to be scared of two rottweilers unleashed by my local lake?

[Chequers]

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Hercules I know ! But because they are dogs there is unpredictability about their behaviour. That's the flaw.
I spend a fair amount of time in the countryside and often walk through fields of cattle with my children. But we pass through. We don't stay near them making them uneasy especially when calves are around.

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No red setters or poodles either.

I have often had dogs come up to me and jump up at me, with their owners shouting 'it's okay, they don't bite' And I am always appalled as I don't want dogs to touch me at all because I am very scared of dogs. I think many dog owners are unaware and uncaring that other people don't like interacting with their dogs, and when you are scared of them you can't even do anything like tell the owner how rude and unreasonable they are cos then the dog might react. I wouldn't let my child put dirty hand prints over a stranger.

what about chihuahuas?? Now those are KILLERS!!!

The majority of incidents with dogs are a result of incompetent or irresponsible ownership. We need a licensing system that dicatates a certain level of understanding of the breeds etc, a level of competence in handling etc, but how this would be implemented i don't know. Maybe mandatory insurance too, that seems to make sense.

There is no answer, the rottie is getting a rough deal just now. I think this is due to irresponsible owner ship and breeding. If aggression is being bred into a line, that is madness. The original purpose of the rottie was herding. It is awful that dogs homes are full of rotties where people take them on, dont realise the extent of the responsibility it takes to ensure the dog is well trained and socialised. So, i would actually be in support of a ban of this breed, if only to protect the dogs themselves (protection of the public, goes without saying)

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Yes, the bigger and more aggressive a dog is the more dangerous it is - think that's obvious. Pit bulls aren't big though and far more dangerous than a lot of big dogs.
I wouldnt choose a breed of dog that has been bred to be a guarding dog. My dogs havent been bred for this. The temperament for me of the breed is the main factor - i.e. good with children and not one that is likely to kill me (sorry dittany, despite what you think .

We had a springer when I was growing up and eventually due to its aggressive nature it had to be put to sleep. Looking back on it it must have had the rage seen in some spaniels. Now that dog was very dangerous and none of us were ever able to defend ourselves apart from getting out of the room as soon as we could. My mother still has scars today.

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I disagree Hercules, I think dogs do have an inherent flaw

They are related to the wolf

Yes, but a flaw would mean a mistake or something gone wrong. They are related to the wolf, that's not a flaw, just that they are. It does mean that people who say their dog would never hurt anyone ever are missing teh point as you have to be aware and take steps to ensure this doesnt happen the best you can.

Oh and big dogs also vomit copious amounts on kitchen floors.. That's what one of mine has just done anyway.