Postmen Fear Tiny Yorkshire Terriers

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According to a recent study by a home insurance company, three quarters (74 per cent) of postmen have admitted to finding some dogs on their post round intimidating. In fact over half (54 per cent) of postmen polled have considered asking for a change to their round due to intimidating dogs and more than a third (37 per cent) have even thought about leaving their jobs completely.

With Pit Bull Terriers being the breed most likely to strike fear into the heart of the country's deliverymen, the study also revealed that Rottweilers are the second most feared pooch to lurk behind the letterbox or garden gate, with the British Bulldog strolling in at third place.

The fourth most feared dog isn't as sturdy or sizeable as the top three. The Jack Russell - although small in size - can have both an unpredictable and excitable temperament meaning they are often snapping at the heels of the UK's postmen, according to the survey.

It isn't surprising that most posties are petrified of some pooches as half (47 per cent) of all postman questioned are frequently growled at, 39 per cent have been the subject of teeth bearing and 54 per cent regularly have to endure aggressive barking. Shockingly, a quarter (26 per cent) of postmen have been bitten by a dog on their post round, whilst 23 per cent of those polled have had their clothes damaged when trying to get away from a dog.

In a bid to try and calm down man's best friend and ensure their safety, more than a third (36 per cent) of postmen have offered a dog bones, biscuits and chews. But just under half (44 per cent) admit bribes often don't work as they've had to run away from a dog on their patch.

Mike Pickard, Head of home insurance at esure, who carried out the research, said, "Man's best friend can be a postman's worst enemy if not properly trained by its owner. With 'beware of the dog' signs commonplace on letterboxes and gates across the UK, it's not just the usual suspects such as the Pit Bull that are putting posties on edge during their rounds. Smaller toy breeds such as the Yorkie and Jack Russell have also been named.

"Home contents cover like ours provides some personal liability protection to cover domestic dogs but specifically excludes those listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act. Either way, prevention is always better so it's essential dog owners always ensure their pet is under control and in no position to harm either a postman or a passer-by."

POSTMAN'S MOST FEARED DOGS:
# 1. Pit Bull Terrier 12 per cent of postmen
# 2. Rottweiler 11 per cent of postmen
# 3. Bulldog 7 per cent of postmen
# 4. Jack Russell 7 per cent of postmen
# 5. Boxer 6 per cent of postmen
# 6. Staffordshire Bull Terrier 5 per cent of postmen
# 7. Border Collie 5 per cent of postmen
# 8. Border Terrier 4 per cent of postmen
# 9. Doberman Pinscher 4 per cent of postmen
# 10. Yorkshire Terrier 4 per cent of postmen