# What is the absolute worst dog for a family to own? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 13, 2010, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891 "2010-02-13T19:35:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Hockey\_Monkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a183cd/32.png) [@Hockey\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hockey_Monkey)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2010, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891/61 "2010-02-15T06:10:00Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > The most aggressive dog breeds are: > > 1. Dachshund > 2. Chihuahua > 3. Jack Russell Terrier > > [And more](http://doggies.com/blog/2008/07/15/top-ten-most-aggressive-dogs/). > > I think it depends on the type of aggression (stranger vs. family). I know a Springer that’s the calmest dog ever. > > Dachshunds tend to fixate on their chosen human and will randomly and suddenly become aggressive with someone if they feel that person is entering their “territory.” If by aggressive you mean barking their fool head off when an ant tramples by on the sidewalk, then yes, they are aggressive. I’ve owned several dachshunds over the years and that is the most aggressive behavior I’ve seen. I’m sure there are some who fixate on one person, just as much as any breed of dog can. My Granddaddy had a Peek-a-Poo that wouldn’t let anyone near him. I would put doxies on the Worst Family Dog list if you have young children. Because of the length of their backs, they need to be handled correctly when being picked up off the ground and young exuberant children don’t normally think before they handle the dogs. I’ve read that smaller breeds tend to bite more quickly when stressed or antagonized, (but please don’t make me dig up a cite). Golden Retrievers and Labradors are top ranking family dogs for a reason. They are usually laid back, friendly, and large enough as puppies to avoid accidental mishandling injuries. They are usually smart and take well to training. ---
**Author:** ![gravitycrash](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/977dab/32.png) [@gravitycrash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gravitycrash)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2010, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891/62 "2010-02-15T15:47:41Z")
If annoying the neighbors count then Chihuahuas have to rank high on the list. These rat-like beasties never ever shut the fuck up. The two next door have known me for 6+ years and still bark at me like I’m the UPS guy or the meter reader guy and to make it worse, the loudest one’s name is Angel. One of my fantasies is to give it a swift kick to the chops when no one is looking. Not that I would. ---
**Author:** ![Perciful](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b38774/32.png) [@Perciful](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Perciful)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2010, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891/63 "2010-02-16T03:52:43Z")
> [@Hockey\_Monkey](#): > > If by aggressive you mean barking their fool head off when an ant tramples by on the sidewalk, then yes, they are aggressive. I’ve owned several dachshunds over the years and that is the most aggressive behavior I’ve seen. I had two mini dachsunds and the little buggers killed all my chickens. I thought it was a wild animal doing it until I caught them in the act! ---
**Author:** ![starwarsfreek42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e56c9b/32.png) [@starwarsfreek42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/starwarsfreek42)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2010, 8:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891/64 "2010-02-16T08:39:07Z")
> [@NinjaChick](#): > > Dalmatians are _awful_ family pets - unless you are committed to letting him truly be part of the family (a Dal does not want to live outside; he wants to eat dinner in the same room as you), and more important jogging _miles_ with the dog, every single day, you will have a neurotic and most likely aggressive dog on your hands. Dalmatians were originally bred to run alongside horse-drawn carriages for protection; this is a crazy high energy breed that _needs_ to be run every day. And pretty much no matter what, a well-bred dalmatian isn’t going to be friendly towards outsiders. Good training can keep him from being aggressive, but they’re pretty much the polar opposite of the stereotypical Golden Retriever. > > ETA: Chihuahuas are pretty much awful in every sense; there’s no reason for anyone to ever have one. Awful little nippy, yappy beasts. This is an awful generalization. I have a sweet dalmatian that loves people and is great with kids on the rare occasion he’s allowed around them. Yeah, he lives in the house and sleeps in my bedroom, and yeah he needs lots of walking. It’s not that much trouble. He’s been on and off prozac for separation anxiety, but that’s likely due to something that happened to him before he came to me (he was over a year old when I got him from the pound) rather than the breed itself. He is friendly toward outsiders so long as he meets them first on neutral territory. I don’t find that to be much of a problem. Pretty much no matter what, yeah. I do agree with you about the chihuahuas, though. ---
