Sydney's most vicious dogs [View all]

[XemaSab]

Recently released figures from NSW Councils detail which breeds of dogs were most frequently involved in attacks on humans in the 3 months to September, 2010.

An article in the Sunday Telegraph of October 234, 2010 lists the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as being “the most dangerous breed of dog” since they were involved in more attacks than other breeds. The second most dangerous was listed as Australian Cattle Dog and the third the German Shepherd.

These figures are incorrect and are based on a complete misunderstanding of basic mathematics. The error is that the attack figures reflect which breeds are most common. That is, the more of a dog breed around, the more likely it is that bites or attacks will be recorded.

So, at Burke’s Backyard, we have adjusted the attack figures by dividing them by the number of dogs of that breed bred in 2009 in NSW. This is a statistical method to try to get a more truthful picture.

When adjusted the results are as follow:

The most dangerous breeds are:

1. Australian Cattle Dog

2. Siberian Husky

3. Rottweiler

4. American Staffordshire Terrier

5. Staffordshire terrier

6. Bullmastiff

7. Jack Russell Terrier

8. German Shepherd

9. Border Collie

10. Labrador Retriever

http://www.2ue.com.au/sydneys-most-vicious-dogs/20101030-177xu.html