Aggressive Breeds

"Attention, America, or at least all you state and local politicians who are banning or considering banning ownership of pit bulls, Rottweilers and other big, scary dogs: In the midst of your rush to pass breed specific legislation, a new study has shown that the most aggressive dog breed in the world is ...

Yes, the dachshund, the weiner dog, better known in some countries as the sausage dog.

This vicious beast, despite enjoying a good reputation, is at the very top of a list of 33 dog breeds that were rated for their aggression in a study that analyzed the behavior of thousands of dogs.

One in five dachshunds have bitten or tried to bite strangers; about one in five have attacked other dogs, and one in 12 have snapped at their owners, according to the study, which was reported in the London Telegraph."

Pit Bulls

"Bad dogs, or bad press? When it comes to pit bulls, it seems like most people assume it's the first. But it wasn't always that way.

A pit bull named Stubby earned the rank of sergeant in World War I and appeared on the cover of "Life" magazine. Loyal pet of the "Little Rascals" on TV, the breed also used to symbolize the nation in editorial cartoons and army posters at the beginning of the 20th century. At one time pit bull terriers were the classic American dog.

Despite this honorable history, they've fallen on hard times. But their defenders are working hard to redeem them.

This February, the ASPCA in New York City is introducing its Adopt-a-Bull contest, co-sponsored by the Animal Farm Foundation in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Open to adopters from shelters that use the ASPCA's Meet Your Match temperament testing, the grand prize winner will get a trip to New York and a $5,000 grant for their shelter."