A Sandbach teenager is challenging the stigma associated with some dog breeds following "negative encounters" while out on a walk last week.

Angel Lee, 15, works as a dog walker with a "very friendly" Japanese Akita called Duke as one of her regulars.

In a post with nearly 800 Facebook 'likes', Angel said: "Last week we had a very negative encounter with a few people. A person with a Cockapoo puppy, letting the pup off (with no recall or anything!) complained about Duke sniffing on the ground thinking he was dangerous.

"Obviously, he was walking past people and a dog and stopped to sniff the floor. The women then grabbed her pup, fussing over her. Another woman then pushed Duke (purposely) to come to me. I was absolutely disgusted."

While Duke was unbothered by the incidents, Angel says it speaks to an unnecessary stigma associated with certain dog breeds like Japanese Akitas or Staffordshire bull terriers.

Angel concluded the post, saying: "Also, if you do see Duke, no need to fear him. I promise he is the most friendliest dog ever. Ask to pet dogs also!"

The post was met by an overwhelmingly positive response with fellow dog owners in agreement with the Sandbach High School student.

Angel told Sandbach Nub News that she has had similar encounters to those last week since she started her dog walking business.

Asked why she believes some breeds have a poor reputation, Angel said: "It's due to people not knowing how to train these dogs; they are working, high energy breeds. And people getting them for looks so no one does any training and socialising."

However, she stressed that some dog breeds can be more challenging than others based on what they were initially bred to do.

"Like border collies, they herd because of instinct and greyhounds normally get walked with muzzles because they want to chase prey," she added.

Angel said it is important for all dog owners, not just those with dogs with a poor reputation, to better research the traits and instincts of their particular breed where possible.

For those who may be nervous of dogs like Duke, Angel advised: "They should stay calm, ask me if I can put him on the leash or take him away but do not start presuming things. Don't show a dog that you're nervous because then they'll know."