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.
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.
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 is relentless then sooner or later a trigger will occur which will allow the parliament to debate the matter or for them to grant the inquiry. I thought that the trigger would come from some disaster on a greyhound farm where there was a viral disease which effected the greyhounds and used by welfare groups to show neglect. This situation has occurred before. To the credit of GRNSW they backed the Upper house enquiry as well, they could have lobbied any member of the house to object to the item being placed on the business paper and force a bluff of whether the matter would go for a full debate through the house. The alternate to having the previous greyhound enquiry was to allow the motion to stay dormant and with hindsight the latest blooding of greyhounds would have provided the trigger for the upper house inquiry to be held on terms distant from the wants of the greyhound racing generally.
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 is relentless then sooner or later a trigger will occur which will allow the parliament to debate the matter or for them to grant the inquiry. I thought that the trigger would come from some disaster on a greyhound farm where there was a viral disease which effected the greyhounds and used by welfare groups to show neglect. This situation has occurred before. To the credit of GRNSW they backed the Upper house enquiry as well, they could have lobbied any member of the house to object to the item being placed on the business paper and force a bluff of whether the matter would go for a full debate through the house. The alternate to having the previous greyhound enquiry was to allow the motion to stay dormant and with hindsight the latest blooding of greyhounds would have provided the trigger for the upper house inquiry to be held on terms distant from the wants of the greyhound racing generally.
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 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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Who maligns greyhounds?
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 serving items. I was most impressed with the following prompt. See Dr Cunningham from page 34.
– 6 February 2014 – Sydney – CORRECTED.pdf
The greyhound obtained negative perceptions through live hare coursing being allowed to continue after the protection from cruelty of animal legislation was introduced in the various States. Also greyhounds were required to wear muzzles from the early days of mechanical racing giving a public perception that they were dangerous. The greyhounds were always regarded by the people who were involved with them as a placid animal who were near on useless as a guard dog. There were hunting dogs which were essentially domestic dogs and mastiff guard dogs in the early days. Some attempt was made in the late eighteenth century to breed the two elements of the dogs together so the placid nature of the greyhound has been recognised for centuries.
Working dogs which have been used for aggressive purposes take a lot of time to un-train to return to a placid state. My own experience with a range of dogs is that any dog that carries injury will defend itself by being aggressive if necessary. I am nervous to some degree of any dog around children because the dog may be carrying injuries that are not immediately evident, A person experienced with dogs would recognise the animals body language but most of the 1.8 million people with domestic dogs in the country would not necessarily be skilled in these areas.
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.
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..!!
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 dogs but were loud (making noise) in the process. Many people also mistake fearful behaviors for aggression, or consider a fair warning (like lifting lips) from a trapped dog as aggression.
Oh, and it’s “Dachshund,” not “Dashund.” :/
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 dogs but were loud (making noise) in the process. Many people also mistake fearful behaviors for aggression, or consider a fair warning (like lifting lips) from a trapped dog as aggression.
Oh, and it’s “Dachshund,” not “Dashund.” :/
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.
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.
@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!
This is one reason Greyt 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.
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 serving items. I was most impressed with the following prompt.
The greyhound obtained negative perceptions through live hare coursing being allowed to continue after the protection from cruelty of animal legislation was introduced in the various States. Also greyhounds were required to wear muzzles from the early days of mechanical racing giving a public perception that they were dangerous. The greyhounds were always regarded by the people who were involved with them as a placid animal who were near on useless as a guard dog. There were hunting dogs which were essentially domestic dogs and mastiff guard dogs in the early days. Some attempt was made in the late eighteenth century to breed the two elements of the dogs together so the placid nature of the greyhound has been recognised for centuries.
Working dogs which have been used for aggressive purposes take a lot of time to un-train to return to a placid state. My own experience with a range of dogs is that any dog that carries injury will defend itself by being aggressive if necessary. I am nervous to some degree of any dog around children because the dog may be carrying injuries that are not immediately evident, A person experienced with dogs would recognise the animals body language but most of the 1.8 million people with domestic dogs in the country would not necessarily be skilled in these areas.
It’s DACHSHUND, not DASCHUND. Anyone who can’t even spell the breed correctly should be taken with a grain of salt.
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.
Sorry I made a typo myself I should have said Cunnington Page 34 on my reply. Apology.
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 towards the end of this week. The special commission of inquiry in NSW submissions close next Monday so it is tight if you wish to include matters from the joint inquiry in submissions to the special commission.
The point you are making on the breeds to be preserved works well for other breeds as well if they are conducted at the general high standards of the Greyhounds.
Here is a prompt to the terms of reference to the Joint Inquiry.
Here is a 32-yr survey of dog bites, by breed, which resulted in human injuries/deaths in the USA and Canada: http://www.dogsbite.org/pdf/dog-attack-deaths-maimings-merritt-clifton-2014.pdf
As for this article, I agree that it lacks references and supporting data. I notice that some of it is identical to a different news article, written 7 years ago: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2254479/Sausage-dogs-are-the-most-aggressive-dogs.html
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
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.
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.