Salsa, a Weimaraner, exemplifies the complexities of dog behavior, especially regarding aggression. Under the watchful eye of veterinarian Maya Bräm, concerns are raised about the rising incidence of dog bites in Western nations. Breed-specific bans, such as the one on Rottweilers in Zurich, are criticized for overlooking the root causes of aggression. Understanding the dog-human dynamic is essential, as many biting incidents stem from fear or miscommunication rather than inherent breed traits.
Understanding Salsa’s Behavior
Salsa, the Weimaraner, gazes at the world with striking blue eyes—both captivating and filled with an underlying tension. This handsome male dog exhibits a tense posture, as if bracing for a sudden explosion. Positioned like a sphinx in the center of the room, he fixates on his owner with wide pupils, anticipating an event of great magnitude. Meanwhile, his owners maintain a calm demeanor, seated in their wicker chairs at the practice of behavior veterinarian Maya Bräm. Instead of the anticipated chaos, the only disturbance comes from a car passing by the clinic every thirty minutes.
It’s clear that Salsa is facing a significant challenge, underscored by the metal muzzle he wears. Without it, he might have bitten the legs of those present in a sudden outburst of aggression. Fortunately, the muzzle provides a crucial safety barrier.
The Rising Concern of Dog Aggression
Veterinarian Maya Bräm remains composed as she engages with Salsa’s owners, Karla and Thomas, while keeping a watchful eye on Salsa. She specializes in a pressing issue that has escalated in various Western nations, including Switzerland and Germany: dog bites. In Zurich, reported incidents of dog attacks rose from 649 in 2019 to 839 in 2023. Similarly, Bavaria saw an increase from 1,221 to 1,482 incidents during the same timeframe, with other regions reflecting comparable trends.
In response to this growing concern, political pressure mounts. Following a Rottweiler attack on five individuals, including two children, the canton of Zurich swiftly enacted a breed ban. Beginning in 2025, the acquisition of Rottweilers will be prohibited, and current owners must apply for special permits. Such measures have been in place for eleven other breeds and are similarly enforced in various cantons and regions in Germany.
This political action, however, overlooks critical scientific insights regarding canine behavior. “Banning Rottweilers is akin to prohibiting BMWs to prevent traffic accidents. People will simply choose different vehicles and continue to face issues,” asserts Bräm, who has encountered numerous dogs with aggression problems across various breeds. Experts in behavioral biology and veterinary medicine concur: breed-specific bans are ineffective. While protecting the public is essential—every bite is one too many—the question remains: what truly leads dogs to exhibit dangerous behavior, and why are biting incidents on the rise?
One straightforward explanation for the uptick in incidents is the increasing dog population in Germany and Switzerland. As the number of dogs rises, it follows that the frequency of accidents would also increase. However, this does not account for all contributing factors. “Aggressive behavior often serves as a symptom,” remarks Maya Bräm, who has undergone extensive training in behavioral medicine. She works both in her private practice and at the University Animal Hospital Zurich, focusing on behavioral issues in canines, particularly those that stump other trainers and veterinarians.
Bräm encounters dogs suffering from extreme fear that prevents them from going outdoors, those that obsessively chase their tails, and others that exhibit leash aggression, reacting wildly upon seeing another dog—a behavior most have likely witnessed. Then there’s Salsa, a dog that has bitten family friends multiple times, causing distress for his owners. Karla expresses her worries: “Salsa can only be walked with a muzzle now; our children refuse to take him out. People see the muzzle and immediately label him a ‘bad dog,’ unfairly judging us.”
This stigmatization is unfounded, as Karla and Thomas are committed to finding a balanced solution that safeguards both their dog and the public. “Not everyone approaches the issue with such responsibility,” Bräm notes.
Salsa’s case highlights a crucial point: dogs that bite do not always conform to the stereotype of aggressive breeds. The Weimaraner, an ancient German hunting breed, was bred for tracking and retrieving game, not for aggression. There is no scientific basis to suggest that specific breeds are predisposed to aggression, nor do isolated incidents of biting inherently classify a dog as dangerous. Aggression can occur as a normal part of a dog’s behavior.
While the media often characterizes certain dogs as fundamentally aggressive, biting behavior is frequently rooted in fear, discomfort, or a strong instinct, rather than being an abnormality. “Aggression, like in humans, is a behavior that can be contextually appropriate or inappropriate,” explains Bräm. For instance, a growl over a food dispute signifies normal communication rather than inherent danger.
The risk arises when aggression is misplaced, inappropriate, or unpredictable. Factors such as a dog’s size and breed can influence the severity of potential injuries, but the most critical element in evaluating a dog’s risk lies with its owner. The most perilous scenario occurs when a dog predisposed to aggression is paired with an owner who fails to recognize or address the triggers for that behavior.
Understanding the dynamics of dog-human relationships is key to grasping why bites occur. Research indicates that dogs exhibit complex social behaviors, paralleling human relationships in many respects. Dogs not only prefer human companionship but can also interpret human emotions and body language remarkably well. They can even anticipate certain human actions, as evidenced by studies demonstrating their ability to resist food temptations when aware of a human observer.
This unique bond between humans and dogs sheds light on the statistics surrounding dog bites, which often occur within a familiar setting. These incidents frequently arise from a complex relationship dynamic, complicating the issue further. Owners may underestimate the emotional and social nuances of their dogs, leading to misinterpretations and conflicts.