Study Shows English Cocker Spaniel to be Worlds Meanest Dog

World's Meanest Dog May Not Be the Breed You Think It Is!

May 28, 2009

When we think about stereotypically "mean dogs," I'm pretty sure we can all name those most maligned. But statistically, the world's meanest breed isn't a Pit Bull, Bulldog, or even a Doberman — it's an English Cocker Spaniel!

A recent study by the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Barcelona shows more reported cases of aggression by the English Cocker Spaniel than any other breed, followed by Rottweilers, Boxers, Yorkshire Terriers, and German Shepherds. Yes, the Yorkie is tiny, but can apparently pack quite a punch! With over 1,040 acts of aggression studied, the report shows that the Cocker Spaniel is more likely than other breeds to show aggression towards their owners and unfamiliar people.

But not all is lost for the breed. With proper training and discipline, the Cocker Spaniel (and any other breed for that matter) can be well behaved and friendly to other dogs and people. I'm a firm believer that there are no "bad breeds," so here's to hoping that owners can take the time to train their pups to be civil four-legged members of society! Check out some of my favorite training tips and tricks when you read more.

Training classes aren't just for puppies — you can always enroll your pup in an obedience class, no matter how old they are!
Have your pup's next playtime include strangers to get used to unfamiliar faces, er, scents!
Pick up a training book for 24/7 advice. Here are some of your favorites!
Know the difference between training methods, then pick the one that is right for you and your pet.
Help your pooch learn proper dog park etiquette as early as possible.
Take an online class led by Cesar Milan, and learn at your (and your dog's) own pace.
Use the hand touch to get your pup under control.

Source

33 Comments

2 years 4 weeks

This is the most bogus article I have ever read. First of all the picture is not even of a English Cocker Spaniel, it is an American Cocker. English Cocker Spaniels have a wonderful temperment and would never act aggressive towards anyone unless you write stupid article like this one that have no factual backup.

2 years 18 weeks

This story is not bogus cockers are VERY MEAN dogs. I had one when I was little and would always attack me and my siblings. The last straw when it attacked me ON MY BIRTHDAY and tore my right cheek clear off. I needed over 200 stitches and plastic surgery. Woudnt recommend this dog to anyone with children.

2 years 20 weeks

What a horribly irresponsible statement. Please state your. "source" upon which you make this unfounded claim. Perhaps you are confused about the breed because you don't even have the proper dog in your picture. FYI, that's an AMERICAN Cocker.

2 years 44 weeks

Dudes. This "study" is purportedly from Barcelona. When was the last time anything breath taking came out of Spain? Nada. The story is bogus, and probably written by a Pit Bull owner. Even the picture is misleading, as already stated above by another enlightened reader. Once again, it is that of an American Cocker Spaniel. Nuff said.

2 years 45 weeks

I had a cocker spaniel when I was little and that has to be the sweetest breed I've ever known. Oh, an english cocker spaniel, to be more exact. From my experience, I trust big dogs more than the little ones. But I think like somebody here posted, since the cocker spaniels are so cute, people just approach and pet them without even thinking. And that could be one of the reasons they react. Although my dog literally licked the burglar and wagged its tail at him, than actually bit or even barked at him... and thank god he did, or he could have been hurt.

2 years 46 weeks

Way to give Cocker Spaniels a bad name. Talk about stereotyping a breed. That is like saying since I had a bad experience with a white person, they are all bad. Screw off.

3 years 28 weeks

Every discussion or forum I have ever been on is pretty much the same regarding the behaviour of Pitt bulls. You always read about owners of these animals saying the same thing. "These dogs have a bad rep". Or "It all depends on how they are treated". Or, "I have a pitt, and it would never hurt anyone". Actually, Everytime there is a news story about a pitt bull attack, these exact words are always used by the owners. Every single time a Pitt attacks, or kills, the owners ALL sound the same. "I just dont understand it. My dog is so sweet. It would never hurt a fly". You can talk that garbage till the end of time, But ALL the news stories are of Pitt bulls attacking. Do you think the media had just chosen these dogs to be unfair to? NO. it is because it is a fact. Pitts are a useless breed that should be eliminated from the pet pool in this country. They are NOT freindly. They are NOT a good family pet. And it should be illegal to breed, sell, or own these vicsious animals. I for one am damn tired of hearing the news and the owners ALWAYS giving us all the same LAMEASS excuse as to why the dog attacked. I dont give a damn why. These dogs should NOT be Pets. Period.........

