having been put on Thyroid medication. Good luck!
If that’s not it, maybe seek help from a good trainer who knows Greyhounds/mixes.
Greyhounds changed my life. I suffer from depression, anxiety and am a recovering addict. I adopted my first greyhound in 2012 and have never known a life so wonderful. This beautiful creature (Freak N Beauty) Shelbi has changed my life. I can’t imagine life without her.
I adopted my retired racer 2yrs ago and it’s the best decision I ever made. He’s my best friend and the centre of my universe. He loves nothing better than cuddles on the sofa. He’s just adorable. Friendly with everyone he meets both human and animal. He will even allow an excitable young puppy to jump up at him to make friends, he just stands there wagging his tail. Greyhounds are the perfect pets.
Who maligns greyhounds?
Greyhounds definitely are the most docile animals. Laid back, loving, sweet, funny and great pets. If you’ve never owned a greyhound, you’re missing out on one of the best dogs in the world. They are very addicting. You just can’t stop at one. Adopt a retired racer. You’ll never be sorry.
Anyone who has taken a retired racer into their life had been blessed beyond measure. I’m so glad for you that your fur baby has been such a positive presence in your life. Bright. Blessings for you and your sweet girl..!!
I’m bothered by the lack of factual information in this article. Although it cites a study, I don’t see a link to this study or any information on how it was conducted or even how it defined aggression. I’m only seeing that researchers questioned 6,000 dog owners. Okay – what were they questioned about? The dogs they own? The dogs they’ve come in contact with? What is those owners’ experience with dogs or recognizing aggression? I’ve seen many people at dog parks think their dogs or others’ dogs were being aggressive because they engaged in completely normal play with other… Read more »
StacieDinkel – The behavior you describe is called resource guarding, not being territorial. You need to get your dog checked by the vet to rule out physical causes, and (if that comes back clear), work with a trainer experienced in behavior modification.
@Linda – Same here. Never heard of Greyounds being considered aggressive, either in the States or in Europe when I lived there.
This is one reason Grey Hearts Service Dogs uses Retired Greyhounds. The Training and handling they get from their Breeders and Trainers turns and already wonderful animal into a wonder dog, loving and ready to learn!
StacieDinkel A “MIX cannot be a Retired Race dog…and unless you know the actual parents, it may have no Greyhound at all. Retired Racers are Neutered or Spayed so you DON’T get mixes…. You do need to talk with a good Trainer or behaviorist. This is a lack of training issue you are facing. Good Luck.
DFDK9 The greyhound racing control body in NSW has adopted a previous policy of providing funding for a working canine scientific group which does research and runs annual conferences and will address the issues that you are concerned with as well. The announcement of the incentive was due to be made on Wednesday but is still awaited. There are several studies on the subject and the one chosen here needs to be tested as do all attempts to provide research. The greyhound inquiry (select Committee) submissions and hearings brought forward some interesting research items apart from a lot of self… Read more »
It’s DACHSHUND, not DASCHUND. Anyone who can’t even spell the breed correctly should be taken with a grain of salt.
Sorry I made a typo myself I should have said Cunnington Page 34 on my reply. Apology.
I do feel, also, that since temperament is largely genetic, that the breed results could be skewed by the popularity of certain dog breeds making them more susceptible to be backyard or puppymill bred by unscrupulous breeders who do not test and select for optimum health and temperament therefore making those popular breeds more susceptible to poor bred ill temperaments
KittyIsHerselfTheElf This is why we are fighting so hard to keep racing alive so these wonderful dogs don’t get caught up in improper breeding and puppy mills. Now they are regulated by the NGA and bred with only the best of the breed. But if racing ends, you will find under ground breeding and racing which will ruin the breed forever. We have to keep the bloodline going and keep it as perfect as possible so this wonderful breed will not be ruined.
RuthVanWhyHagenbaugh KittyIsHerselfTheElf Research shows that that visibility of the animal protects its welfare and there is noting more visible than animal racing with a few exceptions being highlighted at the moment. The combined upper and lower house government of NSW are currently holding a joint select committee into the conduct of companion animal breeding which includes puppy farms and the conduct of vets etc. The enquiry has taken about 400 submissions and even though the submission date has closed it will consider late submissions if appropriate. Submissions will be published on their web site and they anticipate submissions will be appearing… Read more »
JanetBidwell It is my understanding that in Australia (perhaps other countries too), owner of pet greyhounds are subject to a law requiring their dogs to be muzzled when taken out in public. That is not a requirement for other breeds, and reflects an ignorant misunderstanding of the greyhound’s typical temperament. Because they are muzzled during racing, it was assumed that they are unusually aggressive dogs. I live in the USA, where people who have no knowledge of or experience with the breed frequently share this misapprehension.
John Tracey RuthVanWhyHagenbaugh KittyIsHerselfTheElf You’re talking about greyhounds in the UK, I’m referring to retired racers in the USA. Totally different. The UK has a long way to go to protect their greyhounds, but here in the US, we work very hard to keep our greyhounds protected and make sure they retire into good forever homes. Puppy mills for other breeds and mixed breeds are a big problem here, that’s why we’re fighting to keep greyhounds away from that.
greygarious JanetBidwell
I have had people mention she has scary teeth, LOL! Usually children, who then fall all over her. I’m in the US, too.
