15 Dogs That Can Be The Opposite Of Their Cute Looks

You know that adorable little dog you see at the park or a pup you might want to adopt? Before you think about moving any closer or signing those papers, it’s good to learn a few things. Even if some dogs look like sweethearts, they can still surprise you with a side that’s far from what you’d expect. Wondering who, how, and why? Keep reading to get your answers.

Chihuahua

You’d expect a Chihuahua to be a sweet lap kid, but they often act like big dogs trapped in little bodies. They have a territorial nature, which can spark sudden aggression. Many times, Chihuahuas have been seen snapping at strangers or bigger dogs. It’s all about their fearless attitude.

Shih Tzu

We all fall for their fluffy, royal looks. Shih Tzus were once pampered pets of Chinese royalty, but today, they have strong personalities. They are quite protective, which can make them attack strangers. Their stubborn streak usually defies the expectations of a “soft cuddly dog.”

Jack Russell Terrier

Have you ever met a Jack Russell? They look like little bundles of fur. But did you know the breed was originally developed for hunting foxes and groundhogs? So, their drive to chase is intense! The aggression can still surface, followed by a surprise attack.

Cocker Spaniel

With long, silky hair and expressive eyes, Cocker Spaniels make for charming, happy family dogs. However, their history tells a different story. In the UK and US, they were bred to hunt woodcocks (hence, the name) and still have those sharp instincts.

Beagle

Those droopy ears and big eyes are just adorable! But if we talk about a Beagle’s nature, they were developed to hunt rabbits or hares. Their hunting process even has a name, and guess what it’s called? “Beagling!” They are obsessed with scents and are fond of chasing smaller animals.

Pekingese

Look at that precious face, and you’d never guess that the Pekingese could be anything but friendly. They can be very protective of their owners and attack strangers. Another well-known fact is that they are good with most families, but toddlers are not safe around Pekingese.

Dachshund

It’s in their name: “Dachs” means badger, and “hund” means dog. German foresters trained the petite breed to go after small games, like badgers and raccoons. Aggression was necessary for survival back then. Dachshund even used to dig into the burrows to pull those animals out.

Miniature Schnauzer

Ratting and guarding used to be the job of this breed. Over time, they became lovely household pets. Now, people fall for their wiry, dense coats and bushy eyebrows. However, Miniature Schnauzers have an alert nature that can be quite unpredictable sometimes.

Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso breed looks serene and noble. These dogs have been a part of Tibetan culture for over a thousand years! Monks trusted them as guardians and comrades. So, a Lhasa Apso’s feelings to protect the family are deeply ingrained, which can lead to biting or growling when provoked.

Poodle (Miniature And Toy)

Originally nurtured as water retrievers in Germany, Poodles were greatly valued for their intelligence and trainability. The Miniature and Toy variants were developed for companionship, but they still retain traits from their working days. If they aren’t properly socialized or trained, expect some form of aggression.

Border Collie

In certain situations, especially when untrained or overstimulated, a Border Collie may nip or become territorial. The breed is famous for being the best sheepdog, originally bred for herding livestock along the border of England and Scotland. So, remember that their protective and guiding nature is still intact.

Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is among the oldest dog breeds. Chinese emperors prized them for their strength, and the Chow Chows used to do everything for them—guard, hunt, and pull carts. Their aloofness and independent nature make them dangerous, even today.

Papillons

Papillons are small, with a dainty build and large, butterfly-like ears that look pretty cute. Their bright, intelligent eyes and elegant coat give them a sophisticated appearance despite their tiny size. However, they are highly intelligent and can even attack larger breeds if threatened.

Tibetan Mastiff

As one of the most revered breeds, the Tibetan Mastiff dates back more than 2,000 years. Nomadic cultures in Tibet and Nepal nurtured them to protect flocks of sheep from scary predators like wolves, leopards, and bears. Though generally calm and independent, Tibetan Mastiffs can be surprisingly aggressive.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

In 19th century England, they used Staffies for bull-baiting. It’s a cruel sport where dogs were pitted against bulls. After the sport was banned, they became family companions. However, the breed never lost its strong and determined nature, which can be risky sometimes.