Texas Animal Control Officer Practice Test

What constitutes a "dangerous dog" according to definitions?

1. It barks loudly at strangers

2. It makes unprovoked attacks causing bodily injury

3. It has a history of being lost

4. It has been trained for protection

The correct answer is: It makes unprovoked attacks causing bodily injury

The definition of a "dangerous dog" is primarily based on its behavior and the potential risk it poses to people or other animals. The criterion that a dog makes unprovoked attacks causing bodily injury highlights an aggressive nature that can lead to serious harm. This aligns with public safety concerns, as such behavior demonstrates a clear capability of inflicting harm without provocation. In contrast, barking loudly at strangers might indicate some level of territorial behavior or anxiety but does not necessarily reflect aggressive actions that could lead to injury. A history of being lost has no relation to dangerous behavior and does not demonstrate any threat to public safety. Similarly, a dog trained for protection might be capable of aggression, but that does not inherently categorize it as dangerous unless its behavior meets the specific criteria of unprovoked attacks resulting in injury. Thus, the definition focuses on active aggressive behavior that poses a risk to others, making this the correct choice.