The Most Dangerous Dog Breeds That Get a Bad Rap
Despite having been domesticated for thousands of years, a dog’s size, strength, origins and environment often lend to its aggressive nature. How a dog is treated will often dictate its response — in other words, if a dog is abused and feels threatened, fearful or hurt, it can act out.
That means any dog has the propensity to be dangerous without the proper training and treatment. After reviewing several resources, however, we found the following dog breeds to be considered the most dangerous — some even landing on banned or uninsurable lists.
What can we do to change this? Well, with proper socialization, training and love, every dog can be a loyal family companion and best friend, including the breeds on this list. Just see for yourself.
Pit Bull
Pitties aren’t one breed, but describe the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, all of which are descended from English Bulldogs and were bred for bull-baiting — the practice of pinning larger animals like bulls or bears by biting them around the face or head. When the sport was outlawed in the mid-1800s, people turned the dogs against each other, and they were bred down with smaller, quicker breeds like terriers to make them more athletic.
Today, pit bulls are responsible for the majority of dog attacks in the U.S. Those that do the most damage are usually shown little love and are bred to be used as guard dogs or in illegal dogfighting. However, with a responsible, loving owner and proper training and socialization, a pit bull can be a loyal, gentle member of any family, even if it had less-than-desirable beginnings. After all, these were once considered “Nanny Dogs” for their loyalty when it came to children.
Pit Bull Summary
Temperament: Confident, Smart, Good-Natured
Height: 18-19 inches (male), 17-18 inches (female)
Weight: 55-70 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female)
Life expectancy: 12-16 years
*All breed information is sourced from the American Kennel Club.
Chow Chow
One of the oldest domestic dog breeds still in existence, the Chow Chow looks a little like a lion and can possess the attitude of one. Originally bred to hunt and guard, the Chow Chow is aloof, independent and sometimes stubborn, which can lead to trouble without a responsible, loving owner.
This breed should never be in a home with small children and other dogs without supervision or having been properly socialized from an early age.
Chow Chow Summary
Temperament: Dignified, Bright, Serious-Minded
Height: 17-20 inches
Weight: 45-70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
Doberman Pinscher
Dobies are so tough that they were used by U.S. Marines as messenger, scout and sentry dogs during WWII. They are large with a muscular build and can run up to 40 mph for long periods of time. Their bite is exceptionally strong, too — they can break bones and have a “scissor jaw,” which means their teeth interlock, allowing them not only to cut through any object, but to also clamp down on it.
All of this makes for a great guard dog and protector, but if you’re looking for a companion animal, it’s best to appeal to the Dobie’s intelligent and loyal nature and get them good training as soon as possible. When obedient, they make loving, gentle best friends and are good with kids.
Doberman Pinscher Summary
Temperament: Loyal, Fearless, Alert
Height: 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
Weight: 75-100 pounds (male), 60-90 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are exceptionally strong, and only those that are knowledgeable in handling such a large, fierce dog should have one. Rotties were bred as guard dogs and are loyal to a fault — they can be extremely protective and jealous, and will attack anything they deem a threat, especially strangers.
This is why the breed requires more attention than most and, of course, proper training.
Rottweiler Summary
Temperament: Loyal, Loving, Confident Guardian
Height: 24-27 inches (male), 22-25 inches (female)
Weight: 95-135 pounds (male), 80-100 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 9-10 years
Dachshund
Because of their smaller size, you wouldn’t think the Dachshund would make this list, but the breed has been voted the most aggressive dog by many. Bred to hunt badgers, Doxies are known for being fearless.
Although their bites are not necessarily fatal, one in five has bitten (or tried to bite) strangers, and one in 12 has bitten or snapped at their owner, according to a 2008 study at the University of Pennsylvania.
Dachshund Summary
Temperament: Friendly, Curious, Spunky
Height: 8-9 inches
Weight: 16-32 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are generally used in law enforcement and with good reason — they are highly aggressive and quick to learn. Their bite strength is superior to most breeds, and this quiet, intelligent animal makes for a great guard dog.
However, if one is to be a member of your family, they need proper socialization, training and supervision, especially around small children.
German Shepherd Summary
Temperament: Confident, Courageous, Smart
Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
Weight: 65-90 pounds (male), 50-70 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
Chihuahua
The tiny Chihuahua often suffers from “small dog syndrome,” a collection of behaviors that specific breeds exhibit to show that they are as tough as their larger counterparts — among them are growling and lunging at perceived threats.
In one 2016 study by Dognition, Chihuahuas were at the top of the list for being aggressive, even surpassing pit bulls. Although they usually top out at about 6 pounds, they have been known to stand their ground against much larger dogs and have even chased kids while in packs.
Chihuahua Summary
Temperament: Charming, Graceful, Sassy
Height: 5-8 inches
Weight: Not exceeding 6 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes look like Siberian Huskies but are much larger, and their bite is considerably worse. The oldest and largest Arctic breed, they can weigh up to 100 pounds, so training is required to make them loving family pets.
If not housed with a responsible owner, their loyalty to their human family can turn to aggressiveness quickly.
Alaskan Malamute Summary
Temperament: Affectionate, Loyal, Playful
Height: 25 inches (male), 23 inches (female)
Weight: 85 pounds (male), 75 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Tosa
The Tosa is another breed that was created with dogfighting in mind. It also has aggression issues, which can manifest when they are among other dogs of the same sex or smaller animals.
Agile, muscular, smart and massive (Tosas can pull more than 3,000 pounds), they make excellent guard dogs, but don’t leave them unsupervised or untrained. If they are, they’re as likely to harm a small child as they are a home intruder. As such, this breed is banned in some countries.
