Tiny, 3# Chihuahua designated 'dangerous dog'

[Jessika]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/offbeat/story...dangerous.html

Was hoping to get thoughts/opinions on this whole debate.

In my opinion, a dog bite is a dog bite, regardless of the size of the dog!!! Just because a 3# dog can't do as much damage as a 50# dog does NOT negate the fact that the dog has bit someone! It's overwhelming in the clinic the number of small dogs we need to muzzle versus large dogs... I can count on one hand the number of large breed dogs we need to muzzle versus the countless number of small breed dogs... Just because one dog's bite won't do as much damage as another dog's bite shouldn't excuse the fact that the dog bit someone.

Now, I may not agree with everything put against the owners, ie the million dollar insurance policy is a bit harsh, but I do agree with the notion that the owners absolutely should take full responsibility for the dog biting someone!!! If that means muzzling a 3# dog... then so be it!

[Karen]

I do think the $1million insurance policy is a bit extreme, but muzzling her would not be a bad thing if she is going to be loose. People need to take responsibility. No dog, no matter the size, she be allowed to bite people. Sure her mouth is small, compared to a larger dog, but any bite that breaks the skin can be dangerous and lead to infection, or worse.

[Jessika]

Someone on facebook just told me I was in the "wrong business" (as a vet tech) because of my viewpoint as stated above. LOL

[Alysser]

I think the 1 million $ insurance policy and maybe even the muzzle is a bit outrageous. Despite the fact that the dog is 3 lbs, it should still be a concern, but come on, a $1 million insurance policy??? I HIGHLY doubt that dog is actually capable of killing a full grown adult. It does seem a bit extreme.

I think every dog bite should be taken seriously though, really. I work at a Dog Kennel and in May was bitten by a 10 pound Jack Russel. This dog is a known monster, but it was bad. I wound up having to be on Augmentin for 10 days and still have a nice size puncture thanks to "Casey"According to her owners, "she'd never do that!" My hand was SO swollen. But I couldn't picture putting the family through something that extreme. I do expect dog bites now and then and I don't think it's okay to just forget that a little dog is capable of biting.

This is when it first happened. She got both hands but this one was bad. The puncture wound scar will probably be there forever.

ETA: Didn't know the pic was that big, but this is a warning, it's not pretty!

[Lady's Human]

Size really doesn't matter.

If that dog bites a child, it could do serious damage. I think someone in another thread referred to Chis as lap piranha...fitting description.

I see no real issue with the city's decision.

[Catty1]

While large dogs can do more heavy damage, small dogs IME have REALLY SHARP TEETH. While they may not break bones, they can sure puncture skin!