3 years 31 weeks

With any popular dog breed there is bound to be some problems. Cockers, Labs, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Rotties, Pitts. There are problems because of amateur breeders or puppy mills. I don't believe in bad breeds, but I think some dogs can be born that way if they aren't bred with care. After 101 Dalmations with Glen Close dalmations were produced like crazy and kids got hurt. Chihuahuas are bred for cuteness without any thought to personality. If you don't want a dog that is born mean then make sure you get it from a good breeder, a mix, or a not-so popular breed. As for the "stupid spaniel" comment. That's ridiculous. Papillons (Continental Toy Spaniel) are one of the top 10 smartest dogs. But watch out, they are starting to get popular now.

3 years 34 weeks

It's going to take more than a seriously flawed study to make me change my mind about cocker spaniels - and to even mention the name of the man who uses fear and pain to 'correct' bad behaviour as a method of fixing any behavioural problems is beyond belief. It is these methods more than any other - apart from maybe bad breeding due to puppy farms - that causes aggression. Using spray bottles, shock collars and any other adversive (not to mention the horrific alpha roll) is only going to lead to trouble. More recent and thorough studies (such as the one by Bristol Universary - Dominance in domestic dogs – useful construct or bad habit) have dismissed dominance and pack theory and have shown that the way forward is positive reinforcement. Any dog has the potential to have behavioural problems - no matter the breed - unless he is given clear and consistent boundaries, has been bred by a responsible breeder, is socialised well as a pup and is trained properly using kind methods. It is the methds of those such as Jean Donaldson (The Culure Clash is a must for any dog owner) that are the way forward - lead with kindness and consistancy, not fear and force.

3 years 34 weeks

I currently have and had cocker spaniels as pets. I've met a lot of friendly cocker spaniels too. They are very loving and sweet. You can have nice cocker spaniels and mean cocker spaniels. You can have nice pit bulls and mean pit bulls. Just like humans, there are nice ones and there are mean ones, so if you meet a mean person are you going to say all people are mean?

3 years 47 weeks

I can't believe no one has mentioned one of the key reasons Cocker Spaniels have problems with other dogs: the docked (i.e. cut off) tail. Anyone who knows anything about dogs or has watched The Dog Whisperer for more than 5 minutes knows that with dogs, body language is EVERYTHING. Dogs communicate a whole lot just by their stance, their eye contact (or lack thereof) - and by the position/action of their tails. The problem with Cocker Spaniels particularly is that (a) the tails are often docked VERY short and (b) their wide-back-legged stance (which makes them so cute and sturdy) means that whatever tail they DO have isn't all that visible (Cocker Spaniels' tails don't stick out from their bodies like, say, a docked tail on a Boxer does). This means that other dogs aren't always sure of a Cocker Spaniels' intentions and miss the cues - and come bounding over to play even though the Cocker is trying to send a message like "approach warily". The other dog gets confused, the Cocker gets anxious - and then suddenly you have a 'situation'. The same goes for people, actually: The average person wouldn't just start petting/snuggling a German Shepherd or any big dog they encountered on the street or subway, but Cockers are so darn cute that people feel free to do so. I can't even TELL you how many people on the street or the subway come racing up to my Cocker and start petting her all over without so much as making eye contact with me. It's no wonder some of them get a bit growly. I'm fortunate that my Cocker loves people, so there's no problem there. But she's just not all that interested in other dogs. When we go to the dog park, she greets other dogs, then goes off to sniff trails on the ground by herself. The ONLY time we EVER have a problem is when we encounter some little yappy dog with no training who keeps on bugging Lady even after she's indicated she's not interested. Finally, Lady will start growling a little - then of course the yappy dog's owner starts freaking out, both dogs get anxious, and everyone assumes that Cockers are temperamental and not to be trusted. We talk a lot about how dogs are pack animals, but we sometimes forget that for hundreds - thousands - of years, dogs have been bred to be part of a HUMAN pack, not a DOG pack. Cockers in particular are EXTREMELY adept at reading human body language and tend to be territorial about their human family. Is it any wonder that they aren't always so great about reading dog body language, or that they are more interested in hanging out with people than dogs?

