What makes one dog breed get a reputation for being more dangerous than others? Should you be more cautious around specific breeds? And does a dog’s breed even matter, or is it always a case of bad training?
Let’s explore some of the world’s most dangerous dogs together. You’ll also learn about what makes us think of certain dog breeds as dangerous. Additionally, we’ll cover the role and history of dog training in building these reputations.
There are a number of reasons people tend to think of certain dog breeds as more dangerous than others. Not all reasons are valid in the same way: Some are hard statistics, others are personal experiences. But they all can play an important role in our understanding of these animals and our discussion about what might make some more dangerous than others.
Here are some of the reasons we tend to consider certain dogs to be the most dangerous dog breeds:
Let’s focus more on that last reason, as I believe it can have the most impact.
Whether it’s right or wrong for us to judge a dog breed based on our limited experiences and the stories we hear about them, it’s something most of us do on some level (myself included). So I’d like to share some personal stories and how they’ve affected me (or not affected me, though you might think it should have).
We saw this in your comments on the original list. For example, we had people saying Pit Bulls aren’t dangerous because their own experiences with the breed have been pleasant. Others shared experiences on the other side of the spectrum.
Personally, I come in somewhere in the middle. I’m not naive enough to think that breed alone makes all pit bulls dangerous or more vicious than other dogs. But I’m also not naive enough to ignore the evidence that this breed has a history of causing more frequent and more serious injuries than most, if not all, others.
Clearly the breed plays some role. Some breeds lean toward different temperaments, or have different loyalties. These might make them great with their own families but naturally suspicious of strangers or other animals or even small children, who have less self-restraint than adults.
Personal experience is also a factor, though. My brother has a small dog. He took the dog outside at his apartment building into the parking lot. Another neighbor was outside with their Pit Bull. It wasn’t on a leash (while this is a requirement, going unleashed isn’t terribly uncommon around here). By all measures the dog would have seemed like a normal, calm family pet.
Until it saw my brother’s dog.
It immediately charged at them and grabbed his dog by the throat. There was no provocation, no unusual noise, and they were across the lot — not close to the pit bull’s owner in any way. My brother was able to rescue his dog by lifting the Pit Bull and literally prying its mouth open (which, by the way, is a stupid thing to do — please don’t ever follow that example). The dog let go and his dog was okay after being treated for its injuries. The Pit Bull then latched onto my brother’s arm though. Again, he was okay after being treated, but the wound wasn’t insignificant. It could have been far worse.
That puts me in that middle ground territory I mentioned before. Personal experience with this breed is terrible. There was no warning sign that the owner trained this dog to attack or fight. In fact, the aggression caught its owner completely off-guard. It just snapped at the sight of a smaller dog. That kind of sudden reaction is far from unheard of with this breed.
But that said, I don’t fault an entire breed (in the case of Pit Bulls, actually three different breeds) for the actions of that single dog. The lack of predictability of some breeds would make them “more dangerous” in my view. But the same goes for poor training and bad behavior by an owner (like allowing any breed with known issues with children or other animals to run free without a leash).
This is far from the only example I could give. Saint Bernards are also sometimes cited as some of the most dangerous dogs. But they’re also known for being calm-tempered and being good with kids. It’s their fierce loyalty that can be an issue.
A family member had one years ago. That dog was a great dog for most of its life. It even helped to stop a burglar in the family’s building. But years later it lunged at another family member who the dog knew for its entire life. They came to visit, and out of the blue the dog lunged and went for her eye. She’s still terrified of the breed to this day (and understandably so after an experience like that).
We can’t explain the unprovoked attack. It might have been a breeding issue. The dog might have been having a bad day in some way. We just don’t know. I understand her fear of the breed. But it’s not one I hold myself as a result — perhaps because I didn’t see it first-hand.
I personally own a mixed breed dog — Border Collie mixed with a Lab. At this stage in her life, I would also consider her to be a dangerous dog, especially around children. She is in no way violent. She’s great with cats and other dogs.
