by Joanna Hay

Created on: June 23, 2009

As a veterinarian, I have had contact with almost every breed of dog that there is. Usually if they are in the clinic they are in need of some kind of treatment, therefore for the duration of their visit I will be touching every part of them, sticking my fingers in their mouth, sticking thermometers somewhere less sanitary, and generally poking and prodding them with a variety of sharp objects. Usually if a dog is at all inclined to be aggressive, one of my actions is going to bring this behavior out in them. My observations of various dog breeds in this environment has led me to believe that just because a dog is a member of a certain breed doesn't mean that that dog is going to be dangerous. The most important thing in determining a dog's personality and behavior is the way they are raised and the treated by their owners. That said, there are certainly some breeds of dog that put a little extra fear into this doctor's heart. I am going to give you my 5 most dangerous breeds, starting with the least dangerous and working up to the breed that really puts me in a cold sweat.

5. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is an absolutely wonderful family dog. One of their best traits as a pet is the one that makes them most dangerous to the vet, however. These dogs have absolute, unshakable, complete loyalty to their owners. They love their owners and would give their lives to protect them. Every moment of their every day is devoted to protecting these people. An outsider is a danger and a distraction in their minds. In a small exam room, I am automatically too close to the owner for a German Shepherd to be comfortable. Anything I might do to restrain or touch these dogs in any way is instantly attributed in their minds to the nefarious purpose of disabling them so I can attack their owners at my leisure. Luckily for me, most of these dogs are obedient enough to release my mutilated flesh on the owner's demand.

4. Miniature Pincher

The Miniature Pincher usually ignores the Miniature and emphasizes the Pincher. Despite their small physical size, Min Pins often have a serious Napoleonic complex that leads them to believe they are easily the biggest and baddest creature in any setting they happen to be in. The people that bring them in are not owners in their minds, they are subordinate gang members. Although Min Pin's owners are usually very nice people in reality, it seems that they always have stories of the consequences of crossing the will of these little dictators.

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