They say a dog is man’s best friend, but not all breeds are created equal. While any dog can make a loving companion, some come with more risks than others. From powerful jaws to aggressive tendencies, certain breeds have earned a reputation for being more dangerous.
According to an American Veterinary Medical Association study, pit bulls and Rottweilers were responsible for 67% of fatal dog attacks in the United States between 1997 and 1998, despite making up only a small percentage of the dog population.¹
Here’s the list of the 15 most dangerous dogs to bring into your home.
1. Pit Bulls
Pit bulls have long been a subject of controversy due to their involvement in a disproportionate number of fatal dog attacks. Despite making up only 6.6% of the U.S. dog population, pit bulls were responsible for 82% of dog bite-related fatalities in 2015.(ref)
Their powerful build, strong jaws, and a history of being bred for fighting contribute to their potential for harm if not properly trained and socialized.
However, it’s important to note that any dog can become aggressive if mistreated or poorly trained. Many pit bull advocates argue that misidentification and sensationalized media coverage unfairly skewed the breed’s reputation.
Proper training, socialization, and responsible ownership are key to ensuring a pit bull, or any dog, remains a friendly family pet.
2. Rottweilers
Coming in second on the list of most lethal dog breeds are Rottweilers. Together with pit bulls, Rottweilers accounted for 91% of dog bite fatalities in the U.S. in 2015.
Originally bred as guard dogs, Rottweilers have a natural instinct to protect their territory and family, which can lead to aggressive behavior if not properly channeled.
As with pit bulls, early socialization and consistent training are crucial for Rottweilers. They require a firm hand and plenty of exercise to engage their minds and bodies.
When raised in a loving, structured environment, Rottweilers can be loyal, gentle giants. But their size and strength can make them a formidable threat in the wrong hands.
3. German Shepherds
German Shepherds are a popular choice for police and military work due to their intelligence, loyalty, and protective instincts. However, these same traits can make them a handful for inexperienced owners.
They have a strong bite and may become aggressive towards strangers if they feel their family is threatened.
Proper training is essential to harness a German Shepherd’s natural abilities and prevent unwanted behaviors. They need plenty of mental stimulation and physical activity to stay happy and well-adjusted.
With the right guidance, German Shepherds can be loving, obedient companions. However, without proper boundaries, their protective nature can become a liability.
4. Doberman Pinschers
Sleek and muscular, Doberman Pinschers have a reputation as intimidating guard dogs. They are fiercely loyal to their owners and have a strong prey drive, which can lead to aggression if not properly trained.
Most fatal Doberman attacks occur when the dog believes it is protecting its owner.
Like other guarding breeds, Dobermans require extensive socialization from a young age to learn appropriate behaviors around strangers and other animals. They also need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive habits.
With consistent training and leadership, Dobermans can be obedient, loving companions. However, their powerful build and protective instincts make them a poor choice for novice owners.
5. Siberian Huskies
With their striking blue eyes and wolf-like appearance, Siberian Huskies are a popular choice for their beauty. However, these working dogs have a high prey drive and a tendency to roam, leading to dangerous situations if they are not securely contained.
They were bred to pull sleds in harsh Arctic conditions, and as a result, they have high energy levels and a strong desire to run. They need plenty of vigorous daily exercise to stay physically and mentally satisfied.
Huskies can become destructive and difficult to control without proper outlets for their energy. They are also notorious escape artists, requiring secure fencing and constant supervision.
6. Chow Chows
Resembling cuddly teddy bears, Chow Chows may seem like an unlikely addition to this list. However, these dogs from Mongolia have a reputation for being aloof and territorial, with a tendency to bond closely with one person.
They can become aggressive towards strangers and other animals without proper socialization.
Chow Chows are also known for their stubbornness, making them challenging to train. They require an experienced owner who can establish clear boundaries and provide consistent leadership.
Like many guarding breeds, Chow Chows need early exposure to various people and situations to learn appropriate social behaviors.
7. Great Danes
Gentle giants, Great Danes can make loving family pets when properly trained and socialized. However, their massive size alone poses a risk, as they can easily knock over children or elderly individuals.
These dogs can become territorial and aggressive when not raised with proper boundaries.
Great Danes are generally friendly and eager to please despite their intimidating stature. They require consistent training and socialization from a young age to ensure they develop good manners and a calm demeanor.
They also need plenty of space to move around and stretch out, making them a poor fit for small homes or apartments.
