Most Dangerous Dog Breeds: Ranking the Top Threats

Man’s best friend is known to have certain most dangerous dog breeds than others. Any dog can be dangerous, but all the studies agree that there are certain breeds that are more likely to bite and more likely to victimize human beings in fatal attacks. But why is that?

Here, we count down the top 12 most dangerous dog breeds in the world based on scientific studies, expert opinions, and bite data from the dangerous dog breeds list.

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What is the Number 1 Dangerous Dog Breed?

Pit bull dogs are often considered the most dangerous dog breeds. A mere 6% of dogs in the U.S. are pit bulls, but they account for close to 70% of all fatal dog bite deaths. The strength, the gameness, and the tendency towards aggression is an outsized threat to people if they decide to attack. One thing to know is that a pit's behavior is directly linked to responsible ownership.

Top 12 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds

Pit bulls may take the unfortunate top spot for deadliest bites, but there are many other dangerous dogs breeds. Below is a list of the top twelve most dangerous breeds of dogs and the reasons they’re dangerous. Read on to learn what are the most dangerous dog breeds.

1. Pitbull

Pit bulls were originally bred for dog fighting and bull baiting, and they have a very strong bite. They are built to grab onto something and not let go. They are unpredictable when attacking and also athletic and fearless. Sadly, pit bulls are famously bred to be aggressive instead of companions, which only exacerbates this violent streak.

2. Rottweilers

Known for being big, brawny, and intimidating dogs, Rottweilers also have a powerful bite and score highly as a dangerous breed. These dogs were originally bred as guard dogs and to work cattle. Consequently, they have a strong instinct for guarding, dominance, and territorial behavior. Their size, coupled with aggression, puts them high on the dangerous breed list.

3. German Shepherds

German shepherds are extremely intelligent, agile, and strong and are used for police, military, and guard work. They have one of the strongest bites among domesticated dogs and a tendency towards aggression if not properly trained and socialized. Since German Shepherds are loyal and protective by nature, they are responsible for quite a few bite incidents.

4. American Bulldog

Though they have 'America' in the name, these burly bulldogs are quite similar to the original aggressive bull-baiting dogs of England. They pack a powerful bite and can be confrontational when not properly socialized. Since American bulldogs are a popular guard and protection breed, their genetic aggressiveness is often encouraged rather than contained.

5. Bullmastiff

As the name suggests, Bullmastiffs are a mix between a bulldog and a mastiff. They are enormous, powerful dogs bred for protection and guard work. Weighing up to 130 pounds, their intimidating size, coupled with genetic guarding instincts, lands them on our most dangerous breeds list. To mitigate their risk for aggression, Bullmastiffs require dedicated training and obedience.

6. Siberian Huskies

Regal-looking sled dogs and Siberian huskies actually have quite a high predatorial instinct. Originally bred to pull sleds over long distances, huskies have an extremely high prey drive. Their urge to give chase is so intense that many owners have trouble recalling them once they spot a squirrel or rabbit. Several husky attack incidents prompted breed restrictions across cities in the U.S. and Canada.

7. Labrador Retrievers

Happy and amiable dogs, Labrador retrievers seem unlikely to rank among dangerous dog breeds. However, labs account for the highest number of registered dogs in most countries and are involved in their fair share of bite incidents simply due to population size. Additionally, male labs, in particular, can display aggression toward other dogs and need consistent training.

8. Boxer

Boxers are hunting dogs bred for quick bursts of energy while holding prey in place. As a result, they have very strong, vice-like bites. Boxers are also athletic, playful, and loyal, which makes them good family pets. However, if threatened, a boxer will not hesitate to defend its family and home. Since boxers can be headstrong, they require proper boundaries and socialization from an early age.

9. Doberman Pinscher

Known for their sharp intelligence and alertness, Doberman pinschers were originally bred as guard dogs. They are fast, powerful biters, and extremely loyal, which is a recipe for danger in the wrong hands. Since Dobermans have the urge to defend home and family, their aggressive traits need proper management through training.

10. Alaskan Malamutes

Malamutes are physically strong sled dogs similar to Huskies. They were bred to hunt large prey like seals and have a high tolerance for cold weather. Being highly energetic and pack-oriented dogs, they need strong leadership and lots of physical activity to thrive. Without enough exercise, Malamutes often direct their pent-up energy into aggressive territorial displays and dominance with other dogs.

