It has been said that dogs are “man’s best friend.” Dogs can be very sweet animals, and many people bring them into their homes and make them a part of the family. Most of these dogs are loyal and loving, and they are willing to protect the human’s in their live. However, not all dogs are the same, and each year, the same dogs that we call family can become aggressive, and in some cases, they can kill.
Research shows that some dog breeds are more aggressive than others, and some of them, of course, have reputations that reflect that. However, before we get into judging breeds, there are a few things that should come into play. First, of course, is that you can’t argue with statistics. The most aggressive dog breed in the world is the most aggressive based on how many attacks and fatalities the breed has caused. Second, it’s important to remember that all dog breeds can exhibit aggression from the largest to the smallest.
There are many different ways that a dog might show aggression. For instance, they might growl, show their teeth, or snap. Additionally, they might bite, snarl, or charge a person. Most dogs will not bite nor attack without some type of warning, though, so it’s important for owners of these dogs to look for those signs. As we look closer at these specific dog breeds, we will discuss the signs to look for. Here are the 10 most aggressive dog breeds in the world:
Chihuahua
You might look at this and think it’s a joke, but indeed, it is not. If you have ever owned or love a Chihuahua, you will know that even though these dogs are quite small, they can extremely aggressive and won’t stop to protect the person they love.
Though at their heart, Chihuahuas are aggressive, it’s important to mention that in many cases, the Chihuahua aggression is perpetrated by the owner. Since these pups are so small, the owners often mistakenly believe that they don’t need as much training as a larger dog, but this is simply not true. In fact, thanks to their stubbornness, they often need even more training.
Why do Chihuahuas have so much aggression? For one, they are aggressive because they believe they are in charge. Remember, most owners of Chihuahuas don’t properly train their dogs, so they take on the personality of the leader of the pack. These dogs also can become aggressive when they are scared or frightened, and to a Chihuahua, the entire world is bigger than them, which can be a scary experience.
It is very important to properly socialize a Chihuahua. If they start snapping or growling at strangers or other dogs, these are signs of aggression and should be stopped. It’s also important that owners of these dogs are not doing anything that could enhance their natural aggressiveness. Teach any Chihuahua, or any dog, for that matter, that you are the alpha dog, and they aren’t.
Akita Inu
The Akita is a dog that hails from Japan. They are large, working dogs, who can reach up to 100 pounds in size. As a natural guard dog, the Akita is powerful and aggressive, and oftentimes, they are bred to enhance this aggression.
Part of the reason Akita’s are so aggressive comes right down to genetics. This can be very difficult to change, and it is not unheard of for an Akita to be playful and loving one moment, and then aggressive the next. So, organizations like the American Kennel Club recommend that small children and other animals should not be left alone with Akita’s. Additionally, it is important to train the Akita from the moment they come into the home as it is shown to calm the aggressive nature of these dogs. These classes also show owners how to not only gain but also maintain, the position of the alpha.
If you are considering getting an Akita, make sure you talk to the breeder about the dog’s socialization. These dogs should be socialized with both other dogs and with humans as soon as possible. It is also recommended that Akita owners get their dogs neutered or spayed as soon as possible, as that can calm them down, too. Akita’s want to be leaders, but when they are allowed to do so, they can become very aggressive, and they can even cause a lot of harm to their own owners, not to mention strangers they don’t know and other dogs. Though Akita’s are great dogs, they must have an owner who is willing to train them correctly.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a giant dog breed, and they were originally bred to not only guard the home but to help around the farm in Italy, which is where they come from. They take their role as a guard dog very seriously, and this is where the aggressive nature of these dogs come into play.
This dog breed loves and protects its family, and it is not the type of breed to cuddle up to strangers. In fact, they are much more likely to be aggressive towards a stranger, and other animals, especially if they are not properly trained. The Cane Corso is extremely athletic, too, and they require a lot of exercises. They are also quite territorial, so if they see another, unfamiliar animal in their territory, they do not hesitate to do whatever they can to remove that animal, including killing it.
To make matters worse, the Cane Corso has a very strong and powerful jaw, so even if they don’t mean to harm or kill another animal, it is very easy to do. This is true even in play. They need a lot of training, and it is not recommended that an inexperienced dog owner take on the Cane Corso. Instead, it should be someone who has worked with aggressive dog breeds in the past and understands the training required to ensure these dogs are upstanding and positive additions to the family.
