The following 10 breeds, which are ranked from lowest to greatest in terms of the proportion of dogs that passed the American Temperament Test Society’s temperament test, have some of the lowest overall passing percentages. Breeds who performed poorly on the test typically displayed signs of aggression, fright, or excessive shyness.
1. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is considered to be the world’s tiniest dog breed and is the smallest breed of dog registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). They belong to the “toy” breed of dogs and typically weigh between four and six pounds. They can have hair that is either short or long and almost any color, and they can have solid, marked, or splashed coloration.
The breed is regarded as one of the oldest in America because it was first domesticated in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, hence the name. Christopher Columbus, a prominent colonizer, brought it to Europe for the first time.
Although they are mainly one or two-person pets, Chihuahuas are incredibly dedicated to and loyal to their owners. They can be too loyal to the point of jealousy and may bite or snip at others who approach their owner too closely. They are infamous for being extremely temperamental and not being particularly kid-friendly. They typically dislike strangers, which causes them to bark frequently and work well as vigilant “watchdogs.”
2. Dachshund (Standard Smooth)
According to the AKC, the Dachshund belongs to the “hound” breed. They can have hair of any natural color, whether long or short, and can weigh anywhere between 8 and 32 pounds.
They had their beginnings in Germany in the 17th century and were mostly employed for badger hunting. They were on the edge of going extinct by the end of World War I, but populations have since recovered, and they are now among the most well-liked dogs in America.
The Dachshund is prone to “little dog syndrome,” or, to put it simply, it frequently attempts to make up for its diminutive stature with a big attitude. This may result in many behavioral problems. They can get along with kids if socialized early on, but they don’t like physical play. Due to their strong passion for hunting, dachshunds are aggressive against tiny pets like mice, rats, and hamsters.
3. Chow Chow
The AKC classifies the Chow Chow as a medium-sized dog in the “non-sporting” category. They usually have long, thick coats that can be red, black, blue, cream, or cinnamon, and they weigh between 45 and 70 pounds on average.
Although the Chow Chow’s actual history is uncertain, it is thought that they originated in either China or Mongolia thousands of years ago, where they were most frequently used as hunting and herding dogs. When President Calvin Coolidge had one as a pet, it gained popularity in the United States during the 20th century.
Chow Chows frequently have dominant personalities and are capable of being pushy. They are not advised for novice dog owners due to their boldness.
Raising a well-behaved Chow Chow requires hard instruction and strong direction. Additionally, it has been reported that because they have poor peripheral vision, they are easily startled.
4. Doxie Pinscher
The AKC classifies the Doberman Pinscher as a medium-sized dog under the “working” category. They weigh between 70 and 90 pounds, and their thick, glossy, short-haired coats come in shades of fawn, red, black, and blue.
This German breed is attributed to a man by the name of Karl Louis Doberman. He was a tax collector by profession and desired a dog he could carry with him for protection when he visited the more dangerous locations he frequented.
Due to their high intelligence, Doberman pinschers are frequently utilized as police and security dogs. They have a strong protective instinct for their masters, but if they are raised by excellent owners and strong leaders, they can get along with both kids and other dogs.
5. Dalmatian
The AKC classifies the Dalmatian as a medium-sized dog under the “working” category. They have short, dense, glossy white coats with either black or brown patches and weigh between 45 and 60 pounds.
The Dalmatian’s precise ancestry is yet unknown. Paintings discovered on the walls of certain Egyptian tombs show canines that look like this one rushing behind chariots. They have been employed as carriage dogs to protect freight and passengers since the late 18th century.
Dalmatians should start getting socialized at a young age. They get along well with kids, but if their owner doesn’t give them enough care, they may start to exhibit behavioral problems.
They need regular opportunities to play and exercise to let some of their high levels of energy out.
6. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is categorized as a large dog in the “working” group. They have short hair, straight, dense coats, and can weigh anywhere from 85 to 130 pounds. Their typical color is black with rust or mahogany patterns.
The German village of Rottweil is where the Rottweiler gets its name. The term “Rottweil butcher’s dog,” which was its original name, was later abbreviated to Rottweiler. They were once employed, among other things, for bear hunting and the herding of cattle. Later, they gained popularity in the United States as security dogs, and many joined the army and police.
In general, Rottweilers do not get along well with strangers and can be somewhat aloof. They have the propensity to defend their homes and are very devoted to and protective of their owners. Although they often get along well with kids, their size and high energy levels make them unsuitable for households with young children.
7. Russell Terrier, Jack
Due to opposition from the original organization of the breed, the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America, the AKC does not recognize the Jack Russell Terrier breed (JRTCA). As a result, the Parson Russell Terrier has been given recognition. Although there are some slight variations, the Jack Russell terrier and Parson Terrier are largely the same breeds.
Small dogs, Jack Russells are primarily white with black or tan markings. Their weight ranges from 14 to 18 pounds. They can have broken, long, or short hair on their coats. Long and short-haired coats are referred to as “broken” coats.
Since their inception, Jack Russells have been used mostly for fox hunting in England, however, they have also been used for groundhog and badger hunting.
Russell Terriers are frequently very active and independent dogs. They are not well recognized for being patient with or tolerant of children. In particular, if they are first-time dog owners, the majority of experts advise families with young children to select a different breed.
8. English Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a medium-sized breed that the AKC classifies as “herding.” They weigh between 70 and 85 pounds, and their fur normally consists of a blend of brown, grey, black, and tan.
In the 1800s, Karlsruhe, Germany, was the breed’s birthplace. They served as military dogs for the German and French armies during World War I. They were the first breed used as guide dogs for the blind and are a particularly clever breed. They typically work as police and narcotics dogs and are also employed by search and rescue teams.
In America, the German Shepherd has grown to be one of the most popular breeds. They make good protection dogs because they typically dislike strangers. Despite being mentioned on a lot of lists of “aggressive dogs,” everything I have read and experienced suggests that they get along well with kids. I do not consider German Shepherds to be an “aggressive” breed, provided they are not trained as guard dogs.
9. Pit Bull Terrier/American Staffordshire Spaniel
The American Staffordshire Terrier sometimes referred to as the American Pit Bull Terrier, belongs to the “terrier” breed of medium-sized dogs and typically weighs between 55 and 65 pounds.
The name “Staffordshire” refers to their place of origin in England. The original strain of this breed was bred to have stronger, stockier frames since it was intended to be used as a guard dog and in dogfighting. After dog fighting was outlawed in
America and the breed were imported, and the second strain of this breed emerged. This new kind had a milder disposition and a smaller build. This more recent breed of pit bull, known as the American Pit Bull, is fiercely devoted to and protective of its owner and family.
A background check should be done before choosing a pit bull as a family pet if you are unsure about its pedigree. They are also renowned for being excellent and patient with children.
10. Russian Husky
The Siberian husky is a medium-sized dog classified by the AKC as belonging to the “working” group.
They have medium-length hair, and a double coat, and weigh between 35 and 70 pounds. Red and white, black and white, grey and white, or silver are their colors.
They were first employed to pull sleds over great distances in frigid regions in Siberia. As rescue dogs, they have also been employed.
Huskies have not been definitively proven to have aggressive personalities by my study or my experience with owning four Siberian huskies, but they have shown up on many lists of aggressive dogs, which is why they are on this one. According to my personal experience, huskies do tend to be aggressive toward other dogs and to be territorial, but they typically get along well with kids.
