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A professional dog trainer has revealed the five breeds with the most consistent and “shocking bite histories”, and some may come as a shock. All over the world, countless families welcome dogs into their homes, cementing their status as man’s best friend.
But not all breeds are appropriate for novice or first-time owners, and the behaviours of some owners has contributed to biting patterns among particular breeds. Casey Ray, a US-based content creator and “dog behaviour expert”, frequently posts YouTube videos drawing on his extensive experience working with dogs.
In a recent video, he listed the top five dogs most susceptible to biting or nipping, while stressing this is seldom the fault of the animals themselves.
In the caption alongside his video, he wrote: “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.”
Addressing viewers directly, the expert emphasised: “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 renowned for their protective nature, alongside their devotion.
German shepherds are powerful, clever, self-assured, brave – and headstrong. Casey described them as a “powerful breed” that’s “becoming more and more unstable as popularity continues to grow”.
He explained this “has been happening for decades now” and when “popularity spikes”, it can result in a deterioration of the dog’s overall health and temperament.
The expert continued: “That’s exactly why German shepherds consistently top three in national bite statistics.”
4. Jack Russell terrier
Casey then mentioned the diminutive yet feisty Jack Russell terrier. This spirited, animated and clever dog can be particularly vocal, headstrong and bold.
Casey warned: “Intense prey drive, volcanic energy, frustration turns into quick snapping. These dogs top these lists for a reason.”
He emphasised: “They need firm structure most homes can’t maintain.”
3. Cocker spaniel
Taking third spot, Casey named a “surprise” breed – the cocker spaniel.
An extremely popular dog, they’re recognised for their cheerful, lively disposition and adored for being gentle and loving.
Casey revealed: “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 went on: “Chronic ear infections equals pain-based biting. So, it’s not their fault. It’s unfortunate.”
Casey noted “poorly bred lines” can worsen the problem, resulting in a dog that’s more susceptible to snapping.
2. Border collie
The border collie, a medium-sized herding dog, is known for its intelligence, energy, loyalty, athleticism and tenacity.
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 noted they are “highly sensitive to unpredictable energy”, which can lead to nipping and biting, while their inherent herding instincts can leave them feeling unfulfilled and frustrated in certain home environments.
1. Chihuahua
Taking the top spot, Casey named the Chihuahua. This tiny breed is one of the smallest in the world and is popular due to its assertive, lively and devoted nature.
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 explained that unwanted behaviours like nipping and reactivity in chihuahuas is often rewarded, which encourages the dog to continue behaving in that way.
He further 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].”
