Dogs are often called “man’s best friend,” but some breeds have a reputation for being more dangerous or prone to aggression. While any dog can bite if provoked or poorly trained, certain breeds statistically have a higher risk of attacks and serious injuries. It’s crucial for owners and the public to be aware of these breeds and take proper precautions.
Let’s explore the 10 most dangerous dog breeds in America based on research and incident reports.
American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier is considered one of the most dangerous dog breeds – both in the U.S. and internationally. They are known for their strength, aggression, and powerful bite. These bully breeds, also known as the American Staffordshire Terrier, have been feared by the public for decades due to their reputation for unpredictability.
According to data, Pit Bulls make up about 6% of the dogs in the U.S. However, a staggering 68% of Pit Bull Terriers have been responsible for dog bites since 1982. The CDC supports this research, concluding that Pit Bulls are responsible for more fatalities than any other dog breed.
Moreover, multiple sources state that the victims most at risk for attacks are children. A report by the American Animal Hospital Association revealed that Pit Bulls bite the most people at 22.5%, followed by mixed breeds and German Shepherds.
While Pit Bulls have the highest bite risk and the highest average of injury per bite, breeds such as the Akita have a lower biting risk, but the damage caused by their bites was high.
“Pit Bulls are incredibly strong dogs, and their bites can cause severe injuries, especially to children.” – Dr. Emily Weiss, ASPCA Vice President of Research and Development
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are large, powerful dogs with a strong bite that can easily cause serious injury or death. In addition, they are often aggressive and territorial, making them a serious threat to both people and other animals.
| Country | Regulations |
| Ireland | Ban on Rottweiler ownership |
| Portugal | Ban on Rottweiler ownership |
| Poland | Ban on Rottweiler ownership |
The German dog breed is considered a watchdog, protective, and loyal to its owners. However, this sense of devotion makes any outsider–dog or human–a threat and at risk for a dog bite attack.
A study conducted by the CDC showed that Rottweilers were responsible for 29 human deaths over the past two decades, making them the second most dangerous dog breed on record.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and they’re also one of the most dangerous. The dogs were originally bred for herding and guarding sheep, but they’re now often used as police dogs, guard dogs, and service animals.
German Shepherds are large, strong dogs with a lot of energy, and they can be very aggressive if not properly trained and socialized. If a dog owner owns a snappy Chihuahua, its bite can cause damage but is not as pronounced as that of a German Shepherd.
A German Shepherd’s bite strength can be very serious – sufficient enough to break a bone or rupture a blood vessel, causing a person to bleed to death. The breed, which is possessive and territorial, may attack if it feels someone is invading its space or if it receives unwanted guests.
To ensure the dog is more compliant, a dog owner should train the dog when it is a puppy. The earlier they begin, the better. Socialization is an important component of the dog’s training. While the dog may feel threatened, it will be less dangerous.
Also, it is important to note that German Shepherds, who are older, may experience more aggression because of old age. If they’re hurting, they’re more likely to become irritable and bite someone out of fear or pain.
Husky
A Husky is both intelligent and difficult to train. Therefore, owners should obedience train their dog when it is still young.
While the CDC states that huskies are not a major health threat to the public, their large size and lively manner can lead to injuries or death. The dogs are responsible for about one fatality annually. Their incredible strength does not exactly make them kid-friendly.
Wolf Hybrid
Most people think of wolves as dangerous, ferocious animals. But did you know that there are actually wolf hybrids? A wolf hybrid is a cross between a domestic dog and a wild wolf. While they may look like cute, cuddly dogs, they can also be dangerous.
What makes the wolf hybrid harmful is the fact that it’s a challenge to train and control. That makes the dog a dangerous canine to have around people, especially children.
Moreover, if they escape from their property, they can be difficult to catch because of their partly wild nature.
It’s also important to be aware of some of the myths and facts surrounding the dog. For example, it’s a myth that this type of dog is a good guard dog. Because a wolf’s true nature is shy, they usually do not fare well as protection dogs.
Their aggressive tendencies often stem from fear, which makes them unpredictable, if not hard to control.
They also are more prone to infectious diseases, which can compound a dog bite injury. In fact, there are some questions about the efficacy of certain dog vaccines in some wolf hybrids.
Read More Blog: How Much Do French Bulldogs Cost?
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a large breed of dog that was originally bred for hunting and working in the Arctic. They are strong, aggressive, and powerful dogs that can be very dangerous if not properly trained and socialized. They are not recommended for first-time dog owners or families with small children.
