10 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds & Their Characteristics

There are many dog breeds in this world that may either be considered to be some of the friendliest or outright aggressive to boot. Almost serving as a warning for those who dare to even walk over these dogs or try to steal something from their beloved families.

Dogs such as Pit bulls or other bully-type dog breeds are often thrust into this category as well, due to being bred as fighter dogs that are. These dogs can be socialized well, but they will still retain some anger issues that may perhaps burst open if they are not handled carefully and in a gentle manner.

This article will be dealing with the top 10 types of most dangerous dog breeds that may either or may not be bully dog breeds. These dogs may simply be a breed that may seem innocuously calm, but spring up at the slightest act of danger from a stranger.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds

Despite there being many dog breeds that are simply far too friendly or happy with their surroundings and owner, some dog breeds that are bred to be guardian dogs may turn out to be slightly dangerous. Keep reading below for the list of some of these:

1. Chow Chow

Breed Overview:

• Group: Non-Sporting
• Height: 17-20 inches
• Weight: 45-70 pounds
• Coat and Color: Double coat that is rough/smooth while being medium length. Colors can range from Cinnamon, Blue, Cream, Black, or Red
• Life Span: 8-12 years
• Origin: China

Quite possibly one of the angriest dog breeds that have some of the most impressive physical stats, the Chow Chow dog breed is a fearsome dog to have for an owner, especially if they are new to this dog. This is in part to their breeding environment and purpose being mainly guard dogs for livestock.

This part of their programming makes them rather aggressive to other dog breeds of the same gender and strangers who may seem threatening enough. These dogs were particularly notorious during 1979-1998 for causing over 238 attacks upon humans or animals alike, with 40 of these attacks resulting in fatal consequences for children.

2. American Pitbull Terrier

Breed Overview:

• Group: Terrier
• Height: 17-19 inches
• Weight: 30-85 pounds
• Coat and Color: Shining coat that is short. Colors include Grey, Brown, Red, etc.
• Life Span: 12-16 years
• Origin: United States, United Kingdom

Belonging to the bully-type dog breed and originally bred for fighting other dogs, the pit bull quite possibly has a reputation for being a rather dangerous and aggressive dog breed that many prefer to keep away from. This is not to say that these dogs aren’t out of the question for socialization, with appropriate training, the pit bull will certainly respond well to strangers or other dogs.

According to data, Pit bulls have killed over 380 people in America from 2005-2020. Therefore, if the owner is incapable of training pit bulls, and is simply not too dominating, then it would be the best idea to not get these dogs in the first place as they may just be overwhelming for them.

3. Rottweiler

Breed Overview:

• Group: Working
• Height: 22-27 inches
• Weight: 80-135 pounds
• Coat and Color: Smooth coat short in length. Colors may come in Black & Tan or Black & Mahogany, Black & Rust combination of shades
• Life Span: 9-10 years
• Origin: Germany, Rottweil

While not as uncontrolled in aggression as say, a pit bull, the Rottweiler does have their fair share of aggression which may stem from being roughhoused by kids, harsh words from the owners, and alike. Banned in many countries, these dogs can very well attack a stranger unprovoked and keep them trapped in their deadly jaws.

Even owners and other dogs often tend to be a victim of the Rottweiler’s aggression, which could possibly stem from a lack of socialization or them protecting a certain possession from them.

4. Doberman Pinscher

Breed Overview:

• Group: Working
• Height: 24-28 inches
• Weight: 60-100 pounds
• Coat and Color: Smooth coat short in size. Colors can be Black & Rust, Fawn (Isabella) & or Red & Rust, etc.
• Life Span: 10-12 years
• Origin: Germany

While perfect for being a police dog for many agencies, the Doberman Pinscher dog breeds are still naturally aggressive and can very well react in a bad way if one unnecessarily acts playfully with them. These dogs otherwise are great at being guard dogs, in fact, they may as well be one of the best guard dogs out of many dog breeds.

However, a dog owner should make sure to socialize these dogs to try and make sure they do not attack strangers in an unprovoked and fatal manner.

