How do you know if your dog is dangerous? It’s not so easy to tell at first glance. It can be challenging to differentiate between aggressive behavior and playfulness or other harmless behaviors that may seem violent or aggressive to someone who doesn’t understand dogs. But if you know what to look for in terms of warning signs, you can better protect yourself and those around you from attacks by the most dangerous dogs in the world. Here are 22 of the most dangerous dogs in the world and how to avoid them when possible so that your dog doesn’t hurt anyone else (or itself).
Pit Bull
It is well known that a pit bull has powerful jaws and can kill an adult human. These dogs are still seen as pets in many countries due to their popularity. However, pit bulls are among the most dangerous dog breeds, thanks to their muscular body and unusual agility for their size. While attacks on humans are rare with these animals when they occur, doctors need to treat them quickly. Otherwise, more severe damage could be done before medical attention is given.
German Shepherd
While many consider German Shepherds dangerous, it’s important to note that not all German Shepherds are inherently aggressive. However, if you come across one, don’t take a chance with your life; they are known for attacking first and asking questions later. Most German Shepherd attacks occur when they feel their owners or family members are in danger. They’ve been known to attack strangers if their owner is threatened.
Rottweiler
Many of you have seen pictures and news stories about Rottweilers attacking humans and other animals. A tiny percentage of Rottweilers are aggressive, but these dogs don’t attack people or other dogs without reason. Training and socialization from an early age can help you prevent your Rottweiler from becoming aggressive later in life. However, if your dog does bite someone without reason or shows any aggressive behavior, he may need to be muzzled in public or put down permanently.
Doberman Pinscher
Originally bred to guard and protect, these dogs are considered one of the most dangerous, not only due to their speed but also because they’re known for their biting power. They were initially bred in Germany but later exported to France as police dogs. Unfortunately, if you cross one in public, you could be facing some consequences, but don’t let that deter you from getting a Doberman Pinscher. Remember, any dog can turn aggressive if not trained correctly or socialized early on; however, a well-trained Doberman will remain calm and protective of its owner. After all, there’s no such thing as an ill-tempered Dobie—just people who haven’t properly trained them.
Chow Chow
Often heralded as one of the most dangerous dogs, Chow Chows are pure white with a long, blue-black tongue. They were initially bred for hunting, evident by their prick ears. Unlike other dogs that can be around people, these tend to walk away when they are uncomfortable or interested in socializing with others. This makes them very dangerous since they have a strong prey drive and do not like approaching strangers.
Presa Canario
The Presa Canario is a large Spanish breed that originated in the Canary Islands, from which it derived its name. It has been used as a fighting dog and boar hunter and guards sheep flocks. Currently, it is often used as a police dog. It is illegal to own one in England; some US states also ban ownership of these dogs because of their aggressiveness. Despite being outlawed in certain regions, these dogs are popular among dogfighters and have gained notoriety for mauling people to death or near-death. The American Kennel Club ranks them as one of the most aggressive breeds. So they’re certainly dangerous!
Wolf Hybrid
Although hybrids are becoming more popular, wolf hybrids are far less common. They can grow six feet tall and weigh between 90 and 130 pounds. Their size alone makes them dangerous, but it’s their instincts that make them so. These dogs want to hunt and kill, which can pose a severe threat to humans, especially if you have small children in your home or on your property. They’re also excellent escape artists who have been known to leap up over five-foot fences with ease—which means they may be able to jump out of a second-story window when they smell food somewhere else. Wolf hybrid dogs aren’t likely going anywhere anytime soon, so be prepared for an attack if you own one or ever visit someone who does.
A wolf hybrid is a cross between a purebred wolf and another type of dog. Although breeders aim to give these animals domesticated personalities, their behavior can be unpredictable, and it’s always a good idea to keep your distance if you see one. If provoked, wolves are capable of causing severe injury or even death. Wolf hybrids have been known to attack without provocation, so it’s best not to take any chances when they’re around. These dogs tend to be very vocal, making them seem more aggressive than they are. It’s essential that you don’t end up provoking an attack by making quick movements or noises; many experts recommend keeping any eye contact brief so that you don’t scare them off.
Dogo Argentino
A dog Argentino, also known as a Dogo, Argentine Mastiff, or Argentine Dogo, is a large dog used in Argentina for big-game hunting, including a puma and wild boar. It has also been used as a guard dog. Because of its strength and aggressiveness, it is tough to control when confronted with other dogs. Records indicate that Dogos have killed at least 16 people since 1980, many children under 12 years old. Attacks on adults have sent over 100 people to hospitals in Greater Buenos Aires alone.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a powerful medium-sized dog bred to be a working dog, which makes it doubly dangerous. These dogs have a fantastic sense of smell and are good trackers. Huskies have also been known to herd sheep, pull sleds, and act as watchdogs. This breed tends to form strong bonds with its owners, who they treat like members of their pack. They can get along well with other dogs and pets if raised together from puppyhood and will even play gently with children if raised with them.
Alaskan Malamute
Determined, loyal and independent, these working dogs are not for everyone. However, if you are looking for a lifelong companion, look no further than an Alaskan Malamute. Malamutes can easily live as long as 20 years or more and make great friends while they’re at it. But these Gentle Giants deserve to be trained correctly from a young age to ensure that they do not become aggressive adults. Alaskans are always well-behaved around; children tend to have a high prey drive, meaning their instinct is to chase other animals around.
