Anyone ever heard this?

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

My BIL who is a k9 trainer said that more people get bit by Labradors than any other breed. Mainly because more of the population owns Labradors so there are a higher percentage of labradors.

The second thing he said was that poodles are aggressive.

I've seen something about red poodles, but he seemed to think it was all. When I tried to say something he just brushed me off with sarcasm.

Thoughts?

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

When I was younger we had a Doberman. I was sitting on the couch and so was he. Out of nowhere he bit me on the face. I stood up to give him the command to sit (at the time I didn't know the seriousness of it) and he then bit my hand. It wasn't until my brother came into the room to pull him off that I was able to get free.
I have a bit of a phobia of bigger dogs now. But, generally it pertains to them getting too close to my face. As long as I can keep them at a safe distance I'm ok. So, I guess that's why I was asking.
I don't believe that Gracie is aggressive or will bite me for no reason or even bite me at all. Well she's still in her puppy phase so that puppy stuff is expected. I have had small dogs - but so far she's the biggest I've had in my adult life.

[Richard Crowe]

1. http://www.9news.com/story/news/investigations/2014/11/10/dog-breed...

   Based on 6,500 reported dog bites between 2012 and 2013, the top five biting breeds* in the Denver area are:

   • Labs.
   • German Shepherds.
   • Pit Bulls.
   • Chihuahuas.
   • Bulldogs.

   Of course, this is one area and the statistics might not be the same throughout the USA. I would be sure that Pit Bulls might be top here in my City of Escondido since these, along with Chihuahuas, are the most prevalent dogs... 

[Stella]

To get an accurate picture, you would need to know percentage of bites per a certain number of population for each breed. This would then take out the bias of a larger population of certain breeds.

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

Yes. Exactly!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

agreed!

[Bailey's mum]

Bailey is a Labrador and Poodle cross breed, and he's the sweetest dog I know. I don't see many other poodles, but I wouldn't take any notice of what your BIL said. I think brushing someone off with sarcasm in such a situation is unprofessional and maybe ignorant as well. I also have experiences with Dobermans that make me feel that it can be an aggressive breed. But not with poodles. Anyway, I think that a dog aggressiveness has a more to do with the circumstances than with the breed. Dogs that are scared and uncertain of themselves are often aggressive. I think that your dog will turn out well as long as you give him love.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

  I take all statistics with a large sprinkling of salt.  Statistics can be made to give nearly any conclusion desired according to the questions asked, information used, source of input.  Sort of like computers: junk in -junk out 

For example in this case" What is a bite? Mouthing?  Breaking the skin? Agressively attacking with teeth, but getting only the air? Needing a hospital visit?  Reported to "authorities". 

Some breeds require more caution, training, monitoring and skillful owners.  That said all dogs deserve to be treated with the respect that you would give a human - know them well- maybe a hug is in order, just met them - maybe a handshake.  We are usually attuned to human cues, but people aren't always able to interpret dog cues.

   

 

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

I agree with statistics and how they can be manipulated. Definitely people need to pay attention to dogs as they do give signals.