Dogs are said to be man’s best friend because of their loving nature, gentleness, and incomparable loyalty. However, depending on several factors, some could still be extremely volatile. Large, muscular dogs can be especially intimidating and hard to control. In fact, even smaller dogs still surprise us at times with their capability and strength.
These are the top 30 dog breeds that might have the potential to hurt if one doesn’t learn how to help them.
- Tosa Inu
This dog can weigh anywhere from 130 all the way up to 200 pounds. It can also grow up to 32 inches tall. All in all, the Tosa Inu is a bit intimidating in terms of its size. If provoked, it can easily overpower a person or another dog. This dog was once bred for fighting and since then people have considered it to be dangerous. It’s even forbidden to own this breed in some countries.
- American Bandogge
The American Bandogge is a crossbreed of the Pit Bull Terrier and the Neapolitan Mastiff. It is a large, muscular dog, whose incredible strength makes it very dangerous. Unfortunately, some people used to breed this dog for fighting, meaning that trespassers or even innocent passersby might be at risk. This breed is not recommended for anyone with children, as their temperament includes loud barking.
- Cane Corso
This dog breed is considered to be one of the last of the coursing Mastiffs and is a descendant of the Canis Pugnax. It is very muscular and weighs between 99 and 150 pounds. The Cane Corso’s dangerous reputation came from the time it was used in wars. Specifically, the dog was kept around to protect the soldiers and save them from enemy attacks.
- Bull Terrier
Bull Terriers can be easily identified by their huge heads and plenty of lean body muscle. They are prey-driven, so they are prone to attack animals that are smaller than them. This gives them a bad reputation for being a potentially dangerous breed.
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
This dog was believed to have originated from South Africa and has been known to keep lions away from people. That said, this breed is not one you’d want to mess with! They are only semi-domesticated and are not fond of strangers. Rhodesian Ridgebacks also need a lot of positive reinforcement, as they can be oversensitive in certain situations.
- Dogo Argentino
Dogs of this breed are white and muscular, and can be intimidating at first glance. They were bred for large game hunting and can attack huge animals, such as wild boars and pumas. Dogo Argentinos are athletic and strong, but are known to be non-aggressive towards humans. However, according to the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991, it is illegal to own this breed in the United Kingdom.
- Boerboel
The Boerboel, also known as the South African Mastiff, is one of the larger breeds of Mastiffs bred for home protection. However, their size, strength, and temperament can pose a serious problem. In North Carolina, a 59-year-old woman was killed by her Boerboel. When the police responded to a 911 call they received about the incident, they were met by the dog at the door who wouldn’t let them enter the home.
- Gull Dong
Also known as the Pakistani Bull Dog, the Gull Dong is a mixture of the Gull Terrier and the Bully Kutta. This dog is very strong and powerful, and was historically bred for the purposes of fighting. Despite being an affectionate breed, it can also be aggressive, especially towards strangers. A Gull Dong is unlikely to warm up to your guests right away, so it is wise to train them to socialize early.
- Basenji
The Basenji is originally from Central Africa (Congo) and is considered to be a sighthound. Dogs of this breed are very alert, curious by nature, and can even be affectionate. However, they are considered to be the second least-trainable of all dog breeds because of their strong minds and naturally strong-willed demeanors. They adapt to situations quickly, although a bad experience can completely unwind years of training for a well-behaved Basenji. Their intelligence, along with their strong jaws, make them a dangerous breed to own.
- Saint Bernard
This very large dog breed originally came from the Swiss and Italian Alps and often served as a rescue dog. Just like any other large dogs, Saint Bernards need to be trained to be social around strangers and other canines. Moreover, a Saint Bernard may have some territorial behavioral tendencies.
- American Bulldog
These dogs are muscularly built, making them very massive. They are known to be very confident and stubborn at times. American Bulldogs were once used for farm work since they are fast enough to catch and hold down cattle. If a stranger looks onto the property of their owner, they can become rather aggressive.
- Great Dane
The Great Dane is one of the biggest dog breeds and can grow up to 44 inches tall. Originally hailing from Germany, they are known to hunt down wild boars. Due to their massive build, Great Danes require a large living area. It is recommended that they socialize early as a young pup, so that they grow friendly later on.
- English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is the proper name for the common Mastiff. These dogs range from 120 to 170 pounds and can grow up to 3 feet tall. They typically do not bark a lot, unless they are alarmed by something they see. Furthermore, English Mastiffs are rarely aggressive and are often shy instead. It might take a while for them to warm up to new people, which may be why some people think they aren’t the friendliest dog breed around. Hint: they’re very friendly, for the most part.
- Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are large, domestic dogs. They are known for their strong, muscular build and their black faces and black-brown ears. Though their faces are not the typical, innocent-looking puppy face, they are a fairly friendly breed. However, don’t forget to respect their strength, as they can weigh up to 130 pounds.
