Not every human is trustworthy, and the same goes for our four-legged companions, who share ancestry with wolves. While dogs are generally known for their friendly nature, some breeds may not always play nice.
Dog bite statistics report that a staggering number of 4 million people suffer from dog attacks annually, among which some cases lead to deaths as well.
There is no single reason behind the aggressive nature of the meanest dog breeds, but multiple factors play a role in shaping their nature. Some breeds are developed to protect, guard, or hunt, further polishing their naturally protective instincts. Moreover, a lack of early socialization or poor training also outshines their aggressive side.
So, in this article, we have outlined the top most dangerous dog breeds that are usually involved in dog bite incidents.
Meanest Dog Breeds
Usually, the guard dogs appear to be aggressive dogs as well because they have a built-in protective nature that triggers them in normal scenarios as well. Things get worse when such a dog gets a negligent and irresponsible owner, as their training and socialization are mostly compromised then. Due to this, they don’t know how to behave among people, and whenever they feel threatened, they attack.
This not only puts the life of the affected at risk, but the prospective owner may also get in trouble. In many US states, dog owners are liable for the injuries caused by their dogs. Furthermore, the one affected by a dog bite got some benefits as well because many insurance companies cover dog bite liability.
However, these are certain breeds with whom extra vigilance and proper training are required to handle them accordingly:
1. American Pit Bull Terrier
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Estimated Weight: 30 – 65 pounds (both males and females)
With a bite force ranging between 240 to 330 PSI, Pit Bulls are one of the most dangerous dog breeds. Dog bite statistics hold Pit Bulls responsible for around 60% of the deaths due to dog bites in the United States, ranking highest position in causing fatal attacks.
It’s because in the past, this breed’s aggressive nature has been misused as American Pit Bull terriers were pushed into illegal dog fighting, which further provoked their aggressive side. However, Hills Pet states that Pit Bulls can be the friendliest protector, especially for their family members and other tiny dogs as well.
But, the interaction with other Pit Bulls should be avoided as it may create a sense of competition. In addition to this, despite the gentle behavior of Pit Bulls with family members, their interaction with small children must be supervised to avoid any casualties caused by Pit Bull attacks.
2. Chow Chow
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Estimated Weight: 45 to 70 pounds (both males and females)
According to a study published by the American Veterinary Medical Association, 8 out of 238 fatalities were caused because of the bite of Chow Chow between 1979 to 1988. According to Hill’s Pet, Chow Chow is one of the dangerous dog breeds as they were originally bred to guard livestock and homes.
This has made Chow Chow anti-social and always be in their “guard aura” despite their cuddly appearance.
To make them fit in society and avoid the casualties, consistent training is necessary. Though they are intelligent, they are born to be dominant as well. So, proper socialization with humans, other pets, and dogs helps them cope with this dominant element.
3. Doberman Pinscher
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Estimated Weight: 60-100 pounds (both males and females)
Statista has published a report of fatal dog attacks with certain breeds that were behind them. According to that report, the Doberman Pinscher breed was responsible for 6 fatal attacks in the U.S. from 2005 to 2017, placing this breed on the list of the most dangerous dog breeds.
Doberman Pinscher, commonly known as the “guard dogs,” have a bite force of 600 psi. Their roots date back to Germany, where they were primarily used as police dogs. However, if properly trained, they can be turned from a high-risk dog breed to a lovable pet for family members as well.
Dobermans have a striking appearance that can scare people who don’t know much about them. But in reality, they’re usually very gentle and not nearly as scary as they seem. Sadly, because of how they look, they’re often cast as the ‘bad guys’ in movies and TV shows.
4. Rottweiler
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Estimated Weight: 80-135 pounds (both males and females)
Rottweiler is the 8th top-ranked dog breed as per the AKC. It’s because they are family pets, and mostly they are found as gentle playmates for the people they are aware of.
But don’t forget that they have one of the strongest bite forces of 381 PSI, and they are also involved in 45 fatal dog attacks in the United States in 12 years.
So conclusively, they are naturally aggressive because in the past, they were primarily used as “guard dogs” for herding and pulling loaded carts with butchered meat. But with training and socialization at a young age, the dog’s behavior can be changed, and they can behave as confident, calm, and protective family pets.
5. Siberian Husky
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Estimated Weight: 35-60 pounds (both males and females)
Siberian Huskies, also known as “wolf hybrids”, are popular for being playful and friendly. However, if the physical and mental stimulation needs of a Siberian Husky remain unfulfilled, their aggressive tendencies may be triggered as well.
People usually misunderstand their intelligence and independence with stubbornness or aggressiveness. But if a pet owner involves a Siberian Husky in training sessions, socializing with other pets, and exercises, the chances of their involvement in a dog attack can be significantly reduced.
According to PetMD, Huskies need plenty of space to run and stay active with their families. If they’re left alone too long or don’t get enough attention, they can become quite a handful.
6. Akita
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Estimated Weight: 70-130 pounds (both males and females)
The Japanese breed, Akita, has strong cultural significance as the Japanese consider this dangerous dog breed a sign of health. Because of their strong hunting history, they have a high prey drive that makes them chase smaller animals like small dogs and cats.
For this reason, PetMD has outlined the behavior of these aggressive dogs as a breed that’s only comfortable around its family. On their first interaction with someone, their aggressive behavior can be clearly noticed.
They are also found to be slightly aggressive with children, so vigilant supervision is necessary during the interaction of Akita with a child.
7. Chihuahua
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Estimated Weight: not exceeding 6 pounds (both males and females)
Tiny but never to be underestimated. This is exactly what perfectly defines one of the meanest dog breeds. They are quite small in size, and their bite force is also quite minimal, i.e., 100 PSI, but they still lie on the list of dangerous dogs because of their traits of aggression.
They are often very close to their dog owners to the point of intensity that it most of the time turns into jealousy. This may result in them attacking or barking at other dogs or people. For this reason, this breed needs to be properly socialized and trained at an early age.
Chihuahuas can show aggression for a variety of reasons, including lack of proper training, fear, or natural guarding instincts. Sometimes, their aggressive behavior goes unchecked because their small size leads owners to dismiss or overlook it.
Conclusion
All in all, the fact is that “nature over nurture”. Some breeds are born to be aggressive, either because of their highly protective senses or their ancestral blood. However, the environment also plays a crucial role in shaping the personalities and traits of these dangerous dogs.
While owning a pet, pet owners need to understand that it’s more than just an “addition to the family”; it’s a responsibility as well. So, they need to be really careful and responsible with all the training. This helps not in completely eliminating but in suppressing the aggressive traits of these aggressive protectors and lets them socialize with other animals and people without any serious attacks.
