Table of Contents
- Quick Look at the 20 Dangerous Dogs on this List
- 20 Most Dangerous Dogs Known for Aggression
- 1. American Pit Bull Terrier
- 2. Dogo Argentino
- 3. Akita
- 4. Perro de Presa Canario
- 5. Gull Dong
- 6. Doberman Pinscher
- 7. Rottweiler
- 8. German Shepherd
- 9. Chow Chow
- 10. Tosa Inu
- 11. Cane Corso
- 12. Wolfdog (Wolf-Dog Hybrid)
- 13. Rhodesian Ridgeback
- 14. Boerboel
- 15. Czechoslovakian Vlcak
- 16. Alaskan Malamute
- 17. Boxer
- 18. Siberian Husky
- 19. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- 20. Saint Bernard
As descendants of wolves, dogs are still left with a genetic trail where some can be more dangerous than others in specific situations.
Dogs are animals; they can be unpredictable and show signs of aggression when pushed to their limits.
Aggression in dogs is one of the most commonly studied subjects in the canine scientific literature.
It mostly comes down to their lineage, genetics, and what some breeds were originally bred for.
For some, their aggression results from what humans have done to them over the years.
Fortunately, with isolated exceptions, nearly every dog can be trained and socialized to be less aggressive and dangerous to the public.
Ultimately, it is up to the handler to take care of the dog's needs— including the time and effort needed to train these “most dangerous” dogs.
Quick Look at the 20 Dangerous Dogs on this List
*Click to jump to each section
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20 Most Dangerous Dogs Known for Aggression
1. American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier (a close cousin of the American Staffordshire) has been on the doggy radar for the last decade as one of the most dangerous dogs in the world.
This study, featured on the DogsBite.org website, reported that “the probability of a bite resulting in a complex wound was 4.4 times higher for pit bulls compared with the other top-biting breeds,” and yet, they had “the lowest rate of rabies vaccination.”
This breed has been used in dogfighting for a very long time.
Strong and muscular with a powerful jaw bite power that can crack bones, it’s understandable why this breed remains one of the perceived most aggressive and dangerous breeds.
Nowadays, not many people adopt American Pit Bull Terriers, even though they make amazing family pets and are great with kids when raised and trained well.
There was even a myth that American Pit Bulls were once nanny dogs and would look after the kids when the parents went out. However, this myth has since been debunked.
Regardless, not all scary stories about them are true. In fact, their patience outweighs their dangerous nature.
However, an experienced handler and a professional trainer are critical when owning one of these dogs.
RELATED: Ban on American XL Bully Breed Being Considered in UK
2. Dogo Argentino
Dogo Argentino, also known as the Argentinean Mastiff, is not a widely known breed and certainly not a dog you hear of often.
These dogs are white and very large. They have almost no markings on their bodies; any marking would consider them flawed.
Dogo Argentinos were bred to hunt big game and be loyal guard dogs. They are often considered among the best hunting dogs for particular hunts.
Although the Dogo Argentino is considered dangerous, it is good for children if they are socialized from a young age.
Some experts say that Dogo Argentino dogs bred out most of their aggressive traits.
Even though this is the case, Dogo Argentino dogs (along with a few other breeds) are banned in Australia, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and Singapore.
Owning this breed or a Pit Bull in the UK is illegal unless the authorities have been notified.
3. Akita
Independent and powerful, the Akita breed isn’t a dog for a first-time owner.
This dog breed has a dominant personality, which means it might be aggressive toward someone new to owning a dog.
The Akita is aloof to strangers and doesn’t care much for anyone outside their family.
If not trained properly, Akita dogs can become aggressive and territorial. As this story explains, they have bitten people because of these traits.
Akitas are not very tolerant of other dogs of the same sex as they are.
Another time to practice caution with Akitas is when it comes to their dog food.
They will react aggressively when bothered while eating, and this resource-guarding behavioral issue needs to be addressed when the dog is still a puppy.
Akitas make wonderful pets with proper dog training; don’t leave them unattended with other small animals.
This breed has an affinity for children, especially if they’ve grown up in a household with kids present.
4. Perro de Presa Canario
Perro de Presa Canario, a Mastiff dog breed derived from the Canary Islands, was bred to be a guard dog.
The Perro de Presa Canario is a mighty, large dog that loves swimming. They are intelligent, calm, and self-confident.
However, they are also often considered among the most dangerous dogs for several reasons.
This breed is not for the inexperienced owner; anyone looking to adopt this dog should do lots of research.
They are extremely suspicious of strangers and need very early training and socialization.
RELATED: The Puppy Socialization Checklist
But even with early training and social activities, these aggressive dogs remain on guard, which could lead to trouble.
The Perro de Presa Canario is highly energetic, has a strong prey drive, and is extremely territorial.
