Some breeds of dogs are considered risky because of their potential for serious injuries. They may not have necessarily attacked someone, but pose a higher risk to community safety due to their strength, power, and bite force.
However, certain dangerous dog breeds are frequently involved in serious dog attacks. Human fatalities as a result of dog attacks have also been reported. Dog bite statistics show that around 4.5 million people suffer from dog bite injuries every year.
Most dangerous dog breeds often exhibit aggressive behavior and possess great stamina and endurance. Their bite force is also stronger than many other breeds. For instance, the Kangal Shepherd dog has a bite force of whopping 743 PSI, the strongest in the canine world.
Here are the top 7 risky dog breeds to avoid.
Risky Breeds To Avoid
1. American Pitbull Terrier
Don’t get fooled by their cuteness; American Pitbull Terriers are one of the most dangerous dog breeds in the world. These stocky pooches are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they showcase all the traits of Pit bulls and Terriers.
American Pit Bull Terriers were originally bred in England for bull baiting. Their history as fighting dogs contributes to their aggressive nature. Pit Bull Terriers’ powerful jaws, strong prey drive, and bite force of 235 PSI make them unsuitable for inexperienced owners and people who are afraid of dogs.
Pit Bulls have been responsible for 780 fatal attacks from 1833 to December 2024. They are strong-willed dogs, explains PetMD. So they are capable of making independent decisions. However, they are loving and affectionate to their owners and are protective of them.
2. Rottweiler
Rotties have always had the reputation of being aggressive dogs. In ancient times, Rottweilers helped butchers to protect their money. Their mastiff-like head, black coat, and high level of endurance make them the most dangerous breed.
Rottweilers also have an impressive bite force of up to 328 PSI, which is higher than many other breeds. Their exceptional jaw strength is reflective of their history as guard dogs. A Rottweiler’s bite force is strong enough to cause serious injuries, including bone fractures and deep tissue damage.
From 1978 to December 2024, 132 people became victims of fatal dog attacks by Rotties, and 75% of them were children. These statistics prove the Rottweiler as the second most lethal breed in the United States. Rotties are ferocious guardians with a highly protective nature.
3. Akita Inu
A couple was jailed for 18 months and banned from keeping a dog for 7 years as their Akita attacked a child, reported the BBC. Akita Inu is a courageous and fearsome Spitz-type dog hailing from Japan. They have a high prey drive and make the best guard dogs.
Akitas are loyal, hard-working, and powerful dogs. Their large size, strong jaws, and strong bite suggest that they are somewhat risky and unsuitable for novice owners. The simple presence of an Akita can make you feel threatened.
Akita has a bite force of up to 300 to 400 PSI, strong enough to cause serious injuries, which sometimes even require surgical repair. With their strong protective instincts and historical hunting background, they definitely pose a serious threat to intruders.
4. Chow Chow
Chow Chow is a Chinese dog breed with a blue tongue. It might be a little hard to believe that these puffy fluffballs are one of the most dangerous dog breeds out there. But it is true!
Chow Chows are independent and strong-willed canines who are known for being aggressive, especially towards other animals and the dogs of the same sex. Having sharp reflexes and a strong build, Chow Chows have been responsible for numerous fatal dog attacks.
Their attack can easily break human skin and tear into muscles and tendons. As reported by Fox26 Houston, a family felt devastated when their small dog, named Beige, was attacked and killed by three big Chow Chow dogs. The dogs entered their house through a hole in the neighbor’s fence.
The owner told them, “The Chows were actually biting and chewing on him.” Small children should avoid interacting with Chow Chows even after proper training and socialization. They are quite impatient and get easily teased by young kids, which probably will not end well.
5. Siberian Husky
The most talkative yet the most dangerous dog breed, Siberian Huskies are gorgeous wolf-like creatures. Their piercing blue eyes and striking coat make them quite appealing, but inexperienced handlers should avoid this breed.
These dangerous dogs were bred in Siberia to work as sled dogs. Their muscular build, lots of stamina, and endurance make them a high-risk dog breed. Huskies have an impressive bite force of 320 PSI that can cause deep wounds, broken bones, and even fatal injuries.
From 2005 to 2019, approximately 2.7% of the total 521 deaths were inflicted by Huskies. However, it is worth mentioning here that Huskies are very, very unlikely to kill humans. They are not inherently aggressive, but a lack of adequate stimulation or some other factors could lead to such incidents.
6. Doberman Pinscher
These versatile and fun-loving mutts are actually one of the most dangerous dog breeds. The Doberman is a working dog with a fearless temperament. According to Britannica, Dobermans are aloof towards strangers and those they perceive to be threatening.
Doberman Pinscher’s powerful bite, muscular build, and regal appearance make them look quite intimidating. While it’s a common myth that Dobermans have a bite force of 600 PSI, they have a bite as strong as 305 PSI, according to Doberman Planet.
However, their strong jaws can still cause torn ligaments, tendons, muscles, fractures, and hemorrhages. According to dog bite statistics, Dobermans were responsible for 20 documented attacks from 1982 to 2013.
Dobermans possess strong guarding instincts since they were bred as guardians hundreds of years ago. They are not inherently aggressive or dangerous, but their temperament and instincts can cause serious harm if not trained properly.
7. Perro de Presa Canario
Presa Canario has earned a reputation as an aggressive and dangerous breed due to some high-profile fatal attacks by a few members of the breed. A woman named Diane Whipple was brutally attacked and killed by a massive Presa Canario named Bane, only five days before her 34th birthday.
Whipple was returning home from a grocery store. SFGate reported that the “dog of death” left almost 80 bite marks on her body and punctured her trachea with its powerful jaws. Presa Canario has a bite force of 556 PSI.
A total of 111 attacks by these dangerous dogs have been documented between September 1982 and December 2014. Perro de Presa Canario bite attacks were the fourth most common among all dog breeds.
Due to their territorial tendencies, these scary dogs have been banned in different regions of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.
Conclusion
While some pooches are known for their unwavering loyalty, others are popular for their aggressive temperament. These furious pooches make the list of the most dangerous breeds in the world due to their large size, territorial nature, impressive bite force, and strong protective instincts.
Bite attacks by these dangerous breeds can result in serious injuries, broken bones, torn muscles, and even death. Many fatal dog bite attacks have been reported in the past. However, certain factors, like a lack of adequate stimulation and anxiety, may also lead to such incidents.
