Hound round

Back

Posties tired of patching up their trousers from multiple dog attacks have revealed their list of canine culprits, new research1 has revealed.

According to a recent study by esure home insurance, 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 Terriers2 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, 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 and shamed.

Home contents cover with esure 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

Postman's most feared dogs
(per cent of postman)
1 Pit Bull Terrier 12
2 Rottweiler 11
3 Bulldog 7
4 Jack Russell 7
5 Boxer 6
6 Staffordshire Bull Terrier 5
7 Border Collie 5
8 Border Terrier 4
9 Doberman Pinscher 4
10 Yorkshire Terrier 4

NB: esure does not provide cover for Pit Bull Terriers or any dog under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

esure's press contacts:

Emma Lloyd, Assistant Communications Officer: 01737 641309
Asia Manzoor, Public Relations Officer: 01737 641305
Niki Bolton, Corporate Communications Manager: 01737 235070
Adrian Webb, Head of Corporate Communications: 01737 641000
Email: pr@esure.com
An ISDN line is available for radio interviews.
Case studies are available on request.

Notes to Editors:

  1. SWNS conducted an online research survey via Onepoll which interviewed a random sample of 875 postmen between 10th – 15th June 2009.
  2. Pit Bull Terriers can only be owned by UK pet owners if registered and have to be neutered, micro-chipped, tattooed and insured. The dog also has to be muzzled and kept on a lead in public places. Source: www.thekennelclub.org.uk esure does not provide insurance for Pit Bull Terriers or any other dog under the Dangerous Dog Act 1991.

About esure:

esure was launched in 2001. The company offers car, home, pet and travel insurance over the internet and by phone. esure also offers car insurance cover through the brands Halifax, Sainsbury's, Sheilas' Wheels and more recently home insurance through the Sheilas' Wheels brand.

Sponsorship:

esure has secured two of the UK’s most iconic sponsorships: the ITV National and Channel 4 Weather bulletins.