Most of the time, a dog’s behavior and personality are entirely dependent on its upbringing. However, there are some breeds of dogs that have earned an ill reputation of being vicious and dangerous because of their violent interactions with humans and other dogs. Although experts claim that proper domestication and training can iron out the kinks in the nature of an aggressive canine, we wonder how many people would go to great lengths to take one for the team. Although all dogs are great companions, the breeds of dogs mentioned in the forthcoming paragraphs require a little extra attention and training.
1. Pit Bull
Banned by many countries in the world, pit bulls are one of the most dangerous breeds of dogs in the world. In order to prevent aggressive outbursts, they are required to undergo several extensive and training exercises. Here’s a harrowing report for you! “A study released in 1991 found that 94% of the attacks on children by pit bulls were unprovoked.” You might need to think twice before adopting a pit bull as a pet companion.
2. Rottweiler
According to the data provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Rottweilers were responsible for half of all deaths caused by dog bites in the United States between the years of 1993 and 1996. That data speaks volumes about the breed’s aggressive nature. Strong beyond belief, a Rottweiler’s bite can measure up to 1,460 newtons.
3. German Shepherd
There are various studies that have proven that German Shepherds have a tendency to attack smaller dogs. And when they do attack, they attack with a bite that has a force of over 1,060 newtons. There’s a reason German Shepherds are regularly used as police dogs. The breakers of the law have to stay vigilant at all times, or better, even stop committing crimes.
4. Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans have built a reputation of being completely harmless towards their owners. The same cannot be said for their behavior towards strangers though. Although Dobermans are considered less dangerous, they still possess the size and strength to wreak havoc. The last reported case of death caused by a Doberman in the States took place in 2011 when a Doberman killed its owner, an elderly woman.
5. Bullmastiff
It is only natural to be intimidated by the bullmastiff’s large stature. After all, they can reach up to 130 pounds. That’s why it is imperative to train a bullmastiff well to have its obedience. This breed is generally employed as guard dogs because of their temperamental behavior. So, if you need to keep your safe safely guarded, you should consider owning a bullmastiff.
6. Husky
Primarily known as a sled dog, the Husky is closely related to the Malamute. Huskies have plenty of energy to spare and are energetic dogs. They are not meant to be pets and are wired to work round the clock. You would wonder if the phrase, “work like a dog” was coined because of a husky’s work ethic. Between 1979 and 1998, Huskies were responsible for 15 mauling deaths in the United States.
7. Wolf Hybrid
This breed is particularly unpredictable and extremely skittish. There are a lot of inherent dangers in breeding a wild animal with a domestic one. In fact, many states have even taken safety measures to ensure that no one owns a wolf hybrid by making it illegal. In between 1979 to 1998, the CDC reported 14 deaths in the United States caused by wolf hybrids.
8. Boxer
Descendants of hunting dogs, boxers were earlier used as attack and guard dogs in WWI. Families looking for a secure environment should look no further than a Boxer. They are protective and have strong jaws and powerful bites. The last time a boxer caused a fatality was in the year 2013 on December 28 in Arizona. The boxer snapped on its owner while he attempted to break up a fight between his boxer and one of his other dogs.
9. Great Dane
A Great Dane’s imposing size makes it a dangerous breed. A fully grown male Great Dane can grow up to be 86 cm tall and weigh an astonishing 200 pounds. If cared for properly, they will turn out to be a gentle giant. The last reported fatality caused by a Great Dane was in the year 2003 when a 2-year-old girl fell victim to its bites in South Carolina.
10. Caucasian Ovcharka
Also popularly known as the Caucasian Shepherd, the Caucasian Ovcharka was initially bred to protect livestock. Since it is typically courageous, strong-willed and assertive, it is essential to train and socialize it well. Or else, it could spell doom for the living beings in its vicinity. This breed has a powerful urge to defend and doesn’t do well with strangers.
11. Chow Chow
Chow Chow requires constant attention from their owners. Or else, they grow up to be ill-bred and aggressive. Also known as “puffy-lion dog”, chow chow has discernment skills against strangers. They can be over-protective of their owners too. Categorized as high-risks dogs, they were culpable for 238 fatalities from 1979 to 1998 in the States. Of course, they require constant physical activities to keep their aggressive nature at bay.
12. Akita Inu
Akita Inu never backs out from challenges and it takes a lot to scare this breed away. Originating from the mountainous regions of Japan, the Akitas are loyal, strong, independent and dominant. They have a territorial attitude. Hence, they don’t gel with strangers too well. If it is not trained and socialized properly, owning an Akita Inu can be your biggest nightmare.
13. Perro de Presa Canario
Possessing a large imposing frame, the Perro de Presa Canario was originally bred for working livestock. Known as the “Canarian catch dog,” in English, this breed requires obedience training from young. They also need to be socialized. If they aren’t given proper attention, they can show an aggressive side to them towards strangers and other dogs.
14. Saint Bernard
The large working dog, Saint Bernard, originally hails from the Swiss and Italian Alps. Originally bred as a rescue dog, this breed has built a firm reputation for their mammoth size and Alps rescue mission abilities. However, one must be willing to invest time training a Saint Bernard from infancy in order to prevent aggressive territorial behavior.
15. Basenji
Hailing from Central Africa originally, the Basenji is generally classified as a sight hound. This breed of hunting dog has exceptional alertness, curiosity and affection. Reserved with strangers, this breed of dog is widely considered as the second least trainable of all breed types. Forget the phrase, “as stubborn as a mule,” and give birth to a new one, “as stubborn as a basenji.”
16. Gull Dong
A cross breed between the Gull Terrier and the Bully Kutta, the gull dog is strong and powerful beyond belief. There is a reason it was originally specifically bred as a fighting dog. This breed’s aggressive nature is legendary. So, forget about controlling it with your little knowledge on dog training.
17. Boer Boel
The humongous, mastiff dog breed hailing from South Africa was originally bred for guarding homes and farms. They proved to be a reliable first line of defense against predators and often played a helping hand in tracking and holding down wounded prey. This particular breed has a strong reputation for being loyal and protective of their families.
18. Dogo Argentino
Bred in Argentina originally for hunting purposes, the Dogo Argentino is a large, white, muscular dog capable of hunting wild boar and puma. Although they are strong and athletic, they are generally non-aggressive towards humans. It is illegal to own a Dogo in the United Kingdom under their Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991. This law tells us that Dogos are not to be messed around with.
19. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a working dog that can weigh up to 120 pounds! It was originally bred in Italy to carry out aggressive tasks such as hunting and guarding property. Hence, you must have a large, fenced-in yard to own this breed. Or else, you should kiss your dreams goodbye. They can generally live up to 12 years.
20. Bull Terriers
Bull Terriers rank number one in pound-for-pound lean muscle tissue. So, what does that tell us? That tells us that Bull Terriers are exceptionally strong dogs. Popularly recognized for their large egg shaped heads, this breed is known to have a strong “prey drive.” Hence, it is dangerous to smaller animals.