**Author:** ![carlb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carlb/32/5930_2.png) [@carlb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlb)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2010, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891/65 "2010-02-16T15:37:29Z")
> [@rhubarbarin](#): > > If I had to pick the perfect breed for a family to look into: rescued Greyhound. They are adults (usually 3-6 years old), and because they are vetted excellently by the rescue organizations you know what you will get with regards to kids, cats, housetraining, any behavior issues, etc. They are gentle, quiet, affectionate, require no grooming, don’t smell, their coat is so fine they hardly seem to shed, and while they do best with some exercise they are couch potatoes most of the time. Take them to the dog park or other fenced area two or three times a week to let them run full-out, that’s enough for them to spend the rest of their time watching tv with you. My sister and brother-in-law went this route, and Spike is a fantastic addition to the family. My older nephew was something like 3 when they got him, and I believe my younger nephew was just past new-born. He’s a fantastic dog with the kids; super-mellow and laid-back. It seems that about 15 minutes of running per day (they’ve got a moderate-size fenced-in yard) is good, then he’s a complete sofa slug the rest of the day. I had a terrier mutt when I was a kid, and we’ve got a rat terrier that we acquired when our girls were 4 and 10. Both were great dogs; terrier independence and energy without the hyper-aggression you can get with Jack Russels. You need a fairly firm hand when training them, just so they understand that they are at the bottom of the totem pole, but they were both very friendly, sweet dogs throughout their life. I think the “mutt-ness” of both is key; I’d be leery of many pure-bred terriers around small children just because of their tendency to want to establish dominance. ---
**Author:** ![Sailboat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sailboat/32/461_2.png) [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2010, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891/66 "2010-02-16T18:21:42Z")
> [@Mr.Kobayashi](#): > > In order to avoid further hijack caused by my comment I’ve started a [thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=552203) in GD on dangerous dogs, the role of Pit-Bulls and what the law should be. > > I had no idea the topic was controversial, so did a quick search - the last big thread on the subject seems to be in 2004, so hopefully we can take the discussion elsewhere. We’ve had two heated, lengthy discussions in the past year or so. One was in the “Comments on Cecil’s column” forum. I have no choice but to accept the moderation decision, but I would protest that while people certainly can _have_ any sort of opinion, the matter under discussion is largely factual and supportable with citations, and I’m surprised that citations and expert testimony are forbidden, while ill-informed _opinions_ are given center stage. ---
**Author:** ![El\_DeLuxo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_deluxo/32/9043_2.png) [@El\_DeLuxo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_DeLuxo)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2010, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891/67 "2010-02-16T22:29:59Z")
> [@Mr.Kobayashi](#): > > The obvious ones; Pitbull and Rottweiler. > > Edit; A [top ten list](http://www.petsdo.com/blog/top-ten-10-most-dangerous-dog-breeds). The above breeds are #1 and #2, respectively. And what makes them so “obvious”, other than the biased viewpoint of an uninformed or misinformed public? > [@](#): > > Then it’s German Shepherds, Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Doberman Pinschers, Chow Chows, Presa Canarios, Boxers and Dalmatians. Wow. Those breeds are actually damned good dogs for the most part (with the possible exception of Chows and Dalmatians, and conceding that Dobes and PCs certainly aren’t for everyone). ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2010, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891/68 "2010-02-16T22:58:32Z")
> [@Hockey\_Monkey](#): > > If by aggressive you mean barking their fool head off when an ant tramples by on the sidewalk, then yes, they are aggressive. I’ve owned several dachshunds over the years and that is the most aggressive behavior I’ve seen. I’m sure there are some who fixate on one person, just as much as any breed of dog can. My Granddaddy had a Peek-a-Poo that wouldn’t let anyone near him. > > I would put doxies on the Worst Family Dog list if you have young children. Because of the length of their backs, they need to be handled correctly when being picked up off the ground and young exuberant children don’t normally think before they handle the dogs. > > I’ve read that smaller breeds tend to bite more quickly when stressed or antagonized, (but please don’t make me dig up a cite). Golden Retrievers and Labradors are top ranking family dogs for a reason. They are usually laid back, friendly, and large enough as puppies to avoid accidental mishandling injuries. They are usually smart and take well to training. Neither of our anecdotes are data, but I have the scars from when the doxie went from cuddling me to snarling and biting because I dared to get too close to my gf when he was near her. We are working on making damn sure he knows that we are the bosses, but I don’t think it’s completely atypical of the breed. I have seen it suggested from multiple sources that they become overly protective. He doesn’t have any of the stranger-distrust that they supposedly have. ---
