Aggressive dogs versus Dangerous dogs: are they the same thing?

‘Top ten aggressive dogs.” “Dangerous dog breeds to never own.” “Aggressive Pit Bull mauls 3 month old baby.” It seems that these two terms are used interchangeably. But believe it or not, these two similar terms are very different.

Aggressive dogs

According to Oxford Languages, the word ‘aggressive’ means ‘ready or likely to attack or confront.’ Dogs that show aggressive behavior may not attack or harm anything and rather just pull their lips up or just snap their jaws. You may see aggressive tendencies in small dogs such as Chihuahua's or Jack Russell Terriers, dogs that seem to have the typical ‘small dog syndrome.’ Dogs that are aggressive also may be friendly to people but aggressive towards other dogs. Or it may be the other way around. Or these dogs may be friendly towards people and dogs but aggressive towards cats.

Dangerous dogs

Oxford Languages says that the definition of ‘dangerous’ is ‘able or likely to cause harm’ which means that a dog that is dangerous has caused harm in the past and is liable to do it again. You usually see bigger dogs such as German Shepherds and Pit Bull-type dogs labeled as ‘dangerous’ because these dogs are bigger and can cause more damage than a three pound Chihuahua.

Dangerous or aggressive?

I made a list of scenarios to see if you could decide if the dog was dangerous or aggressive.

Jack the Border Collie raises his lips and snarls when someone comes towards him while making loud noises. He’s snapped at a few people before, but not enough to do any bleeding damage. Answer: Jack is considered aggressive because he hasn’t caused any physical damage and only gave the people a scare.

Minnie the mixed breed has lunged at the mailman a few times and left deep bite marks on him, however, she is friendly towards her family. Answer: Minnie is considered dangerous because it seems she doesn’t trust strangers and left bite marks on the mailman.

Copper the Bloodhound growls and threatens children if they come near his bowl, but he's lovey-dovey with them when they are away. Answer: Copper is considered aggressive because he’s never attacked them.

Junebug the German Shepherd raced after and attacked the neighbor and his son. She efficiently knocked both people over and attacked their throats. Answer: Junebug is considered dangerous as she knocked those people over and attacked them.

Does aggression lead towards danger?

What if you have an aggressive dog? Does that mean the dog will soon snap off and attack somebody? That could happen. However, if you have an aggressive dog, it’s up to you to not make it that way. For example, Jack the Border Collie from the first scenario doesn’t like it when people come up to him while making loud noises. He wouldn't growl or snarl if you didn’t approach him that way and was calm instead. If your dog is showing aggression, it is up to you to stop that aggressive behavior before it becomes dangerous

What if I have a dangerous dog? A dangerous dog is known to most people as a dead dog. People don’t like dangerous dogs, simply because it causes harm to people or pets. If your dangerous dog gets out and attacks someone, like Junebug from the scenario, you are held liable for that dog, and most importantly, the state could take your dog away and have it killed. If you knew your dog was dangerous and you did nothing about it, that’s your fault.

And it doesn’t matter what breed or mix your dog is. Any dog has the capabilities to become aggressive or dangerous, under the right circumstances. Happy reading, and of course, Canine Good.