Vets reveal the innocent-looking dog breeds that can prove DEADLY
Updated: 14:26 BST, 22 October 2024
When it comes to deadly dogs, XL Bullies, Pit bull terriers, or Japanese Tosas might spring to mind.
But a shocking incident has highlighted that it's not just these tough looking breeds that can turn deadly.
Natasha Johnston, 28, a dog walker from Croydon, was mauled to death after being set upon by eight crazed animals.
The experienced walker suffered penetrating dog bites to her torso, neck and arms during the attack, after some of the dogs became 'out of control.'
While the inquest did not hear which dog caused Ms Johnston's death, two dogs – a labradoodle and an American XL Bully – were put down at the request of her family.
Now, vets have revealed the breeds that have been involved in the most fatal incidents over the last 35 years – including several smaller dogs.
Speaking to MailOnline, an RSPCA spokesperson said: 'While some dogs are large and powerful, that doesn't mean they're more likely to show aggression than any other type of dog.'
Here in the UK, five different dogs are deemed so dangerous that they're banned.
These are the Pit bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero, and the XL Bully.
However, the RSPCA points out that there's 'not robust research' to demonstrate that these breeds or types are any more aggressive than other dogs.
'Aggressive behaviour can be influenced by factors such as how they're bred, reared and experiences throughout their life,' it explained.
'Breed isn't a good way to predict risk of aggression.'
Despite the prohibition of the Pit bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero, and the XL Bully, dog bites have increased by 154 per cent in the past 20 years.
What's more, between 1989 and 2017, 48 people – including 20 children – died in dog-related incidents.
Of the 62 dogs involved, the majority (53) were dog breeds not on the prohibited list.
Among adults, Staffordshire Bull Terriers were involved in the most incidents (4), followed by American Bulldogs (3), German Shepherds (3), and Pit Bull Terriers (3).
French Mastiffs (2), Staffy types (2), Rottweilers (2), and unknown breeds (2) were the next most common dogs on the list.
The remaining incidents involved an Alapaha, a Bull Mastiff cross, a crossbreed, a German Shepherd-Doberman cross, a Neapolitan Mastiff, a Springer, a Springer or bull breed mix, a terrier type, and a Weimaraner.
Meanwhile, the incidents involving children included several smaller breeds.
One Alaskan Malamute was involved in a fatal attack, as well as a Lakeland Terrier, two Jack Russells, and one Terrier.
Speaking to MailOnline, the RSPCA spokesperson said: 'Aggressive behaviour is a complex interaction between how a dog is bred as well as lifetime experiences.
'All dogs are individuals and whether or not a dog displays aggressive behaviour comes down to how they've been bred, reared and their life experiences.'
The Kennel Club agrees with the RSCPA, and says that 'no breed of dog is inherently dangerous'.