5. Bullmastiff

Breed Overview:

• Group: Working
• Height: 24-27 inches
• Weight: 100-130 pounds
• Coat and Color: Short and smooth coat. Colors include:  Red, Red Fawn Brindle, Fawn
• Life Span: 7-9 years
• Origin: United Kingdom

Naturally aggressive due to being a guardian dog breed, these bulldog and mastiff hybrids tend to be protective of their territory and won’t take it well if someone treads on their property. Whether it is another dog or a stranger.

It is generally recommended to try and socialize these dogs as early as possible in their lives to keep them from being far too aggressive with others and as a result, cause a certain tragedy.

6. Boerboel

Breed Overview:

• Group: Working
• Height: 22-27 inches
• Weight: 150-200 pounds
• Coat and Color: Smooth coat that is short. Colors include Tawny, Reddish Brown, Brown with a black mask around the face, etc.
• Life Span: 9-11 years
• Origin: South Africa

Huge in size and heavy to count, these dogs bred in South Africa to be guard dogs are very well aggressive to both dogs of the same breed or gender along with strangers. It can be considered a good idea to get these dogs proper socialization and training in tolerating other dog breeds and strangers early in their lives.

Otherwise, these dogs are the perfect guard dogs who may easily protect family possessions from thieves and other predators alike.

7. Boxer

Breed Overview:

• Group: Working
• Height: 21.5-25 inches
• Weight: 65-80 pounds
• Coat and Color: Short coat which is smooth. Colors include Brindle or Fawn in general
• Life Span: 10-12 years
• Origin: Germany

Yet again belonging to the bully-type dog breeds, the Boxer is one, if not the most dangerous dog breed who may very well be the best guardian dog when put to good use, but be destructive if the owner is weak. These dogs generally have a bad reputation among various people for their aggressive behavior.

The owner should train these dogs to tolerate other dog breeds of the same sex and make sure that they understand that attacking strangers would be a bad idea unless threatened actively.

8. Alaskan Malamute

Breed Overview:

• Group: Working
• Height: 23-25 inches
• Weight: 75-85 pounds
• Coat and Color: Weatherproof double coat that is medium-length. Colors include Silver& White, Gray & White, Black & White, etc.
• Life Span: 10-14 years
• Origin: Alaska

Despite having a friendly demeanor, these dogs due to their harsh upbringing may especially react negatively to the presence of another dog of the same sex or breed which may often cause even injuries to the dog on the receiving end of the aggression.

These dogs generally need a capable and dominating owner, otherwise, they will turn more destructive and will likely not listen to the owner as much as the owner may want to at the end of the day.

Read more: Dog Breeds with Dreadlocks

9. Perro de Presa Canario

Breed Overview:

• Group: Working
• Height: 22-26 inches
• Weight: 84-110 pounds
• Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat. Colors are Tiger, Silver, Brown, Orange, etc.
• Life Span: 9-11 years
• Origin: Canary Islands, Spain

Bred originally as a dog for fighting, the Canario has been used for maintaining and guarding the livestock in the Canary Islands of Spain, hence their name. These dogs due to their very violent upbringing, are generally known to be one of the most dangerous dog breeds.

Unless you are a capable owner with an intimidating aura, it would be wise to not get these dogs. These are especially grumpy when not given proper training and socialization by a robust owner as opposed to one that is trained properly.

10. Gull Dong

Breed Overview:

• Group: Working
• Height: 18-22 inches
• Weight: 45-65 pounds
• Coat and Color: Short and dense coat with mainly white colorings that may sometimes have black markings on the face or parts of the body.
• Life Span: 10-14 years
• Origin: India, Pakistan

Bred as a hybrid of the Gull Terrier and Bully Kutta dog breeds, the Gull Dong is probably one of the most aggressive dog breeds so far. These dogs generally are best at being guard dogs, however, that is what they should mainly be made to do.

Trying to turn these dogs into companion dogs will result in rather tragic consequences as they simply do not prefer a life of non-action since they are looking for constant stimulation to be preoccupied. Unless you are a dominant owner, it is not recommended to even try and keep these dogs as domesticated pets.

