Not every four-legged friend is simply a cuddly companion—some dog breeds, due to their size, strength, and historical roles, can pose serious risks if not properly trained or managed. The World Health Organization reports that over 4.5 million people suffer from dog bites annually, with around 800,000 of them requiring medical attention.
Despite the deep bond we share with dogs today, it’s important to remember that they are still animals with instincts rooted in their evolutionary past. While most dogs are loyal, loving, and safe companions, some breeds were historically bred for guarding, hunting, or protection—traits that, without proper care and training, can lead to dangerous behavior.
This article explores seven dog breeds that are often labeled as “dangerous”—not to stigmatize them, but to offer insight into their nature, history, and the responsibility that comes with owning them. With the right training, environment, and understanding, many of these breeds can still be devoted and loving pets, but they may not be the best fit for every home.
Dangerous Dog Breeds
So, here are the high-risk dog breeds you need to be highly careful with.
1. Pit Bulls
Pit Bulls stand at the top of the list of most dangerous dog breeds with the highest number of fatal bites. This claim is made because of the studies published by reputed sources such as DogsBite.org, which reports that Pit bulls are responsible for 66% of the dog bite-related deaths in the U.S.
With a powerful bite force of 235 PSI, they bite, hold, and then keep shaking for at least 15 minutes or longer, which may cause severe injuries like amputations, nerve damage, and bone fractures.
In addition to this, once a Pit Bull attacks, no violent blows or kicks can stop it because of its insensitivity to pain. Their brain releases ‘Endorphins’ as natural pain killers, due to which they seek the pain to get that “Endorphin kick” in their bloodstream.
ASPCA claims that Pit Bull terrier dogs aren’t naturally dangerous, but poor training, neglect, or irresponsible breeding can lead to aggressive behavior. With proper care and socialization, they’re often loyal, gentle, and loving family pets.
3. Rottweilers
Rottweilers stand in the second position in the list of most dangerous breeds, being responsible for 9.8% of fatal attacks according to dog bite statistics. They have an extraordinarily strong bite force compared to other breeds, i.e., 382 PSI. Most of the time, they are used as guard dogs because of their strength.
Their history traces back to the Roman times when they were used to herd and guard the Roman legions. Later, their role is upgraded to the butcher’s dog in Germany, and in the early 20th century, they were used for scent detection by the armed forces.
As they have been involved in such roles, their protective instincts are really high, and they may misbehave when they are not trained properly. In such a case, when they feel threatened, their protective nature triggers them that resulting in serious attacks.
However, if the prospective owner invests in obedience training, leadership training, and early socialization, a well-behaved, courageous, and confident Rottweiler can be clearly seen.
3. German Shepherds
In the list of Dog bite-related fatalities published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the third position has been secured by the German Shepherd with 19 reported deaths. As they are larger dogs with a stronger jaw and a bite force of 283-291 PSI, their bite causes more serious injury compared to other dogs.
German shepherds were originally bred back in the late 19th century by a cavalry officer named von Stephanitz. He wanted a breed with all the win-win qualities, such as agility and intelligence, and as a result, this breed was created to herd sheep and protect flocks from predators. Later, law enforcement agencies and armed forces trained German Shepherds to serve as police dogs.
If their training and early socialization are compromised by the pet owners, this vigilant nature can turn into aggression towards strangers or a perceived threat. However, one also needs to remember that while the breed’s history influences their potential for aggression, individual dogs can vary widely in their temperament and behavior.
4. Akita
Though Akitas are not responsible for a huge number of dog bite casualties but their involvement is still found in some of the cases. Such as in 2017, a 69-year-old lady died from the attack of an Akita when she was trying to rehabilitate that dog in a facility called The Canine Country Club and Feline Inn.
According to the AKC, this breed was originally bred in Northern Japan in the 1600s to serve as hunting companions and guard dogs. They were used to track and hold large prey like bears and wild boars because of their fearless temperament and strong, muscular build.
So, all together, their strong protective instincts and past hunting abilities, this breed is naturally more inclined towards aggression and vigilance, which places them under the category of the most dangerous dog breeds. However, with the proper training and early socialization, one can bring out the protective and loving side of Akitas.
5. Bull Mastiff
Over a period of 32 years, Bull Mastiff was the reason behind 111 fatal attacks and of which 18 people couldn’t make it and died. For this reason, the Bull Mastiff is also one of the breeds that can never be fully trusted. With a bite force of 556 PSI, one can expect them to be on a hospital bed if attacked by a Bull Mastiff.
Back in those times, they were used as “Gamekeeper’s night dog” specifically to assist gamekeepers in protecting country estates from poachers. For their maximum safety, they were trained to never let their opponent run off, and they still practice the same if their gamekeeping instincts get triggered.
They are extremely fearless because of their muscular build and large size; however, if properly trained, they can be turned into loyal family companions. If socialization is practiced from a young age, they can get along with other animals as well. But, because of their large size, it is advised to supervise the interaction of a Bull Mastiff with children and smaller dogs.
6. American Bulldogs
Want 40+ stitches right on your face? Definitely no. But this is exactly what an American Bulldog has caused to a four-year-old girl in the UK. So, keeping an American Bulldog in a home setting is no less than a risk, as they are one of the most dangerous dog breeds. With a bite force of 305 PSI, a dog bite injury from these aggressive dogs might be fatal or at least bone-crushing.
However, AKC has described American Bulldogs’ nature as friendly and easy to be around, but only if they are properly socialized and trained.
They only exhibit aggressive behavior if there are loopholes in their training, such as inadequate training, lack of early socialization, and irresponsible breeding practices. Otherwise, they can be wonderful companions and protectors for the family members.
7. Doberman Pinscher
With a total of 23 attacks from 1982 to 2022, the Doberman Pinscher also stands on the list of the most dangerous dog breeds. They may exhibit higher levels of aggression compared to other dog breeds because they were specifically bred to be aggressive and intimidating.
They are one of the oldest breeds that were used by the military, police for defense purposes. Even in World War I and World War II, they were used extensively for search and rescue, mine detection, and guard duty purposes.
Their long history in policing and the military has increased their potential to be violent and aggressive, just like other aggressive breeds of dogs.
Conclusion
The rule of ‘Nature over nurture’ applies to certain breeds of dogs as well. With no denial of the fact that upbringing plays a crucial role in shaping the personality of a dog, some breeds are naturally born with high aggression and low temperament levels. When such a dog is paired with a negligent and irresponsible dog owner, things go worse and may result in trauma or injury.
According to the National Institutes of Health, an estimated 30 to 50 people lose their lives each year due to fatal dog attacks. But even the most dangerous dog breeds can be turned into well-behaved dogs. All one needs to be really consistent with the training sessions to suppress their dangerous behaviors. Apart from that, owners need to be equipped with a chain and muzzle for public safety when roaming in crowded places to avoid any kind of fatal dog bite incident.
