Top 5 Most Misunderstood Dog Breeds

Humans are not the only ones who can be misunderstood. Dogs are misunderstood too. Because of past experiences, what we see in movies, and what people say, we might have a preconceived idea of certain dog breeds – ideas that may lead to wrong impressions.

Two of the most common misconceptions about dogs are their age and their breed temperament. Not all dogs age the same, and almost all dogs are not aggressive because of their breed. There are many factors that cause dogs to become aggressive.

We would like to help in dispelling some biases and prejudice against certain dog breeds. In this post, you’ll read about the top five most misunderstood types of dogs.

1. Pit Bulls

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Pit Bulls? Is it fierce and dangerous or sweet and loving? No doubt, most people would think of Pit Bulls as some of the most dangerous dog breeds ever. But are they?

Unfortunately, many people think that all dogs with a large head and short coat are Pit Bulls, but that is false. There are four breeds recognized by the AKC.  They are the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and American Bully.

Interestingly, only the American Pit Bull Terriers were bred for fighting in the late 1800s.  Today, Pit Bulls aren’t bred for fighting anymore.

2. Dobermans

In the 90s, Dobermans were commonly seen to be guard dogs and police dogs. With popular media depicting what they are nowadays, many people may believe they are only bred to be work dogs. To make things even worse for Dobermans, some owners crop their ears to make them look more aggressive.

Aside from German Shepherds, Dobermans are also used as police dogs. However, they can also serve as great pets and family members. Their loyal, loving, and attentive personalities are enough to add a spark of joy to your home.

3. Rottweilers

Another dog breed that was used in horror or suspense movies is the Rottweiler. At this point, you might now see where some of the wrong impressions we have about dogs. You probably have seen movies about Rottweilers who went into a rampage and killed people. It’s sad that some dog breeds are still portrayed this way.

The truth is that Rottweilers are herding and guarding dogs. Because of their natural disposition to protect, it is only natural for them to become aggressive around people they see as a threat. Thankfully, with the right training, they can become loyal, disciplined, and happy dogs.

4. Boxers

The name itself could send the wrong signal to a lot of people. Boxers are not boxing dogs that love to fight. They certainly are not Pit Bulls as most people assume. Nevertheless, they are actually sweet dogs who love to play with their humans.

Perhaps, what makes it a little tough to have Boxers around is their unlimited energy! Because of their natural big build combined with their playfulness and rowdiness, being active is mistaken for aggression. Boxers just want to play!

Boxers are known to be intelligent dogs. So if you want to train them, make sure to avoid the punishment that may push them to aggression. Rather, use positive reinforcement and reward to improve your boxer’s behavior. They’ll feed off your positivity and quickly become your best friend.

5. Border Collies

Border Collies are very cute and cuddly. Therefore, it is not surprising to see a lot of people get a Border Collie right off the bat just because they are adorable. Nonetheless, a lot of these same people don’t know that Border Collies need a lot of mental stimulation. It takes a lot of effort to take care of them as they are highly intelligent. That’s why, when trained properly, you can see a lot of these dogs in dog shows and competitions.

Border Collies are not the type of dogs you can simply leave at home whenever you’re going to work or travel out of town. They need constant physical and mental stimulation. Failure to provide this could lead to aggression and unwanted behavior. The amount of time needed to spend with Border Collies can easily turn off a lot of owners and they end up in shelters or for adoption.

Final Thoughts

There are no bad dogs, only misinformed owners. Every dog can be trained and disciplined. They’re like children that can be mischievous at times, but with the right training, they should be able to become well-adjusted dogs.

Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Boxers, and Border Collies are some of the most misunderstood dog breeds out there. But they are not the only ones. There are other dog breeds that are often misunderstood, sadly labeled, ostracized, and avoided. This list is a good tool to raise awareness among people who tend to misunderstand these breeds. It is up to us to do our part in understanding them.

Read more about dog breeds, their personalities, and history. Don’t simply rely on what people say about them. Sometimes, all you need to do is be equipped with the right knowledge and all misunderstandings can eventually phase out. What other breeds do you find to be misunderstood? Comment below!