Certain dog breeds retain their aggression due to centuries of breeding for hunting or combat purposes. Numerous aggressive dogs can be affectionate with their families but require early training and socialization to be welcoming to guests. Approximately 4 million individuals suffer dog bites annually.
Even though we often keep dogs as companions, it’s essential to acknowledge their ancestry as wolves. Despite their domestication, dogs remain animals. Furthermore, many breeds were selectively bred for aggressive purposes like hunting and home protection. It’s no surprise that dog bites affect 4 million people annually. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the most hazardous dog breeds this year, based on their frequency of biting incidents and the breeds responsible for the most fatal attacks.
This list of aggressive dog breeds helps you assess the potential risks associated with owning or being in the company of breeds that may pose a danger to you.
What Causes Certain Dog Breeds to Pose a Higher Threat?
Dangerous dog breeds may not equate to the most aggressive ones. Take the chihuahua, for instance; it can display aggressiveness and territorial behavior, but its small size, typically under 10 pounds, means it isn’t a significant threat to people.
Our focus lies in compiling a list of dog breeds that possess the potential for aggressive tendencies due to their breeding purposes and also have the physical stature to cause harm. In simpler terms, it’s the combination of a willingness to be aggressive and the capacity to inflict harm that categorizes these as the most dangerous dog breeds.
Why Are Certain Dog Breeds More Prone to Aggression and Attacks?
Dogs can become friendly and affectionate when raised in a household, but there’s always a part of them that retains their wild nature. Certain dog breeds can display increased aggression due to their historical breeding for hunting purposes. Some dogs, unfortunately, have been conditioned to be aggressive, such as those used in dog fighting.
It’s important to recognize that not every home environment is suitable for dogs. Research has indicated that some aggressive dogs were raised by individuals with psychopathic tendencies, which negatively influenced the dogs, leading to unfavorable outcomes.
When dogs with behavioral issues are introduced to young children, other pets, or individuals who are not skilled in handling animals, it can lead to unfortunate incidents.
The 10 Most Danger Dog Breeds in 2023
Identifying the most risky dog breeds in 2023 involves examining which dogs were accountable for the highest number of deadly bites over a specific period. Using data spanning from 2005 to 2017, we’ve assembled a roster of aggressive dog breeds that pose the highest risk of causing fatalities, classifying them as the most hazardous breeds.
By cross-referencing this data with statistics on fatal incidents in 2021, we can make inferences about the dog breeds that remain the most perilous in the upcoming year.
1. Pit Bull
It shouldn’t be a shock to those familiar with dangerous dog breeds that pit bulls are considered the most hazardous dogs. Although the American Kennel Club doesn’t officially recognize “pit bull” as a breed, it’s a term used broadly to encompass bulldogs and terriers, not just one specific breed. According to the study mentioned earlier, pit bulls were responsible for 284 fatalities over a 13-year period, accounting for approximately two-thirds of all deadly dog attacks in the United States.
This statistic is disheartening, especially when you consider that pit bulls make up only 6% of all dogs in the United States. Bred for generations as hunting and fighting dogs, it’s unsurprising that these dogs continue to pose a threat today.
Another factor contributing to pit bulls being deemed the most dangerous breed is their substantial size, with some weighing up to 80 pounds, powerful jaws, and strong predatory instincts. When faced with a pit bull, both humans and other animals often have little chance. Nevertheless, some individuals argue that a pit bull’s behavior is largely a result of their upbringing and cite instances of pit bulls being affectionate family pets.
2. Rottweiler
Before pit bulls gained notoriety as highly dangerous animals, rottweilers were often regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous dog breeds. These dogs can reach heights of up to 25 inches and weigh 120 pounds or more while maintaining good health.
They possess substantial bodies and a temperament that can become aggressive in certain situations. Specifically, they are exceptionally friendly and protective of their household members, but their protective instinct does not extend to visitors.
Rottweilers are widely recognized for their strength, protective nature, and loyalty, and can be a threat when defending against intruders. Although Rottweilers do not pose a threat to their own families, they tend to display high levels of aggression while safeguarding their owners.
During the same period we discussed regarding pit bulls, rottweilers were responsible for 45 fatal attacks, constituting 10% of all fatal attacks recorded in the United States during that time. Rottweilers also possess an extremely powerful bite, which they can employ effectively.
3. German Shepherd
German shepherds are employed by the military and police due to their strength, intelligence, and capacity to pose a threat to individuals. These dogs, weighing around 90 pounds and standing over 2 feet tall, are effective in deterring human threats. Years of selective breeding for work have made them a valuable asset.
Regrettably, when it comes to aggressive dog breeds, German shepherds are known for their aggressiveness and territorial behavior. They have been responsible for 20 fatalities (comprising approximately 5% of all dog-related fatalities) and numerous non-lethal biting incidents. The silver lining is that this breed is highly trainable.
4. American Bulldog
In contrast to their British counterparts, the American bulldog remains a robust working animal that hasn’t been excessively bred to the point of ineffectiveness. These dogs stand at nearly 30 inches in height and can attain a weight exceeding 100 pounds. They possess a sturdy, muscular build and can be quite formidable when they engage in aggressive behavior.
Over a 13-year research period, American bulldogs were accountable for 15 fatalities, comprising approximately 3.5% of all deadly attacks. While this isn’t a substantial figure, it holds significance considering that this breed isn’t typically mentioned in the same context as some other dangerous dog breeds.
