20 Mislabeled Aggressive Dog Breeds That Only Need Training

Unfortunately, many canines are often mislabeled as the most aggressive dog breeds.

Certain dogs have a shorter fuse or a higher prey drive. People think they are dangerous, but the truth is, they just need the most training!

All dogs have the capability of being aggressive. It's just a matter of curbing this instinct from the get-go.

So, in this article, instead of listing “the most aggressive dog breeds”, I want to set the record straight.

This article will break down the breeds that NEED more training and care than others because of the following factors:

• size
• strength
• prey drive
• activity level

Let's begin!

Aggressive Dog Breeds: What's the Science Behind It?

Many previous studies have examined various behavioral traits among breeds and how genetics determines them.

For example, they've investigated obsessive-compulsive behaviors among breeds (1, 2), including reactivity, adaptability, affability, and wariness (3), trainability and boldness (4, 5), sociability (6), and more.

Aggression in different breeds is also highly genetic (7).

In one of the most ambitious attempts, geneticists in a 2016 study used genome-wide association to map out canine fear and aggression across several hundred breeds.

Scientists have found that the amygdala and hypothalamus are the two main parts of a dog's brain that are responsible for aggression, fear, anxiety, and prey drive.

Using several genotype datasets, they found a few primary fear and aggression-related traits that differed among breeds:

• stranger-oriented fear
• stranger-directed aggression
• dog-directed aggression
• owner-directed aggression
• dog rivalry

It was also discovered that many genetic factors affect the dog's fear and aggression traits, and the brain is just one of them.

It was found that a dog's size and body weight directly correlate to aggression (8), with medium and small breeds being most aggressive (9).

A dog owner's personality was also a determining factor with some breeds but not others (10), and breeds that carry chr18 chondrodysplasia mutations were also found to be more fear-aggressive (11).

While scientists paid attention to many more factors, breed-specific aggression can be classified into four main categories.

The categories are:

(a) development and environmental-malleability (12, 13)

(b) molecular, biochemical, and imaging factors showing up under stress (14)

(c) a dog's physiological and mental states (15, 16)

(d) a breed's ability to mitigate negative effects (17, 18)

What People Think When Talking About Aggressive Dogs

With the technical definition of aggressive dog breeds out of the way, how does the average person typically use the term?

Dogs that frequently display the following behaviors would be considered aggressive by the layman:

• Barking
• Lunging
• Snarling
• Biting
• Charging at people
• Showing teeth
• Snapping
• Performing other aggressive behaviors

Common Reasons for Dog Aggression

It is also important to note that dogs that show aggression will not always be continuously aggressive.

Instead, they will be aggressive in specific situations, such as feeling sick, possessiveness, protectiveness, fear, pain, frustration, or social aggression.

RELATED: TOP #69: How to Handle Aggressive Dogs

20 Most (Mislabeled) Aggressive Dog Breeds

1. Wolf Hybrid

The Wolf Hybrid is the most common wolf-type dog breed.

It's a cross between a dog and, more often than not, the grey wolf (although other wolves can also be accounted for).

This breed will be unpredictable due to its high prey drive.

You won’t be able to have any smaller pets because the Wolf Hybrid will most likely hunt them, hurt them, and maybe even try to eat them due to his high prey drive.

This breed needs a skilled handler who won’t allow the dog to dominate.

2. Cane Corso

Cane Corso already has an appearance of an aggressive dog, and many experts will certainly label this breed as such.

Today, they're becoming popular as police dogs.

This breed descends from the Canis Pugnax, a dog that was used in Roman warfare many centuries ago.

The Cane Corso tends to be aggressive if not handled and trained well by an expert trainer.

3. Bull Terrier

The Bull Terrier has been a loyal family companion for a long time, but they're also one of the most aggressive dog breeds on the planet, and probably the smallest of them too.

They're not great for first-time owners, but can be fantastic companions for more experienced handlers.

Bull Terriers tend to think they’re lapdogs, even though they are pound-for-pound, just lean muscle.

Without proper training and understanding of this dog breed, bull terriers tend to become aggressive and difficult to handle.

RELATED: Terrier-iffic Cuteness: 10 Breeds That Will Leave You Barking for Joy

4. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Originally from Africa, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large dog that keeps lions away from stock and guards farms.