She’s still at that point where she’s young, wants to play all the time, and she doesn’t realize her own size or strength. The hyper aspect is specific to breeds. Both Labs and Border Collies can be very high strung, especially in their first couple of years.
Neighbors and family members don’t want her playing with their tiny dogs, and I think that’s understandable. And I wouldn’t take her out to play with small children for fear that she’d accidentally hurt them by jumping up or knocking them over as she tries to play. Being dangerous isn’t always a case of being naturally vicious, and that’s why so much falls onto the owner. It’s our responsibility to make sure our dogs aren’t put into situations where they’re more likely to cause harm.
If you’ve had experiences that have shaped your own views of what makes for a dangerous dog breed, let us know in the comments. Tell us what happened and whether or not you think it’s a fair way to judge a larger group of dogs based on the action (or actions) you’ve seen first-hand, and why.
Now let’s get to our original list of some of the seemingly most dangerous dogs, based on breeds. Now that you know why certain breeds have earned their “most dangerous dogs” reputations, can you think of others that might also have a similar history? Tell us in the comments.
Every person that I know deeply cares about his or her pets. They are their best friends. They tenderly love each other. Sometimes they eat together, sleep together, and go for walks together.
I’m more of a cat person, but I can’t sit still when I see little puppies or big dogs with big soft fur. I want to hug them, play with them, and give them some of my love and tenderness too. I’ve also seen many adult dogs of different breeds worth praise and true admiration. They are clever, sociable, and funny when you want to play; calm and patient with kids.
And they’re something I can’t credit cats with: They are faithful.
Personally, I don’t know any dog that would bite without warning or just snap. It’s my firm belief that behavior of the dog doesn’t depend on its breed so much as it being the right training and the “master” that matter. In my opinion, humans are most often responsible for dangerous dogs. That said, there might be some truth in the idea that some breeds have more unstable temperaments than others. Knowing this, we should never provoke them.
Think for a minute and analyze your own life. Are we always polite? I can think of several situations when I would have gladly slapped a man in the face, but thank God I’m weak enough and I can control myself (at least I think that I can). Now think about animals. They have instincts too, and they may forget about good manners. It’s not as if they understand them in the same ways we do.
It’s also important for dog owners to protect both other people and their dogs from unexpected circumstances and thus the unpleasant situations. For example, when going outside, they could always use a dog-lead and a muzzle. They could be careful and not let the dog play on its own without a leash, especially when there are other people around. When you have a dog, you become forever responsible for the animal you’ve trained and tamed.
In any case, it’s good to know what breeds of dogs might be most dangerous, just to keep yourself safe. Sometimes the danger in a dog isn’t even a nasty personality, but a matter of them not knowing their own strength.
Even though I personally still find it hard to believe that breed alone determines whether a dog is “dangerous,” you never know what a dog’s owner has taught it. Reliable research into the most dangerous dogs included below comes from the American Veterinary Medical Association, the CDC, and the Humane Society of the United States.
We’ll start with least dangerous of the bunch. Sorry, but there won’t be any terrifying photos today.
Read Also: Ready for a Dog? What Breed?
Origin: Croatia, Middle Ages
Weight: 40-70 lbs
Height: 20-24 inches
Dalmatians are active and energetic dogs, and love to be outdoors. They are very playful and love running.
There’s still no definite info about what this breed was originally bred for. What is known is that it is the oldest spotted breed in Europe, Asia and Africa. They were serving as warriors, hunters, and shepherds long before finally becoming the symbol of the US fireman.
Origin: Germany, 1850s
Weight: 50-64 lbs
Height: 20-25 inches
The boxer is a very strong “square” dog. Boxers love to walk, but the owner should never forget the leash. It’s also better to refrain from aggressive games. Still, boxers recognize all members of the family and can play well with the children.