Let’s be clear — this breed wields a potent bite and the capacity to leap with enough force to knock an adult off their feet.
5. Bullmastiff
Loyal, watchful, and brave describe bullmastiffs, making them valued as pets. They serve as protectors of your home and property, but their wariness of strangers should be addressed from a young age to prevent potential aggression.
Although bullmastiff attacks are not common, their immense size means that when they do attack, the consequences are severe. These dogs can weigh up to 130 pounds and stand at a height of 27 inches or more.
These canines accounted for 3.2% of all fatal incidents during the 13-year study, resulting in 14 fatalities. Considering their relative rarity in the U.S., this underscores the potential danger associated with this breed.
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6. Siberian Huskies
Siberian huskies are appreciated for their wolf-like appearance. It’s not surprising to discover that dogs resembling wild animals tend to exhibit similar behaviors.
Huskies were historically employed as sled dogs in the frigid regions of Canada and the United States. Despite their modest 60-pound weight, they possess remarkable strength for their size and display a strong sense of independence. These canines are primarily driven by their hunting instincts, and to them, most creatures smaller than themselves, including humans, might appear as potential prey.
In this scenario, it’s their innate survival instincts that often lead to problems. According to the referenced study, huskies were responsible for 3% of all fatal attacks. While these animals are generally friendly, they have, on occasion, been reported to attack individuals, both children and adults, who challenge them, even in the absence of any prior aggressive behavior.
7. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador retriever is a hunting dog designed to work alongside people. They are generally large dogs, weighing around 80 pounds and standing at approximately 2 feet tall. Labradors are often valued as family-friendly pets and are not suitable as guard dogs due to their trustworthy nature.
So, how come Labradors are responsible for 2.1% of the incidents in the study? In most cases, it is believed that Labradors are defending their territory or food. Occasionally, humans unintentionally corner their dogs, leading them to feel threatened while correcting their behavior.
In any case, Labradors are not typically highly aggressive animals, but they can accidentally knock over or inflict severe bites on humans.
8. Boxer
Boxers are intriguing dogs due to their unique appearance, appearing somewhat goofy, but they were originally bred for work. These dogs possess a high level of energy and can reach up to 80 pounds in muscle mass.
When you combine their physical abilities with their protective instincts, it becomes evident why boxers may present challenges. If a person the dog doesn’t trust engages in behavior they interpret as a threat to their owner, the dog might respond aggressively.
Boxers have been responsible for only 7 fatalities in recent years, but they are prone to non-lethal bites as well. Like with other potentially dangerous breeds, it’s essential to acquire this breed only if you are knowledgeable about dog training and handling.
9. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman pinscher boasts a distinctive appearance with its cropped ears, straight posture, and constant alertness. These dogs have a history as effective guard dogs, so much so that they are closely associated with this role, with German shepherds being another notable breed.
The term “pinscher” in their name originates from a German word describing their tendency to attack and bite prey. Over generations, they were selectively bred to excel as attack dogs, making their dangerous nature unsurprising.
Dobermans were linked to approximately six fatalities during the study, in addition to numerous biting incidents. While they may not have caused as many deaths as some other breeds, they still pose a significant risk and can inflict severe injuries. They typically stand at a height ranging from 2 to 3 feet and can weigh over 80 pounds.
10. Alaskan Malamute
Lastly, we come to the Alaskan Malamute, a dog that bears a strong resemblance to the Siberian husky. The key distinction lies in the fact that Alaskan Malamutes are notably larger than their wolf-like counterparts. These canines can reach almost 90 pounds in weight and stand at a height of 26 inches, making them impressively sizable and robust.
They are also incredibly lively, often engaging in playful antics and mischievous behavior. Unfortunately, Alaskan Malamutes are not known for readily obeying their owners’ commands, emphasizing the importance of early and thorough training.
While their involvement in only four fatalities is documented, the Alaskan Malamute still earns a place on the list of potentially dangerous dogs due to their potent bite and a propensity to use it when provoked.
Another category that could have been included in this list is mixed-breed dogs. They account for a significant number of fatal incidents over the years, yet it’s challenging to categorize them under a “mixed breed” label when data regarding their specific lineage is unavailable.
To sum it up, these ten dog breeds stand out as some of the most potentially perilous, based solely on their track record of causing harm and their capacity to inflict serious damage, making them a cause for concern.
Concluding Remarks on the Most Hazardous Dog Breeds
As previously mentioned, you can train a dog to be friendly and well-behaved at home, but their natural instincts can be challenging to overcome. Moreover, several other factors can contribute to a dog’s likelihood of biting, including:
- Gender (males have a higher propensity to bite).
- Neutering or spaying (intact dogs tend to be more aggressive and territorial).
- Fence-related aggression (dogs defending their homes may react aggressively when people approach).
- Approaching unfamiliar dogs.
These are all elements that can impact a situation where a dog might bite. While it may be tempting to attribute a dog’s breed as the sole reason for aggressive behavior, there are other significant factors at play.
The dog breeds listed as potentially dangerous require extra precautions from their owners, but this doesn’t mean they are too hazardous to have as pets. Each dog is unique, and those raised in suitable environments without undue interference from children or other pets have a good chance of remaining peaceful throughout their lives.
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