They've evolved to be constantly aware and ready for a fight should there be a need for this dog's help to protect.

This dog breed is aloof towards people they don’t know and can be very sensitive.

Positive reinforcement is the only way to proceed with this type of dog, and you must consult a professional trainer to handle this breed in the future.

5. Dogo Argentino

Dogo Argentino is a white, muscular dog breed from Argentina that has been banned from being owned in the UK and many other countries due to its aggression.

This dog was bred for big game hunting, such as puma and boar.

They are beautiful canines, but tend to be a bit wild for a family living in the suburbs.

The Dogo Argentino is a great and powerful hunting dog, but it needs a handler with experience.

6. Boerboel

The Boerboel dog breed originated in South Africa, where it was bred to guard farms and livestock from lions and leopards.

It also tracked wounded animals and kept them safe until their owner arrived. The Boerboel is a very loyal and large dog.

They are extremely protective of their families and properties.

This dog is still used on farms in South Africa today.

7. Basenji

Sometimes, it's difficult to believe that certain canines that look small and cute can be among the most aggressive dogs, but it all comes down to breeding history and genes.

Originating from Central Africa, the Basenji is a sight hound.

This means any movement from a small animal will put their hunting instinct into overdrive, and they won't stop.

The Basenji is one of the least trainable dogs. They are reserved and aloof towards strangers and tend to have only one master.

If you consider adopting a Basenji dog, it's best to speak with an experienced dog trainer who's trained them before.

8. Saint Bernard

Even though they are one of the best rescue dogs and are known for their good deeds in movies and reality, Saint Bernards have high levels of aggression.

This large, working, and talented breed derives from the Swiss and Italian Alps.

For centuries, this breed was used to rescue people caught in avalanches. These dogs thrive when used for a purpose.

It's essential that a Saint Bernard is socialized and trained from puppyhood to prevent (to an extent) this dog from becoming one of the most aggressive dog breeds.

RELATED: Puppy Training 101: Basic Walkthrough

9. American Bulldog

The American Bulldog is a very heavy-set dog that is friendly and loyal.

That said, American Bulldogs tend to be overconfident and stubborn, which makes them difficult to train and handle.

With the proper training, they can be great house family dogs, but without it, they could be one of the most aggressive dog breeds.

10. Akita Inu

This spitz breed from Japan is a gorgeous medium-sized dog. They have two variations: the Akita Inu from Japan and the Akita from America.

Both dog breeds are strong and dominant types of animals with high prey drive.

They are extremely affectionate towards their family but standoffish and territorial toward strangers, and will often be extremely aggressive.

11. Chow Chow

Distant and fiercely independent, the Chow Chow breed needs attention and proper and regular training.

Socialization is extremely important for the Chow Chow because they don’t like strangers and are very protective of their owners.

They are known as one of the most aggressive dog breeds, which means recorded bites for this breed are higher than many others.

Chow Chows also require plenty of exercise or can become unpredictable, aggressive, and dangerous.

12. Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher is a loyal, alert breed and one of the best guard dogs. They only attack when provoked and are aggressive towards other dogs and strangers.

That said, Doberman experts who love this breed are well aware of their tendency to be extremely aggressive.

Because they are known as one of the most aggressive dog breeds, do not adopt a Doberman Pinscher unless you are an experienced owner.

RELATED: Best Dog Food for Dobermans: How & What To Feed Doberman Pinschers

13. Alaskan Malamute

Another wolf-like dog, the Alaskan Malamute, is associated with the famous Siberian Husky dog breed but is much larger in size and personality.

They are also much more aggressive than Huskies, and most dog owners will have trouble with this breed.

Without daily exercise, these dogs become bored and therefore destructive.

Alaskan Malamutes are extremely difficult to train and are very unreliable watchdogs.

They do not do well with most other small pets with a high prey drive.

14. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a strong dog that was bred for herding and guarding.

Due to dog bite statistics, they are still ranked as one of the scariest dogs on the planet.

This working breed can quickly become aggressive due to neglect, abuse, and irresponsible pet ownership.

Socialization at an early age is important to ensure your Rottie gets along with other dogs, people, and pets, but caution is also needed.

15. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd Dog is a fearless, confident, and extremely intelligent dog breed. They are the most commonly used canines in the military and the police force.

