With dog bites occurring about 4.5 million times yearly in the US alone, it pays to be cautious.
In fact, most recent studies found dogs to be the 2nd most dangerous nonvenomous animal in the U.S.
And dog bites can happen even in the comforts of your home!
In his 2019 paper about the demographics of Dog Bites in the United States, Dr. Randall Loder wrote, “More occurred in the summer and on weekends, and 80.2% occurred at home.”
However, the deadliest dog tag doesn't necessarily label a canine bad.
Rather, it means these dogs pose a bigger risk in case of aggression or improper handling due to their strong bite force, overall power, and size.
If you have small children, elderly relatives living in your home, or frequent visitors, choosing one of these deadliest dogs may not be the best option.
Important: All dogs on this list need experienced owners, socialization, and obedience training from a young age.
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Top 15 World's Deadliest Dogs
1 Cane Corso
A breed that has been used as a guard dog for centuries, the Cane Corso has an intimidating appearance.
If that alone doesn’t stop any house intruders, the Corsi breed's territorial instincts have been involved in many fatal dog mauling accidents.
In a positive light, the Cane Corso is easy to train, affectionate with family, and intelligent.
Although they are big dogs, and one of the more muscular ones, their short hair is also easy to maintain.
Healthy and tough, this breed does well in most climates.
While these dogs are energetic and sociable, Cane Corso pups can become destructive or aggressive if left alone too often or when bored.
Note: While mostly affectionate with their owner, they may not get along with kids and other animals.
So, be sure to supervise your kids and other pets at home at all times.
2 Dogo Argentino
Also known as the Argentinian Mastiff, the Dogo Argentino was created to hunt big animals like pumas and wild boars.
As one of the most dangerous dogs in the world, they have also been used as guard dogs for humans and property.
Loyal and brave, these pups make great companions to active singles.
They're also quick and agile, making them great for whatever you throw at them.
With a white coat and perfect proportions, this giant is undeniably beautiful and refined in appearance.
Dogo Argentino pups don’t usually get along well with kids or strangers like other dogs on this world's deadliest dog list.
They need plenty of human companionship to avoid becoming aggressive or destructive.
Watch that food! This breed packs on the pounds easily.
3 Rottweiler
From 2005 to 2016, there were 392 people in America who were killed by dogs, and 76% of these deaths were attributed to either a Pitbull or a Rottweiler.
As popular service dogs, when properly trained and socialized, they can make great pets, too.
Intelligent and loving, these dogs are easy to train.
They want nothing more than to please, so they are most stable when they have regular work to perform.
Moreover, Rotties are confident and energetic, but not overly exuberant.
Like other large dogs, training needs to begin immediately.
And due to their size, they can easily hurt someone without intending to do so.
Tip: Ensure you get your pup from a reputable breeder that doesn’t breed for aggressive qualities.
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4 Pitbull
Pitbulls are known to be one of the deadliest dogs in the United States.
Unfortunately, this breed became popular in dog fighting, and breeders bred in aggression and power whenever possible.
On top of that, brutal training is sometimes used to make them even more deadly.
Surprisingly, to some, these fur babies love human companionship.
They're loving and easy to train.
Playful and energetic, Pitbull dogs are great for active, outdoorsy people.
While they have short hair, they shed quite a bit.
They need daily exercise and companionship to keep from becoming aggressive or destructive.
Trivia: Pitbulls typically like to be the only dog in the family.
5 Perro de Presa Canario
Also known as the Canary Mastiff, this deadly pooch is a rare mastiff breed originating from the Canary Islands.
As cattle dogs, they protected farms from wild dogs and other predators.
These pooches are also used as traditional guard dogs.
Attentive and confident, these canines have the quiet mannerisms of anyone who knows they are top dogs.
Plus, dogs in this breed are independent and do great in active households.
Due to their strong will, Perro de Presa Canario dogs need a strong trainer.
Caution: Perro de Presa Canario dogs don’t do well with kids or other pets.
