Top 15 Most Aggressive Dog Breeds: Are These Dogs Dangerous?

Dogs are loyal, loving, and always willing to protect their human owners, which is the reason why they are called “man’s best friend.”

Despite all this, some dogs can still be dangerous. There have been many reports of canines attacking humans, and some of those attacks lead to fatal casualties.

Certain dogs can exhibit more aggressive behavior than others, and if they aren’t properly trained and socialized, they can be considered dangerous dogs to humans, other dogs, and small children.

If you are looking to get a new puppy to make a part of your family, you really should know about the aggressive dog breeds that might not be right for you.

To help you out, we have compiled a list of some of the most aggressive dog breeds. 

The 15 Most Aggressive Dogs

Ranking	Name	Height	Weight	Life span	Breed size	Temperament	Origin
1	Doberman Pinscher	26-28 inches	88-99 lbs	10-13 years	large	Intelligent, Energetic, Alert, Loyal,	Germany
2	Wolf-Dog Hybrid	25-33 Inches	75-155 lbs	12-18 years	giant	gregarious, aggressive, and obedient	European
3	American Staffordshire Terrier	18-20 inches	55-70 lbs	12-16 years	medium	Tenacious, Friendly, Devoted, Loyal	United States
4	Rottweiler	24-27 inches	110-130 lbs	8-10 years	large	Fearless, Alert, Obedient, Confident	Germany
5	German Shepherd	22-26 inches	66-88 lbs	9-13 years	large	Intelligent, Stubborn, Curious, Alert	Germany
6	Alaskan Malamute	24-26 inches	80-95 lbs	10-12 years	large	Friendly, Devoted, Affectionate, Dignified	Alaska
7	American Bulldog	19-27 inches	66-127 lbs	10-15 years	large	Friendly, Energetic, Assertive, Loyal	United States
8	Mastiff	27-35 inches	160-220 lbs	6-12 years	giant	Affectionate, Good-natured, Dignified	United Kingdom
9	Chihuahuas	6-12 inches	4-9 lbs	12-20 years	small	Devoted, Lively, Aggressive, Alert	Mexico
10	Siberian Husky	20-23 inches	44-60 lbs	12-15 years	large	Outgoing, Friendly, Intelligent	Siberia
11	Chow Chow	19-22 inches	55-70 lbs	9-15 years	medium	Aloof, Independent, Loyal, Quiet	China
12	Dachshund	12-14 inches	8-11 lbs	12-16 years	medium	Training, personality, behavior	Germany
13	Great Dane	28-32 inches	110-190 lbs	8-10 years	giant	Friendly, Devoted, Reserved, Confident	Germany
14	Jack Russell Terrier	13-15 inches	13-17 lbs	13-16 years	medium	Stubborn, Clownish, Intelligent, Energetic	United Kingdom, United States, England
15	Dalmatian	23-24 inches	33-35 lbs	10-13 years	large	Outgoing, Friendly, Intelligent, Energetic	Croatia

1. Doberman Pinscher

If you have small children in your home and don’t want to bring an aggressive dog, then steer clear of the Doberman Pinscher as he is among the canine kingdom’s most aggressive dogs.

Doberman Pinschers are intelligent, alert, obedient, and energetic canines. Standing between 24” to 28” inches, he is a large dog with an intimidating and impressive stance, making this breed one of the best guard dogs for families.

Since the Doberman was bred for personal security, he is aggressive towards strangers. They can also be aggressive towards other canines.

The body of the Doberman Pinscher is covered with a coat of blue, black, red, or fawn color. These canines need plenty of exercise to release energy; otherwise, they might experience aggressive behavior issues.

The Doberman Pinscher loves being around people, and you should never leave them alone in the house. If you want these canines to be social, you will have to train them properly from a young age.

2. Wolf-Dog Hybrid

A Wolf-Dog is another aggressive breed of dog that you should be wary of. In some states, it is illegal to keep these furry canines as pets. Some Wolf-Dog Hybrids can be uncontrollably aggressive, which is why it isn’t a good idea to keep them as pets.

