The 20 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds

20. Labrador

The Labrador is often a sociable, laid-back, and affectionate dog. However, these canines can be extremely deadly if they are not properly educated and cared for. The Merritt Clifton Dog Bite Statistics show that 56 assaults that caused serious harm occurred between 1982 and 2014. 17 of those people were kids.

Additionally, one death was brought on by this breed during this time. A Labrador mauled a three-year-old boy in 2011, causing extremely serious facial injuries. It is the owner’s duty to ensure that their dog is loved, properly socialized, and cared for, just like with any other dog. A lethal attack can be avoided with the right treatment.

19. Cocker Spaniel

It is rather unexpected, but this dog does deserve on the list. At first glance and with proper training and care, he would make a wonderful and adoring family pet. But these dogs are incredibly sensitive. Poorly trained dogs therefore frequently attack. The Cocker Spaniel has been involved in over 59 deadly attacks over the past 25 years, according to a report by the JAVMA. In 2016, a group of stray dogs attacked an elderly man in Jacksonville, Florida; at least one of the dogs was later determined to be a Cocker Spaniel. The man did not survive.

18. Tosa Inu

Due to its reputation as a fighting breed, this kind of dog is extremely hazardous. It is a fairly rare breed as well. Several nations have outlawed this dog due to its high level of danger, including the UK, New Zealand, Denmark, Norway, Hong Kong, Australia, and many others. The increase in attacks on people, particularly youngsters, was what prompted the prohibition. There were thousands of attacks twenty years ago. According to the ASPCA, there has only been one attack by this breed in the past three years due to the ban on having one of these dogs and the fact that there are nearly no breeders left.

17. The Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is a huge, powerful breed of dog. He can reach a maximum weight of 130 pounds and a maximum height of 27 inches. These dogs can get violent if they aren’t properly trained and behaved. Poorly trained canines might develop a high level of unpredictability. A 13-year-old New Jersey child was gravely injured in a Bullmastiff assault in 2014 when he was attacked. Another boy was attacked as well, and he was badly hurt.

The Merritt Cliffton Dog Bite Statistics show that over a 15-year period, there were 111 incidents. 46 of those attacks involved children, and 63 of them were fatal. However, with the right training and care, these dogs may make wonderful family pets.

16. Malamute

The Malamute and the Husky are frequently confused. These dogs are enormous and can reach 85 pounds in weight. These dogs are good labor dogs because they have a tendency to be passive. The Malamute is renowned for hauling sleds in bitter weather, much like the Husky. They are not the ideal pet to have near small children because of their size. The JAVMA investigation found that over a 20-year period, this breed was responsible for 12 fatal assaults.

The family’s Malamute killed a woman’s six-month-old kid in February 2014 in the UK. On the other hand, a guy in Cornwall, UK, was attacked by a “pit bull-like” dog while out walking his Malamute. However, his dog was able to defend him.

15. The Saint Bernard

If you’ve ever watched a Beethoven film, you likely envision a Saint Bernard as a loving, smart, and caring family pet. Actually, this is accurate. This dog breed originated in the Italian and Swiss Alps and has gained notoriety for saving hikers who got lost in the snowy mountains. These dogs can be amiable and devoted, but they can also be fiercely possessive. Saint Bernards need to be socialized with people and other animals from an early age if you don’t want them to mature into aggressive and territorial dogs.

This breed can make a wonderful dog if properly taught. Due of his size and ferocity, if he’s not, he might be harmful. This breed typically weighs between 140 and 260 pounds. The biggest one can weigh more than 310 pounds. Given his size and aggression, this dog might cause a lot of harm if he were taught to be violent. Only 7 people died as a result of a St. Bernard attack throughout the 20-year period, according to the JAVMA study.

Attacks probably occur more frequently, and many of them go undetected. In July 2016, a Saint Bernard on a leash started attacking a Canadian woman who was crossing the street in front of a bus stop. The woman claims that the attack was unprovoked and that she lost a lot of blood as a result. Her kneecap was fractured, and she required 40 stitches. The Saint Bernard’s size and power prevented the owner from easily removing the dog from the victim, regardless of the type of home life the dog may have had.