While great as guardians and sporting dogs, they will need proper training and socialization.
6 Neapolitan Mastiff
Called gentle giants by many, this is another Mastiff hound from Italy.
While most say they are great family pets, protective and gentle with children, they are still reserved with strangers.
That, combined with a dislike of other dogs, means they can still be deadly.
But Neapolitan Mastiffs are relatively calm.
They don’t bark excessively, won’t try to break out of their fence, and definitely won’t chew up all your shoes.
Trivia: Pups in this breed are great for calmer, older families.
The pooches in this breed are your stereotypical dog. They drool, snort, and fart.
With a strong will and average intelligence, they are harder to train than some other canines.
A strong, experienced master is needed here.
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7 Rhodesian Ridgeback
With a distinctive line (ridge) of hair on their spine and a chiseled, muscled body, these fur babies are definitely good-looking.
Also known as the African Lion Dog, these canines can be deadly to other animals and people.
Dogs in this breed are tough and healthy.
They can withstand many climates and conditions, making them great outdoor dogs.
Moreover, they adapt well to living in small spaces and shed very little, making them great indoor dogs.
The Ridgeback is a large, powerful, and independent breed, so it needs effective, experienced training.
They retain the prey drive and love to wander and roam.
For this reason, they need a strong fence and a strong handler.
8 Chow Chow
Regal to some and funny-looking to others, the Chow Chow is not a family pet despite looking like a fluffball.
Unlike some other dogs on this world's deadliest dog list, you would be hard-pressed to find anyone who disagrees.
This is one deadly animal, especially around the food bowl.
Trivia: Serious, aloof, and independent, Chow Chow's personality is more cat-like than dog-like.
That being said, these canines aren't very active or friendly.
They are basically just statement-piece dogs only for some.
Considering all these things, owning a Chow Chow requires the best trainers and the best methods in pack leader and socialization training.
9 Doberman Pinscher
These dogs grow to a large size but can still be incredibly graceful.
They might not be hulking, drooling monsters, but Doberman Pinschers are in the Mastiff class of canines.
Smooth and sleek, this breed is a head-turner.
But they're also known as one of the deadliest dogs in the world.
These intelligent, sensitive canines are easy to train, though.
These pooches are energetic, playful, and considered great with kids and other pets.
Dobes are alert and fearless, so they still make great guard dogs.
Tip: Ensure you get your Dobes from a reputable breeder that doesn’t breed for aggressive traits.
Eager to please, dogs in this breed need regular human companionship to avoid becoming aggressive and destructive.
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10 Bandog
As a breed of varied ancestry, Bandogs were originally created by breeding Mastiff breeds with Bulldog breeds.
They can have different looks and temperaments depending on their heritage, but make no mistake—they are among the deadliest dogs.
Many insurance companies, apartments, and cities have banned this breed.
However, this breed is still mainly bred to be guard dogs, and they excel.
And these dogs will lay down their life for their charges.
As primarily guard dogs, these canines can be very dangerous.
They need intense pack leader training.
Plus, they're wary and distrustful of strangers, so they need intense socialization training from birth.
11 Kuvasz
These beautiful dogs are large and lacking in social graces.
As traditional livestock guards, the Kuvasz breed can make many decisions and exhibit independent thought.
Breed owners debate Kuvasz's reputation as one of the world's deadliest dogs.
Active and intense, these canines love the outdoors.
Tough, healthy, and brave, these dogs are ready for whatever you can cook up, making them excellent guard dogs.
But the Kuvasz is not a hunting breed, so they have relatively no prey drive.
While highly intelligent, they are hard to train, wanting to go their own way instead.
As working dogs, this breed can spend days protecting and managing its livestock with no input from humans.
12 Caucasian Ovcharka
This Russian dog is a shepherd and is tough.
It can kill wolves and bears to keep its charges safe.
Even supporters of this breed call it brutal.
Yup, there is no question why this dog made it onto the list of deadliest dogs.