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow might look like a big, fluffy teddy bear, but in reality, this breed can be quite suspicious, aloof, and yes, even dangerous. These dogs are neither social nor outgoing, though they certainly will love their person. Originally bred in China as a guard dog, modern Chows still exhibit this type of behavior, which can make them aggressive, especially with other dogs and children who poke and prod at them.
Though it is possible to create a Chow Chow through training that is a good family pet, these dogs are usually very content to stick with one person. These dogs are also quite stubborn, so the owner must show the Chow that he/she is the boss, and not the dog.
The Chow Chow is a beautiful dog, and they are increasingly becoming more popular in the United States. However, anyone considering them must realize that thanks to this stubborn, aloof personality, that they can be difficult to manage and yes, become aggressive. The Chow is a natural hunter, too, and quite dominant in personality. This breed also doesn’t tend to like other dogs of the same gender, so if an owner wants two dogs, they should ensure that the chow is raised with a dog of the opposite gender. It is best, however, to keep the Chow Chow as a solitary pet.
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher can be an amazingly loyal and friendly dog. However, there is also a side of this dog that can be aggressive if not trained and handled correctly. These dogs are actually very energetic, obedient, smart, and alert, which is everything that you would want in a dog. However, they have the instinct to be aggressive towards strangers thanks to their breeding, which was originally done for personal protection. These dogs can also be aggressive towards other dogs.
If you want to own a Doberman, it is important that you give them an outlet for their energy. This includes long walks, runs, and plenty of outdoor space. Also, keep in mind that they are so protective of their owners that they can get separation anxiety if kept away. This anxiety can quickly turn destructive and, in turn, aggressive.
As with the other dogs on this list, the Doberman Pinscher can be a great dog and part of the family. However, to ensure this, strict training from puppyhood must be a priority. Socialization is also very important, especially with other animals. These dogs are large and heavy, and can easily knock down small children, too, so it’s not recommended to bring a Doberman into a home with kids. These dogs need a firm hand at all times, but they are perfect for people who want an extremely loyal dog that will protect them at all costs.
Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a very beautiful dog. This breed is highly independent, and they enjoy being the boss of others. Thanks to this, they are difficult to train, and the Malamute is not recommended for a new dog owner. Instead, only someone who is comfortable being the leader of the pack should consider a Malamute. On top of this, they are known for being quite aggressive.
When it comes to the Malamute, which is otherwise a pretty good dog, this aggression can be problematic and downright frightening. Typically, the Malamute is not aggressive towards people, however. Instead, you can rarely trust a Malamute with other dogs and other animals. In fact, there are many cases where a Malamute is so aggressive with another dog, including other Malamutes, that they cannot be kept in the same home together. The issue becomes even worse when you have two males or two females together, as they are highly territorial.
On top of this, the Malamute has an instinct for hunting, and you can never fully train instinct out of a dog. This can make them a predator for small animals, such as rabbits or even cats, and if the animal runs from the Malamute, the dog will certainly chase it. Though you will find plenty of Malamute owners who say their dog is great with other dogs or even other animals, you never want to leave a Malamute alone with another animal, as they will not hesitate to attack if something goes wrong, even if they never have before.
Siberian Husky
Some people might be surprised to see the Siberian Husky on this list. After all, they aren’t very well known for being overly aggressive, and they are a popular family dog. However, statistics don’t lie, and this breed was responsible for 3 percent of all human fatalities due to dogs from 2005 to 2017. Let’s take a closer look at why this might be the case.
First of all, Huskies are smaller than Malamutes, but many people confuse the two. Their looks might be similar, but their personalities are not. The Husky was bred to use their energy for pulling sleds and pushing through deep snow. When they don’t have to expel all of that energy, they can become destructive, and yes, aggressive. Some Huskies also have ancestry that contains the DNA of wild wolves, and that can bring on extra aggression, too.
Another thing that can make the Husky aggressive is their need to be part of a pack. They want to be with their humans, and they want to be with other huskies, but they do not want to be around other small animals all of the time thanks to their drive to be a predator. So, you should not trust a husky with small animals or children, who are generally their victims. As with most other breeds, it is certainly possible to train a Husky to be a great addition to a family, even with kids. But, training from puppyhood is essential for a successful and harmonious life.
German Shepherd
Another aggressive breed is the German Shepherd. From 2005 to 2017, the German Shepherd was responsible for almost 5 percent of all human fatalities caused by dogs. One of the interesting things about the German Shepherd that other dogs on our list have not had is the fact that this breed is actually bred for its aggression in many cases. Why? Because they are often used for guarding or policing, and this type of aggression is important in that case.