14. The American Bull Dog

The American Bulldog has a stocky body and is extremely muscular. He can weigh anything from 60 to 120 pounds, which gives him a powerful physique. He was originally bred to assist his master in catching and holding cattle and wild boars while working on a farm. He would also protect his master’s land and eliminate any pests that sought to take over the farm. He now functions more as a family dog.

Like any dog, he will be nice with the right training. He is a highly self-assured dog, which occasionally makes him stubborn. He occasionally exhibits an extremely emotional nature. He can be a loving and pleasant companion as long as you can train him to break out of this pattern at a young age. In 2016, an American Bull Dog mauled a 3-year-old boy from Halstead, Essex. The owner was arrested for allowing the dog to become dangerously out of control after the boy did not survive.

On the other hand, an American Bull Dog saved a woman and a sleeping baby in May 2012 when a burglar broke into the house. In 2015, a brave American Bull Dog prevented a killer from completing his work before the cops came, saving an entire family.

13. The Great Dane

The Great Dane is a very big canine. With a height of 44 inches, he actually owns the title of world’s tallest dog. He was first developed to hunt deer and wild boar. This dog’s ability to hunt has evolved into a hereditary feature over time. A well-trained Great Dane may make a wonderful family pet. These dogs normally adore kids, and many of them will let little ones ride on their backs like horses.

However, due to their enormous size, these dogs can be quite deadly if they are not properly trained. You could find yourself in a very frightening scenario if the dog becomes violent and he has his height and his weight of up to 120 pounds behind him. These dogs would be fantastic family pets if they had the love, care, and training they require. The JAVMA investigation found that there were a total of 7 fatalities involving Great Danes between the years of 1978 and 1998.

12. Akita

The Akita originally came from the mountains of Japan. He is a very strong, dominant, and independent breed. When properly trained, these dogs can be very affectionate and well behaved. They can, however, be very territorial and awkward around strangers. He is a very muscular dog and he can weigh up to 100 pounds. Considering his size and his territorial behavior, he can be very dangerous if he is not properly trained and cared for.

According to the Clifton Study, a study revolving around dog bite incidents, between 1978 and 2008, there were 70 Akita that caused bodily harm, and 44 of them were children. During this period, there were 8 Akita fatalities and 52 people were maimed for life. In 2015, a woman was attacked by an Akita. She went to check on the Akita’s puppies, when she was mauled. She needed 8 surgeries to repair the damage.

In June 2014, an Akita who was properly trained saved his 5 year old owner from a bear attack. These stories just go to show that these dogs can be dangerous and they can also be heroes.

11. Boxer

Typically, the Boxer is not hostile. He is normally a very intelligent, playful, and active dog. He is also incredibly arrogant. Due to the fact that his breed has been involved in 48 assaults between 1982 and 2012, these dogs are regarded as dangerous. The Clifton Study found that 7 of the 19 children who were attacked and killed were children. He can weigh up to 70 pounds and is extremely muscular.

This includes a little child who suffered significant injuries after being assaulted by the family’s 50-pound boxer. Some folks thought the dog in question wasn’t properly trained. These dogs can be courageous if properly trained and cared for.

A house in Goshen Township caught fire. The family’s boxer put his own life in danger to save the owner from the fire. He did heal from his wounds, but he had to struggle to survive. Under the right circumstances, these dogs can be amiable, devoted, and courageous.

10. Wolf Hybrid

The Wolf Hybrid is actually a cross between a dog and a wolf. Because of the genetic nature of a wolf, these dogs can be very unpredictable. Some of these dogs get more traits of a dog, while other get more traits from the wolf. Some of these dogs can be very non-aggressive and docile. Unfortunately, a higher percentage of these dogs are likely to be dangerous and to attack humans and small animals.

The JAVMA study listed 14 fatalities and 364 attacks. The actual number of attacks may not be accurate, as some dog bite incidents are not reported. In May 2013, a neighborhood Wolf Hybrid turned on a 5 year old boy, causing serious injury. In 2009, a Wold Hybrid took a sleeping baby from his crib and the baby died. Many people blamed the dog, considering that he is part wolf. Others blamed the owners for not properly training their dog.

This is the only dog on this list who can become aggressive and dangerous, even under the best conditions, only because he has the genetic makeup of a wild animal. While they have a bad reputation, there are some Wolf Hybrids who have been heroes. In January 2014, a couple who owned a Wolf Hybrid sanctuary were stuck outdoors in a storm and their Wolf Hybrid came to their rescue. It took her two hours, but she dug a tunnel that was 20 feet long so the couple could get back to their home. With these dogs, you just never know.

9. Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is known to be a very distant and independent breed. He originally came from China, and he can weigh up to 70 pounds. This dog has a very poor reputation and is considered to be a high risk pet. This is because between 1979 and 1998, there have been over 238 Chow Chow attacks. Of those attacks, 37 of the victims were children and 40 of them were fatal. They are often very protective of their owners, but if they don’t have the right training and if they don’t live in the right environment, they can be dangerous.

Many states consider this breed, “unacceptable”, and they require that the owners carry a special insurance to cover any damage that these dogs can cause. If they are not able to get the exercise that they need and they cannot be physically active due to lack of space, they can become very aggressive and dangerous. There are Chow Chows who have risked their lives and proven that these dogs aren’t all bad. Chow Chow, Jared, proves this point.

He was hiking with his family when a Black Bear attacked. He saved his sister and his human parents from the bear. As the bear went to swipe Jared’s owner, he jumped on the bear’s back until the bear started to run. The dog chased the bear away, saving his entire family.

8. Doberman Pinschers

If you have seen any movies about the mob or really rich, really mean people, you have seen a Doberman Pinscher. These dogs are often the guard dogs in the movie, who are willing to attack intruders on command. In the real world, these dogs are famous for being highly intelligent, extremely loyal, and very alert. This is what makes him such a good guard dog. He can weight up to 70 pounds, and he is known to become aggressive with strangers and other dogs.

They are very rarely aggressive to their owners. While their intelligence, size, and strength make these dogs unique, it is also what makes them dangerous. According to the JAVMA study, these dogs were responsible for 9 fatalities, however, they were all in defense of their owners. In March 2014, an Oregon man was walking in his yard when he was attacked by his neighbor’s Doberman Pinscher. He shot and killed the dog.

On the other end of the spectrum, in October 2013, a Doberman Pinscher saved the life of a toddler after a venomous snake was ready to approached her in the garden. The dog picked up the toddler and got her out of harm’s way just in time. Proper training can make the Doberman a friendly, happy, loyal dog.

7. The Husky

The Husky can dangerous to humans, however, they can be especially dangerous to smaller animals. They are very strong dogs, and are bred for pulling sleds through the snow. They have a very strong predator instinct, which can make them dangerous at times. According to the National Association of Dog Bite Statistics, over the past 15 years, the Husky was responsible for 15 fatal deaths. With proper training however, you could safely bring a smaller animal into the home.

These dogs aren’t only dangerous to living things, they can be very destructive in your home. If the husky gets bored while you are away, you could come home to chewed up furniture and a huge mess.

6. The Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a very massive dog. They can weigh up to 130 pounds and most are pure muscle. This dog is considered to be very dangerous, because he has a genetic predisposition to guard and herd. Not all of these dogs are savage beasts. As with many breeds, these dogs have a bad reputation due to abuse, neglect, lack of socialization, lack of training, and being cared for by irresponsible owners. According to the Merritt Clifton Dog Bite Statistics, the Rottweiler was responsible for 535 dog attacks between 1982 and 2014.

Of those attacks, 297 of the victims were children, an 85 of the attacks were fatal. In 2015, a man in Jackson Madison County, Tennessee adopted a Rottweiler and three hours later, the dog attacked and killed him. Some people believe that it was the way that he was treated before he was adopted that caused the attack. In 2001, a woman in Rhode Island was fighting with her ex-boyfriend when her neighbor opened her door to see what was going on.

When the dog heard the screaming, the dog latched onto the woman’s rear end and the two tumbled down the stairs. The dog’s owner had to pry its teeth off of the woman to help her escape. In 2015, a woman named Kasha Weston was five months pregnant when a group of men with knives barged into her home. Her Rottweiler came to her rescue and attacked them men. Three of the men made it out of the home, and the fourth was held down by the dog until the police arrived. This goes to show you that even though these dogs can be dangerous, some can be very heroic.

5. German Shepherd

Most of these dogs are friendly. They are smart, vigilant, alert, and fearless. Because of these excellent qualities, these dogs are often used in police K-9 units. While these dogs make great family pets, they need to be properly socialized and trained from an early age. They can become very protective of their owners, their family, and their home. Because of this, they can be dangerous. If a friendly stranger comes into the home, a German Shepherd who has not been properly trained can attack.