The boxer breed has its origins in feudal Germany and dates back to the line of bulldogs that existed in Europe in the 16th century. These ancestors lived for hunting wild boars and other big wild animals. The first puppy in the new breed received the name “Box”. Boxer’s qualities, such as their strength, were highly valued by farmers and shopkeepers.
Origin: Canary Islands, Africa, 18th century
Weight: 100-125 lbs
Height: 25-26 inches
The Presa Canario hails from the Canary Islands. Dogs of this breed had two jobs: Hunting – and war. During the 18th century, English traders and merchants came to the Canary Islands, bringing with them their working and gladiator dogs, notably the Mastiff of England and the bulldog. Englishmen also brought with them their traditions of pit fighting for which their breeds and the island dogs were inevitably mixed and eventually bred to produce the ultimate fighter. Nowadays the breed finds use in guarding, handling, and driving cattle.
The dogs of this breed can be gentle and noble with their families, showing great affection to their owners, but are highly suspicious of strangers.
Origin: Switzerland, Middle Ages
Weight: 110-180 lbs
Height: 24-29 inches
Saint Bernards are amazingly big and easygoing dogs, but due to their impressive size they can look a bit awkward. They are quiet and peaceful, love children, and are not inclined to active and rapid games. A Saint Bernard will need all of your attention, so if you spend days in the office, this dog is not for you. They are tremendously strong and, of course, they require a good bit of space.
Most likely, the ancestor of the Saint Bernard was the Alpine Mastiff, a pretty aggressive breed. The original Saint Bernards were working dogs and scouts. They were also much calmer than their Mastiff ancestors. For that reason, they make for excellent home companions today.
Origin: Germany, Middle Ages to 19th century
Weight: 90-120 lbs
Height: 27-32 inches
Great Danes are beautiful and majestic animals, with a gentle and loving nature. They love to play with children and participate in all family events and activities, especially in the outdoors. They are happy to go for a walk and don’t mind the company of other dogs. Despite their gigantic size, Great Danes can even feel quite at home in a city.
In the Middle Ages, these dogs earned their living in dog fighting and by hunting big mammals.
Origin: China, Antiquity
Weight: 40-65 lbs
Height: 18-22 inches
The chow chow is an independent dog often focused only on its own needs. Chow chows need constant physical activity and communication, even if they don’t seem to like being disturbed much.
The chow chow’s original purposes were hunting and helping shepherds.
Origin: Germany, 19th century
Weight: 65-90 lbs
Height: 26-28 inches
Doberman Pinschers (often just called Dobermans) are dogs whose traits emphasize protecting and defending instincts. It is important to avoid any type of aggressive play and struggle with these dogs. Instead, use the games to develop the Doberman’s intelligence. Even though they aren’t small dogs, Dobermans can adapt to life in a city and become a perfect companion for an experienced, physically active owner.
This breed has its roots in in Germany. The breeder Louis Doberman decided to combine the qualities of guard dogs and and the terrier. Luis was a policeman, and so saw the need for a dog that would devotedly defend its owner.
Origin: North America, Ancient times
Weight: 80-110 lbs
Height: 23-28 inches
The Malamute is a friendly dog, but it has rather an independent temper. It’s better to keep this dog in a village, far from the city. Sometimes violent and energetic, they constantly need to move or play.
Note that Malamutes are a working dog breed from a colder climate. So, if you don’t live in the deep north, make your Malamute a nice playground. That’s because they are always in need of physical activity.
The name of the breed comes from a local North American tribe. They used the Malamute to transport goods on a sleigh.
Origin: Siberia, Ancient times
Weight: 35-55 lbs
Height: 20-24 inches
Training a Husky is not that easy. For these reasons, breeder don’t recommend this dog for beginning owners. Initially, these dogs transported goods on a sleigh. Not afraid of cold weather, they’re very active and loving dogs. Huskies love to get together with other members of their breed and howl at the moon.
