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How Big Dogs Have Gotten a Bad Name

Any dog can be considered dangerous. The breed and size of the dog doesn't actually matter; all dogs have their own personality and traits, which, like us, are often subject to the nature/nurture debate. According to the records, however, there do seem to be some dog breeds that are more aggressive and attack more often than others. In the UK, the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 (amended 1997) prohibited owning four types of dogs - the type being a key defining factor - which are listed below:

Pit Bull Terrier - They are usually medium sized, and have a solid muscular build and a short coat. They have a broad flat skull and a wide deep muzzle. They are powerful and athletic and come in a wide range of solid and mixed colours. The head of this dog is unique and a key element of the breed type. It is large and broad but is proportionate to the size of its body. Originally bred for fighting and baiting, these dogs need consistent training, lots of exercise and stimulation in order to prevent them from becoming destructive and aggressive - a lack of which has given them a reputation for being dangerous.

Japanese Tosa - These massive dogs are athletic and agile. They have a large head with a broad skull and a long square muzzle. Originally bred for fighting, they have powerful jaws and a strong neck which has a dewlap. Their coats are rough, dense and short. They come in a variety of colours including solid red, yellow or black and also in brindle and multi-coloured. They are loyal and affectionate as well as calm and patient, and can make good family dogs as long as the owner is a dominant "pack leader" who can keep this large and powerful animal under control.

Dogo Argentino - These are also called Argentinean Mastiffs and are very muscular with strong jaws. They have a short sleek, thick, glossy coat which is always white. They are large dogs that were originally developed as pack dogs to hunt other animals and can be dominant or aggressive by nature. Despite this, lovers of the breed will describe them as loyal, intelligent and affectionate dogs which crave attention through play and masses of structured exercise.

Fila Brasileiro - Also called Brazilian Mastiffs, they are very large, powerful dogs with large bones and loose skin. Their coat is smooth and short. They are known to be distrustful of strangers and can show aggression toward other animals. As a pet they will remain fiercely loyal and protective, caring and even submissive towards their owners and immediate family.

The restrictions and prohibitions also apply to any mixed breed that is crossed with any of the above mentioned dogs. It is the physical and behavioural characteristics of the dog and not the actual breed name which is important, and which can lead to a misinterpretation by some owners. The reason these four breeds mentioned above were put on the dangerous dog list is because they were considered to have been bred specifically to be either fighting or hunting dogs, and thus have a certain element of "natural" aggression.

The legislation surrounding these types of dogs is complex, and involves a series of amendments including an Index of Exempted dogs: so in fact owning one of these particular types of dog may not be deemed illegal as long as it has been authorized and recorded by a court of law. What could also be confusing is the inclusion of the offence of any type or breed of dog under the original act which is "dangerously out of control" - drawing much-needed attention to the fact of the matter which is that it is not the dog which is dangerous, but rather the owner who puts the dog in a situation where there is potential for harm. Much more emphasis has recently been placed on dog owners to ensure their dogs are handled responsibly and restrained where appropriate. This shift has been welcomed by organisations such as the RSPCA who have been known to speak up against certain out-dated aspects of the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991). More important information on the laws surrounding prohibited dogs can be found by visiting defra's website.

However outdated, and despite recent amendments and inclusions, the act does still have an astounding influence on our perception of large dogs in society in general. So much so, in fact, that the above prohibited breeds are routinely excluded from a UK pet insurance policy on the grounds of increased risk and having been deemed as dangerous by said legislation. This is the case in spite of any individual court ruling that a registered dog of the above types poses no general threat. It would be fair to suggest, therefore, that unless you have unlimited access to funds which would cover the cost of veterinary treatment, or even legal action against you if your dog were to bite someone, you should not even consider keeping any of these types of dog, registered or otherwise.

Two other breeds of dogs that have often been considered "dangerous" or intimidating are the Rottweiler and German Shepherd. This common misconception is often due more to the lack of appropriate training and respect given to dogs of this size than any specific breed characteristic.

Rottweiler - These are large muscular dogs that are used by Police forces all over the world. They are also used as border guards and guide dogs. The breed originated in Germany as war and herding dogs. They are black in colour with clearly defined tan or mahogany markings. They are a powerful breed and can be aggressive if not trained correctly. This said a "Rotty" - as they are sometimes affectionately referred to by their owners - can make a superb family pet, as the natural temperament of this beautiful dog is one of loyalty and calmness, along with courage and playfulness.

German Shepherd - Also a large dog that originated from Germany and was bred for herding sheep. They are often used by the police and customs agencies. They come in a variety of colours with the most common being tan and black and red and black. Again, with the correct training, these loving and protective dogs can make fantastic pets. They will enjoy playing energetic games, and their keen intelligence makes them fast learners who will respond well to training challenges.

The increasingly well-publicised problem with so-called dangerous dogs seems to be getting worse every year, if the mass media are to be believed. Research shows that the top five dogs reported for biting people are: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Japanese Akitas and Huskies. The key point to emphasise here is that large dogs require an enormous commitment to training and discipline - not to mention a great deal of exercise, love and attention - in order for them to become the perfect canine companion of your dreams. To blame or punish a dog that has not been properly trained is like smacking a baby for wetting his nappy, which is exactly why the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991) has typically been surrounded by so much controversy.

If you are ever confronted by a dog you think could pose a danger to you there are a few things you can do to try to diffuse a potential situation. You should make no sudden movements and stand still with your hands in your pockets. Do not make eye contact and slowly back away, but do not run. It is unwise to turn your back on a dog of whose temperament you are unsure. This applies to all breeds of dog, not just the ones detailed above.

Today, with things such as the cost of medical treatment for your pets at its highest and still increasing, a smart move is to buy pet insurance. It is also a good idea to do some research into your chosen breed before purchasing a pet dog; if he falls into an excluded category when it comes to buying pet insurance you could run into financial difficulties in the future.

Pet insurance exists to give you peace of mind and the ability to take care of your four legged family members in case of a medical emergency or injury. A good dog insurance policy will also provide third party liability cover. This will cover you financially in the event that your dog does happen to injure someone or cause an accident - even a well-trained dog can be provoked into an uncharacteristic response if he feels threatened. You will find that for just a few pounds a month you will be able to provide the best medical treatment for your pets to ensure a long and happy life together.

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