Dog Savages 76-Year-Old Man

Former French president Jacques Chirac was rushed to the hospital today after his dog "Sumo" viciously attacked him. According to Chirac’s wife, Sumo had become increasingly violent in the past few years. She describes him as being “unpredictable” and prone to making “vicious, unprovoked attacks.” Any guesses as to Sumo’s breed? Pit bull, you say? German Shepherd? Nope. Sumo is an adorable, fluffy little Maltese/Poodle mix. Yep, a Maltipoo.

While the event was unfortunate, it does bring up a few points. First, any breed of dog can attack and even maul a person. However, people tend to excuse or put up with the behavior of small breeds much more so than large ones. How long do you think dogs who make “vicious, unprovoked attacks” last in homes when the dogs are hundred-plus-pound Rottweilers? I’ve even come across people who think their Chihuahua snarling at people from a perch high in their arms is cute. Cute dog does not always equal cute behavior!

Also, dogs who have been known to show unpredictable, aggressive behavior are most likely going to show that type of behavior again. That may seem self-explanatory, but you’d be amazed at how many people live with dogs who have shown aggression and then seem surprised when someone gets badly bitten. Aggression does tend to escalate if nothing is done to treat it. Sumo’s case was a bit different in that he was on medication for “depression.” We don’t know the behavioral history or whether the medication might have had side effects. But in most aggression cases a behavior specialist can help, sometimes with the assistance of veterinarian-prescribed drugs. And always, management is necessary.

I wish former president Chirac a speedy recovery. It says a lot for how much he and his wife must love Sumo to have lived with his issues and dangerous behavior for years. Many of us have done the same.