Key signs of aggression in specific breeds of dogs

It is a hard task when the aggression is in dogs but first knowing that aggression does not belong to a breed. Aggression is due to many reasons, which can be genetics, environment, training, and temperament of an individual. However, some breeds of dogs tend to be aggressive and this may happen if they are not socially adjusted or trained. Onset can be detected before dangerous situations have a hold on your dog's behavior and can help manage it.

Here are the most common aggressive dog behavior signs and how they may appear in specific breeds.

 1. Growling or Snarling

A growl is actually a first obvious and audible sign of aggression in a dog. It serves as a warning that the dog senses or feels threatened or uncomfortable. Some dogs growl over threats, territorial disputes, or fear. For certain breeds, like Rottweilers or German Shepherds, growling might indicate they are ready to defend their territory or family.

Key Breeds:

- Rottweilers: Quite protective, Rottweilers growl when they are making a claim for territoriality.

- German Shepherds: Considered one of the intelligent breeds that protect; growling is often a sign of discomfort or to warn a recipient to leave them alone.

 2. Baring Teeth

As soon as a dog bares its teeth, it is obviously unsatisfied with the situation. This is often the precursor to actual biting and should therefore not be taken lightly. Some examples of breeds that bare their teeth when cornered or provoked are the Doberman Pinschers or Pit Bulls.

 

Breed to Watch:

- Doberman Pinschers: Since they are known for their guarding natures, a baring of the teeth from a Doberman may signal defensive aggression.

- Pit Bulls: A good number of Pit Bulls are friendly and nonaggressive, but rather poor training and maltreatment often result in aggressive behavior, such as baring of teeth.

3. Stiff Body Posture

A stiff, straight posture is also a physical indication that a dog feels at risk or is about to act aggressively. This is usually coupled with an intense stare and hackles (the fur along the back standing up). Strong willed breeds, such as Akitas or Bullmastiffs, may assume this posture when they feel it is necessary to dominate or guard something.

Key Breeds

- Akitas: The strong prey drive and protective instincts of an Akita may mean a stiffened body can be a sign of attack.

- Bullmastiffs: Originally bred to guard estates, bullmastiffs often hold a rigid posture if they go stiff in response to the threat.

 4. Lunging or Charging

Lunging is a frank sign of aggression often by dogs that feel cornered or overexcited. It can be often seen in working breeds such as Australian Cattle Dogs or Belgian Malinois, whose severe energy sometimes gets misdirected towards being aggressive if not channeled well.

Breeds:  Australian Cattle Dogs: High energy with a great intellect; lunging may occur due to frustration or a desire to herd.

- Belgian Malinois: Since they often work in law enforcement and military positions, lunging can occur if they are perceiving danger or when they are not mentally engaged.

5. Snapping or Biting

Snapping or biting is the worst form of aggression and should be dealt with right away. A snap may prove to be a threat, but it can quickly become a bite when others dismiss the dog's warnings. Breeds like **Chow Chows** or **Dogo Argentinos**, bred for guard purposes, will tend to bite people if they feel their space is being invaded.

Key Breeds

- Chow Chows: As guard dogs, Chow Chows are cold at times and might snap or bite at you for feeling threatened.

- Dogo Argentinos: Originally bred for big-game hunting, Dogos require dominant and strong leadership. Unless trained in that manner, they will surely be aggressive in the form of biting.

6. Over-Barking

Barking may be an aggressive behavior, especially when it is focused on a perceived intruder or threat. Many Terriers or Miniature Schnauzers excessively bark because they were bred to hunt small and might grow aggressive while excitedly or anxiously barking.

Breed-Specific Examples: 

Terriers: Terriers are active breeds, such as the Jack Russell Terrier, who may bark aggressively because of their instinct to chase prey and defend territorial areas.

- Miniature Schnauzers: Because this breed is inherently talkative, they tend to bark quite frequently. Such barking may be perceived as a threat to the territory.

7. Resource Guarding

Resource guarding includes food, toys, and people. This behavior tends to turn into aggression if left unmanaged. Aggressive breeds, such as the English Bulldog or the Cane Corso, who are naturally protective of their surroundings, will turn aggressive over possessions.

Breed Summary

- English Bulldogs: Bulldogs turn into food or toy owners and growl or bite to protect their possessions.

- Cane Corsos: Being a protective breed, Cane Corsos may act aggressively if they feel the need to protect people or anything that belongs to them.

Raised Hackles

Hairs raised or hackles on a dog's back stand up; this is a visual cue that makes one believe that the dog is stimulated or excited. Does not necessarily indicate aggression but is sometimes found with growling, baring of teeth, etc. Rhodesian Ridgeback and Alaskan Malamute, may raise their hackles if they are intimidated.

Key Breeds:

- Rhodesian Ridgebacks: The prime aim of hunting lions was to raise hackles; this may mean that the Ridgeback has to be highly alert.

- Alaskan Malamutes: Extremely independent, raised hackles in a Malamute may indicate distress or preparation for fighting.

9. Staring/Fixated on Something

If a dog stares hard, it may indicate dominance or as if planning to perform an aggressive action. Aggressive breeds, for example, like Boxers or American Bulldogs, employ visual confrontation so as to provoke another dog or individual.

Character Breeds: 

- Boxers: A high-energy breed and assertive in nature, intense staring may be the sign of a precursor to physical conflict.

- American Bulldogs: Guarding and attached, pointed staring may be a precursor to irritability or territorial defense.

 

10. Circling or Stalking

Some dogs exhibit circling or stalking as a response to predatory aggression. This often occurs in certain breeds of herding and hunting dogs, such as Border Collies or Doberman Pinschers, which, by instinct, tend to circle other animals or people in preparation to pounce.

 

Breed-to-Watch List:

- Border Collies: In the case of Border Collies, circling may result in nipping or chasing if it's not checked with appropriate commands.

- Doberman Pinschers: In the case of Dobermans, circling may be a sign that they have turned more alert or have set up to defend themselves.

One has to know how to read the body language signs that indicate aggression in any dog so that dangerous situations are avoided. While some breeds might be prone to certain behavioral tendencies by their intended purpose over the years, aggression is not specific to a breed and can be managed with appropriate training, socialization, and responsible ownership. Most cases of aggression, in fact, result from fear, anxiety, or poor handling and not a result of breed. Once the cause behind such an action is recognized, it can be remedied by actions such as training, thereby establishing a safe and healthy relationship between dogs and humans.