Unfortunately, at the same time, irresponsible owners of German Shepherds intentionally train their dogs to be overly aggressive, and this is where the problem comes in. These dogs are large enough to kill other animals and humans, and this is too often the case.
Part of the issue is that German Shepherds are very smart, and they are quite easy to train. Thanks to this, when the dog in training shows aggression, it is the perfect time to contain them. Too many people, however, don’t do this, and you end up with a highly aggressive dog that you cannot control.
When owning a German Shepherd, it is important to look at their body language, as that will tell you if the dog is about to attack. You might also see warning signs such as baring teeth and a low pitch growl or bark. Some of this is due to the pent-up energy that these dogs get, and they also are prone to stress and anxiety, which often comes out as aggression. So, if you are the proud owner of a German Shepherd, you must recognize the signs and keep your dog as calm and stress-free as possible.
Rottweiler
There is no doubt that the Rottweiler is a majestic breed. They are stunning dogs, but they can also be very aggressive. Looking at the statistics again, we can see that they are responsible for over 10 percent of the fatalities involving dog attacks from 2005 to 2017. The truth is, Rottweilers are predisposed to be aggressive, and though not all of them are if you are going to own one, you must take this possibility very seriously.
First, you should know that Rottweiler’s are very territorial. When they have another dog come into the area that they believe is theirs, they can lash out with aggression. Even the American Kennel Club recognizes this, and the organization recommends that Rottie owners always gently introduce strangers and other animals to their dogs instead of bombarding them with something new.
Another thing to know about Rottweilers is that they are highly protective, and if they believe that their property, including their owner, are in danger, they will not hesitate to attack. This, of course, can lead to deadly consequences when you consider that these dogs can tip the scale at more than 100 pounds. Training is extremely important for a Rottweiler, and responsible breeders and owners will start this from puppyhood. If you don’t train a Rottie correctly, the effects could be dire.
Pitbull
Statistics do not lie, and when we look at the stats on fatalities caused by dogs, a whopping 65 percent of them were caused by Pit Bulls. Can Pit Bulls be sweet, loving family dogs? Absolutely, but they can also be killing machines because that’s what they have always been bred to do. Responsible Pit Bull owners will recognize this, and they will always keep one eye on their dog, no matter what.
Pit Bulls were bred to hunt wild pigs and other large animals, and eventually fight. To be good fighters, they have to be aggressive. These dogs are very athletic, and they have amazing strength. The Pit Bull also is loyal and loving, and there are even stories where these dogs were heroes and have saved the lives of humans and other animals. These dogs were also bred to be leaders, and thus, they always want to be the alpha.
The good news is this; research shows that the full personality of the Pit Bull doesn’t develop until the dog is about 3-years old. That means, of course, that there is a lot of time to mold a Pit Bull’s behavior. So, when a Pit Bull begins to test its boundaries during its puppyhood, it must immediately be put into its place by the owner, who should be the alpha. Are Pit Bulls aggressive and dangerous? Yes. Are they loving and loyal? Yes. That’s why a good Pit Bull owner will never put their dog in a situation where it could harm someone, even accidentally.
Conclusion
What have we learned here? We have learned that any dog can be aggressive from the smallest breeds to the largest. In some instances, a small, 6 pounds Chihuahua can be much more aggressive than a 60 pound Pit Bull, but at the end of the day, the Chihuahua is not going to kill you…a Pit Bull can. Does that mean all of these aggressive breeds should be banned or allowed to go extinct? Absolutely not. However, it does mean that if you happen to own and love one of the breeds on this list, it is up to you to be a responsible dog owner and keep an eye on your pet.
Most of these animals are only a result of their training and how seriously the owner takes it. Some are intentionally raised to be extra aggressive, and this gives the entire breed a bad name. People like to generalize, and again…as we have said several times here…you can’t argue with statistics, so yes, Pit Bulls are automatically going to be number one because the breed is responsible for more than 65 percent of deaths in regard to dog attacks. Is it unfortunate? Yes, but that doesn’t mean it’s something to ignore.
Aggressive dogs are everywhere, and though there is no reason to be frightened the next time you see a German Shepherd or a Rottweiler, for instance, use smarts and caution. Also, always ask the owner if it’s okay to pet the dog before you do. Finally, if you notice any of the signs of aggression, back away.
