We have all heard of the stereotypes that go along with certain breeds of dogs. German Shepherds are cop dogs, pitbulls are mean dogs, Dobermanns are scary guard dogs, Chihuahuas are mean little devils, etc. While stereotypes are based upon some truths, I have to say these dog stereotypes are not true. By themselves, dogs never turn out mean; the mean and ill-tempered attitudes possessed by some dogs happen by outside influences. Some dogs do have natural attributes to their personalities and bodies that lead them to be better fit for what they do; pitbulls have powerful jaws and a body built for fighting. Dobermanns are trained to look scary and are protective. And, German Shepherds are loyal.

The physical attributes of these dogs are because of generations of selective breeding by humans. Humans use dogs as a way to express themselves; a dog’s personality is going to reflect its owner and vice versa. My dog, Creed, is an almost two-year old purebred Dobermann, and he is nothing like how the media portrays Dobermanns. He is really just a big baby who loves attention. In fact, Creed has literally been scared of dogs that are an eighth of his size on walks. Creed is proof that Dobermanns aren’t naturally aggressive. This logic applies to all breeds. I’ve seen pitbulls and Rottweilers that want nothing more than to be held and cradled like an infant. Dogs become aggressive through neglect and abuse by people. 

The reputations of most dog breeds is because of their portrayal in the media, such as the “evil” Dobermann and Rottweiler in “UP,” and the German Shepherd, Chase, in “Paw Patrol.” This shouldn’t be the case. Deep down all dogs just want to be loved, with the worst thing that can happen to a dog is having a bad owner. Unfortunately, people hear about animal neglect all the time in the news. “Pitbull/Rottweiler attacks child” or “Hero German Shepherd saves the day.” For the most part, these dogs were trained to be this way, whether it was by accident or on purpose doesn’t make a difference. All dogs have just as much capacity to be good dogs as they do to be a bad dog.

It is truly an injustice to stereotype dogs by how a few of them act, even the usually cuddly small dog can act violent and the scariest pitbull can act like a little kid. We shouldn’t judge dogs based on predetermined stereotypes but instead work hard to properly train and care for any dog.