The Most Aggressive Or Most Dangerous Dog Breeds
Before adopting or bringing home your new pet, you want to ensure that your family and other pets will be safe.
Frankly, you want to know the most dangerous dogs or breeds before making your final decision.
What makes a dog "dangerous?" Of course, this term is pretty subjective.
What Makes a Dog Dangerous?
A large and aggressive breed might shower your kids and pets with nothing but love, but what about other dogs when you go for a walk?
What about your mail carrier, joggers, or your neighbor's small children?
Dogs can get very territorial – this can be either a good thing or a bad thing depending on the situation.
But dogs aren't people: they don't always have the best judgement.
It's not unusual for an aggressive dog to mistake your neighbor for a threat and act accordingly. Not only does this put innocent people at risk for physical harm, but it also puts you at risk for hefty fines or even criminal charges.
When it comes to the most dangerous dogs, the official definition usually applies to muscular or vicious breeds. It's really up to your local courts to determine if the dog poses a threat to the wellbeing of your community.
Unfortunately, most of these "dangerous dog" laws tend to overlook small yet often vicious breeds. It's important to know that dogs of all sizes can be vicious, aggressive, or otherwise dangerous.
The 12 Most Dangerous Dogs: Make an Informed Decision Before You Adopt
Dog attacks kill a handful of people in the United States each year: ranging anywhere from 9 to nearly 30. These are very painful and mostly preventable deaths. Those who are attacked by dogs and survive face intense pain and a difficult recovery process.
The American Veterinary Medical Association tracks these various statistics around the world. Most of the breeds on the list below are from their studies.
Labrador
Labradors are the most common breed responsible for personal injury claims from postal workers in the United Kingdom. Injuries include nerve damage, puncture wounds, and even amputation.
Chihuahua
According to surveys and studies, Chihuahuas are actually more aggressive than Pit Bulls. Many people may not realize that even tiny dogs can be very dangerous under the right (or wrong) circumstances.
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is one of the most primitive dog breeds. They sure are cuddly, but unfortunately, they can also be very aggressive.
Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is another breed often associated with human injuries. This type of dog is often very possessive of their owner and personal space.
Border Collie
Believe it or not, Border Collies have a fairly aggressive nature. They're also notoriously difficult to train so be careful if you plan to adopt a collie.
Bull Terrier
Bull Terriers are one of the strongest breeds pound-for-pound. Does this mean they're naturally dangerous? No, but a Bull Terrier with a vicious personality is a recipe for disaster.
Saint Bernard
Yes, the loveable and loyal Saint Bernard. Although this breed often makes a great family pet, under the wrong circumstances it can also be one of the most dangerous dogs.
Dachshund
The modest Dachshund is another small – yet often vicious – breed.
German Shepherd
There's a reason police use German Shepherds: they have an aggressive and energetic personality yet are very easy to train. Without proper training, however, German Shepherds can be dangerous and deadly.
Cocker Spaniel
Yes, Cocker Spaniels are often responsible for personal injuries. This is likely due to their sensitive or neurotic personalities.
Pit Bull-type
Like all breeds on this list, Pit Bull-types aren't all bad. Training, personality, and owners make all the difference.
Rottweiler
/best-dog-training-collar/Similar to Pit Bull-types, Rottweilers are a very loyal and loving breed but can also be one of the most dangerous dogs.
How to Choose the Right Dog
Make sure to bring the whole family to your local adoption center. Don't surprise your family with a new dog – even if they've been begging for one.
It's important to see how any potential dog interacts with children. If you don't have any kids, ask a friend or relative with kids to tag along.
You don't know what kind of life the dog had before arriving in your home.
No one should adopt a pet with plans to possibly rehome it later during a move or for whatever reason. Although you may adopt your dog with the best intentions in mind, it's important to set some boundaries for your own safety.
If your new pet starts sending red flags, don't wait for something disastrous to happen. Contact the shelter and try to find the dog a different home or more suitable environment.
