The fact is, all dogs have the potential to bite. Never provoke a dog by sticking your hand in a strange dog’s face or staring them directly in the eyes. Click here for a link on how to avoid being the victim of a dog attack.

Our dog loving culture depicts dogs as loyal and friendly, we know them to be man’s best friend! What happens when the tables turn and movies, media and print showcase the opposite of the friendly pooch we are used to? Here is a list of ten dogs whose fame was due to their anger and ferocity, rather then loyalty and love!

1. Cujo

OK, I know, Cujo is an obvious one. The Stephen King novel turned horror movie featured this friendly St. Bernard who becomes rabid and terrorizes the characters. Clearly, avoiding rabid dogs is a good idea. On a side note - I recently read a great article in The BARK Magazine where the voice actor, Alysia Gray Painter, who did the canine sounds for the movie Cujo explained the difficulty of turning the sweet, lovable St. Bernard actor into a monster. Between the sound effects and makeup - Cujo is still one dog I would not recommend making pals with!

2. Sam - Winner of the World’s Ugliest Dog Competition

The now deceased Chinese Crested, Sam, who won the World’s Ugliest Dog Competition at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in California three consecutive times (2003, 2004 and 2005). The pictures speaks volumes. I love dogs, but I know I’d run screaming if I saw this pooch approaching me! In spite of his appearance, Sam was well loved by his owners and his passing at age 15 was a devastating blow to his family. Rest in Peace, Sam!

3. The Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is so famous for his unpredictable personality that many homeowners insurance policies won’t even include the breed! Anyone who caught the Chow Chow episode of Groomer Has It! on Animal Planet knows what I am talking about! One of the oldest breeds of dogs, DNA tests confirm that the Chow Chow was developed over 4,000 years ago. Chow Chows are cute and fluffy looking, however, when not properly socialized they can be aggressive. A distinguishing physical feature of the Chow-Chow is his purplish-blue tongue. That said, like any breed, a properly socialized Chow Chow can make a great pet and companion as long as the knowledgeable owner takes his charge seriously.

4. Puffy, the terrier from There’s Something About Mary (after he ate the amphetamine spiked treats)

Owned by Mary’s (Cameron Diaz) neighbor, Magda, Puffy had discriminate taste when it came to men. Both Mary and Magda relied on Puffy’s character judgment when dating. After Matt Dillon’s character fed amphetamines to Puffy, in effort to thwart Ben Stiller’s character’s attempt to woo Mary, the Puff-ster attacked and clamped down onto Stiller’s privates. Yikes. Amphetamines and terriers don’t mix!

5. Devil Dog: The Hound From Hell

This 1975 cult classic horror made-for TV movie about a family who adopts a dog - only to later find out their pooch is possessed by demonic forces…chaos ensues!

6. Trouble Helmsley

Trouble, the 8 year old Maltese, was left a $12 million dollar trust when her owner and companion, Leona M. Helmsley “The Queen of Mean” passed away in 2007. Taking after her notoriously nasty mistress, the uber-wealthy dog is the target of a lawsuit by Zamfira Sfara, 48, a former housekeeper for Mrs. Helmsley, who claims that Trouble caused permanent nerve damage after Ms. Sfara sustained multiple bites from Trouble. Trouble had been the target of multiple accusations for her biting ways! Meanwhile, Trouble’s inheritance has been reduced to $2 Million. I wouldn’t want to be in the same room as the dog when she gets news of her trust reduction!

7. A Pack of Angry Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas have become extremely popular in mainstream culture, however, they aren’t famous for their kindness! In an extremely odd news story that took place in Fremont, California in December 2005, a pack of five chihuahuas attacked a police officer. The officer sustained bites to his ankle, however was able to return to duty later that same day. Ouch. Also of note, Chihuahuas tend to be ‘one person’ dogs and not really like children. My apologies to chihuahuas everywhere. I underestimated you.

8. The War Dog of Brittannia

A now extinct breed of dog, the War Dog of Brittannia is one of the progenitors of the modern dog breed known as the English Mastiff. Used in ancient battles, these dogs outmatched all other war dogs in neighboring regions. Immortalized in paintings and other memorials, these war dogs were intensely loyal to their humans. The modern Mastiff is one of the world’s largest dogs in terms of mass and while calm and affectionate with his humans, he will act protective and guard against any harm. In spite of his threatening appearance and guarding instincts, the breed is known to be gentle, calm and good natured with people he knows.

9. Frank, The Alien Dressed as a Pug in Men in Black

Frank, a pug in the 1997 movie, Men in Black, is actually an extra-terrestrial being in disguise. He is an alien dressed as a dog. Freaky! Frank also appeared in the sequel, Men in Black II. Frank was actually played by a well trained dog named Mushu and Tim Blaney provides the voice. Assuming Frank was real, I think its probably wise to avoid aliens dressed as dogs!

10. Son of Sam Dog

David Berkowitz, also known as Son of Sam told police upon his capture that a black Labrador Retriever, ‘told’ Berkowitz to go on a yearlong murder spree - resulting in 6 dead and 7 wounded. Eventually, Berkowitz would shoot the black Lab, whose name was actually Harvey. Harvey was saved from the shooting by a veterinarian.

In an attempt to plead insanity at his trial, Berkowitz tried to convince the court that demons had told him to kill through the dog, Harvey. The insanity plea was dismissed and David Berkowitz continues to serve his 365 year sentence in prison. I guess running into Harvey is only scary if Berkowitz’s claims were true…

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