SCRUFFY the dog is every postman's worst nightmare.

He may look like a sweet little thing but the short-fused mutt harbours a deep hatred of strangers.

Last year, he took a disliking to a postman and bit his behind. As a result, the five-year-old Parson Jack Russell is skating on very thin ice.

Owner Jill Bradshaw, who lives in Weaverthorpe, claims though he is a good-natured dog but he seems to hate men.

"If he does it again we're worried its going to be...," she says, running a finger across her throat.

Since the incident, just before Christmas, Scruffy has gained a certain notoriety among staff at the Malton Royal Mail office.

The daily post bus, used to ferry letters and residents between Malton and Weaverthorpe, now has a notice stuck to the dashboard warning drivers to "Beware of Scruffy".

As punishment, Scruffy, named because of he likes rolling in sheep dung, and his owner were ordered to attend an anger management course by Ryedale dog warden Brian Dunn.

"We were taught that each time we thought the red mist was descending we were to say soothing words to him and stroke him," says Jill, but she added that it hasn't worked.

She said: "He doesn't like men. Once you're in the house and he knows you, though, he's lovely. He's got no problem with my husband and he's great with the kids. He is just a very protective guard dog."

Jill is hoping she can keep his temper under control.

Prior to the postman incident, Scruffy attacked a builder in the crotch and a local parish councillor suffered the same fate.

The Royal Mail office in Malton declined to comment.

A spokesman from Consignia said: "We take these matters very seriously when our staff are threatened."

Updated: 10:13 Thursday, March 14, 2002