Every individual has their own favorite dog breeds. Some people prefer tiny lapdogs and others enjoy the company of a large powerhouse. Every pooch breed is different. Some fidos are super lazy while many are excessively active, and most are aggressive dog breeds. This article enlightens about the 20 most aggressive dog breeds based on the facts and statistics that all future first-time pet parents and puppy adopters need to be aware of while selecting their favorite four-legged breed.
Many people think that these dog breeds are very dangerous, but one must first try to understand aggression in dogs. Thousands of pet owners own these dogs or use them as working dogs and certain pooches have a shorter fuse or a higher prey drive. Any dog is seen to become aggressive under a specific circumstance.
Pointers for breed selection.
The dog’s ancestor’s “wolves” are known for its aggression and high prey drive. Hence a new parent needs to do ample research before adopting or bringing a dog breed home.
Make sure one can handle the challenges that certain breeds of dogs might present with. Think about the qualities that one is looking or expecting in its pet and stick to only those breeds that are likely to have those qualities. Zero on a breed that is easy to handle based on an individual’s experience level.
20 most aggressive dog breeds
1. Wolf Hybrid
The wolf hybrid is one of the most common wolf-type dog breeds. This breed is a cross between a dog and most commonly a grey wolf (although other wolves can also be accounted for) hence this breed tends to be unpredictable due to its high prey drive.
One cannot have any smaller pets, because this dog breed will most likely hunt it out or hurt them, and maybe even try to eat them due to its high prey drive. A pet parent who decides to own this needs to be a very skilled handler who should control the dog’s dominance.
2. Cane Corso
Cane Corso already possesses the appearance of an aggressive dog hence experts certainly label this breed to be that. Today, this breed is gaining popularity as police dogs. A descendant of the Canis Pugnax, a Roman warfare pooch used many centuries ago. Without any doubt, this breed tends to be very aggressive if not handled and trained well right from the puppy stage.
3. Bull Terrier
One of the smallest aggressive dog breeds on the planet that is a loyal human companion. Bull Terriers tend to think that they are lapdogs, even though their body muscles are composed of lean muscle. A bull terrier becomes aggressive and difficult to handle if not properly trained. An individual need to completely study the breed characteristics before bringing one home.
4. Chihuahua
The chihuahua is the smallest American dog breed that is registered in the world. This breed is included in the toy group of dogs and range from 4 to 6 pounds which can either have short or long hair and can come in just about any color either with a solid, marked, or splashed prints.
They are very loyal and devoted to their owners but are generally one- or two-man dogs. They are very possessive and can give their life to protect their owner. They are very temperamental and but are not child-friendly. This toy breeds refrain to meet strangers, bark often, and is a great alert-style watchdog.
5. Standard Smooth Dachshund
The German originated dog breed, the dachshund is categorized in the hound group by the American Kennel Club. They range in size from 8 to 32 pounds and comes in various colors both long and short hair. This small dog breed was primarily used to hunt badgers in the 17th century but was on the verge of extinction after World War I but are currently one of the most popular American pooches.
The dachshund is seen to try to make up for its small size with a large attitude which is seen to lead to behavioral issues. If socialized at the puppy stage this small breed is seen to go well with children, but one needs to refrain from excessive rough play.
Owning other small pets, such as mice, rats, hamsters are generally not recommended as dachshunds have a strong hunting instinct towards this group.
6. Chow Chow
This medium-sized dog can weigh between 45 and 70 pounds and have long, thick coats that can come in red, black, blue, cream, or cinnamon colors. The exact origin of the Chow Chow is unknown, but its roots are discovered in China or Mongolia were most often they were used for hunting and herding dogs. They started gaining popularity in the U.S post the 20th century when President Calvin Coolidge owned one as a pet.
The Chow Chow has a dominant personality and tends to become assertive at times. This assertiveness is the primary reason why they are not recommended for first-time pet parents. Experts have noted that this medium-sized pooch does not have good peripheral vision, hence are seen to be easily startled.
Strong guidance and firm training are necessary to tame a Chow Chow right from the puppy age.
7. Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an African large dog that was mostly used to keep lions away from stock and guard farms. These dogs are evolved to be constantly aware and alert and ready for a fight for any protection task.
This dog breed is not human-friendly and is a sensitive and one-man human dog. Positive reinforcement needs to be inculcated in this breed right from the puppy stage.
8. Basenji
Originating from Central Africa, the Basenji is a sighthound that is one of the most lovable and cutest dogs aggressive dog breeds. This means any movement from a small living creature will put the hunting instinct of this pooch into overdrive.
This one-man dog is one of the least trainable dogs and is reserved as well as aloof towards strangers. These belong to that class of dog breeds that are not recommended for first-time pet parents. Individuals looking to adopt them need to not only be well versed with the breed characteristics but also need to consult a specialist trainer for better breed insights.
9. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a medium-sized working group dog which ranges from 70 to 90 pounds and has a thick, glossy, short-haired coat that comes in red, black, blue, or fawn colors. This medium-sized breed is a very intelligent and till date is used mainly as guard dogs and for police work.
This dog is a one-man dog, but if raised with strong leadership and good owners, these are seen to get along well with children as well as with other fidos.
10. Dalmatian
The Dalmatian is a medium-sized dog in the working group that range in size from 45 to 60 pounds. Predominantly these dogs have a short, dense, glossy coat that is white with either black or brown spots. The exact origin of the Dalmatian is not known. This breed is been used as a carriage, guarding as well as cargo dog, since the late 18th century. The Dalmatians are very reserved with other dogs and hence needs to be socialized right from the puppy stage. They are child-friendly but are seen to develop some behavioral issues if enough attention is not given by their master. These energetic dogs need a good place to release some of their energy.
11. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are one of the most popular gentle dog breeds on the planet. But experts group them as aggressive dogs.
They require a ton of exercise and stimulation. The temperament of a Husky is very close to that of the wolf hence they are unpredictable. This breed is famous for its stubbornness and dominance hence are very difficult to control and a pet parent needs to keep them busy all times.
12. Dogo Argentino
Dogo Argentino is a white, muscular dog breed from Argentina that has been banned as a pet in countries like the UK as well as many others for its aggression.
This dog was originally bred for big game hunting such as puma and boar. These beautiful canines are unsuitable for city dwellers due to their wild side appearance. Dogo Argentino is a great and powerful hunting dog but needs an expert handler right from the puppy stage.
13. Bull Mastiff
Bull Mastiff is an extra-large and strong breed that is extremely loyal to its family. This dog breed requires an expert handler who can dominate and train them. If not, this dog creates havoc in the surroundings. Socialization and training are very important for this canine to refrain from turning it into the most aggressive dog.
14. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamute is another wolf-like dog that is related to the famous Siberian Husky dog breed but is much larger in size and personality. This pooch is more aggressive than Huskies and many pet parents face a lot of troubles with this breed. These dogs become bored without extensive workouts hence are seen to become destructive. Alaskan Malamutes are unreliable watchdogs that are very difficult to train. With a high prey drive, it is difficult to keep any pets around these four-legged canines.
15. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a strong dog that was originally bred for herding and guarding. To date, this dog is being ranked as one of the scariest dogs on the planet due to dog bite statistics.
This working breed is very aggressive if neglected, abused or not dominated by the pet parents. Socialization and training at an early age play a pivotal role in making the Rottie get on smoothly with other dogs, people, and pets. Being cautious with all the training is a point that all pet lovers, as well as pal parents, need to ponder.
16. German Shepherd
The German Shepherds are fearless, confident and extremely intelligent pooch breed that is why this canine is predominantly used in the military and the police force. This pooch breed is very trainable and hence are the best working dog breed. This large breed is very territorial and fiercely overprotective of its families. They need early socialization and expert training because they can become aggressive and destructive without these tools.
17. Boxer
Boxers are energetic headstrong and lean dogs and are often ranked among the most aggressive breeds. They were originally bred as hunting dogs and were also used during World War 1 for guarding. This dog breed is another protective dog that will thrive well if trained and exercised properly. The bite of a boxer is seen to cause serious injuries, that is why expert recommend keeping them busy and exercised to prevent them from destruction and aggression.
18. Great Dane
Great Danes are generally known as gentle giants that fall in the lower spectrum of dog aggression. These giants are highly recommended as best apartment pooches when trained properly. These extra-large canines need to be studied well before bringing them home or else they tend to become highly aggressive. Commonly, due to its large size, they look dangerous, but these pooches are unlikely to bite.
19. Pit Bulls
Pitbull is a large dog breed that as multiple origins which include the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, the Bull Terrier, and the Staffordshire Pit Bull Terrier. Originally, this breed was bred to guard and bait bulls and bears but nowadays this breed is extensively used for dogfighting, that is why this pooch is considered as one of the most aggressive dogs by nature.
20. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell’s are small-sized dogs that range from 14 to 18 pounds and are predominantly white in color with black or tan markings. Their coat can be short-haired, long-haired, or broken [refers to a coat of both long and short hair]. The history of this breed began in England where they were primarily used for fox, groundhog, and badger hunting. The Russell terriers are energetic and stubborn dogs with very minimal patience and are not very tolerant of children.
Sources
1. https://topdogtips.com/aggressive-dog-breeds/
2. https://list25.com/25-most-dangerous-dog-breeds/
3. https://pethelpful.com/dogs/10-Most-Aggressive-Dog-Breeds-Temperament-Ratings-and-Information
4. https://puppytoob.com/20-most-dangerous-dog-breeds/
