Your post implies quite a lack of understanding of genetics. I have had three Irish wolfhounds, all of which were excellent examples of the breed. The Saga of Nial has a good description of the breed and why they were so valued. My present English Mastiff is a male and he is a frustrated lap dog - 225 pounds is too much for any lap except that of the Jolly Green Giant!
Pure bred dogs will have far more predictable behavior than mongrels. However, when canid behavior indicates aggression toward humans, reasoned and prudent owners ascertain the reason for the new behavior and act accordingly.
“Pure bred dogs will have far more predictable behavior than mongrels.”
__________________________________________________
I knew that I would be castigated by pure-breed owners, but has nothing to do with my knowledge of genetics.
Yes, pure bred do have particular characteristics. Not all of those characteristics, however, are good.
My comments are not based on any claims to be professional in the dog breeding or training business, but a result of my 69 years of experience with numerous dogs of all types, from Manchesters to Graet Danes. None of the purebred dogs in my life turned out to be as nice or as healthy as the various cur/mongrel dogs that I knew, or adopted.
Yes, I know that each breed has particular characteristics, both good and bad.
My best friend, now deceased, had at least three, maybe four wolfhounds over fifteen years.. They were nice, but certainly too big for my taste, and not noted for longevity.
My largest dog was three-quarter Great Dane, and one quarter St. Bernard. She was quite large, but as sweet as any dog could be. She did, however, have 200 acres to range over.
I now care for 2 wild Philippine dogs, both female. They run free on the beach, and are liked by the neighbors. They are quite friendly and nice to have around. Anyway, my six cats keep them in line.
There are also a number of wild/unowned dogs in the neighborhood, but they never seem to be a problem for anyone. The two dogs that I care for are quite noted by each having a collar.
“Pure bred dogs will have far more predictable behavior than mongrels. However, when canid behavior indicates aggression toward humans, reasoned and prudent owners ascertain the reason for the new behavior and act accordingly.”
^This^
I’ve had a couple dogs “suddenly” get nasty.
One had neurological Lyme and the other, severe hypothyroidism.
Had I been a knee-jerk, stupid owner, I might have considered having them killed for the ‘sake of safety’.
The Lyme dog lived another 9, problem free years after treatment and the properly medicated thyroid dog is lying here right now, good as gold again.
Dogs never “suddenly” do things for no reason.
Ask why and you will always find a cause.
[perhaps like neighborhood punks tormenting it through a fence, day after day after day]
If my dad had caught me tormenting somebody’s dog, he’d have kicked my ass.
And I would have deserved it.
He also would not have had any pity if the dog had bitten me for my troubles.
I was taught early that my actions have consequences and I solely owned them.