3 years 48 weeks

I think small dogs are more aggresive because they are less well trained then their bigger cousins. People tend to think a little dog having a tantrum is soooo cute. While with a big dog quickly learns proper behavior. Oh I ve known a lot of English Cocker Spaniels and never met a mean on. Do they have this reputation because they are also considered great family dogs?? Dogs+kids more chance for trouble???

chester04 3 years 50 weeks

ive had cockers all my life and they have to be the sweetest dogs i don't care what the study said when you say cockers are the Mean dogs and you say PIT BULLS are the sweetest dogs your crazy as shit!!!!! and like i said before i think alot of you people are making shit up to make this dangerous breed look good! and you thank you have a pit in control well you don't!!!!! they will be like that be all sweet then will attack you without warning i know ive had them before!!!!! thats all you see is pits killing someones kid or pet on the news or anywhere and the animal control knows what kind of dog it is when they pick them up so that shit (they couldn't tell the difference between a pit and other similar-looking breeds) yeah they can!!!! like i said they are bred for fighting and the breed does what it is bred to do

3 years 50 weeks

My client had to give up her cocker spaniel because it attacked her and her other dogs. English Bulldogs were once bred to fight, and now look at them...they're sweet as ever. It's wrong to assume all pitbulls are dangerous. It's all about the breeding and training that determine ANY pet's future and/or fate. My neighbor has three pits, and he has all of them in control. They're all sweet and obedient, unlike other pesky toy breeds I've encountered. It's usually his lab who does all the barking and escaping. You know, Pits are called the "nanny" dog for a reason...and they also use them as therapy dogs...I'm just saying...

chester04 3 years 50 weeks

rotties, and dobies are not as dangerous as the pit bull and that They will do whatever it takes to make their people happy, even fight to the death lol no they just like to fight and kill and if they love people so much why do they try to kill them? and stereotypeing i had them before i know how they are your just trying to make up shit to make this dangerous breed look good! and like i said before one day you will see what iam talking about they are bred for fighting and the breed does what it is bred to do and thats kill. You won't know when they will attack. and yes..other breeds will bite and attack but they are not as dangerous as the pit bull They will lock their jaws onto the prey until it's dead and most dog breeds don't enjoy it so much that they fight or pin or shake or hold till the one they have in their mouth stops breathing. Human or animal.but whatever you find out the hard way!!!

melizzle 3 years 50 weeks

"oneday you will see what iam talking about when your pit attacks you or kills your kid" Nice. You should see how my pup plays with infants. Well, of course, when she's not eating them for breakfast... ;) Hopefully, one day YOU will see that you are blinded by your personal experience and stereotyping an entire breed as a result. What about rotties, dobies and the rest? All these dogs have had bad raps at a certain point; pits are just the breed du jour. Do you also have a prejudice against these large, "violent" breeds? Pits aren't born fighters; they're born as people pleasers, which is why they are such a popular fighting dog choice. They will do whatever it takes to make their people happy, even fight to the death. I will concede that they do have a rep of being animal aggressive, which is usually taken care of with proper socialization. I'm not asking you to become a pittie lover. I'm just hoping that you'll understand that your personal experience does not qualify an entire breed. It's unfair. As a former pit owner, I would expect you to understand the misconceptions surrounding this breed- your position is a rarity among those of us who have had these wonderful animals as pets. And the reason I won't drop this is one familiar to all the other pit fans on Sugar- your comments are all too common. I invite others to share their positions on this- it is our duty to spread the word.