- German Shepherd
German Shepherds are beautiful dogs, but some people may be scared of their size. These dogs originally came from Germany, though they are very popular house dogs around the world, including America.
In some cases, this breed might become aggressive when barking, particularly if someone agitates them or if they feel threatened. For the most part, though, German Shepherds make friendly companions.
- Fila Brasileiro
Also known as the Brazilian Mastiff, the Fila Brasileiro is one of the largest dogs originating from Brazil. They were raised on large plantations and taught to chase down cattle and jaguars. Their great tracking abilities make them aggressive, which is still evident today. You may notice that while they play, they like to latch their jaw onto the neck of their opponent.
- Perro De Presa Canario
This dog breed’s name translates as “Canarian catch dog,” and has its roots in Spain. The Perro De Presa Canario was originally bred for working with livestock. Just like others on this list, they need to be socialized early in their life and trained intensively to be obedient. As this dog can be aggressive, one should be cautious of bringing new faces around them.
- Akita Inu
The Akita Inu is a large dog breed native to the mountains of Japan. It comes in two different types: the Japanese Akita and the American Akita. Dogs of this breed are dominant, so it is important for their owners to show leadership so that the dogs will follow instructions. While they can be affectionate with their owners, Akitas do not get along well with strangers. These dogs are also territorial; that’s why they make excellent guard dogs.
- Boxer
Boxers are not usually aggressive by nature, but there have been several incidents of their attacks. From 1982 to 2012, this breed was recorded to have been involved in 48 different incidents. Originating from Germany, these dogs range in weight between 50 and 70 pounds, and are known to possess a headstrong personality.
- Wolf Hybrid
Also known as a Wolf Dog, this breed is a cross between a dog and a wolf. In most cases, it occurs when a dog and a grey wolf have mated. The behavioral patterns of a Wolf Hybrid are hard to predict. This type of dog can be friendly one minute and then aggressive shortly after. The natural predatory instincts of the wolf are also present, making this breed potentially very dangerous.
- Poodle
An extremely popular domesticated animal, a Poodle’s physical features include unique haircuts and a cuddly face. This type of dog is highly intelligent, resulting in plenty of playfulness and high energy. However, when that energy turns into anxiety, fear-biting can be a consequence. Fortunately, anxious Poodle behavior can be tempered by training and adequate exercise.
- Chow Chow
Chow Chows come off as distant from their owners because they are very independent. That said, dogs of this breed do not like strangers and can be very protective of their loved ones. This means that they need a lot of training, or they can become aggressive.
- Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are small, fluffy, and don’t seem like your typical aggressive dog breed. Make no mistake, though: they can develop “Rage Syndrome,” also known as sudden onset aggression (SOA). This syndrome comes on suddenly and causes the dog to become very violent, attacking everyone around it.
- Doberman Pinscher
This breed is originally from Germany and is known for its qualities of alertness and intelligence. As a result, they have been routinely used as guard dogs and police dogs. Doberman Pinschers are great guard dogs that will attack when they sense their owner or home is in danger. The size of these dogs, as well as their strength, make them quite dangerous. In fact, their bite force is said to amount to as much as 600 pounds of pressure per square inch!
- Husky
Huskies have a strong predatory instinct and will cause trouble if they get bored. Consequently, they can be dangerous to animals that are smaller than they are. Huskies are also a very vocal breed.
- Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is related to the Siberian Husky. Both types of dogs have to get proper amounts of exercise; otherwise, they become bored and easily get into trouble. An Alaskan Malamute can weigh anywhere from 70 to 100 pounds, with variation between males and females.
They are very independent and playful, which makes them hard to train. They do not like smaller animals and they are not good watchdogs either, due to their need to be entertained.
- Rottweiler
Also known in German as “Rottweiler Metzgerhund,” dogs of this breed have a natural instinct to protect their owners. If they do not receive proper training or haven’t been exposed to socialization from the time they are born, Rottweilers can be very dangerous. These dogs have genetic herding and guarding instincts, which make them wonderful dogs to own for certain purposes. However, should one be an intruder or unwelcome party, the risks are high.
- German Shepherd
German Shepherds weigh typically between 70 and 100 pounds. They are intelligent, confident, and have little fear, which is why they make great police dogs. However, these dogs have the potential to become overprotective and territorial. If they are not trained well, German Shepherds may attack and can easily become a safety hazard.
- Pitbull
Pitbulls come from the same family as the American Pit Bull Terrier and other “bully” dog breeds, who were often bred for baiting bulls and bears. These dogs are muscular and very strong, and thus, have been used for dogfighting in many parts of the world.
- Caucasian Ovcharka
