I agree. Other breeds are considered bully breeds (e.g. Rottweilers) and though any dog can be aggressive or vicious, it’s the strength and size of the “bullies” that makes them especially dangerous and feared.

This is the first time we’ve gone through this process, though like you we always adopt rescue dogs. We have always had great luck with them and I’d much rather save a dog than buy one from a breeder (though I know that is a better option for some people–no judgment!).

And no, I don’t mind. Her name is Bella (not because we are obsessed with Twilight, but because we thought she was beautiful). She is such a cuddle puppy–she has to be touching someone at all times–that my heart breaks every time I picture her locked up in the kennel at the shelter for the 3 months she was there. I’m so thankful there are organizations like Bully Paws and volunteers who run them in order to save these wonderful animals.

She is a beautiful dog! What is her name? If you don’t mind my asking.

The tips you gave are awesome! It’s very true that a lot of people don’t think to cover these. Even the nicest dogs can get upset if someone does something wrong. Especially if they are like our dogs and have “bad” backgrounds. There are certain movements and sounds that really get to them…but even with those they have never gotten aggressive…they just get scared and hide.

I really hate when people go up to my dogs, which are Corgis (small little things), and try to pet them without asking. I often bring them to the dog park which doesn’t mean people have a free pass. Most of the time, it is young children and my male corgi will growl (not in a mean way, but just say hey I don’t know you..he’s very protective of his space) and I have to tell them, he isn’t use to little people and to not get in his face. Otherwise, he is fine!