chester04 3 years 50 weeks

no people can't be born aggressive but dogs can be!!! pits are born fighters and i know a pit from other dogs its was a American Pit Bull Terrier that attacked and killed my friends shepherd puppy it was his dog and that dog was not tied up outside a day in it's life the dog was a inside dog only!!!!! it was like his kid and i was bitten really badly by one and i know it was a pit because it was one of my dogs!!! and that dog was not in anyway mean too it bit me it killed my cat but whatever oneday you will see what iam talking about when your pit attacks you or kills your kid or one of your other pets and it will happen one day!!! oh yeah talking about someone that couldn't tell the difference between dogs who ever put this up can't tell the difference between american and the english. cocker spaniel. the pic thats up is the american and your talking about the english

Smacks83 3 years 50 weeks

Preach it Melizzle!!

melizzle 3 years 50 weeks

Chester: Do you also believe that people can be born aggressive? Do you believe that because you've had a bad experience with a person of certain race, ethnicity, etc., that all people of that group are also bad? Breedism=dog racism. It's a well-documented fact that dog attacks are often (1) blown out of proportion in the media as being the result of a pit, as they sell more papers; (2) mistakenly attributed to a pit, when the reality is that most people couldn't truly tell this difference between one and the many other similar-looking breeds; and (3) reports often leave out huge details, like "the owner was a jacka$$ who left his pit tied up outside without food for days..." Just as this study doesn't prove that your cocker spaniel is aggressive, your personal experience doesn't prove that my pittie is violent. Personally, I find your comment offensive, insensitive and, unfortunately, all too typical of those who are uneducated about these wonderful animals.

chester04 3 years 50 weeks

my cocker spaniel she is Very gentle and friendly. she loves people not aggressive at all but ive seen some Mean ass pits ive been bitten by one i seen one kill a cat (the cat was not doing anything to it) my friends pit killed his littie shepherd puppy i don't care what you people say pit bulls are aggressive as hell you pit lovers say all they are so sweet but thats because it haven't attacked you yet but it will one day pits are not in anyway a good family pet they are really the Meanest Dogs i ever seen anything about a english cocker spaniel killing someones kid or pet it's allways the pit bull!!!!!!

Tsybrant 3 years 51 weeks

I am all GRINS on this one!!! Not because I think that cocker spaniels are the most aggressive or the meanest breed, but because it just give credibility to what most pit owners already know- Pit bulls ARE NOT the most aggressive!!! I love my girls and they are the SWEETEST things on four feet... anyone apprehensive about pits before they meet her- aren't after they meet her!!! :)

3 years 51 weeks

Most spaniels I've encountered are aggressive, stupid or both (with the exception of the King Charles). I helped a neighbor train their English and that took forever. It was snappy, truculant and would pee on your foot in defiance. With regard to tiny dogs, I'm completely torn. I've met some absolutely loving and cuddly ones and some nasty little buggers I've been tempted to punt into the next county.

bonbonfay 3 years 51 weeks

My dog (a 72 lb coonhound mix) will attempt to play with any dog, regardless of how much bigger it is, unless it's a little rat dog, then she is faaaaar away...she's been nipped at too many times by small dogs just for being friendly or attempting to play. eeeeek, and that yipping sound. UGH! I will say that Cavalier's are VERY docile and gentle though. and we've also met plenty of small dogs that are friendly...she's just very cautious!

clew001 3 years 51 weeks

yorkies can be vicious. can't stand the aggression. they bark and bite all the time.

Lovely_1 3 years 51 weeks

My brother got attacked pretty badly by a cocker spaniel once... Honestly thank god though. I am so sick and tired of people jumping on the media bandwagon with Pit Bulls. Half the Pit Bull attacks out there aren't even Pit Bulls but another related bully breed!!! Arragonce and uneducated people lead most to beileve that Pitties are bad dogs - but they are awesome as long as you treat them with the respect and discipline you would with any other breed!

Link Love

33 Comments

You Might Also Like