Are some breeds of dog that are more dangerous or aggressive than others? Explore 20 most aggressive dog breeds and find out whether or not they’re real or simply an urban legend.
There is a lot of misinformation out there about the aggression of particular breeds. In order to avoid perpetuating any of this fear-mongering, it’s crucial to point out that this article’s objective is not.
It is true that any dog may turn violent under specific circumstances. Individual dog aggression may be more influenced by the dog’s environment than by its genetics.
There are, however, certain breeds that are more likely to display violent characteristics. This is because of the way they were bred, their natural impulses, or simply because of their anatomy.
A confident handler who is able to express their authority is needed to successfully socialize and train these breeds. These breeds have the potential to develop into kind and gentle companions if given the right conditions.
List of 20+ Most Aggressive Dog Breeds
What is the most aggressive dog breed in the world? Well, when it comes to a dog’s temperament, the owner is usually to blame in practically every incidence of an incident involving an “aggressive” or hazardous breed.
Poor training, socialization, and incorrect reward of troublesome behaviors will give any dog a lack of structure it does not require to be a well-balanced canine, regardless of the breed.
Any well-intentioned dog might become violent due to a lack of leadership and physical stimulation.
The following breeds have either been known to “bite” or have been in the top 10 of all breeds in deaths between 2005 and 2017 most aggressive dog breeds study . Just because something happens doesn’t mean it’s a depiction of what will happen.
A lot of bad dog owners wind up with strong-willed breeds of dogs. Behavioral issues in their surroundings might lead to unwelcome hostility. But we firmly believe that all dogs can be properly taught and have a happy, fulfilling life.
However, there are certain breeds that have a bad reputation. Those names have been passed down through the generations for a reason. Let’s take a look at what are the most aggressive dog breeds in the world below!
1. Chihuahua
Despite its diminutive stature, the Chihuahua’s aggressiveness should not be underestimated.
Because of its small size and lightweight, the lap dog is sometimes considered more of a fashion item than a real animal. Apple or deer heads don’t make them more or less aggressive, but the shape of their heads does.
It’s easy for this breed to develop aggressive tendencies if you don’t provide them with enough limits, obedience training, and socialization. Chihuahuas aren’t afraid to snap or bite at intruders, even if they’re humans.
This is most likely a survival strategy for the individual. You need to be able to protect yourself even if you’re just a Chihuahua’s size. Owners who indulge their dogs, on the other hand, amplify this drive, resulting in aggressiveness that isn’t merited.
The Chihuahua probably has the highest number of bites per dog breed. Their ancestry has no role in this. Due to the fact that a lot of people don’t cure their tiny dogs’ bad habits early enough, it has a far greater impact.
It’s common for owners to let their chihuahua’s hostility go uncontrolled because they believe it’s “adorable.” Owning a little dog that is equally as vicious as the most dreaded Pitbull or Rottweiler is the inevitable conclusion of this situation.
2. Pitbull Terrier
People aren’t fond of Pitbull Terriers. Many American households in the mid-1900s, after World War II, referred to them as “nanny dogs.” They fought alongside troops in World War II and were revered for their ability to keep their families safe.
Pitbulls have four distinct breeds. This means there are more opportunities for misinformation to be spread about this often misunderstood dog. The classification of numerous mixed breeds as purebred Pitbulls after an attack is not unusual.
The kindest dogs you’ll ever meet, despite the fact that many insurers have an issue with this breed. Unfortunately, a large number of negative actors have tarnished their image by spreading rumors of dogfighting and other criminal conduct.
Unfortunately, these careless pet owners have done a lot of damage to a breed that is already quite sensitive. To put it simply, this breed is on the list of most violent dog breeds because so many people have died as a result of its aggression.
Regardless of the “title,” we believe that most Pitbulls make wonderful family pets and thrive in the appropriate home.
3. German Shepherd
Known for their beauty and strength, German Shepherds are a popular option for service dogs in the armed services and law enforcement as well as a cherished household pet. These dogs are agile, intelligent, and passionately devoted.
In addition, they are a highly trainable breed and capable of performing a broad range of activities. This makes them a popular option for working dogs as well.
They’ll do whatever they can to protect their masters if they feel threatened. Because of this, the German Shepherd is an outstanding guard dog.
However, if they are not properly socialized, they may become territorial and violent. If they don’t get enough exercise and have a lot of unused energy, they might become hostile.
4. Shar Pei
Known for its short, wrinkled hair, the Shar Pei is a Chinese dog breed. The American Kennel Club ranks them as the 64th most popular breed. Unfortunately, dog fighting rings in China have favored this breed. As a result, they were bred to be aggressive.
It’s a quality that’s been handed down from father to son or daughter to granddaughter. As a breed, the Shar Pei has a strong sense of self-determination and a tendency to mark its territory.
To effectively socialize them, they demand firm, gentle, and persistent teaching from an owner who is both patient and determined. Just because a breed is well-suited to combat does not guarantee that it will engage in it.