This dog breed is very trainable, so they’re mostly used as working dogs.

GSDs are very territorial and fiercely overprotective of their families.

They need early socialization and someone who understands the German Shepherd well.

They can become destructive and aggressive without the proper tools and dog training.

RELATED: 15 Most Popular Police Dog Breeds

16. Boxer

Boxers are headstrong and lean dogs with very high energy, and they're often ranked as one of the most aggressive breeds for that particular reason.

They were bred as hunting dogs and also used during World War 1 for guarding.

The Boxer is another protective breed and will thrive properly trained and exercised.

A boxer's bite can cause serious injury, which is why they need ample exercise and something to keep them busy.

17. Great Dane

On the lower end of the spectrum regarding dog aggression, Great Danes are generally known as gentle giants, and they're even highly recommended as best apartment dogs.

But that's only when your Great Dane is trained properly.

Due to its large size, the Great Dane is often seen as dangerous, but it is unlikely to bite.

18. Bull Mastiff

The Bull Mastiff is a very large and strong breed, extremely loyal to its family.

This is yet another type of dog that needs an experienced handler who knows what they’re doing.

If not, your house will be run by a giant breed of dog who can cause havoc by just running through your kitchen.

Socialization and training are very important when adopting a Bull Mastiff to avoid this canine becoming one of the most aggressive dogs.

19. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are one of the most popular dog breeds on the planet, and many view them as gentle pets. But experts say that they're one of the most aggressive dogs.

Huskies closely resemble the Alaskan Malamute discussed above, but they are slightly smaller in stature and calmer. They require a lot of exercise and stimulation.

The temperament of a Husky is very close to that of the wolf, which can make them unpredictable.

Stubborn and dominant are two other characteristics this breed is known for.

This is a very difficult dog to control and keep from getting bored.

RELATED: New DNA Test Finds Answers to Why Siberian Huskies Have Blue Eyes

20. Pit Bulls

As the dog stereotypes go, no list of most aggressive dog breeds can go without Pit Bulls.

Pitbull is a name for many closely related dogs, but not the same dog breed.

The American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, the Bull Terrier, and the Staffordshire Pit Bull Terrier all fall into this category.

Originally, pitbulls were bred to bait and pull down bulls and bears.

These dogs were often used for dog fighting, which adds to their stigma of being one of the most aggressive dogs by nature.

Honorable Mentions

In addition to the 20 most mislabeled aggressive dog breeds above, other breeds occasionally part of similar lists are:

• Australian Shepherd
• Chihuahuas
• Collie
• Dalmatians
• Jack Russell Terriers
• Kangal
• Labrador Retriever
• Perro de Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff)
• Tosa Inu

FAQs About Aggressive Dog Breeds

Which dog can kill a lion?

While no single dog can reliably kill a lion, certain breeds have been historically bred to confront large predators and possess the strength and courage to do so, especially when working in groups.

• Rhodesian Ridgeback: Originally bred to track and confront lions. No reported cases of one that killed a lion, but we know they can keep lions at bay while the hunter closes in for the kill.
• Dogo Argentino: Developed in Argentina for big-game hunting, including wild boar and puma.
• Boerboel: A South African mastiff-type breed, the Boerboel was used to guard homesteads and protect against predators like leopards.
• Kangal: Originating from Turkey, Kangals are renowned for their protective instincts and have been used to guard livestock against wolves and other large predators.

Which dog has killed the most humans?

Statistical data indicates that Pit Bull-type dogs have been involved in the highest number of fatal human attacks.

The latest data indicated that they accounted for 66.9% of the deaths.

Other breeds are Rottweilers and German Shepherds.

Which dog attacks the most?

When considering the frequency of attacks, Pit Bulls again top the list.

Recent data shows they are involved in a significant number of attacks that lead to injuries and fatalities.

Surprisingly, the Labrador Retriever is another breed that reportedly attacks the most, accounting for 13.72% of dog bite attacks in the United States.

Aggressive Dog Breed? Remember That Training Addresses Aggression!

While all of the above are typically considered aggressive dog breeds, it is important to remember that a significant amount of canine behavior comes down to training.

With the right training, many breeds on this list can be non-aggressive and peaceful.

Many on the list will not be aggressive to their family members but show aggression to strangers.

Training is the key in most cases.

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