Tosa Summary
Temperament: Fearless, Patient, Vigilant
Height: Minimum 21.5-23.5 inches
Weight: 100-200 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Presa Canario
The Presa Canario is a rare breed. It's known to protect livestock against animal intruders, and unfortunately, the dog’s lineage also includes dogfighting. Fearless and mighty, the Presa is huge — it can weigh up to 110 pounds and stand 26-inches tall — and has a dominant nature that can lead to aggression.
Early socialization and proper guidance are needed, especially around small children. Presas also need to expend energy with plenty of exercise.
Presa Canario Summary
Temperament: Confident, Calm, Strong-Willed
Height: 22-26 inches
Weight: 84-110 pounds
Life Expectancy: 9-11 years
Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiffs have ranked among the most expensive dogs in the working dog category — in recent years, they have fetched millions. Originally bred as protectors of livestock, Tibetans are true working dogs and will become dominant if you’re not careful, which is not something you want in a dog of this size.
They are patient and loyal with every member of the family but are very wary of strangers, so socialization is a must. Think hard before getting one — unless you have the room and time to invest in a Tibetan, they may be too much dog to handle.
Tibetan Mastiff Summary
Temperament: Independent, Reserved, Intelligent
Height: 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
Weight: 90-150 pounds (male), 70-120 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Akita
The Akita is on a number of “most dangerous” lists, due to its aggressiveness and size. If you’re interested in owning one, it’s best to know everything you can about the Akita before you commit. It, too, has a scissor bite and can weigh well over 100 pounds.
A hunter by nature, the breed has nerves of steel with courage to match and can quickly overtake a small child or dog without the proper supervision and training. With it, however, Akitas can be patient, kind and very loving.
Akita Summary
Temperament: Courageous, Dignified, Profoundly Loyal
Height: 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
Weight: 100-130 pounds (male), 70-100 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
Great Dane
Great Danes are one of the biggest dog breeds in the world, and it is because of their sheer size that they can be a threat to people and other animals. While most are gentle giants, some can become domineering and pushy if not tended to by a responsible owner.
Obedience training is vital for the Great Dane, and they respond well to positive reinforcement.
Great Dane Summary
Temperament: Friendly, Patient, Dependable
Height: 30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female)
Weight: 140-175 pounds (male), 110-140 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
Boxer
Boxers have been bred and used for several different purposes over the years, including hunting, protection and dogfighting. Curious and smart, they are wary of those they don’t know and will strike if they feel threatened. Their confidence is such that they fear little.
Nonetheless, Boxers can be friendly, loving dogs when placed with responsible owners, but they have boundless energy and can get carried away easily, which doesn’t bode well for small children and animals. Supervision is necessary for both.
Boxer Summary
Temperament: Bright, Fun-Loving, Active
Height: 23-25 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)
Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Siberian Husky
In 2012, a Philadelphia law firm, Hill & Associates, found that, of the many injuries caused by dogs, the Siberian Husky was one of the most dangerous breeds, especially when it came to small children.
For the most part, they are friendly companions, but as working pack dogs, they need early socialization and training to be docile, loving members of the family.
Siberian Husky Summary
Temperament: Loyal, Outgoing, Mischievous
Height: 21-23.5 inches (male), 20-22 inches (female)
Weight: 45-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Gull Dong
This rare breed of bulldog hails from Pakistan and can be a loyal, loving companion but is not a good dog for a first-time owner. This working dog is active and intelligent, but somewhat stubborn and hard to train.
Gull Dongs make great guard dogs but need early socialization to be a positive addition to the family. Supervision around small children, even with training, is suggested.
Gull Dong Summary
Temperament: Fast, Tenacious, Protective
Height: 18-22 inches
Weight: 55-85 pounds (male), 45-65 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Fila Brasileiro
This rare breed of Brazilian mastiff is unlike others in that it is not generally as docile and friendly as most mastiffs are. The Fila is big — the breed can weigh up to 180 pounds — and was created primarily for protection and tracking.
As a guard dog, you can’t do much better, but the Fila can be a handful because of its size. Filas and strangers don’t mix, and their bite can be fatal. This is not a dog that should be owned by a novice.
Fila Brasileiro Summary
Temperament: Obedient, Determined, Brave
Height: 26-30 inches (male), 24-28 inches (female)
Weight: 140-180 pounds (male), 130-160 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 9-11 years
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesians are natural hunters — it is what they were bred to do. Without obedience training, owning one won’t bode well for any other small animals on your property.
The Rhodie is known to be territorial and unwelcoming to strangers. As an owner of one, you need to be confident and assertive to manage them; otherwise, they may overwhelm you.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Summary
Temperament: Affectionate, Dignified, Even-Tempered
Height: 25-27 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
Weight: 85 pounds (male), 70 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10 years
Dogo Argentino
The muscular Dogo Argentino was bred for fighting and hunting wild boar, and is described as fearless, relentless and strong. They are also said to be more tolerant of pain than other breeds.
While loyal and highly intelligent, the breed is also not for the first-time dog owner, requiring plenty of training. The breed has ownership restrictions and has even been banned in several countries.
Dogo Argentino Summary
Temperament: Friendly, Cheerful, Humble
Height: 24-27 inches (male), 23.5-26 inches (female)
Weight: 80-100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 9-15 years
Wolf Hybrid
Much like the pit bull, a wolf hybrid (or wolfdog) isn’t a real breed. It’s simply a domesticated dog that was bred with a wolf, which can spell danger for a family. Wolves are still very much wild animals, and their genetic makeup doesn’t allow them to domesticate or obey in the way a dog does.
Add to that their large size, and keeping one can spell danger for their owner. They are also illegal in several states and countries.