New research from pet food experts Bella & Duke has revealed which dogs people find to be the most scary - and the most friendly.
It shows that the public see little to fear from the likes of Labradors or Spaniels but that other breeds are seen in a more negative light.
This usually just shows a lack of understanding of the breeds in question - who are often unfairly considered to be aggressive or likely to bite.
Mark Scott, CEO, at Bella & Duke, said: “We know how frustrating it is to be misunderstood or mislabeled. We only want what is best for our pets yet there are still many misconceptions around a raw food diet that we are campaigning to address. We wanted to highlight these, and the misconceptions around certain dog breeds so we can challenge these head on. We love all dogs and want everyone to be able to celebrate close and meaningful relationships as well as give them the best chance at a healthy and happy and long life.”
Here are the 10 breeds of dog that are most likley to provoke fear.
1. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler has a fearsome reputation but, if properly trained, can make for a loving and loyal family pet. It's the breed that is feared by the most number of people.
2. Mastiff
The huge Mastiff is another breed that has a reputation for aggression that is sometimes misplaced. These dogs are often gentle giants.
3. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
A fiercely loyal breed of dog that tend to be devoted to their human family, the sometimes negative public perception of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is perhaps down to a combination of their muscular frame and protective nature.
4. Dobermann
The Dobermann can be aggressive if challenged - an attribute that makes them a superb guard dog, but can make them a scary prospect for some.