Origin: Germany, 19th century
Weight: 70-85 lbs
Height: 22-26 inches
German Shepherds are very beautiful dogs, distinguished from other breeds by their reliable and obedient temper. They are in need of constant and serious physical activity though, and they seem to prefer long walks and active games.
Originally (as obvious from the name), the dogs guarded grazing sheep. They are great home guards and often participate in programs for the disabled.
Origin: Germany, 1820s
Weight: 85-110 lbs
Height: 23-27 inches
Rottweilers are powerful dogs with strong jaws, primarily meant to protect. Their original breeders selected those traits especially for that purpose. They often don’t like strangers and other dogs — they are guards at heart, and the dog owner should always remember that.
Origin: US, 19th century
Weight: 30-55 lbs
Height: 18-22 inches
The Pit Bull is named after its original purpose: The questionable amusement of dog fighting in pits. Sad as it is, that bloody tradition has survived in places, and Pit Bulls still have to take their part in it.
Photos source: Flickr
Origin: Southern U.S., 17th century
Weight: 60-120 lbs
Height: 20-28 inches
The American Bulldog is descended from the now-extinct Old English Bulldog, which was bred for farm guarding, livestock herding and bringing down game, and blood sports such as bull-baiting.
Today’s American Bulldog arose from any such dogs brought to America by working-class immigrants, many of them former farmers. In the South, these dogs were an important line of defense against feral hogs.
By the time of World War II, the American Bulldog almost went extinct, but was saved through selective breeding.
These dogs are large, heavy, and have powerful jaws with a typical overbite. They were bred for aggression and protection instincts. While they are suspicious of strangers, they are also very loyal and family-friendly. However, they need lots of space and attention.
Origin: England, 19th century
Weight: 100-130 lbs
Height: 24-27 inches
Bred around 1860 by English gamekeepers, the Bullmastiff’s job was to guard game preserves. They caught poachers, holding them until they could be arrested. They emerged from a cross of the large but non-aggressive Mastiff with the aggressive but smaller, lighter Bulldog.
Starting in the 20th century, they became a distinctive breed.
Today, Bullmastiffs are typical watch and guard dogs. They are fiercely loyal and love their families, but they have an extremely strong territorial instinct, and can be stand-offish towards strangers. When they’re properly trained, Bullmastiffs are also frequently used as gentle therapy dogs.
They are easy to groom, doesn’t shed, but are very prone to drooling. Bullmastiffs generally don’t need too much attention or movement.
Note that this dog was bred to be very quiet, so it won’t audibly warn when it’s startled or otherwise in a bad temper. In combination with their strengths, this makes Bullmastiffs one of the potentially most dangerous dogs.
Note: This post was originally published on April 1, 2009. It has since been updated with a new introduction and further background on the history of dangerous dogs.
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First, why do you say in your article, 'Going outside always use a dog-lead and a muzzle,'?? If you've worked with your dog and bonded with it, you really shouldn't need a muzzle!!
Unfortunately, not enough people consider the historical function of many of the breeds when they purchase their pup. The fact is there are breeds who were bred for fighting or for being more aggressive (guard) than other breeds. Just fact-and through the years of breeding for these traits, the temperments of these breeds are more inclined toward the traits they've beed bred for. Doesn't mean they are 'natural born kilers' just means they have the potential to slip into the function the were bred for, when placed with an irresponsible owner.
excuse me.. but the South African Boerboel is the most fierce and strongest dog on earth. as said by poster #1
that is so not true.
it depends on how it's brought up. if any dog is aggressive, blame the owners that weren't responsible enough to properly train & raise the dog!
The research was performed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the CDC, and the Humane Society of the United States, it' not me personally who made the list of the most dangerous dogs, so sorry guys that's what the facts say. Believe me or not, but even my cat sometimes looks more dangerous than a pit bull :) thank you all for sharing!
Theres nothing about bull,terriers.I think there the most powerfull dog in the world and the friendliest dog in the world. I know because i own one and his 14,year old.,..
