Dogs have been our closest companions for thousands of years, but it’s important to remember that they are still animals with instincts. While many are loving and loyal, there are also some risky dog breeds that have a higher chance of causing harm if not raised with proper care.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 4.5 million dog bite injuries occur each year in the U.S., and about 885,000 of those require medical attention. These numbers show why knowing which dog breeds carry greater risks can help keep both families and communities safe.
When looking at the most dangerous dog breeds, experts often rely on statistics from fatal dog attacks and serious dog bite incidents, not just stereotypes. Certain breeds are powerful, protective, and sometimes unpredictable when paired with inexperienced owners. Even the friendliest pup can develop dangerous behaviors without proper training and socialization.
That doesn’t mean every dog in these categories is unsafe—many live peacefully with responsible owners. But for first-time dog owners or prospective owners, it’s important to understand which dogs are considered high risk. By learning more about the most dangerous dogs and the factors that make them harder to handle, you can make smarter choices for your safety and security.
Dog Breeds To Avoid For Your Safety And Security
1. American Bulldog
Unlike British Bulldogs, who are stocky and less active, American Bulldogs are strong working dogs. They can weigh up to 120 pounds and carry a body full of muscle.
Their size, bite force of around 305 PSI, and ability to knock down a grown adult make them one of the most dangerous dog breeds. In fact, they were linked to 3.5% of fatal dog attacks, with 15 recorded deaths.
These dogs were originally bred for farm work, hunting wild boar, and guarding property. That background left them with powerful protective instincts and a strong prey drive.
Without proper training and socialization, their aggressive tendencies can surface, leading to violent dog bite injuries. They can also be territorial and may attack other dogs or smaller animals if not properly supervised.
Owning an American Bulldog requires responsibility and experience. They need consistent training, daily exercise, and mental stimulation.
Prospective owners should ask themselves if they can handle a highly energetic, dominant dog. With the right care, they can be loyal companions, but without it, their size and strength can make them dangerous dogs to have around people or other pets.
2. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher originated in Germany in the late 19th century. Purina states that the breed was developed by Louis Dobermann, a tax collector who needed a reliable protector during his rounds.
Known for their sleek bodies, cropped ears, and sharp reflexes, Dobermans are instantly recognizable. Their constant alertness and striking presence have made them classic guard dogs.
While loyal to their families, a Doberman can become an aggressive dog if not trained and socialized from a young age. Their bite force is often reported as high as 600 PSI, though it may be closer to 305.
Even so, they are a high-risk dog breed because of their speed, strength, and protective instincts. Over the years, they have been linked to six fatal attacks, which shows the danger when these instincts are not controlled.
For pet owners, Dobermans demand calm, consistent leadership and early socialization. They often bond strongly with one person and may clash with other dogs or smaller animals.
In the right hands, they can be loyal and affectionate companions, but without proper guidance, their protective nature can lead to serious problems.
3. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a large, Arctic working dog that can weigh up to 90 pounds. They were bred for endurance and strength, making them one of the most powerful dogs on this list. With a bite force of about 400 PSI, they are capable of causing serious injuries despite not being linked to many fatalities.
Malamutes are energetic, stubborn, and often hard to train. They need constant exercise and firm guidance from an experienced owner.
If not properly socialized, they may become aggressive toward other animals or even display dominance at home. Meeting an unfamiliar dog can also trigger their protective side, leading to dangerous situations.
Families must teach children how to behave around Malamutes, since their size and strength can overwhelm younger kids. These dogs are playful and intelligent but require patience, structure, and plenty of activity.
Without the right care, their independence and high energy can turn into destructive or aggressive behaviors. For first-time owners, they are often too challenging to manage.
4. Chow Chow
PetMD mentions that the Chow Chow is one of the oldest breeds, originally from China. They were bred for guarding, hunting, and even pulling supplies.
With a thick lion-like coat and a sturdy body, they may look cute, but they are often ranked among other dangerous dog breeds. Weighing up to 70 pounds, their strength and stubborn nature make them hard to manage.
These dogs are independent and often aggressive if not properly trained. Over the years, reports have linked them to serious dog bite injuries, including several deaths.
Their territorial behavior means a Chow often decides who is welcome and who is not. When a dog decides to act on its instincts, the results can be severe.
The Chow Chow is not a good fit for first-time owners. They require responsible ownership, early positive training, and careful socialization.
While some live peacefully as family pets, statistics show they have harmed dozens of human beings over the years. This makes them a risky choice for homes with children or inexperienced handlers.
5. American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier is one of the most well-known breeds linked to violence. Though only about 6% of dogs in the U.S. fall into this category, they are connected to nearly two-thirds of fatal pit bull attacks, with 284 deaths recorded over 13 years. Their stocky build and strong bite force give them the power to cause devastating injuries.
Much of their danger comes from owner behavior and the way they were bred for fighting and hunting. Without proper socialization from an early age, the breed can display unpredictable behavior.
When they feel threatened, their prey drive and determination can make them deadly to both people and animals. Even experienced handlers admit that their strength and focus in a fight can be hard to stop once it starts.
Despite their reputation, many American Pit Bull Terriers are loyal and affectionate with the right care. However, they are not suited for inexperienced handlers. They require firm training, structure, and patience. Families with small children or other pets should be especially cautious.
6. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are known for loyalty and strength. They are often ranked among the best guard dogs in the world. However, their protective instincts can make them one of the most dangerous breeds when strangers enter the home.
With a bite force of 328 PSI, their strength is enough to break bones. Originally bred as cattle drivers and later used as fighting dogs, their natural power makes them difficult to control once aggression starts.
If a dog’s aggression is triggered, owners may find it nearly impossible to stop them. This is why experts warn handlers to avoid sudden movements around unfamiliar Rottweilers, as their protective nature can quickly turn violent.
Despite these risks, Rottweilers are admired for their intelligence and loyalty. With early training, structure, and careful handling, they can be devoted family dogs. Yet they demand experienced owners who understand the responsibility of raising such a strong and watchful breed.
7. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a giant among larger dogs, often weighing up to 130 pounds. Originally bred as estate guardians, they were trained much like police dogs to protect property.
Their strength is matched by a powerful bite force of 552 PSI, which means a single dog bite can cause severe damage. In the study, they were linked to 14 deaths, about 3.2% of fatal dog attacks.
Despite their size, Bullmastiffs are known for their calm and even playful nature with families. Still, a dog’s behavior depends heavily on early training and guidance.
Without discipline, they can slip into territorial or dominant habits, which puts them among potentially aggressive breeds. Visitors and strangers often trigger their protective instincts, making socialization essential.
Like many hunting dogs, Bullmastiffs were bred with courage and alertness in mind. These traits make them excellent protectors, but also risky for inexperienced handlers. With proper training, they can be gentle and loyal companions, but without it, their sheer size and guarding instincts can quickly turn dangerous.
Conclusion
When it comes to safety, it’s important to remember that any dog can bite. Size, strength, and protective instincts all play a role in risk. While some breeds appear more often in reports of serious attacks, even mixed breeds can be unpredictable if not raised with care. Training, socialization, and responsible ownership make the biggest difference in how a dog behaves.
There are some other dangerous dog breeds as well that you should avoid for your safety. These include Boxers, Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Japanese Tosa, Akitas, and Presa Canarios.
At the same time, we cannot ignore the fact that some dogs are naturally stronger and harder to control. Their power and instincts can make these dogs dangerous when left in the wrong hands. By learning about the breeds most often involved in attacks, prospective owners can make better choices, keeping both their families and their communities safe.