Bullmastiff
Also known as a British mastiff, or even just a bulldog, it is used in police work due to its reputation for being gentle and non-threatening. Yet they were initially bred to hunt ferocious bulls; that’s how they got their name. It was also bred as an all-around tough guard dog. A Bullmastiff can weigh anywhere from 90 pounds to 175 pounds and is between 2.5 and 3 feet tall at its shoulder. Their bite force ranges from 200 PSI to 317 PSI – making them one of the most dangerous dogs in any given situation.
These dogs are excellent watchdogs as they are independent and fearless, but they also tend to be aggressive towards other animals. For people who have never had a large dog before or elderly owners, these massive dogs can be intimidating and difficult to control, even with training. Bullmastiffs need plenty of attention from their owners and will not do well in an apartment unless they come home regularly to give them exercise and attention. These loyal creatures bond with one family member more than others, and because of that, they can become jealous if someone else pays attention to them rather than their designated person. If you are looking for a loyal, loving dog that is happy simply being at your side, then consider adopting a bullmastiff rather than buying one from a breeder or pet store.
Akita
This dog is not to be trifled with, as it has a reputation for being very aggressive and territorial. It’s also courageous. Its size alone is enough to intimidate any would-be attacker, but its strength and skill in combat only add to its intimidation factor. An Akita will fight unhesitatingly to protect its family members or territory. It’s, therefore, best kept as a guard dog rather than as a pet for someone who isn’t confident that they can train it properly. On top of that, training an Akita takes considerable time, effort, and persistence—something many people aren’t willing to put into their pet!
Boxer
A boxer’s muscular build, jaw strength, and tendency to attack other dogs make it one of the most dangerous breeds. They’re trained for aggression, so keep it away from other dogs and people if you own a boxer. You might have to pay big bucks in damages if it does hurt someone. Plus: Boxers are one of only four dog breeds that have tested positive for heartworm infection as carriers (the others are Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, and American Staffordshire Terriers).
Great Dane
These large dogs are known for their gentle, playful demeanor, but they can also be very protective of their owners and families. Though generally well-tempered, Great Danes sometimes get so excited that they jump up on people to welcome them or play with them. That’s why many Great Dane owners have been injured when these friendly dogs accidentally step on them or knock them over with a paw. This breed is one of the tallest dog breeds, and adult males can weigh as much as 200 pounds.
Fila Brasileiro
This dog is originally from Brazil and has a very distinctive look. It’s very muscular and has a square face that makes it look like its muzzle is much shorter than it is. Filas have a double coat, with longer hair on top and a smooth undercoat that keeps them warm in harsh climates. They are brilliant dogs, making them easy to train; however, they can be stubborn if they don’t want to do something. As well as being protective of their owners, Filas can also be wary of strangers—but if socialized early on, they are not aggressive towards people. One common misconception about these dogs is that they are wild or aggressive.
Tosa Inu
These dogs are super-intelligent, loyal, and robust. They’re also one of Japan’s oldest breeds and get their name from a region of Japan, Tosa. They were initially bred to hunt bears and other large games, so they were fearless. Because of their strength and drive to hunt large animals (even today), there are restrictions on how you can own a Tosa Inu—and it’s illegal in some states.
American Bulldog
Also called an American Bulldog, an American Bull Terrier is known for agility and strength. Generally, he has a large head with heavy jaws and a thick body. Although these dogs are powerful, they make excellent guard dogs because of their protective nature towards their families and other animals. An American Bulldog will reach a height from 20-22 inches when fully grown but weigh in between 50-90 pounds. Their most common colors are black, brown, and white (in various combinations) but can also be seen in red or blue with white markings on their face, chest, and tail.
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
When dogs first came on to the scene thousands of years ago, they were bred as hunters. So when we bring these powerful, highly energetic creatures into our homes, it’s no surprise that sometimes their prey drive can get a little out of hand—leading to fights with other dogs or even biting children. While your pug may be cute and cuddly now, it could grow up to be a dog that kills. With its muscular body and powerful jaws capable of crushing bones, Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a large dog but often mistaken for smaller breeds like bulldogs and American Bulldogs. These dogs are known for their dominant personalities and aggressive behavior toward other animals (and people) in home environments.
Kangal Dog (Turkish Sheepdog)
The Kangal is a large dog that can weigh between 80 and 120 pounds. It’s native to Turkey and has been used for centuries by local farmers to protect their sheep from wolves, bears, and leopards. This breed has a high pain tolerance, so larger predators are not intimidated. As a result, most wolf attacks against humans in Turkey were conducted by lone Kangals rather than other canines. Because of its aggressive nature towards other dogs, you should only allow your Kangal to interact with other animals if they are familiar with each other or have been raised together since puppies. Any interactions between a strange dog and your pet must be supervised by an adult who knows how to manage animal fights or attacks.
Wolfdog
This dog is a hybrid of a wolf and any other species. While generally very tame, they can be extremely dangerous if provoked. According to National Geographic, in 2008, a woman was killed by a pet wolfdog named Cujo that escaped its fenced yard when she tried to feed it. Wolves have been known to kill human beings without provocation, so the chances are good that you’ll want to keep your distance from these creatures unless you plan on giving them rabies shot yourself. Also, wolves have a powerful bite force, which means they don’t just bite; they dismember their prey by chomping down with incredible power and tearing chunks of flesh away with each bite.