**Author:** ![conurepete](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a88e57/32.png) [@conurepete](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/conurepete)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2010, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891/69 "2010-02-17T03:09:20Z")
If the family really chucks the dog in the yard or crate for hours, ANY dog can be a bad choice. It is about the humans. Some people could make a potted fern want to go on a killing spree. But as to breeds, it depends. My family has raised 3 generations on high strung shelties( an excitable herding dog), I have known Minky, a doberman who allowed the family toddler to learn to walk by pulling on her nose, jaw, and cropped tail, and Gwennie a great dane who would freeze in place whenever a a child, cat, or guinea pig came within tail-swinging distance. So even really inappropriate dogs might work. The worst family dog is probably a parrot ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2010, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891/70 "2010-02-17T04:47:14Z")
> [@astro](#): > > Out of curiosity what exactly is the appeal of St Bernards? You’ve got a huge, expensive to feed, drooling, aggressively (in my experience) territorial dog, that dies young, and is a shedding machine. What’s the upside other than an ability to possibly ride them? I have no idea. I and a friend baby sat for 3 of them once. They were a lot of work. If one ran through your legs ,you were in the air. They liked to do that. ---
**Author:** ![El\_DeLuxo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_deluxo/32/9043_2.png) [@El\_DeLuxo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_DeLuxo)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2010, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891/71 "2010-02-17T15:14:45Z")
> [@astro](#): > > You always see various threads about what the best family dogs are. I’m interested in what the very worst family dogs would be. Let’s assume standard suburban family with a medium sized fenced yard. What dogs would suck for a family with young kids? Physically delicate breeds which might be badly hurt or killed by the carelessness or malicious acts of which most children are all too capable. High-strung, temperamental or sensitive dogs which might be upset or traumatized by obnoxious child behaviour; inelligent and active breeds which can become bored and frustrated by being constantly in the company of children. Being subjected to children can be very distressful to some dogs, and for parents to choose these as family pets – out of ignorance, or because they’re a fashionable breed, or because the kids insist that’s the kind of dog they want – constitutes animal abuse ---
**Author:** ![Minnie\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@Minnie\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Minnie_Luna)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2010, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891/72 "2010-02-17T15:47:23Z")
> [@](#): > > Any dog of any breed that bites should probably be put down. All breeds of dog bite. I grew up with a GSD. She was bred from protection dog stock, but sold as “pet quality” when she didn’t meet the standards as a guard dog. Best dog ever. Loyal, smart and great with kids. We used her as a pillow when we laid on the floor and watched TV. Wary enough of strangers, but not aggressive. We lived out in the middle of nowhere and she accompanied us kids on our wanderings in the woods. We had a couple acres of land, so she had ample exercise running around with us. I’ve worked in rescue for a while. I’ve seen good and bad in all breeds. I rescued a border collie a couple of years ago from a family that lived in a row home. Dog was bored out of his mind and acting out. We got him into a foster home with a large yard and other dogs and got a trainer for him. He became a much better behaved dog. He was young, full of energy and was so very eager to please. He just needed a place where he could get out all his energy. He now lives with a family with a large fenced back yard. The kids run him until he is tired and then run him some more. I wouldn’t have put him with toddlers, but he is fine with older children (10+). I currently have a bully mix of some type. He’s got some AmStaff, some other stuff as well. He sits to meet people. He loves kids and is gentle with them. He’s not a knock-em-down type of dog. He loves other dogs and is great with cats. I would not hesitate to put him with a family with children 5+. He does need to work on his leash skills, but other than that, he is a great family dog. Each dog is an individual and needs individual circumstances, even within breed “standards”. What you should look for is a well socialized animal whose activity level matches the activity level of your household. ---
**Author:** ![Jennyrosity](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/2bfe46/32.png) [@Jennyrosity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennyrosity)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2010, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891/73 "2010-02-17T20:03:32Z")
Just to give a bit purely anecdotal evidence in defence of bull terriers (and because I think it’s really sweet), here’s an email I got from my mum this morning about the antics of her two rescue Staffordshire Bull Terriers: > [@](#): > > I wanted to tell you about Poppy. We were returning home from our walk yesterday and reached the pedestrian area of our street. She stopped at the corner and stared - refusing to move. I looked up and there was a pushchair at the end of the next door neighbours path. She just stayed there until she saw the mum come out of the house and start pushing the pram. But she wasn’t going anywhere until she knew that baby was safe! Then this am I threw Buster’s ball into the stream (by accident, obviously) and she raced down by the side of the stream until she spotted the ball, jumped in, got it and dropped it at Busters feet. Isn’t she the best, the absolute best? Poppy’s also incredibly gentle with people who are nervous around dogs - my best friend is terrified of dogs, and when Poppy met her, rather than giving her usual boisterously affeectionate greeting, she spent the weekend just gradually sitting that little bit closer to her, until she was finally able to sit by her and put her head in my friend’s lap. At which point my friend turned to me and said “This dog’s going to make me love her whether I want to or not, isn’t she?” It should be noted though, that both dogs have been very well-trained (Poppy was much harder work than Buster, but it has clearly paid off) and gets tons of exercise to help burn off their excessive energy. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2010, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891/74 "2010-02-17T21:56:33Z")