11. Chow Chow

With their distinctive fluffy manes and bear-like appearance, Chow Chows are unique dogs originally bred to guard property in China. They are described as independent and stubborn, which makes it more difficult for them to train out of aggression. Chows are protective of their families but wary of strangers and unusually aggressive toward other dogs. Their cold temperament, combined with biting incidents, lands Chows on the dangerous breed list.

12. Akita

As large Japanese hunting dogs bred to aggressively pursue prey like wild boar, Akita Inus are bold, tenacious dogs with domineering personalities. They are naturally aggressive toward other dogs regardless of gender, which can make public walks challenging. Requiring respect and dedicated training, Akitas has been involved in quite a few volatile dog-on-dog attacks that prompt breed restrictions in some areas.

Why Some Breeds Are Considered More Dangerous?

The following are the main reasons why some breeds are considered more dangerous than others:

• Genetic traits - Many dangerous breeds were purposely bred to exhibit aggression for guarding, protecting, and baiting purposes. These genetic tendencies still influence temperament generations later.
• Size and strength - With muscular bodies and powerful jaws, dogs like pit bulls and Rottweilers can do a lot more physical damage if they attack compared to smaller breeds.
• Lack of training and socialization - Without proper boundaries and exposure to people/animals, dangerous breeds are more likely to be fearful and lash out with bites.
• Prey drive - Breeds bred for hunting, like huskies and malamutes, have intensely strong instincts to chase small fleeing creatures, which can prove deadly.
• Owner behavior - Irresponsible handling and encouragement of aggression, as well as using dogs like status symbols, promotes attacks.

How to Stay Safe Around Dangerous Dogs' Breeds?

While some breeds undeniably pose more danger than others, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk around them. Here are tips for safely interacting with aggressive dog breeds:

Do not tease or provoke a dog

Dogs may attack if they feel threatened or challenged. Avoid threatening postures, direct stare-downs, and engaging with a dog that seems volatile.

Avoid sudden movements

When approaching an unfamiliar dog, move calmly and deliberately so as not to startle them. Erratic motions can trigger a dog's prey drive and prompt an attack.

Understand dog body language

Learn to read subtle signs of fear, aggression, or pending attack in a dog, such as tail position, ear position, and facial expressions.

Don't approach an unfamiliar dog

As a general rule, do not approach, attempt to touch, or interact with any unknown dog, even if they seem friendly. Their behavior can turn defensive without warning.

Teach Children About Dog Safety

Ensure kids do not disturb a dog that is sleeping or eating. Also, teach them proper etiquette, like asking an owner before petting their dog and not teasing pups or pulling their ears/tails, which could evoke aggression.

Can Dangerous Dog Breeds Be Reformed?

Yes, dangerous dog breeds can be reformed. While selective breeding has made some dogs more genetically predisposed towards aggression, the importance of environment and training cannot be overstated. In fact, pit bull-type dogs have passed temperamental tests at a higher rate than common family dogs like collies. Proper socialization and dedicated training from an early age, as well as responsible ownership, can vastly improve a dangerous dog's behavior.

FAQs

Which is the most aggressive dog?

Pit bulls consistently rank as the most aggressive and dangerous breed based on high prey drive, gameness when attacking, and bite incidents. However, many experts argue it's not the breed itself but rather poor ownership that triggers aggression in pits and gives them their deadly reputation.

Which dog is more aggressive than a pitbull?

No breeds are inherently more aggressive than pit bulls in terms of attack statistics and fatalities. Often confused with the pit bull, the Dogo Argentino is banned in certain countries since it was bred specifically for big-game hunting and dog fighting, which encourages volatile behavior without proper training early on.

What is the #1 most protective dog?

The German shepherd is considered the most protective dog breed. They have strong guarding instincts due to being bred for police and military roles. German shepherds are also extremely loyal, which makes them quick to put themselves in harm's way if they sense their family is being threatened.

Conclusion

There's no question some breeds pose more danger than others. Powerful dogs with genetic histories of aggression require extra vigilance, training, and responsible ownership. However, any dog has the capacity to attack, given the right circumstances. Being able to identify dangerous behaviors in dogs, along with following proper safety precautions, can go a long way in preventing bites regardless of breed. If we take the initiative to understand dogs deeply, along with their needs and limitations, man's best friend will surely live up to the name across all breeds.