Wolf-Dogs cannot be kept inside the house as they would become aggressive. Moreover, they need a lot of training to interact and socialize well with people. Many families don’t keep Wolf-Dogs due to their aggressive nature.

These aggressive dogs are also very hard to train because they aren’t too eager to please their trainer. Some Wolf-Dogs are so possessive of their human companion that they don’t allow anyone else to get near them.

3. American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Stafford Terrier is a smart, confident, and muscular dog. Most commonly called a pit bull, this breed’s roots date back to the 1800s in England where it was used in dogfighting.

This pit bull variety, also called an AmStaff, is quite active and require regular exercise to maintain their muscles. You will have to take them out for exercise every day; otherwise, they will start exhibiting destructive behaviors.

The American Staffordshire Terrier loves to chew, so make sure to provide it with plenty of chewable toys and bones. These canines stand 17” to 19” at the shoulder. The stiff, glossy coat of the American Staffordshire Terrier comes in several colors and patterns.

Pit bulls aren’t inherently aggressive towards humans; however, they may exhibit some aggressive behaviors, especially towards other dogs. This is why you should not keep this breed if you have other canines or pets.

4. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a muscular dog that stands anywhere from 24” to 27” at the shoulder. These aggressive dogs have unfortunately been known to cause fatalities in America, but they are not dangerous dogs as portrayed by the press.

The Rottweiler temperament can be considered as aggressive, but it isn’t usually dangerous to human beings.

These canines are loyal and intelligent and will study their environment carefully before responding to situations. Properly raised and well-bred Rottweilers will be confident and calm, not unduly aggressive.

The Rottie can be a dangerous dog toward other canines and are not the easiest to train.

Fortunately, with good treatment, proper socialization, and reputable breeding, the Rottweiler will make a great companion, guard dog, and family dog.

5. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a naturally aggressive breed, and these dogs are generally trained as guard dogs. These canines possess intelligence and strength and are overly protective and loyal to their human companions.

Due to these traits, the German Shepherd can be considered a dangerous dog as he may attack strangers, perceiving them as potential threats. 

It isn’t a good idea to keep these canines in closed space because this would cause them to build up energy, and when they can’t find a way to release it, they will chew things and destroy them.

Dog aggression in German Shepherds might arise because of trauma. Training should start at a young age to avoid destructive behaviors in the German Shepherd.

6. Alaskan Malamute

An immensely powerful, heavy-duty worker, the Alaskan Malamute is a loyal, playful, and affectionate dog breed that is recognizable by his substantial bone, erect ears, and well-furred plumed tail.

This canine stands 23” to 27” inches at the shoulder and can weigh 75 to 95 pounds. The dense coat, powerful shoulders, deep chest, and heavy bone all suggest that the Alaskan Malamute works hard for a living.

These canines like spending time with people and hate being left alone. They are also friendly towards children. Alaskan Malamutes don’t attack first and are careful around new faces. However, they can exhibit aggression towards other canines.

7. American Bulldog

The American Bulldog is a muscular breed that makes good companions. These canines demonstrate great strength, agility, endurance, and a friendly attitude.

Historically, the American Bulldog was bred to work the farm. Small farmers used these canines for a variety of tasks, including catch dogs, stock dogs, and farm guardians.

American Bulldogs don’t attack people, but they are aggressive towards other canines and will also chase cats. To prevent the aggressive behavior of these canines, you must introduce them to other pets at a young age.

8. Mastiff

The Mastiff breed originated from England. These dogs are generally gentle but may become aggressive due to certain reasons.

The behavior of the Mastiff towards other canines and felines will depend on their training and socialization. Those that aren’t introduced to other animals as puppies will not get along well with them when they grow up.

When Mastiffs are trained to be watchdogs, they’ll corner an intruder; however, they might not bite but would rather growl at him. Mastiffs are gentle towards children, which means that they can be good family companions.

9. Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds, but it has a huge personality. He weighs no more than 6 pounds and has luminous eyes and erect ears. Coats come in several colors and patterns and can be short or long.

Chihuahuas possess charm and loyalty. Even this small dog needs training, and if you don’t train a Chihuahua properly, it will exhibit aggressive behaviors. This dog is responsive to positive reinforcement-based training.

