The canine population has long been recognized as man’s best friend. They are known to be lovable, and loyal, as well as provide humans with protection, comfort, and any other service that only a canine can render. However, these lovely furry friends can also be deadly. Any pup can be a threat but this largely depends on its temperament, upbringing, and circumstances. Important to note that there are breeds that cause greater harm than the others, which is as a result of the force of their jaw or massive size. Based on the extent of damage they are likely to cause, we have assembled the 10 most dangerous dogs in the world.
Table of Contents
1. American Pit Bull Terrier
As the name implies, the American Pit Bull Terrier originated from the US and is considered one of, if not the most dreaded on the list of the most dangerous dogs worldwide. The dog is a real killer with a record of 2110 injuries and 295 deaths. In the heat of a battle with an enemy, the Pit Bull is practically insensitive to pain, thanks to the dog’s elastic skin that is comparable to that of a crocodile or shark; the skin has very few nerve endings.
The aggressive nature of Pit Bulls made them popular among the people of the underworld. Gangsters use the breed for criminal “showdowns” when they encounter rival gangs and racketeers. As such, robbers use them to attack victims. Once you point out a victim to the Pit Bull and issue the command “bite!” the person is as good as dead as nothing on earth can save them. The dog’s aggressiveness has led to it being banned by most countries across Europe; the states who keep them only do so in accordance with stringent rules. Note that, when you get the training right, a Pit Bull will become your best friend for life.
2. Alaskan Malamute
This list of the most dangerous dogs in the world also includes the Alaskan Malamute, representing the official symbol of Alaska. It might have the face of an angel but when you get this baby angry, or it becomes nervous, you will have a hard time calming it down. An Alaskan Malamute that is not trained properly can easily run out of control.
Its facial feature can make you mistake the dog for a wolf, but well-socialized members of the breed can be harmless and friendly with their human families, making it a great canine companion. They are working dogs and have functioned as sledge dogs for centuries.
3. The Caucasian Shepherd
The pup is known by a plethora of other names like the Caucasian sheepdog, Caucasian Ovcharka, and Kaukasische Schaferhund. Apart from being among the most dangerous dogs, this breed is also listed among the heaviest – weighing approximately 200 pounds for the adult dog. The canine is both confident and powerful – a working pup that originally functioned as a herding pup for livestock, protecting them from every imaginable predator, bears inclusive.
No thanks to their massive size, indefatigable strength, and overprotective nature, the Caucasian Shepherd can end up being dangerous and aggressive if training is not done the proper way. So, early socialization and training must be taken seriously for potential adopters who want to add a member of the Caucasian Shepherd to their family.
4. Doberman
The Doberman will always appear calm and friendly until it feels that its family member is threatened; this is when you will know how naturally aggressive this furry fellow can be. This is a large breed with unique agility and a certain style of attack that makes them serious adversaries. When riled, the canine usually springs on the perceived enemy, bites the person, and jumps back within a twinkle of an eye – these actions are accomplished in quick successions.
The Doberman normally works with the police where they are used in pairs as it is just about impossible for an adversary to make a stand against a couple of Dobermans. However, they have stopped using them for detention since they are considered to be excessively cruel, traumatic, and definitely one of the most dangerous dogs with a tendency to inflict fatal wounds.
5. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is among the most popular canine breeds around the globe. The GSDs have been in existence for over a century as the initial service dogs often working with law enforcement personnel and the military. The dog is known to be overly protective of its loved ones, and perhaps, that is the reason it is responsible for uncountable injuries to the human population.
The GSDs are quite intelligent which informs the reason behind their use in searching out and apprehending criminals. However, when the German Shepherd is already upon a target and is not halted on time, or perhaps a target continues to put up resistance, the dog’s role as a law-enforcer can suddenly turn into a cruel killer. This trait rightly puts the pup among the most dangerous dogs around.