They need a job; without proper exercise and stimulation, they may become destructive.
5. Gull Dong
The Gull Dong originates from Pakistan, one of the rarest dog breeds. We don't see many Gull Dong dogs in the west.
This beautiful but ‘dangerous' dog can be wary and suspicious of strangers, which can lead to aggressive behavior.
They tend to have a grumpy nature and are not generally suited as family pets.
If you are considering adopting one of these dogs, you must have experience in caring for large dogs. Gull Dongs have been known to turn on their owners.
They're also not suited for living in apartments and homes with small yards. These dogs thrive when residing on farms and working.
6. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher was primarily bred to be intimidating.
They are known as one of the most aggressive dogs, but only because they’re known to protect their owners.
That does not mean they are violent, but it does mean that a professional dog trainer is best used to train this breed.
Normally, anything that would seem like a threat to their handler will immediately be met with ferocious tenacity by a Doberman Pinscher. Their main focus is always aggression.
This breed is commonly used as a guard dog or for self-defense. They also rank pretty high on the dog bite statistics alongside Pit Bulls and Rottweilers.
RELATED: Doberman Dog Sniffs Out Organ Donor To Save Owner's Life
7. Rottweiler
Speaking of Rottweilers, this passive yet attentive large dog has long been considered one of the most dangerous and most aggressive dogs.
It is one of those breeds that many people fear because of the news that follows them, and the statistics have shown this to be partially true.
However, when raised from puppies and trained well, Rottweilers (or Rotties) can be wonderful pets and great guard dogs. Socialization is a must for them as puppies.
The Rottweiler is a very relaxed dog in general until it comes to their home and family is in danger, or what they may perceive as danger.
Because of its large stature and strength, this dog breed is not one people tend to mess with.
8. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is hands down one of the favorite breeds for most people despite their reputation as one of the most dangerous dogs in the world.
This working breed has earned its name as the best police dog breed but can become aggressive and dangerous when it is not doing anything constructive to let out all that energy.
They were always bred to be doing something, even if it’s a long run or hike.
The German Shepherd (or GSD) cannot be left home all day with nothing to do; they need constant exercise.
Otherwise, you’ll come home to a bored dog who will most likely knock you over and leave your house in shambles.
The German Shepherd isn’t good for first-time dog owners either, and it should be trained with understanding and respect.
GSDs are very loyal without fault and will protect their home and family from death.
RELATED: 10 Useful German Shepherd Training Tips
9. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is one of the most dangerous dog breeds in the world. It has been known to turn on its owners simply because it gets bored.
Although chow chows are usually considered a very lazy dog breed, they still require some exercise to expend their energy.
They don’t like strangers and can be irritable when not given an outlet.
This breed needs an owner with a strong personality who will not allow the dog to walk all over them.
As with most of the dangerous dogs on this list, the Chow Chow must be properly trained and socialized at a young age to avoid aggression issues.
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10. Tosa Inu
Another rare breed, the Tosa Inu, was bred in Japan primarily as a fighting dog.
They are banned in some countries, like Dublin and Hong Kong.
To this day, Tosa Inus (or just Tosa) are still used in dogfighting in many parts of the world.
This dog breed is known to bite their own owners, and it doesn’t help that they have mighty jaws.
As you have probably already guessed, the Tosa Inu is not a family pet and will not do well with children.
It will take many years to breed out all the bad traits that have led it to be the breed it is today.
11. Cane Corso
Cane Corsos were originally bred to be a hunting companion for avid hunters. Because of their strength, Cane Corso was great at catching mountain lions and boars.
This breed is among the most dangerous dogs because it has a high prey drive.
It would suit someone familiar with the breed who understands how to train and keep it.
Nowadays, they're also becoming more popular as good police dogs.
The Cane Corso is not a good dog to own when you have kids in the family due to their unruly and rambunctious nature.
They've never been known to be great with kids. They need training from a very young age and must be socialized from puppyhood.
12. Wolfdog (Wolf-Dog Hybrid)
Any dog with a wolf in its name will bring challenges and assumptions about that breed.
There are several wolf-like dog breeds, but one, in particular, is called Wolfdog.
It has a high prey drive and must, therefore, be exercised daily to prevent it from getting bored, becoming aggressive, and attacking other animals.
Because of its large size, this breed can knock over children and even small adults when in a bad mood.
Due to their breeding history, this is one of the most dangerous dog breeds and not a dog for a first-time owner.
The Wolfdog hybrid will thrive with someone who understands and caters to their needs.
Any owner who owns these potentially dangerous dogs should have a strong personality and not allow the dog to do whatever he wants.
There’s still a lot of wild in this breed, so make sure to do your research before venturing out and adopting one.
13. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgeback is also known as African Lion Hounds.
These dogs did what their name entails. They hunted lions and kept farms and their stock safe from predators, for which they were originally bred.