If your cat even looks more dangerous than a Pit Bull, why in the world would you create an article that would point to the Pit Bull as the most dangerous dog? Pit Bulls are not the only dogs used in ILLEGAL DOG FIGHTING. I don't agree with the rest of this list either. Have you ever owned any of these breeds of dogs? Do you personally agree with the list you have presented? Do some surfing on the internet, do your own research. Please stop contributing to giving the Pit Bull a bad name. Why don't you write about the hundreds of thousands of Pit Bulls that are abused, neglected, starved, beaten and they never bite a soul. They live in fear and die unloved. They just want human contact, not so they can bite, but so they can love. Far more dogs live and have earned the right to bite, but don't. Why don't you start writing about these dogs? There are far more of them, then those who responded to a bad situation with aggression.
if the research done is by american vets why have you titled the worlds most dangerous dogs . im sure america is only one country out of 196 .
i have a neopolitan mastiff n its a family dog
who ever wrote this article on pit bulls is WRONG! This is the reason pit bulls have a bad name because of articles like this...also, do your research. The pit bull was not called a pit bull until it came to the states in 1970! They were not bread for fighting solely! The breed is called american staffordshire terrier!! NOT PIT BULL!!!! They bread this dog for BULL BAITING..NOT PITT FIGHTING... BECAUSE OF THE DOGS SIZE AND FEARLESSNESS IT WAS FIERCE IN THE RING THAN ANY OTHER DOG....PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE YOU MAKE CLAIMS ABOUT PITT BULL.... YOU CLEARLY HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT THE BREED!!!! OR ITS ORGINS... I HAVE A REGISTERED AM STAFF...THIS DOG IS FEARLESS BY NATURE...IS THE MOST GENTLE ENERGETIC DOG AND IS GREAT AROUND CHILDREN.... http://WWW.YANAKKENNELS.COM
calm down noob
Perhaps you should do some research. The pitbull and the American Staffordshire terrier, while very similar, are two different breeds. The bulldog mix that originated in Europe was used for bull baiting, but when it came to the United States, the breed was used for fighting. When dog fighting became an illegal sport, the breed split into two types: a show breed and a fighting breed. The show breed is the American Staffordshire terrier, but the fighting breed became known as the pitbull. Today, the AKC will not register a pitbull, but will register an American Staffordshire terrier. If your dog is registered with the American Kennel Club, you don't have a pitbull. Your dog came from the line that was used for show purposes. Before you go off on someone, you need to check your facts.
You should do some research aswell the pitbull if you where to look it up by wikipedia woulds include four breeds in this area including the American staffordshire terrier. It was not breed for fighting but it was mainly used for fighting
you are the one that needs to do research! the American Bulldog was the most highly prized bull baiting dog! and if you think there is no difference you are wrong! the easiest way to tell is the size.you obviously have no clue what you are talking about!
WRONG! pits were NOT bred for dog fighting! they were bred to protect farmers while they worked with the bulls and cows. before you wirte something do your research! and how come doxies, cocker spaniels and other small dogs arent on there? those guys would bite you long before a pit, rottie, dobie or german shepherd
Niki I agree with you,chiuahua,s and smaller dogs are the ones that gowing to be the ones to try to attack you or even bigger dogs. Also articles like this are going to contribute one day to all dogs being put down. Then what domesticated animal is next.
yes they were trained to grab the end of the nose and to hold on untill the farmer was safe
Well, I've already mentioned that this article was written based on the research performed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the CDC, and the Humane Society of the United States, it's not my personal opinion. As for the history of the breeds, we've reviewed many articles and websites and published the most widely spread info. Of course, there are different opinions about origins of the breeds and there's a place for the different history as well. Also, I'd like to repeat myself, every dog can be dangerous and this article in no way means that all the pit bulls are fighters, or killers or will bite you to death. Here's the link to one of the researches made: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00047723.htm As you can see, that's the list of Dog-Bite-Related Fatalities in United States for 1995-1996 and pit bull is number one is this list. However, this doesn't mean that this is the "bad" dog, or any other dog from the list as well.
