8 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds

Pit Bulls were bred specifically for fighting. According to the Love-A-Bull organization, pit bull history dates back to the 1800s in England, where they were originally bred from the old English Bulldog to become fighting dogs. They were used for bull and bear baiting, which made them naturally aggressive. Pit Bulls can be the world’s most dangerous dog; they’re involved in more dog attacks than any other breed. The American Animal Hospital Association reports that pit bulls were responsible for 22.5% of bites across all studies.

When a Pit Bull bites its prey, it won’t let go, and their bite force can reach up to 80 kilograms. Unfortunately, if a Pit Bull bites you, methods like hitting, electroshocking, or pouring water won’t help; these dogs only get more excited when attacking their prey. That’s why Pit Bulls have the highest fatal attack rate among dog breeds, making them the most dangerous dogs in the world.

Rottweilers are large guard dogs originating from Germany, named after the small town of Rottweil. They stand nearly 70 centimetres tall at the shoulder and can weigh over 50 kilograms as adults. Initially bred as herding dogs, they later became military dogs. With their intelligence ranked ninth, Rottweilers are highly perceptive and are ranked third among the world’s top ten police dog breeds.

However, they could be a top dangerous dog. Rottweilers have a strong territorial instinct, making them highly aggressive toward intruders or strangers. They are incredibly loyal to their owners, being gentle, obedient, and compliant in their presence. Their loyalty and protective nature make them potentially very dangerous dogs to strangers. With a bite force of around 145 kilograms, Rottweilers have been involved in over 500 recorded attacks in recent years, with more than 40 of these resulting in fatalities make them the most dangerous dog.

The German Shepherd is beloved worldwide for its intelligence, strong work ethic, and imposing appearance. Many people view German Shepherds as noble dogs, often seen in roles such as search and rescue dogs or guide dogs. They are also ranked first among the world’s top ten police dog breeds. You may find it hard to believe that German Shepherds are on the most dangerous dog breeds list.

German Shepherds are incredibly smart, ranking their intelligence third among all dog breeds. They are highly obedient, quick learners, and loyal, making them relatively easy to train. However, if not properly trained from a young age, these vigilant dogs with a bite force of up to 108 kilograms and an exceptionally keen sense of smell can become the most dangerous dogs. Research has found that from 1971 to 2018, German Shepherds were responsible for 17.8% of reported bites among all purebred dogs in the United States.

Doberman Pinschers are a large guard dog breed known for their bravery, intelligence, and agility. Adult Dobermans stand over 70 centimetres tall at the shoulder and can weigh nearly 50 kilograms. Their fighting ability is formidable, with strong, muscular bodies and a highly aggressive nature, making them the most dangerous dog species.

Dobermans can run at speeds of up to 50 km/h, and with their intelligence ranking fifth among all dog breeds, they are highly trainable and responsive to commands. This makes them the second-ranked breed among the world’s top ten police dogs. Dobermans are territorial and can be hostile towards intruders, whether they are other dogs or people. While fatalities from Doberman attacks are relatively rare, the consequences of being attacked by such a physically powerful breed can be severe.

In fact, bulldogs are a prevalent breed, and many families keep them as pets. Bulldogs originated in the United States and were initially bred for bull-baiting. Bulldogs can be the most dangerous dogs to human; they are robust and strong, with a fierce nature stemming from their history of fighting bulls. Despite their relatively small size, they are brave, aggressive, and prone to fight relentlessly. The American Bulldog averages 100 pounds of packed muscle. Historical investigations have revealed that bulldogs have been responsible for 15 fatal attack incidents.

Our familiar Husky might be hard to believe as a most dangerous dog species. Huskies often come across as goofy, playful, and relatively gentle pets. However, true Siberian Huskies can be pretty fierce and highly aggressive. They have a significant wolf ancestry, giving them strong adaptability in the wild. In their early days, Huskies worked in the harsh environment of Siberia, evolving through prolonged contact with Arctic wolf packs into a unique northern breed.

Both husky appearance and howls closely resemble those of wolves, and they have a bite force of nearly 150 kilograms. In their natural working environment, Siberian Huskies are quite different from the domesticated Huskies we often see. Nonetheless, Huskies have been involved in numerous fatal attack incidents.

Wolfdog hybrids, such as the well-known Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, are crossbreeds of dogs and wolves. They are part wolf, carrying 20% to 25% wolf genes, making them the most dangerous dog type. As they mature, wolfdog hybrids retain wolf-like behaviours and physical traits. They are highly alert and will bark at any intruders in their territory. Wolfdogs may be the most dangerous domestic dogs, but their strength and destructive power are remarkable, posing a significant threat to humans, especially children.

Over the years, there have been numerous fatal incidents in the U.S. where wolfdogs attacked children. These hybrids possess a powerful bite and the innate ability to attack like a wolf pack. When walking a wolfdog, keeping a distance from other dog breeds is advisable to prevent any potential aggression.

Chow Chow, originating from China. Despite their cute and cuddly appearance, Chow Chows can be the most dangerous dog breeds. They have aggressive, stubborn natures and typically seem unfriendly to others. Chow Chows are known for their loyalty to their owners, recognizing and bonding with only them, making it hard for others to approach them.

Chow Chows don’t usually pay much attention to strangers and are generally aloof with unfamiliar people. If they are approached by someone they perceive as a threat, a less aggressive Chow Chow might walk away, but a more aggressive one can be very unfriendly. If you are unfamiliar with them, they may be the most dangerous dog for you, as they might attack without warning.