When it comes to deadly dogs, XL Bullies, Pit bull terriers, or Japanese Tosas might spring to mind.
But a shocking incident has highlighted that it’s not just these tough looking breeds that can prove deadly.
Natasha Johnston, 28, a dog walker from Croydon, was mauled to death after being set upon by eight crazed animals.
The experienced walker suffered penetrating dog bites to her torso, neck and arms during the attack, after some of the dogs became ‘out of control.’
While the inquest did not hear which dog caused Ms Johnston’s death, two dogs – a labradoodle and an American XL Bully – were put down at the request of her family.
Now, vets have revealed the breeds that have been involved in the most fatal incidents over the last 35 years – including several smaller dogs.
Speaking to MailOnline, an RSPCA spokesperson said: ‘While some dogs are large and powerful, that doesn’t mean they’re more likely to show aggression than any other type of dog.’
Vets have revealed the breeds that have been involved in the most incidents over the last 35 years – including several smaller dogs. Stock pictured: Jack Russell (left), Weimaraner (top midde), Springer (top right), Lakeland Terrier (bottom middle), Alaskan Malamute (bottom right)
Here in the UK, five different dogs are deemed so dangerous that they’re banned.
These are the Pit bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero, and the XL Bully.
However, the RSPCA points out that there’s ‘not robust research’ to demonstrate that these breeds or types are any more aggressive than other dogs.
‘Aggressive behaviour can be influenced by factors such as how they’re bred, reared and experiences throughout their life,’ it explained.
‘Breed isn’t a good way to predict risk of aggression.’
Despite the prohibition of the Pit bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero, and the XL Bully, dog bites have increased by 154 per cent in the past 20 years.
What’s more, between 1989 and 2017, 48 people – including 20 children – died in dog-related incidents.
Of the 62 dogs involved, the majority (53) were dog breeds not on the prohibited list.
Natasha Johnston, 28, a dog walker from Croydon, was mauled to death after being set upon by eight crazed animals
Among adults, Staffordshire Bull Terriers were involved in the most incidents (4), followed by American Bulldogs (3), German Shepherds (3), and Pit Bull Terriers (3).
French Mastiffs (2), Staffy types (2), Rottweilers (2), and unknown breeds (2) were the next most common dogs on the list.
The remaining incidents involved an Alapaha, a Bull Mastiff cross, a crossbreed, a German Shepherd-Doberman cross, a Neapolitan Mastiff, a Springer, a Springer or bull breed mix, a terrier type, and a Weimaraner.
Meanwhile, the incidents involving children included several smaller breeds.
One Alaskan Malamute was involved in a fatal attack, as well as a Lakeland Terrier, two Jack Russells, and one Terrier.
Speaking to MailOnline, the RSPCA spokesperson said: ‘Aggressive behaviour is a complex interaction between how a dog is bred as well as lifetime experiences.
‘All dogs are individuals and whether or not a dog displays aggressive behaviour comes down to how they’ve been bred, reared and their life experiences.’
The Kennel Club agrees with the RSCPA, and says that ‘no breed of dog is inherently dangerous’.
Shiva, an 11st Leonburger, was among eight hounds with the victim – and was a troublesome puppy who chewed anything she could get her paws on
‘Scientific research has proven that the Pit Bull Terrier and related breeds are physiologically no different from any other breed of dog,’ it explains on its website.
‘Dr Lehr Brisbin at the University of Georgia has proved the skeletal structure of the Pit Bull Terrier’s jaw is no different from that of any other dog with respect to “jaw locking” – they simply have strongly muscled jaws in common with many other breeds.’
Following on from Ms Johnston’s tragic death, both the RSCPA and the Kennel Club are calling for ‘urgent action’ to tackle dog control.
‘We’re devastated by the tragic incidents, like this, and agree that urgent action is needed to tackle dog control and irresponsible ownership,’ the RSPCA spokesperson said.
‘However, the current approach to dog control is not working and we’re calling on the UK Government to commit to a considered approach to tackling dog bite incidents that will better protect public safety while also ensuring good dog welfare.
‘We want to see the UK Government commit to tackling the root causes of aggressive behaviour in dogs which are complex but include improving and enforcing current breeding and dog control regulations, and to promote responsible dog ownership, in order to effectively protect public safety while also ensuring better dog welfare.’
The Kennel Club added: ‘The problem of dangerous dogs is a social one and needs to be tackled through the enforcement of effective legislation that seeks to curb irresponsible owners of all types of dog and better educate the dog-owning public to prevent incidents before they occur.
‘We believe that preventative legislation should be based on the principle of “deed not breed” and centre around the introduction of dog control notices, a form of statutory improvement notice for dog owners of all types of dog.’
