All dog breeds have different characters and temperament which decide their level of aggression.
Almost all dog breeds are very affectionate towards their masters and any trainer who can handle dogs well.
However, some dogs are aggressive by behaviour due to past experiences and some may only be aggressive towards strangers. Not all dogs are suitable to be raised along with children.
It is very important to understand the characters of different dog breeds to know which one would suit best for the owner and how their aggression can be solved or brought under control.
If you are planning to adopt one, check out the list of most dangerous dog breeds so that you know which ones to choose and which ones to avoid.
Why Do Dogs Show Aggression?
Understanding why dogs show aggression can help in figuring out if it is permanent or temporary and how it can be solved.
Pain caused by illness or injury can be one of the reasons why dogs start showing signs of aggression like growling, snapping or biting.
If a dog was abused, has trauma or was not properly socialized, it may develop aggressive behaviour due to fear.
Another reason is possessive aggression where a dog may start growling if someone gets too close to something that it is possessive about, for example – food, toys or other objects.
Some dogs may behave aggressively to show dominance by growling, snapping or biting to prove they are in charge of the situation.
Many dogs develop aggression due to frustration caused by spending too much time tied up, restrained on a leash or chained in a yard.
List of aggressive dogs in the world
Pit Bull
In previous times, Pit Bulls were used to bait bulls and bears as they are ferocious breeds.
This is considered the most dangerous breed in America and may attack any person if they smell potential threat.
Rigorous training, exercise and affection towards them bring out their exceptionally loving side. However, if abandoned for a long time, they may turn into very aggressive dogs.
Caucasian Shepherd
Caucasian Ovcharka dog breed has originated from Russia and other European countries. They were originally used for protecting livestock in mountain regions as guard dogs.
They are one of the most dangerous dog breeds in the world and predators like wolves fear them. They grow very large in size with a minimum weight of 50 kg for an adult male.
American Pit Bull Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier dog breed has immense energy, agility and was trained for dog fights all around the world.
They are popular as strong dogs and are known for their aggressive outbursts.
This medium-sized, short-coated dog has been banned in many countries as it contributed to 66% of the total deaths caused by canines in America.
They can only be tamed with several extensive training and exercises.
Perro de Presa Canario
Perro de Presa Canario dog breed is usually used as farm animals.
Due to its strong-willed and dominant behaviour, it has also been used as fight dogs in ancient times.
Rottweiler
Rottweiler dog breed is not suitable to be raised as a family dog especially for families with children.
This breed has a fearsome reputation as a large number of deaths caused by dog attacks are reported to be caused by them.
Continuous training and exercises are required to bring their bad temper under control. According to statistics of 13 year period, 10% of their attacks have resulted in death.
Fila Brasileiro
Fila Brasileiro, also known as Brazilian Mastiff, requires experienced owners. It is a large breed of herding dogs that originated in Brazil.
They are feared due to their uncontrollable behaviour and there have been reports of many fatalities caused by their attacks.
They are very aggressive and protective in nature.
German shepherd
German shepherd, also known as Alsatian, is a breed of dogs that originated in Germany and is very popular all over the world. They are over protective towards their family and territory.
They are highly intelligent dogs but if not socialised at the correct time, they can become very aggressive.
They are used in many police squads across the world as they have an attack with a bite force of 1060 newtons.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard originated from the Swiss and the Italian Alps and is famous for rescue mission skills.
It is a large breed of working dog and must be trained carefully at the infancy stage itself for human-friendly behaviour.
If not socialized and trained at the right time, they may show signs of aggression like violence, moodiness and ferocious behaviour.
It is important for them to socialize with humans as well as other dogs to prevent aggressive behaviour.
Alaskan Malamutes
Alaskan Malamutes is a popular arctic breed and one of the largest domesticated dogs. They were originally sledge dogs and are used to carry heavy loads.
They can kill large predators like bears and are natural hunters with huge prey drive. They can grow up to 100 lbs and can survive in extreme climatic conditions.
American Bulldog
These dogs have great strength, endurance, agility and well-balanced athletic built. They were bred to be used as utility dogs for working in farms and later as guard dogs.
It has friendly and pleasant behaviour but may sometimes show signs of stubbornness due to its extreme confidence.