Important Considerations for the Most Dangerous Dog Breeds

There are certain dog breeds that have a reputation for being dangerous. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed is going to be a danger to society, but it does mean that you need to be more careful when choosing one of these breeds as a pet.

While any dog has the potential to bite or attack, some breeds are more prone to aggression than others. If you’re considering adopting a dangerous breed of dog, there are some things you need to take into account.

Here are some tips for the most dangerous dog breeds:

1. Do your research. Not all dogs of a certain breed are going to be aggressive. There is individual variation within every breed, so it’s important to do your homework before you adopt. Learn about the temperament of the specific breed you’re interested in and talk to people who have experience with that type of dog.
2. Consider obedience training. Dogs that are well-trained and obedient are less likely to act out aggressively. Obedience training can help teach your dog basic commands and manners, which can help prevent them from lashing out in an aggressive manner.
3. Socialize early and often. It’s important to socialize puppies early on so they learn how to interact properly with other dogs and people. This will help prevent them from becoming isolated or anxious, both of which can lead to aggression. Socialization should continue throughout their lifetime as well.
4. Spay or neuter your pet. Studies have shown that dogs who are spayed or neutered tend to be less aggressive than those who aren’t. This simple surgery can help reduce hormone levels that contribute to aggression.

What Makes a Dog Breed Dangerous?

There is no definitive answer to this question as different dogs can be dangerous for different reasons. Some breeds have a reputation for being aggressive, while others may be more prone to biting or attacking people.

However, any dog has the potential to be dangerous if it is not properly trained and socialized, or if it feels threatened or scared. It is important to remember that all dogs are individuals and even within a breed, there can be a wide range of personalities.

What Dog Breed kills the Most Humans?

Pit bulls are the most dangerous dog breed when it comes to attacking and killing humans. In the U.S., they are responsible for 66% of fatal dog attacks on humans, more than any other breed. Pit bulls were bred to be fighting dogs, and they have the strength and aggression to match.

They also tend to be very protective of their owners and territory, which can lead to attacks on strangers or other animals. While pit bulls make up a small percentage of the total dog population in the U.S., they are disproportionately responsible for serious attacks and fatalities. This is likely due to their aggressive nature and lack of training or socialization.

If you’re considering getting a pit bull, it’s important to do your research first and make sure you’re prepared to handle an animal with such potential power.

Most Aggressive Dog Breeds Study

The term “aggressive” can mean different things to different people. Some may view aggression as a dog that is quick to bark or lunge at strangers, while others may see an aggressive dog as one that is constantly growling, snarling and snapping. Regardless of how you define aggression, there are certain dog breeds that tend to be more aggressive than others.

A new study set out to identify the most aggressive dog breeds by looking at data from thousands of bites reported to U.S. hospitals over a 20-year period. The study, which was published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, looked at data on nearly 930,000 hospital visits for Dog Bite Injuries from 1993 to 2008. The researchers then narrowed down the data to only include cases where the victim was hospitalized for more than 24 hours after the attack.

This left them with a total of 466 cases involving 476 dogs – all of which were considered “severe” bites. So what were the results? The study found that pit bulls (which includes Staffordshire bull terriers and American pit bull terriers) were responsible for 266 (56%) of the severe bite injuries studied.

Rottweilers came in second, accounting for 58 (12%) of the cases, followed by German shepherds (8%), mixed-breed dogs (7%), mastiffs (4%), Labs (3%), jackals (2%), and Dobermans, huskies and wolf hybrids – each with 1%. It’s important to note that this study only looked at severe bites that resulted in hospitalization – it did not take into account less serious bites or attacks that did not require medical attention. So while it does provide some insight into which breeds are more likely to cause serious harm, it doesn’t necessarily mean that these breeds are “more aggressive” overall.

Conclusion

Most of these dogs tend to be quite possibly some of the most dangerous dog breeds, they however might just be controlled if the owners themselves are strong-willed and willing to train them. However, it is generally not recommended to get dogs like Pitbull terriers or the Chow Chow if you are not experienced enough to take care of their aggressive mentality.

As most of these dogs are also banned in many other countries, trying to get them at all may most likely cause trouble for you and not be worth it in the end, unless you are ready for the trouble that is.