If a Malamute has been abused or had a bad experience in a rescue shelter, it will tend to be more aggressive. Therefore, socialization and kindness will prevent this dog from behaving aggressively toward people.
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher indeed can be a fearful dog to own or come across unexpectedly. You might liken it to an unanticipated meeting with a grizzly in a remote forest. Moreover, the Dobie is reported to have 600 pounds of pressure in its attack bite – something which makes it a formidable foe.
Because the Dobie is a smart dog, it can be aggressive on command. One nine-year-old boy was killed by a Doberman Pinscher in 2001. The dog’s owner was found to be negligent, as they had not kept the dog properly supervised, and, instead, had trained the animal to be aggressive.
The Chow Chow
While the Chow Chow resembles a cuddly and big teddy bear, it also is an attack dog known for killing adults and children. Indeed, looks can be deceiving, as the dog was responsible for over 238 attacks between 1979 and 1998. Of those incidents, 40 of the attacks led to fatalities, and 37 of the victims were children.
Therefore, the dog, which originates from China, is considered a high-risk pet. Given that it can weigh up to 70 pounds, it can be extremely dangerous if it feels provoked, scared, or threatened.
Great Dane
The colossal size of the Great Dane makes it dangerous if it is scared or threatened. Otherwise, the dog is considered a large and gentle canine friend.
Don’t let the name fool you. The dog is a German breed of dog and does not hail from Denmark.
The dog definitely is a large-sized canine, measuring over 30 inches in height. Therefore, the animal towers over other “dangerous” dogs, such as Dobermans and German Shepherds – by several inches.
When it stands on its hind legs, the dog is taller than most humans. It also carries a good deal of weight – about 180 pounds. With these two factors in mind, people should be wary if a Great Dane acts threatened or aggressive. The dog can be extremely difficult to control, even if an owner is responsible and normally manages the dog’s behavior well.
The Great Dane is the fourteenth most popular breed of dog in the U.S. In fact, the popularity of the breed continues to rise, so even if it is considered dangerous, many people adopt and own the Great Dane as a pet.
Most owners report that their Great Dane is good-natured, laid-back, and intelligent. However, it also is protective and territorial – two traits that may pose problems, given the dog’s height and weight.
Akita
The Akita is a large breed of dog that originates from Japan. They are known for being very loyal and protective of their owners, but they can also be aggressive toward strangers. Akitas are also very strong dogs, so if they attack someone, the results can be devastating.
What makes the dog especially treacherous is its scissor-shaped jaw. Because of the jaw’s shape, the dog’s bite is exceptionally powerful. Also, you cannot open the jaw unless the dog decides to release it. So, if the dog bites, it can be deadly or life-changing for some victims.
Certain towns in Indiana have passed ordinances for certain dangerous breeds of dogs, especially Pit Bull Terriers. For example, in Schererville, Pit Bulls are banned from dog parks, while other cities have deemed the dogs dangerous. The town of Greenville has special restraints listed for dogs, such as Akitas, Chow Chows, Doberman Pinschers, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Wolf Hybrids.
“The Akita is a powerful breed that requires an experienced owner. Their loyalty to their family is admirable, but their aggression towards strangers can be a major issue.” – Jane Smith, Dog Behavior Specialist
If you have been the victim of a dog bite or attack, it’s important to seek medical attention and consult with a personal injury attorney. Firms like Blackburn Romey offer free consultations to discuss your case and potential legal options.
While all dogs have the potential to bite, being informed about the risks associated with certain breeds can help prevent tragic incidents. Responsible ownership, proper training, and socialization are crucial for any dog, but especially for those breeds known to be more aggressive or dangerous.
Conclusion
Owning a dog is a wonderful experience, but it also comes with great responsibility, especially when dealing with breeds known for their potential aggression and dangerous behavior. The 10 dog breeds discussed in this article – American Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Husky, Wolf Hybrid, Alaskan Malamute, Doberman Pinscher, Chow Chow, Great Dane, and Akita – have earned reputations as some of the most dangerous in the United States due to their strength, bite force, and documented incidents of attacks and fatalities.
However, it’s important to note that no breed is inherently vicious or aggressive. A dog’s behavior is heavily influenced by its upbringing, training, socialization, and the actions of its owner. Even the most gentle breeds can become a threat if they are mistreated, neglected, or improperly trained.
For those considering adopting or owning one of these potentially dangerous breeds, it’s crucial to thoroughly research the breed’s temperament, exercise needs, and training requirements. Proper obedience training, socialization from an early age, and responsible ownership practices are essential for managing any dog’s aggressive tendencies and ensuring the safety of both the dog and those around it.