It has caused many fatalities with attacks over the years which made it popular as an aggressive dog.
Bullmastiffs
Bullmastiffs are athletic, energetic dogs and have a naturally aggressive temperament. They must be trained consistently for instilling obedient behaviour in them from a very early age.
They are powerful dogs with a solid build and are employed as guard dogs due to their tough behaviour. They have caused many fatalities and needs someone strong to handle them properly.
Siberian Huskies
Siberian Huskies were bred as sledge dogs in the Northern region and are not very social dogs. They require the right approach and training to make them calm and friendly.
Poor socialization and inefficient training may turn them into aggressive dogs.
They have caused many fatalities due to their aggressive behaviour and there are reports of them working with their pack to attack humans.
Wolfdogs
Wolfdogs are a combination of wild wolves with domesticated dogs. They are one of the most feared dogs as they have protective instincts and unpredictable behaviour.
A mix of wild and domestic animal has created this breed with aggressive behaviour. Owning and breeding of wolfdogs are prohibited in some countries.
Doberman Pinschers
Doberman Pinschers are used as guard dogs as they have agility, alertness, intelligence and high tracking abilities.
They are very loyal, protective and impulsive while protecting their owner and families from potential threats.
They are capable of killing humans and require patience and consistency in training to prevent it.
This breed is originally from Germany and exhibits rigorously aggressive behaviour making them perfect guard dogs and police dogs.
Boerboel
Boerboel dog breed is originally from South Africa and was bred for guarding purpose. They are loyal and protective towards their families and were often on the first line of defence against predators.
This large mastiff breed has tracking abilities as well and considered one of the most dangerous breeds in the world.
Great Dane
Great Dane, also known as German Mastiff or Great Hound, was bred in Germany to hunt wild bear and boars. They hold the record of being the tallest breed in the world.
They are very loyal and protective of their owners and are known for being very friendly with infants and children.
They may turn aggressive against any stranger or potential threat to their families or the kid they are protecting.
Wolf Hybrid
Wolf hybrid is a mix of wolves and common dogs and is known for its unpredictable behaviour.
They can kill any potential threat if they feel so and are one of the most dangerous breeds in the world. They require proper training and exercise to control their mood swings.
Boxers
Boxer dog breed originated from Germany and have a very playful and energetic personality.
They are very headstrong and are considered one of the most dangerous dog breeds due to multiple incidents of attacks by them over the years.
Chow Chow
Chow chow, also referred to as Songshi Quan, is originally from China and is considered a high-risk dog.
They are fiercely protective towards their owners and require a high amount of attention to prevent from growing aggressive.
Akita Inu
Akita Inu is a strong and dominant breed that originated from the mountainous regions of Japan.
This breed is very affectionate with family members but may show aggression towards strangers and potential threats due to their territorial attitude.
Basenji
Basenji is a breed of hunting dog from Central Africa and is one of the least trainable dogs among all breed types.
They are alert, curious and affectionate towards their owner but are reserved towards strangers.
Dogo Argentino
Dogo Argentino was originally bred in Argentina for the purpose of hunting puma and wild boar.
Under the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991, it is illegal to own this large, white, muscular dog in the United Kingdom.
Rhodesian ridgeback
Rhodesian ridgeback is a semi-domesticated dog that has the ability to keep lions away from the prey. It is a loyal and intelligent hunting dog breed that is not very friendly with strangers.
Providing a rough treatment to them and not introducing socialization skills may fuel aggressive behaviour as they are over sensitive.
Bull Terrier
Bull terrier is an exceptionally strong dog with first ranking in pound-for-pound lean muscle tissue. This egg-shape headed dog breed has a strong prey drive towards smaller animals.
Cane Corso
Cane Corso is a descendant of the Canis Pugnax that was originally used by Romans in warfare. This dangerous dog is well-muscled and can weigh anywhere between 99 to 150 pounds
American Bandogge
American Bandogge is a crossbreed between American Pit Bull Terrier and a Neapolitan Mastiff.
It is an incredibly strong dog breed with a muscular look and was originally bred to be used as a fighting dog.
Conclusion
We hope to have helped you know the world’s most dangerous dogs to help you make the right decision. Some of these dog breeds are friendly and trainable while some are super aggressive and least trainable.