Today, Rhodesian Ridgeback is much more family-friendly, and you can see them in many households.
However, they are still considered among the most dangerous dogs due to their aggressive nature and a strong sense of prey drive.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large dog built for strength and speed. They are very cautious with strangers and will protect their families to no avail.
14. Boerboel
Boerboels, another rare dog breed, are huge and dangerous dogs. Their heads can sometimes be twice the size of ours.
In fact, this dog breed was bred to keep lions and hyenas from picking up their owners' sheep and cattle, which should tell you something about their strength and fierceness.
The Boerboel tends to be a very passive dog in general, but once settled in with their family, they don’t take kindly to anyone they don’t know entering their property.
This is another dog that needs a strong handler due to its size and somewhat strange attitude.
It's best to keep them away from children and other animals unless they were raised alongside them as puppies.
15. Czechoslovakian Vlcak
Czechoslovakian Vlcak breed is another wolf and dog hybrid.
Specifically, it's a mix between the German Shepherd and Carpathian Wolf and very much looks like the Wolf part of its breeding.
The Czechoslovakian Vlcak is a courageous dog with a strong prey drive. These brilliant, inquisitive animals can run for miles without tiring.
They are very loyal to their families. However, they need supervision when interacting with the kids.
They can be suspicious and very aloof toward strangers, making them one of the most dangerous dog breeds.
This is an independent and dominant breed, so it’s definitely not for a first-time owner.
They can’t be left alone for long periods of time, or they will howl for their family. This can lead to problems with neighbors.
As with any other dog, this breed needs lots of stimulation and exercise; otherwise, you will have a huge problem.
16. Alaskan Malamute
A close cousin to Huskies, the Alaskan Malamute is not only another beautiful dog breed, but it's also one of the most dangerous dogs we have today.
This breed is a large dog with a personality to match.
They are resourceful and intelligent, with a very high prey drive, which means caution is needed when smaller animals are around.
The Alaskan Malamute is an unreliable watchdog and very difficult for most people to train.
Training and socialization of an Alaskan Malamute are essential from a young age because this breed can be very aggressive towards other dogs.
It's best to avoid adopting this dog as an adult unless you really know what you're doing.
17. Boxer
Many people don't consider the Boxer one of the most dangerous dogs. However, it's only very partially true.
Normally, Boxers are a playful and high-energy breed with a powerful bite and a powerful jaw.
They can be distrustful towards strangers due to their instinctive guardian-like persona when it concerns their family.
The Boxer is amazing with children and widely considered a family pet.
Surprising for a dog that makes the list of one of the most dangerous dog breeds, I know.
But they're so fiercely loyal that they are really only a danger to other animals and people who aren't in their family.
Boxers tend to be headstrong and need consistent training from puppyhood. As a working breed, they also need lots of stimulation and exercise.
Positive reinforcement is the best way to train any Boxer.
This breed can be standoffish towards larger breed dogs of the same sex but really enjoys the company of smaller dogs.
18. Siberian Husky
One of the oldest known breeds to man, the Husky very closely resembles the wolf.
These dogs were bred to pull sleds and work; it may be surprising to some to know that it's also considered one of the most dangerous dog breeds.
Huskies have very high energy and need an owner who will put all that energy to good use.
The Siberian Husky tends to be wild and somewhat skittish, so early dog training methods and puppy socialization are necessary.
It is extremely important to get your Husky puppy used to different situations, people, and other animals (such as tiny breeds or cats).
The Husky has a high prey drive, so it won’t be wise to leave them alone with other small animals in general.
Because they can be skittish, unfamiliar places and sudden movements might cause this dog to get into the protective mode and bite.
19. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The British cousin to our American mentioned above, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, also affectionately known as the Staffy, has a reputation that doesn’t seem to fit the bill.
Fearless, loyal, energetic, and strong-willed, this dog needs stimulation, training, or early socialization to stay out of trouble. Nevertheless, it's still one of the breeds to watch out for.
The only thing that makes this one of the most dangerous dogs is that it doesn’t like other dogs very much, but they are good with kids.
Either way, this is something that you can work on from puppyhood, and with proper training methods, you can easily solve it.
20. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard is last on the list, but surely it will be surprising for anyone who has seen “Beethoven” movies.
Unfortunately, these large dogs are not easy to train due to their passive temperaments. This eventually put them on the list of the most dangerous dogs in the world (although nowhere near the top).
Shy Saint Bernards who end up in situations that spook them can lead to dangerous outbursts and aggressive behavior towards everybody around.
Their size and strength are what hit another mark.
They aren’t easy to train and tend to be headstrong when doing what they’re told.
This seems to be a bigger problem with males because of their dominant personalities.
Socialization and training are crucial when adopting this breed, but they make amazing companions when given the right tools.
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