Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers and Bulldogs are the breeds most feared by postmen, according to a survey just announced by esure home insurance.  More surprisingly, Jack Russells and Yorkshire Terriers also appeared in the top ten list of breeds likely to prevent the mail getting through.

According to the survey, three quarters (74%) of postmen have admitted to finding some dogs on their post round intimidating. In fact over half (54%) of those polled have considered asking for a change to their round due to intimidating dogs and more than a third (37%) have even thought about leaving their jobs completely.

Nearly half (47%) of all postman questioned are frequently growled at, 39% have been the subject of teeth baring and 54% regularly have to endure aggressive barking. Shockingly, a quarter (26%) of postmen have been bitten by a dog on their post round, whilst 23% 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%) of postmen have offered a dog bones, biscuits and chews.  But just under half (44%) admit bribes often don't work as they've had to run away from a dog on their patch.

POSTMAN'S MOST FEARED DOGS: (per cent of postmen)

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%)

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