Does this list take into account the number of dogs of each breed that exist? If there are (im just using these nos as examples)a million pit bulls and a hundred st bernards then it stands to reason that there will be more bites by pitbulls. Perhaps these stats should be interpreted by percentage of each breed that has attacked rather than purely the number? Sounds to me that the list could merely represent the most popular and readily available breeds.
smart cookie, Anne!
hey I understand but by putting this article out on the internet you have better have actual stats reseached on your own and not through a vet
all the big animal associations say that they love animals but they always suspect that every pitt they see has been used for fighting. they always try to find any scratch or scab possible just so they can put it down.
All of your research comes from those agencies? Seriously because everything I have read that you comes from those agency is different from what I read. It's like getting a jail house letter with half of the context blackened out. You took bits and prices from multiple agencies information and sewed together a little article that makes you look like YOU know what you are talking about. Most of my research from those same agencies say that the boxer is more aggressive than a rot and pit. And I find my nieces boxer to be the sweetest thing but very restless; always wants to play and just do something. I recommend that you reference your resources in their entirety and not pick and choose the nuggets of information you have gathered , for the next time you decide to write an article on something you know absolutely nothing about.
Are you kidding me again?!?!!! You write an article in 2009 and use as your source of information stats from 13 years prior? That's ridiculous! That's like writing an article about the economy in 2012 and referencing the the cost of living in 1970. Get up-to-date information please. What has happened in the canine community nice 1996? I bet plenty has changed.
Actually, old english bulldogs were bred then with the boston terrier. What they were looking for in the 1800's was the bite of the bulldog and the agility and fearlessness in the terrier.. they were bread to bait bulls,bear...but when they changed the law... the common people started to turn the dogs on each other! The blue paul terrier also in the mix as well as the great dane! SO, they called them "pit dogs".
so, in 1970..ukc reconized pit bull as a breed.. akc would not..they do reconize however,
stafford shire terrier...american stafford shire terrie..not pit bull..the pit bull here in america is nothing more than in line breeding...in my opion they are not a breed!
you have this article that is 20 years old.. they should not be on your dangerous list.
Well, here's the other one, it has the data for 20 years period http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/images/dogbreeds-a.pdf Ican only hope that things changed since then
Anatasia you mention that you own cats. If someone had mentioned lets say the worlds dangerous cats you would probably jump to defend cats that are beeing thrown through the washer. When post articles like this where it seems to me that you are basically quoting the Humane Society and Veternarians. Why not go out try find people that actually own these type of dogs or breeds them for one and ask them what is there take on it. Oh my god so you did very little research. Anybody will tell you that Louis Dobbermann was not a policeman he was a tax collector. There are other areas in your article that you posted are not current. Why even post the article at all
sorry anastasia but how because its said by the us veternarian group whats the most dangerous dogs have you titled it the worlds most dangerous dogs ? america believe it or not is not the world
I Understand and i think it went out into left field a little.
your article means nothing to me!
reason: pit-bull type dogs.
no. in the same rticle they mention rotties straight away..not rottie types...
get my point! what is a pit bull type of dog????? what does it look like??
This is so not true. Pit bulls should not be on this list and niether should the Rottweiler. These are two of the most dosled dog you can ask for. If you think that a pit bull is mean you are so wrong. The smaller the dog the fast it will bit you. I once had a begal and that little bastrad would bit you in a new york minute. Where as I now own a pit bull and she is much more intellegent then the begal was. The pit bull is not mean you can make any dog into a fighter. It just depends if a dumbass raises them or not.
It's talking about how dangerous a dog is - if a small dog bit you what's the possibility of getting seriously injured versus a pit bull or rottie where it is much bigger and aggressive - I mean come on.....