Just to toss a little more fuel on the fire… 😉 A couple of breeds that I would recommend against (in my limited knowledge/experience) are airedales, akitas, chows, and giant schnauzers. To state the obvious - any breed can attack, but a larger dog can inflict more damage more quickly. I’m trying to think if I have ever encountered a greyhound that was anything other than laid back… ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2010, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891/75 "2010-02-17T22:01:19Z")
> [@Jennyrosity](#): > > Just to give a bit purely anecdotal evidence in defence of bull terriers (and because I think it’s really sweet), here’s an email I got from my mum this morning about the antics of her two rescue Staffordshire Bull Terriers: > > Poppy’s also incredibly gentle with people who are nervous around dogs - my best friend is terrified of dogs, and when Poppy met her, rather than giving her usual boisterously affeectionate greeting, she spent the weekend just gradually sitting that little bit closer to her, until she was finally able to sit by her and put her head in my friend’s lap. At which point my friend turned to me and said “This dog’s going to make me love her whether I want to or not, isn’t she?” > > It should be noted though, that both dogs have been very well-trained (Poppy was much harder work than Buster, but it has clearly paid off) and gets tons of exercise to help burn off their excessive energy. In keeping with the purpose of this thread, what do you think would be the _worst_ dog for a family to own? ---
**Author:** ![StusBlues](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@StusBlues](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StusBlues)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2010, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891/76 "2010-02-17T22:21:19Z")
In my experience, Czarcasm, that would be the German Shepherd, hands down. Ditto the Belgain Malinois. When I was training back in the day, those were the only dogs (or nearly so) to have aggression problems in obedience class. Purely anecdotal, but when you have animals bred for police work it may not be a great idea to have them play with 4-year-olds. Then again, most of the Pit Bulls were vibed out of the class. I’ve never had a problem with one myself. Afghan Hounds weren’t aggressive, but they weren’t social at all. More like cats than dogs. If you’re into that, fine. ---
**Author:** ![fluiddruid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c2a13f/32.png) [@fluiddruid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fluiddruid)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2010, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891/77 "2010-02-17T22:24:13Z")
I vote for Jack Russells. Maybe they can be decent dogs with someone who has the patience of a saint and the willingness to wear them out physically every day, but every one I have met has been a terror. A family, with all of their restrictions on time, just isn’t the place for one. My sister’s roommate in college had one, and the thing was just a DESTROYER. Nipping at people and other dogs, barking while running in a circle for an hour, howling, chewing through furniture, doors, even walls (!), unpredictable behavior, and completely unaffectionate. I love dogs but man I wanted to chuck that thing out a window. ---
**Author:** ![Jennyrosity](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/2bfe46/32.png) [@Jennyrosity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennyrosity)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2010, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891/78 "2010-02-17T22:27:29Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > In keeping with the purpose of this thread, what do you think would be the _worst_ dog for a family to own? Any one owned by people unwilling or unable to put in the effort to train it properly. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2010, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891/79 "2010-02-17T22:40:40Z")
> [@Jennyrosity](#): > > Any one owned by people unwilling or unable to put in the effort to train it properly. Thank you for not keeping in the spirit of the thread. ---
**Author:** ![Jennyrosity](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/2bfe46/32.png) [@Jennyrosity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennyrosity)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2010, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891/80 "2010-02-17T22:53:54Z")
I think you’re being unecessarily snippy. I don’t know enough about other individual breeds to offer an opinion on them, I have only ever had Staffies. It has been my experience however, that they can be lovely family pets if well trained, and that any dog which isn’t is likely to be a menance and potentially dangerous. I apologise if you feel that is not in keeping with the spirit of the thread. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-absolute-worst-dog-for-a-family-to-own/528891.md?page=5)