Part of my job is to be an avid researcher. Sometimes my research is validating. Sometimes it's not. And sometimes, as was the case this month, it's both validating and disappointing.

My recent quest for information started because my people and I were watching a show about prejudice. It made me start thinking about the fact that many humans have preconceived notions about dogs based on breed. In fact, bias is a real problem in the canine community.

I doubt it will surprise any readers to hear that Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers routinely elicit fear in humans. These animals often have a harder time finding a home or keeping a home because of their unfounded reputations as dangerous animals. They are also the unfortunate dogs of choice for people who want to promote aggression in animals.

I have long understood that the anxiety the above breeds evoke is absurd. Some of the sweetest, most loving, and, yes, even wimpy, dogs I have known have been Pit Bulls. And the same is true for Rotties and Dobies. Finally, however, I have scientific proof that I'm right. A 2013 extensive study by Applied Animal Behavior Science has rocked conventional assumptions. For the study, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania along with 6,000 dog owners were studied and questioned. The findings were more than a little unexpected.

According to the study, the most aggressive dog breed is … the Dachshund. The second most aggressive is the Chihuahua. And the third most aggressive is, gulp, me. That's right, the Jack Russell. The findings are based on frequency of dog bites, and even adjusting for reporting variances between large and small dogs, the findings are apparently solid.

Pit Bulls and Rotties actually scored average or below average. The most docile breeds included Basset Hounds, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Siberian Huskies, and Greyhounds. I guess I wouldn't be so surprised if my breed hadn't gotten the dubious honor of being third, but I have to admit that I'm still licking my wounds from the news.

Now, before Doxie, Chihuahua, and Jack lovers begin bombarding me with hate mail, let me state very clearly that those breeds are generally not dangerous at all. In truth, any and all breeds can be aggressive. It's important to realize, however, that dogs are rarely aggressive under normal conditions, so there is no need to be afraid of us.

It's also important to note that we give signals before we bite: frozen stance, lowered head, flattened ears, curled lip, raised hackles, and/or growling. If you see a dog exhibit any of those behaviors, disengage immediately with no eye contact. There's actually some speculation that smaller dogs may bite more often because people don't take the signals of a smaller dog as seriously as they take the signals of a larger dog.

In the end, it all comes down to individuals, just like it does with people. Canine temperaments vary greatly across all kinds of pups. Don't judge a book by its cover, a person by skin color, or a dog by breed. It's that simple.

Albert, a Jack Russell Terrier, is Chairman of the Board of Wylie Wagg, a shop for dogs, cats, and their people, in Middleburg, Fairfax, Falls Church and Arlington.