RuthVanWhyHagenbaugh John Tracey KittyIsHerselfTheElf I’ve often thought their general good nature had to do mostly with their environment and upbringing. They’re usually pretty social, they don’t get excited around other dogs (well mine does sometimes. :) ), and their demeanor is so pleasant. While I understand people want to shut down racetracks, I think the breed would change.
Red_Rabbit2 I have two of those wonderful little dogs, along with the grey. I can’t decide which I like better!
EllenMaull Mine live with 2 dashchunds, they all get along fabulously. The two cats, too!
It’s great to see such a selfless fight on behalf of the Greyhounds by trainers to continue racing. It’s obviously the very existence of the breed that is at stake here. We would all lament the disappearance of Greyhounds the way that Dalmatians went when there was no longer a demand for carriage dogs. You are saints and should be awarded the recognition you deserve from the animal welfare groups. Instead, you receive ignorant skepticism that, just perhaps, there is a financial motive that clouds your obvious selfless animal welfare campaigning.
You say Dachshund, I say wiener dog. Bleah dog either way.
StacieDinkel this is rather belated, but Tracker is correct that many greys (some estimates are up to 1/3) have thyroid issues. If you get your dog’s levels tested, please be certain your vet is familiar with the greyhound norms as they are different from that of other dogs!! What is normal for another breed could very well indicate a need for medication for a greyhound.
Anyone that is owned by greyhounds already know how docile this breed is. Greyhounds can teach humans the true meaning of love and companionship. If everyone adopted a greyhound, the world could be a better place.
I agree with you Ruth. Yes our Greyhounds teach us well. My first Grey changed my life for sure.
Kevin thanks for the reprint of your previous article which is very helpful to the current debate. In another post you mentioned that a participant group were short sighted in pushing for a parliamentary review into greyhound racing and the backing of the Greens motion which included animal welfare aspects. I was a strong supporter of the upper house enquiry on the following grounds. When a political party or private member puts forward a motion for an inquiry to be formed it often floats around the parliament for years being defeated on agenda’s . If the mover of the motion… Read more »
I don’t understand the “much maligned” comment, but I’m in the States, so maybe the views are different here. I’ve had two greyhounds, senior females, and I wouldn’t have any other breed. They are great companions, and definitely change your life. The only acts of aggression I’ve seen are possibly trying to get them off the bed (territorial stuff) or when confronted with a cat. Otherwise, completely docile and well-behaved.
I also have grehounds! Never met a gentler breed! I also have basset hounds, these two breeds live quite comfortably together. My home will never be out of either breed!
my ex racing greyhound is now a registered P A T dog , and we visit care homes , she is a wonderful and loyal pet
I have a Greyhound mix, and sadly I have recently been experiencing aggression with him. He is VERY territorial of me. If anyone tries to hug me, he jumps, barks and tries to nip at them. He just started this behavior over the Christmas holiday (2014). I have read about “possession aggression ” and this is how he is behaving. I do not know what to do to keep him from acting like this. It is really saddening to me.
StacieDinkel Have you had him checked for thyroid function? Low thyroid is common with Greyhounds, and one of the symptoms can be aggression. Make sure the vet doesn’t just check THS; he or she should do a full thyroid panel. Many “aggressive” Greys turn back into their sweet former selves after having been put on Thyroid medication. Good luck!
If that’s not it, maybe seek help from a good trainer who knows Greyhounds/mixes.
Greyhounds changed my life. I suffer from depression, anxiety and am a recovering addict. I adopted my first greyhound in 2012 and have never known a life so wonderful. This beautiful creature (Freak N Beauty) Shelbi has changed my life. I can’t imagine life without her.
I adopted my retired racer 2yrs ago and it’s the best decision I ever made. He’s my best friend and the centre of my universe. He loves nothing better than cuddles on the sofa. He’s just adorable. Friendly with everyone he meets both human and animal. He will even allow an excitable young puppy to jump up at him to make friends, he just stands there wagging his tail. Greyhounds are the perfect pets.
Who maligns greyhounds?
Greyhounds definitely are the most docile animals. Laid back, loving, sweet, funny and great pets. If you’ve never owned a greyhound, you’re missing out on one of the best dogs in the world. They are very addicting. You just can’t stop at one. Adopt a retired racer. You’ll never be sorry.
Anyone who has taken a retired racer into their life had been blessed beyond measure. I’m so glad for you that your fur baby has been such a positive presence in your life. Bright. Blessings for you and your sweet girl..!!
I’m bothered by the lack of factual information in this article. Although it cites a study, I don’t see a link to this study or any information on how it was conducted or even how it defined aggression. I’m only seeing that researchers questioned 6,000 dog owners. Okay – what were they questioned about? The dogs they own? The dogs they’ve come in contact with? What is those owners’ experience with dogs or recognizing aggression? I’ve seen many people at dog parks think their dogs or others’ dogs were being aggressive because they engaged in completely normal play with other… Read more »
StacieDinkel – The behavior you describe is called resource guarding, not being territorial. You need to get your dog checked by the vet to rule out physical causes, and (if that comes back clear), work with a trainer experienced in behavior modification.