Experts: Dachshunds are highly aggressive

PHILADELPHIA, July 6 (UPI) -- Dachshunds are a surprisingly aggressive breed of dog, as one in five of the dogs have tried to bite a stranger, U.S. research indicates.

Experts from the University of Pennsylvania who questioned 6,000 dog owners reported the finding in a study published in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science, the Sunday Telegraph reported.

Researchers found that more than one out of five dachshunds -- often referred to as sausage dogs because of their long body shape -- have attacked other dogs and one in 12 have tried to bite their masters.

"Reported levels of aggression in some cases are concerning, with rates of bites or bite attempts rising as high as 20 percent toward strangers and 30 percent toward unfamiliar dogs," researcher James Serpell said.

Some British dog lovers disagree with claims that small dogs are highly aggressive.

"As far as breeders in the United Kingdom are concerned, this is rubbish. It is not in the dogs' nature," said Chris Moore, secretary of the Northern Dachshund Association.

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