8. Alaskan Malamutes
Close relatives of the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamutes are another breed with a strong prey drive and a tendency to roam. They were originally bred to haul heavy sleds over long distances, and as a result, they have high energy levels and an independent streak.
Malamutes can be aggressive towards other dogs, which may result in injury to nearby people or children.
Like Huskies, Malamutes need extensive daily exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. They also require a securely fenced yard and constant supervision to prevent escapes.
Malamutes can be challenging to train due to their independent nature, and they may not be the best fit for first-time dog owners.
9. Bullmastiffs
Powerful and protective, Bullmastiffs can make excellent guard dogs when properly trained. However, their large size and strong bite can also make them a liability if they are not taught proper boundaries.
Bullmastiffs need an owner who can establish clear leadership and provide consistent training from a young age.
Weighing up to 130 pounds, a Bullmastiff can easily overpower a person, especially a child. They have a natural instinct to guard their territory and family, which can lead to aggressive behavior if not properly channeled.
Bullmastiffs require socialization to learn how to interact appropriately with strangers and other animals.
10. Akitas
Originating in Japan, Akitas are known for their loyalty and courage. They were originally bred to hunt bears and guard royalty, and as a result, they have a strong prey drive and protective instinct.
Without proper training and socialization, Akitas can become territorial and aggressive, especially towards other dogs.
Akitas are also known for their independent nature, which can make it challenging for them to train. They require an experienced owner who can provide firm, consistent leadership and plenty of positive reinforcement.
Akitas needs daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
11. Cane Corsos
Muscular and imposing, Cane Corsos were originally bred in Italy to hunt large game and guard property. Today, they are still prized for their protective instincts, but those same instincts can become problematic without proper training.
Cane Corsos have a strong bite and a natural suspicion of strangers, which can lead to aggression if not properly managed.
As with many guarding breeds, Cane Corsos requires extensive socialization from a young age to learn appropriate behaviors around people and other animals. They also need firm, consistent training to establish boundaries and prevent dominance issues.
Cane Corsos are not a good choice for inexperienced owners or those who cannot provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
12. Presa Canarios
Large and powerful, Presa Canarios were originally bred in the Canary Islands to work as guard dogs and cattle herders. They have a strong prey drive and a natural suspicion of strangers, which can lead to aggressive behavior if not properly trained.
Presa Canarios requires an experienced owner who can provide firm, consistent leadership and plenty of socialization and training. They need daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Due to their strong prey drive and territorial instincts, Presa Canarios are not a good fit for homes with small children or other pets.
13. Boxers
Known for their goofy, playful personalities, Boxers may seem like an odd addition to this list. However, these muscular dogs have a high energy level and a strong prey drive, which can lead to problems if not properly channeled.
Boxers have been involved in several fatal attacks, and they have a history of non-fatal bites as well.
Boxers require consistent training and plenty of exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. They also need early socialization to learn appropriate behaviors around strangers and other animals.
Boxers can become destructive and difficult to control without proper outlets for their energy.
14. Dogo Argentinos
Bred in Argentina to hunt big game like boar and puma, Dogo Argentinos are strong, athletic dogs with a high prey drive. They are also known for their loyalty and courage, which can make them excellent guard dogs.
However, without proper training and socialization, Dogo Argentinos can become aggressive towards strangers and other animals.
Dogo Argentinos require an experienced owner who can provide firm, consistent leadership and plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They need early socialization to learn how to interact appropriately with people and other pets.
They are not a good choice for first-time dog owners or those who cannot commit to extensive training and daily exercise.
15. Fila Brasileiros
Originally bred in Brazil to guard livestock and plantations, Fila Brasileiros are large, powerful dogs with a strong protective instinct. They are known for their loyalty to their owners and their natural suspicion of strangers, which can lead to aggressive behavior if not properly managed.
Fila Brasileiros have been banned in several countries due to their potential for aggression.
Like many guarding breeds, Fila Brasileiros requires extensive socialization and training from a young age to learn appropriate behaviors. They need an experienced owner who can provide firm, consistent leadership and plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Fila Brasileiros are not a good fit for homes with children or other pets due to their strong territorial instincts.
While any dog can make a loving, loyal companion with proper care and training, the breeds on this list come with extra challenges and responsibilities.
Before bringing home one of these dogs, assessing your experience level, lifestyle, and ability to commit to consistent training and socialization is important.
By understanding these breeds’ unique needs and potential risks, owners can make informed decisions and ensure a safe, happy home for their family and their four-legged friend.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.