What's more, this breed was made to survive barren, wetlands, and bitter cold; so, it is one tough cookie.
Brave and loyal, this breed is a common police, rescue, and working dog in the areas of the former Soviet Union.
However, this breed is not a great dog if you have kids and other pets.
The Caucasian Ovcharka is a danger to other animals and humans who do not approach it properly.
13 Kangal
While the Kangal is a Mastiff dog, it's commonly known as the Turkish Shephard Dog.
These strong, powerful pooches protected livestock and people from bears, wolves, jackals, panthers, and other prey animals.
When it comes to activity levels, Kangal dogs are energetic and playful.
When trained and socialized properly, they also make great family dogs for active people.
While unsuitable for apartment life, these dogs are ready for outdoor life in a large, secure area.
Like other livestock guard dog breeds, the Kangal can be territorial, possessive, and defensive.
So, get your fur baby from a reputable breeder and use proper training methods to avoid aggressive acts.
14 Dalmatian
Some might be surprised to see this beloved breed on the world's deadliest dog breed list, but Dalmatians have been known to attack.
A traditional dog of war, these pooches have a long history of acting as guard dogs.
Although it may surprise you to see the Dalmatian on a list of the deadliest dogs, there is good reason to include them here.
These fur babies are hardworking and easy to train. They are great for service dogs, so you often see them in firefighting and police stations.
Energetic and enduring, they are great for active, sporty people.
While friendly and affectionate with their owners, these pups usually do not like kids, strangers, or other dogs.
These canines have the energy to spare. They need lots of exercise and room to roam.
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15 German Shepherd
Between 1979 and 1998, 17 German Shepherds were blamed for accidental deaths. Not including bites alone.
Although they are regularly used as service dogs, this breed has certain traits that make it one of the deadliest dogs.
Smart and attentive, these dogs are easy to train.
While they love to play and be active, they also appreciate the quiet time spent relaxing.
Note: Resilient and healthy, these dogs are great in all climates.
These fur babies love to chew.
They need puzzle boxes and chew toys to keep them busy and keep them from becoming destructive.
Pups in this breed feel like they are alone during their time.
Children should be taught never to chase or pull dogs that are trying to hide.
FAQs
What dog has killed the most humans?
According to a comprehensive 20-year CDC study, the Pit Bull was linked to the highest number of fatal dog attacks in the U.S. However, experts emphasize that breed alone doesn’t predict aggression—training, environment, and owner responsibility are critical factors.
RELATED: U.S. Statistics on Dog Bites (19 Breeds Compared)
What is the safest dog to own?
Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are widely regarded as some of the safest breeds due to their gentle temperament, low aggression, and strong bonding with families, including children.
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Which dog attacks its owner the most?
While rare, cases involving Chow Chows, Akitas, and Terriers (especially if untrained or unsocialized) have been reported more frequently in owner-directed aggression.
That said, any dog can become aggressive if abused, poorly trained, or provoked.
Which dog will not bite?
No dog can be guaranteed never to bite, but Basset Hounds, Newfoundlands, and Beagles are among breeds with the lowest bite incidents, especially when properly socialized and cared for.
What is the #1 strongest dog?
The Kangal Shepherd is often cited as the strongest dog breed, with a bite force of up to 743 PSI (pounds per square inch), the highest recorded of any domestic dog breed.
Originally from Turkey, they're known for protecting livestock from large predators.
RELATED: 20 Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force (Updated 2025)
World's Deadliest Dogs: Before You Go…
While getting a glimpse of the world's deadliest dogs can be knee-trembling, it's vital to know that canine aggression is an outcome of some factors.
Not to mention, the breeding, harsh training, and handling of some dogs to fight, hunt, and kill prey.
And we know that dogs have soft spots in them, too.
But you must consider things when adopting a dog, especially if you're a newbie or have small children at home.
You can consider going for gentler, friendlier dog breeds to ensure your family's safety.
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