Dogs are loyal and lovely pets, and they are a cherished companion for humans. However, not all dog breeds are gentle and easygoing. Some breeds are famous for their aggressive personalities, which can become dangerous if they are not properly trained and cared for. Below are the Top 14 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds in the World, according to research and statistics from the Journal of American Veterinary Medicine. These breeds have an extremely strong bite force and have been responsible for many serious attacks, some of which have resulted in death. Let’s explore them with KnowAllAnimals!
1. Top 14 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds in the World – Not for First Time Owners
One of the most important factors in determining how dangerous a dog is is the combination of its natural instincts and how it is raised. Some breeds have a natural tendency to be aggressive or highly territorial. If they are raised in an unsuitable environment, they can become a major threat to humans. Here is a list of the Top 14 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds in the World, based on data and research on fatal dog attacks.
PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) is a unit of pressure. In this case, it measures the dog’s bite force per square inch (6.45 cm²). For example, a Pit Bull can generate a bite force of 235 PSI, which means the force from its jaw on a one-inch square area is equivalent to the strength of 235 pounds (about 106.6 kg). For comparison, a human’s bite force ranges from 120 to 160 PSI.
1.1. Pit Bull
- Bite Force: 235–260 PSI
- Fatalities: 284 cases (2005–2017)
The Pit Bull is considered the most dangerous dog breed, accounting for 66% of fatal dog attacks in the U.S. This breed has a history of being bred for illegal dog fights, which has led to its aggressive instincts and powerful fighting ability. Pit Bulls often attack without warning, using a bite-and-shake method that causes severe injuries to their victims.
1.2. Rottweiler
- Bite Force: 328 PSI
- Fatalities: 45 cases (2005–2017)
The Rottweiler is an excellent family guard dog, but when it feels threatened, it can become aggressive and dangerous to strangers. With a weight of up to 120 pounds (54 kg), a powerful bite, and strong protective instincts, a Rottweiler is capable of causing serious injuries, or even death, if not trained carefully.
1.3. German Shepherd
- Bite Force: 238–291 PSI
- Fatalities: 17 cases (2005–2017)
The German Shepherd is known as an intelligent dog, but it can also be very aggressive when it feels threatened or is not trained correctly. With a powerful protective instinct and a quick attack ability, German Shepherds have caused many serious dog bite incidents, especially when in contact with strangers or when their territory is encroached upon.
1.4. American Bulldog
- Bite Force: 305 PSI
- Fatalities: 15 cases (2005–2017)
The American Bulldog is a powerful, muscular, and aggressive dog. They are capable of carrying out dangerous attacks, especially on small animals and sometimes even on humans. With a strong bite and a quick attack ability, an American Bulldog can cause severe injuries to its victim if not controlled.
1.5. Bullmastiff
- Bite Force: 552 PSI
- Fatalities: 14 cases
The Bullmastiff is a large dog with the strongest bite force on this list, and it is capable of causing serious injuries. Although it has a calm and loyal appearance, when it feels threatened, it can become dangerous with a powerful attack.
1.6. Siberian Husky
- Bite Force: 320 PSI
- Fatalities: 13 cases (2005-2017)
Huskies are famous for their wolf-like appearance and independent personality. They have a strong predatory instinct, and if not trained carefully, a Husky can become dangerous, especially towards small animals and sometimes even humans.
1.7. Labrador Retriever
- Bite Force: 230 PSI
- Fatalities: 2.1% (of attacks over a 12-year period)
Labrador Retrievers are often considered a friendly breed, but in some cases, they can also become aggressive, especially when they feel threatened or are protecting their territory. Although they are less likely to attack than other breeds, a Labrador can still cause serious injuries with its strong bite.
1.8. Boxer
- Bite Force: 230 PSI
- Fatalities: 7 cases
Boxers are a high-energy dog breed with a good protective instinct. However, when not trained correctly, a Boxer can become aggressive and attack without warning, especially when it feels its family is in danger.
1.9. Doberman Pinscher
- Bite Force: 305 PSI
- Fatalities: 6 cases
The Doberman Pinscher is an extremely intelligent and loyal guard dog. However, with its strong territorial instinct, a Doberman can become dangerous if not trained and socialized correctly. This breed tends to attack quickly and powerfully when it feels its owner or its territory is threatened.
1.10. Alaskan Malamute
- Bite Force: 400 PSI
- Fatalities: 4 cases
The Alaskan Malamute is a large-sized dog, weighing up to 90 pounds (41 kg), with a strong predatory instinct. If not controlled properly, an Alaskan Malamute can become dangerous, especially towards smaller people or animals.
1.11. Chow Chow
- Bite Force: 220 PSI
- Fatalities: 8 cases
Chow Chows are often not friendly with strangers and tend to be aggressive if not socialized from a young age. They can attack when they feel threatened, and with their muscular body, they can cause serious injuries.
1.12. Akita
- Bite Force: 350–400 PSI
- Fatalities: 8 cases
The Akita Inu is a large dog breed with a strong protective instinct that can easily become dangerous when it feels threatened. They tend to be protective of their territory and family but can be very aggressive towards strangers if not trained carefully.
1.13. Presa Canario
- Bite Force: 540 PSI
- Fatalities: 18 cases (over 32 years)
The Presa Canario is a fighting dog breed with superior strength and is very aggressive. With a powerful bite, a Presa Canario can easily cause serious injuries if not controlled properly.
1.14. Japanese Tosa
- Bite Force: 556 PSI
The Japanese Tosa is a powerful fighting dog breed, often bred to participate in dog fights. With an extremely strong bite force and a dangerous personality, a Tosa Inu needs to be controlled by someone with experience raising large dogs.
Statistics on Dangerous Dog Bites
- More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the U.S.
- Of those, more than 800,000 people need medical treatment, with the majority being children.
- 26% of dog bite fatalities occur in children from 0–2 years old.
2. Conclusion
Through this article, Know All Animals hopes to help you better understand Most Dangerous Dog Breeds in the World and how to manage them safely and effectively. Remember that proper training and socialization are key to having a safe and gentle dog in your family.
Raising and training are the most important factors in ensuring that a dog does not become dangerous, especially for large and powerful breeds. While each dog breed has its own instincts, when trained correctly and living in a healthy environment, they can become wonderful and loyal companions.