It is worth noting that Chihuahuas can be untrusting, aggressive, jealous, and dominant. When these traits are present in the Chihuahua, they won’t hesitate to bite the target.

10. Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is a thickly coated medium-sized dog who is dignified, fastidious, and friendly. The almond eyes of this canine can either be blue or brown and convey a keen but mischievous expression.

Siberian Huskies are quick, nimble-footed, and have a powerful gait. They tip the scale at 60 pounds and are lighter and smaller than their cousin, the Alaskan Malamute. Siberian Huskies aren’t aggressive by nature; however, they might attack when provoked.

These dogs are quite energetic, which is why they will need plenty of exercise. If you fail to meet his exercise needs, the Siberian Husky will become destructive.

These canines cannot be trusted with small animals as they have a very high prey drive. Siberian Huskies tend to chase after cats or squirrels, which is why a leash is a must when taking them out.

11. Chow Chow

Serious-minded, aloof, loyal, and dignified, the Chow Chow is a powerful and compactly built dog that can stand as high as 20” at the shoulder. His distinctive traits include deep-set almond eyes, lion’s-mane ruff around the shoulders and the head, stiff-legged gait, and a blue-black tongue.

Chows can have smooth or rough coats of cream, blue, cinnamon, black, or red. If you socialize these dogs properly, they will never be intractable or fierce.

Chow Chows can be impatient and won’t hesitate to retaliate when teased. This is why you should never leave them alone with children.

12. Dachshund

The Dachshund features a long silhouette, bold and vivacious personality, and ever-alert expression. These small dogs come in three coat types and two sizes.

Dachshunds are surprisingly one of the most aggressive dogs, and they exhibit aggressive behaviors towards both humans and other animals. These dogs were bred for hunting badgers, and due to their small legs, they were able to follow badgers into their dens.

Dachshunds today also have a high prey drive, which is why it is not a good idea to keep them close to other pets. They are also strong-willed, intelligent, and independent and will become aggressive if you’re not able to train them properly.

13. Great Dane

The Great Dane is one of the largest dog breeds, and it can stand as high as 32 inches at the shoulder. They are good with children and need plenty of exercise and attention.

Great Danes can be quite destructive and need to be supervised at all times. If properly socialized, these canines will get along well with other canines. However, if you don’t socialize them with other animals from a young age, they will behave aggressively towards them.

Great Danes might use their size for dominating the house, which is why training with dog commands should start at a young age. You should also never leave them unsupervised with small children due to their large size. Other than that, Great Danes aren’t dangerous and can become good companions.

14. Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is an agile, intelligent, and fun-loving dog that was bred for hunting foxes in the mid-1800s. Jack Russell Terriers need a strong leader to set boundaries and rules; otherwise, they would exhibit aggression towards other humans and animals.

It can be hard to train small dogs, and they could develop small dog syndrome – a condition where the dog thinks that it is head of the house and acts accordingly.

15. Dalmatian

The Dalmatian has one of the unique coats in the canine kingdom. One of the fastest dog breeds, Dalmatians stand between 19” and 23” at the shoulder and have a muscular body.

Initially, the Dalmatian was used for guarding carriages. These are outdoor dogs, and it isn’t a good idea to keep them locked up in your house because this would stimulate them mentally, causing them to exhibit destructive behaviors.

You can trust these dogs with children because they love to play and are affectionate. However, supervision is advised due to their large size as they could unintentionally harm the children.

Poorly bred Dalmatians can have several behavioral issues that can be hard to manage. This is why you must train these canines properly from a young age.

Final Thoughts

Aggressive dogs aren’t a suitable option for every homeowner. They can be worth considering if you are looking for a guard dog and have what it takes to train an aggressive canine.

However, if you want a great family dog, then an aggressive breed of dog may not be a good option.

The dogs we have listed above are some of the most aggressive ones. However, some of them are only aggressive towards other animals. This means that you can still get them, and they would make great family pets.

We hope you find everything discussed above helpful. In case you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us. We will be more than happy to help you out.

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