This can make them dangerous. If a stranger comes into the home who is planning to do harm, these dogs are also attack. Overall, these dogs can be dangerous is they are not properly trained. According to the JAVWA study, the German Shepherd was responsible fatalities. Most of these deaths occurred when the dog was trying to protect a member of his family. They can weigh up to 100 pounds, which gives them a great deal of power behind the attack.

4. Caucasian Ovcharka

This dog, also known as the Caucasian Shepherd, was bred to protect livestock. They are very strong-willed, assertive, and courageous. These can be excellent qualities in a dog that has been trained properly. If not, these dogs can be extremely ferocious and impossible to manage. They have an uncontrollable urge to defend their home and the people in it. If someone who the dog does not know comes into the home, he can be threatened.

He is such a large, powerful dog, it can be difficult for an owner to stop the dog once he has begun his attack. The Caucasian Shepherd’s protective instincts have been known to save lives as well. He can weigh up to 110 pounds and he will uses this weight to save the lives of the ones that he loves. According to data released by Animals 24-7, this dog is was responsible for 24 fatalities between 2004 and 2014. None of the people killed in the fatal attacks were children. As long as this dog is properly cared for and trained, he can be a protective, loyal, family dog.

3. The Bull Terrier

The most distinctive feature of the Bull Terrier is his large, egg shaped head. He is also known for his incredibly muscular body. These dogs have gotten a bad rap in the past, due to being mistreated, abused, and trained to attack. These dogs are not technically dangerous towards humans, however, they can be dangerous to smaller dogs and animals. This is because they have a strong urge to hunt their prey.

If they cannot overcome this urge, they can become aggressive to these smaller animals and can cause serious injury when they attack. This breed can weight up to 65 pounds and he is quick and tough. If he is properly trained, loved, and cared for, he can be a great family pet, even in homes with small animals.

2. Gull Dong

The Gull Dong is a cross between a Bully Kutta and a Gull Tarrier. These dogs are known to be incredibly strong and very powerful. They were originally bred as fighting dogs, and they are known to be very difficult to control and very aggressive. If you want to own one of these dogs, you would need to get him professional training from a very young age. He can weigh up to 140 pounds and this is a lot of weight to put behind and attack.

According to the National Dog Bite Statistics, there have been 68 reported dog attacks between 2005 and 2011. Of these attacks, 8 were fatal. If these dogs are trained and socialized early on, he can be a very loving, loyal, and fiercely protective dog. While these dogs are know for their aggression and their desire to attack, they are also known as being protective, and saving the lives of the people that they love.

1. Pit Bull

The Pit Bull is considered to be the most dangerous dog in America. According to dogsbite.org, between 2005 and 2014, 203 Americans were killed by a Pit Bull ad 305 people were seriously injured after a mauling. These dogs were originally bred to baiting bulls and protecting hunters from bear. These dogs are incredibly muscular. Most Pit Bulls don’t have an ounce of fat on them. They are pure muscle.

These dogs are actually very cute, however, many Pit Bull owners make alterations to the dog to give him a mean and fierce look. This is part of the reason that people are so afraid of these dogs. The other reason is the way that the dogs are treated. There are many unethical criminals out there who train these dogs to fight each other for profit. To train them, they starve them, beat them, and torture them.

It is one of the cruelest crimes imaginable. According to the ASPCA, between 2003 and 2008, there were over 1,000 dogfighting arrests in the United States. NFL player, Michael Vick was arrested and sent to prison for his role in a dog fighting ring. Drug dealers abuse these dogs to train them to protect their drugs, guns, and money with their lives. For all of these reasons, Pit Bulls have a bad reputation that they don’t always deserve.

These dogs have been known to attack, however, they have also been known to save lives. In August 2016, a Georgia woman was attacked by a man with a knife. A stray Pit Bull was nearby, and he lunged at the man, scaring him away, but he was stabbed five times first. This dog saved the life of a woman that he didn’t even know. The dog fully recovered, and the woman ended up adopting him.

Some dogs are considered dangerous due to their size, while others are considered dangerous due to their genetics. Some have reputations of being dangerous based on the way that they were raised and the way that they were treated. With love, proper guidance, and proper training, most dogs can be good, friendly, and loyal dogs.