A professional dog trainer with more than 30 years of experience has shared the five breeds most prone to biting and they’re not necessarily the breeds you might expect
A professional dog trainer has listed the five breeds which have the most consistent and “shocking bite histories” – and some may surprise you. Millions and millions of people all over the world choose to welcome a dog into their families, earning them the reputation of man’s best friend.
Not all dogs are suitable for inexperienced or first-time owners though, and the habits of some people has led to a pattern of biting among certain breeds. US-based content creator and “dog behaviour expert” Casey Ray regularly shares videos on YouTube offering insight based on his decades of experience working with dogs.
In a recent video, he shared the top five dogs most prone to biting or nipping, though he emphasised this is rarely the dogs’ fault.
In the caption accompanying his video, he explained: “Today I’m breaking down five breeds that might surprise you – not to shame them, but to help owners understand how environment, structure, genetics, and training all play into a dog’s behaviour.
“These are the breeds that are going to surprise you with shocking bite histories.”
Speaking to the camera, the expert stressed: “It’s none of these breeds’ fault. They’re landing on these lists for reasons that are usually man-made, unfortunately, so let’s not blame the breed.”
5. German shepherd
This “very popular” breed is known for their protective instincts, as well as their loyalty.
German shepherds are strong, intelligent, confident, courageous – and stubborn.
Casey explained they’re a “powerful breed” that’s “becoming more and more unstable as popularity continues to grow”.
He said this “has been happening for decades now” and when “popularity spikes”, it can lead to a decline in the dog’s overall health and temperament.
The expert added: “That’s exactly why German shepherds consistently top three in national bite statistics.”
4. Jack Russell terrier
Next, Casey listed the small but mighty Jack Russell terrier. This energetic, lively and intelligent dog can be very vocal, stubborn and fearless.
Casey said: “Intense prey drive, volcanic energy, frustration turns into quick snapping. These dogs top these lists for a reason.”
He added: “They need firm structure most homes can’t maintain.”
3. Cocker spaniel
In third place, Casey listed a “surprise” breed – the cocker spaniel.
A very popular dog, they’re known for their happy, energetic nature as beloved thanks to how gentle and affectionate they are.
Casey explained: “This one surprises a lot of people. This is on the list for a completely different reason.
This breed gets in trouble because they are so lovable, but they have chronic ear infections. And when these chronic ear infections go unnoticed and they get tugged on by children, guess what happens?”
He continued: “Chronic ear infections equals pain-based biting. So, it’s not their fault. It’s unfortunate.”
Casey added “poorly bred lines” can exacerbate the issue, leading to a dog that’s more prone to snapping.
2. Border collie
A medium sized herding dog, border collies are intelligent, energetic, loyal, athletic and tenacious.
Casey said: “They’re getting themselves into trouble because there’s no outlet for all that energy.
“You can’t bring a border collie into your family situation, have little ones running around and you not have the proper outlet for that border collie where it understands the proper outlet.
“It’s going to hurt the whole house. Nipping heels, that’s what’s contributing to their bites. But if it breaks skin, it’s got to be reported and there’s another bite statistic.”
The expert also said they’re “highly sensitive to unpredictable energy” which can lead to nipping and bites, while their innate herding natures can leave them feeling unfulfilled and frustrated in some home environments.
1. Chihuahua
In the top spot, Casey put the chihuahua. This diminutive breed is one of the smallest in the world. They’re popular thanks to their assertive, lively and devoted natures.
Casey said: “These guys are overprotected with zero boundaries. They’re fear reactive, they’re easily stressed.
“They’re being picked up instead of trained – they’re not accessories. These are still dogs. They carry the same pack mentality as a 200lb dog.”
The expert said unwanted behaviours like nipping and reactivity in chihuahuas is often rewarded, which tells the dog to continue behaving in that manner.
He added: “If people would just put these dogs on the ground, enrol them into some training, treat them like a dog, they’re a phenomenal breed, but until that happens, they have the highest bite rate per capita [in the US].”