6. Perro de Presa Canario
Perro de Presa Canario was used in assisting their owners to stifle cattle in addition to functioning as hunting pups and watchdogs. The breed also gained popularity in dogfighting rings, smothering their targets with ease. The only people who were allowed to keep the breed were butchers but they must be leashed most of the time. Forging a friendship with a dog that can stifle victims with ease like a Dogo Canario is no common feat – these creatures are completely incorruptible.
One thing to note about the Perro de Presa Canario is that they will never be the first to launch an attack; they are naturally non-aggressive but will only act when provoked. According to a set standard, the breed represents steady canines with a predominantly phlegmatic or sanguine temperament that depends on human leadership. The canine is known to treat strangers warily but non-aggressively until it feels that you pose a threat.
7. Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentinos are known to function as search and rescue dogs in their native Argentina, a popular choice for military and police work. When a Dogo is exposed to early training and socialization, it can turn out to be a loyal companion and can even do well with kids when they grow together. However, it is not advisable to leave the dog around smaller household pets because of its high prey drive.
The dog is known to be quite aggressive and dangerous so much so that several countries around the world have either banned or restricted the ownership of the breed. Owning a Dogo in countries like Australia, Cayman Islands, Ukraine, Fiji, Iceland, New Zealand, Singapore, Turkey, and Denmark is considered against the law. The UK Dangerous Dogs Act law of 1991 stated that potential dog adopters must obtain permission before adopting a Dogo. The canine is viewed as a big threat by all these nations which view them among the most dangerous dogs in the world.
8. The Chow Chow
By nature, the Chow Chow is a game hunter, members of the breed are known to be grasping, thus, it is not advisable to visit the dog if not invited. The pup’s fluffy appearance is quite nice but never make the mistake of judging the dog with that welcoming look.
Another thing to take note of about this breed is that you should never try to snuggle up or else you will feel dashed.
Read Also: French Bulldog Pug Mix: Breed Features and Facts You Need To Know
9. Dalmatians
It is believed that Dalmatians are born deaf; however, this is still a subject for debate. They are guardian dogs, always trying to sweep everything and everyone off to make way for their family. Because of the dog’s inherent deafness, putting them through training does no good as a rule. This explains why the canine grows so willful, as well as uncontrollable.
According to expert reports, the difficulties people experience in training the Dalmatian are a result of the pup’s high level of activity. Sociability is equally not good to the extent that uncommunicativeness and shyness can become the major reasons show organizers disqualify them in dog shows. Giving commands to a Dalmatian is as good as useless as the dog has a mind of its own that it likes to follow. This throws a lot of light on why it is easily one of the most dangerous dogs in the world today.
10. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler dog breed has a muscular body build that makes it resemble a beefier cousin to the Doberman breed of canines. However, these brawny pups were actually bred to draft canines, guard homes, and also used for cart haulage; this means that the Rottweiler is a working dog that must be provided with something to do at all times. Temperament-wise, the breed is highly intelligent, active, energetic, and lively but can only thrive with pet parents who are ready and willing to pay quality attention to them, as well as provide them with enough exercise to burn pent-up energy.
When your canine companion feels ignored or is not getting the right amount of daily exercise, it may turn aggressive and destructive which may engender potentially dangerous behavior; this is because it is known to have a bite force of 328 PSI. When attacked by this breed, the only chance of survival a victim has is to remain passive, any sign of retaliation or resistance may prove fatal.
The simple truth about members of this breed is that they find it difficult to know the difference between real aggression and jocular playful aggression so, they are likely to sink their teeth into your leg even if your intention was to play. The Rottweiler cannot take a joke at all and is averse to strange faces, making it one of the most dangerous dogs to interact with.
Recap Of World’s Most Dangerous Dogs
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Alaskan Malamute
- The Caucasian Shepherd
- Doberman
- German Shepherd
- Perro de Presa Canario
- Dogo Argentino
- The Chow Chow
- Dalmatians
- Rottweiler