5. Chow Chow
Most people believe that the Chow Chow is the most deadly dog breed there is. As a result of their tendency to turn on their owners, many of the other dogs on this list are seen to be less trustworthy.
You must remember that every animal has a degree of uncertainty.
People who know the Chow Chow breed believe that their hostility is often caused by boredom. Therefore, adequate exercise and socialization are essential. These dogs demand a strong, self-assured handler who can exert their authority over them.
6. Cane Corso
It’s easy to see why the Cane Corso has earned its menacing reputation. They are a popular choice for police departments because of their intimidating look and ease of training. Contrary to popular belief, this breed is known for its mellow demeanor.
However, if they are not properly taught by a skilled owner, they may turn violent. As a result, this is not a dog breed that should be chosen by first-time pet owners. In the right setting, this youngster is likely to have a spooky look but nothing more.
7. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are a popular breed among people seeking a strong and loyal dog. They’re excellent security dogs, to say the least. The media portrays this breed as a very aggressive dog.
A Rottweiler owner is undoubtedly used to people crossing the street when they see their dog approaching. In reality, a well-socialized and well taught Rottweiler may be an excellent member of the family.
However, early socialization will be critical in reducing their territorial aggressiveness. A loving and faithful dog will not be a danger to anybody if they are treated with respect, love, and constant training.
8. Siberian Husky
People may be surprised by this one. Husky isn’t always a happy-go-lucky bundle of fluff that loves everyone it meets.
From 2005 to 2017, huskies rated in the top 10 of dog breeds that killed people. It’s impossible to tell whether the dogs who died were all purebred huskies or a mix of the two.
However, even if this isn’t the highest of all dog breeds, it is high enough to include them on the list of the most dangerous. The Husky is a wonderful dog to have around if it is properly socialized.
They may also become too protective of their loved ones if they are not properly socialized.
9. WolfDog
Is it any wonder this dog conjures up visions of ferocious pack wolves stalking innocent prey? That this breed has a strong prey drive is without a doubt accurate.
A Wolfdog’s “hunting” tendencies might be exacerbated if he or she is not given an opportunity to burn off extra energy via regular exercise.
Wolfdogs, according to some experts, retain a significant amount of the wildness that characterized their predecessors. First-time dog owners should avoid this breed since it requires a strong and steady leader.
If wolf-like features are your thing, there are many more dog breeds with softer temperaments to choose from.
10. Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier is a well-built and intelligent breed that packs a powerful punch. Bull Terriers have a reputation for being loyal and loving friends. They’re also regarded as one of the world’s most vicious canine species.
To keep your dog healthy, happy, and sociable, you’ll need to teach and socialize him consistently and for the rest of his life. They might become violent and destructive if they spend too much time on their paws.
In order for Bull Terriers to thrive, they need to be cared for by people who know what they’re doing!
11. Boxer
As the name implies, boxers are known to playfully “box” with their front paws, which is how they came to be called. In fact, some house insurance companies won’t cover you if you own one since they’re one of the most dangerous dog breeds.
Some boxers have made the top 10 list of fatality causing breeds from 2005 to 2017 despite the fact that most boxers are lovable. They made our list of the most aggressive dog breeds in the world for this reason alone.
12. Dogo Argentino
All-white and muscle-bound, the Dogo Argentino is a sight to see. This dog’s beauty and strength go hand in hand. The Dogo Argentino was originally developed to hunt large animals.
They are capable of taking down wild boars and other large wildlife. Most Dogo Argentino owners say their dogs are cheerful and friendly, despite the breed’s illustrious reputation.
This lovely breed has been outlawed in certain countries, including the United Kingdom. This is because of widespread public misconceptions that they are dangerously violent.
It is true that a Dogo Argentino has to be taught by an expert handler, but that’s no different from many other breeds.
As a result, such prohibitions reinforce the notion that particular breeds are fundamentally undesirable. For the Dogo Argentino, or any other pup for that matter, this is not the case.
13. Doberman Pinscher
Many people immediately think of a Doberman Pinscher when asked to imagine a scary canine. Since this breed has long been associated with the image of an “aggressive breed,” it makes sense. They’ve been raised to be intimidating watchdogs for years.
The faithful Doberman may have acquired a poor name since they are not known for their aggression. In the event of danger, they will loyally defend their family.
A well-behaved Doberman Pinscher will not be more aggressive than any other dog. Provided it is socialized extensively and trained consistently by knowledgeable owners.
14. Shiba Inu
It’s no secret that Shiba Inus are famed for their boundless energy and “cat-like” temperament. It is common for them to be aloof and self-reliant.
In the case of a female Shiba Inu, this may be particularly true. When taking a Shiba to the dog park, one should be on guard to ensure that she doesn’t initiate any fights.
For this reason, a strong leader who maintains limits and constantly socializes them is needed to keep them in check. Make careful to exercise your Shiba Inu on a regular basis, as like many dogs, over-exertion may lead to mischief.
15. Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a magnificent dog. To defend African farms from predators, this muscular dog was initially designed to hunt lions.
There’s no question that this dog can be aggressive and vicious. Because of their speed and prey drive, some people think they’re a deadly breed.
In contrast, many owners describe their Rhodesian Ridgebacks as calm and caring family pets.
Those who are interested in adopting a Ridgeback should be prepared to put in the time and effort required to educate and exercise the dog. And they should avoid living in an enclosed location if possible.
16. Pomeranian
The presence of this cuddly and fluffy toy breed on a list of the most violent dog breeds may come as a surprise to some people.
In spite of his adorable appearance, this fluffy pooch packs a punch. 23rd in AKC’s popularity rankings, the Pomeranian ranks as one of the most popular breeds in the United States. They have a bad reputation for being overpriced for what is essentially a toy.
Also, Pomeranians have a reputation for being territorial and wary of outsiders. This breed is well-known for its bark, which may serve as an excellent warning system if someone is approaching.
As with other dogs, the Pomeranian’s protective and aggressive instincts may be lessened by exposing them to a wide variety of situations, people, and animals when they are still pups or young.
17. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are not violent dogs because they want to be aggressive. In fact, these puppies have a well-deserved reputation as gentle giants with a reserved demeanor.
These huge dogs, on the other hand, are notoriously difficult to teach. Having an animal of this size that is so easily startled increases the likelihood of an accident in which someone is harmed.
The danger of a Saint Bernard does not lie in its disposition, but rather in its immense size.
A lot of positive reinforcement training and socialization is critical in raising this breed so they can come out of their shells. Having a large dog is a wonderful experience when done correctly.
18. Labrador Retriever
Isn’t it amazing that the Labrador Retriever made the cut? It’s really just a numbers game for the Lab. The Labrador Retriever breed is among the most popular in the United States.
When a breed has a larger population, it increases the risk of someone being bitten, hurt, or maimed by that particular breed.
When properly socialized and taught as puppies, Labrador Retrievers may be docile household pets. But this can change if they are not properly socialized and trained.
Labrador mixes also come under the breed category “Labrador,” making certain dog bite statistics even less credible.
19. Bull Mastiff
Over the last century, the Mastiff and English Bulldog have been crossed to create the Bullmastiff. These puppies, like the English Mastiff, may be fiercely protective of their family because of their English Bulldog ancestry.
As a result, individuals may grow apprehensive of strangers and even family members who come to visit.
Statistically, a Bullmastiff is a frequent victim of dog attacks since most dog bites occur when the dog is “known” to its owner. In addition, they are noted for being less clever than other breeds.
20. Akita
It’s common knowledge that Akitas are very self-sufficient dogs. Because of their size and strength, they need an owner with much knowledge and expertise in training and handling them.
When an Akita lacks structure, it is more inclined to lash out, and this may lead to violent behavior. Dogs of the same gender, such as Akitas, are known to get into conflicts with each other because of their domineering nature.
Owners are advised not to maintain two Akitas of the same sex because of this. The fact that Akitas are recognized for being gentle with children and can be fantastic and protective family companions may surprise some people.
Leaving an Akita around children, particularly little ones, unsupervised is still a bad idea. Akitas, on the other hand, are dedicated to their families and faithful protectors if raised in the appropriate setting.
21. Dachshund
“Small yet powerful” sums up the courageous Dachshund well. These little canines have a lot going on inside of them. Breeding for vermin-killing was the primary purpose of these dogs.
The modern-day Dachshund has a strong prey drive as a consequence of generations of hunting-breeding Dachshunds.
In addition, they’re recognized for their passionate loyalty to the person they love the most. Don’t be fooled by the small stature of this dog; it has a lot of energy and can be a real problem if not properly trained and disciplined.
Final Thoughts
It’s not uncommon for people to acquire a dog included in the most aggressive dog breeds in the world.
In order to feel protected, you may want to have a guard dog. Or you may want to help a breed that is frequently demonized by society by giving it structure and affection.
You may possibly be reading this list in order to understand which dog breeds are not suitable for your lifestyle. Determine the best decision for yourself and your family by being careful.
If you don’t think you’ll be able to manage a breed noted for its aggressiveness, don’t get one. These dogs are neither “evil” or “bad,” as this article has shown.
Mistreatment, inadequate training, lack of stimulation, and misunderstanding are all common occurrences. Dogs, like other animals, have an element of surprise about them.
However, if you’re prepared to put in the time and effort, the benefits may be enormous! Based on this list, which is the most aggressive dog you think?
Your time and attention are much appreciated. Contacting us is always a good idea in case there are any problems or concerns regarding the content of this article.
Please let us know if you see any errors or discrepancies in the comments section below! If you have any ideas or recommendations, please let us know and we’ll try our best to include them.
Related Resources
10 Most Aggressive Dog Breeds: Temperament Ratings and Information
23 most aggressive dog breeds named in new study
Leave a Reply