20. Great Dane
Weight: 99-200 lbs; Height: 28-34 inches; Life span: 6-10 years
Great Danes are one of the largest breeds of dogs ever domesticated. Although they don’t have a high hunting instinct, their massive body weight and height make them an obvious threat to kids and even adults.
19. Chow Chow
Weight: 45-70 lbs; Height: 17-22 inches; Life span: 11-13 years
Don’t let it’s fluff fool you and be aware the Chow Chow is an irritable dog known for its bad attitude. Although they may not be as dangerous as a Pit Bull, they do attack their owners or anyone else that happens to rub them up in the wrong way.
18. Doberman Pinscher
Weight: 60-100 lbs; Height: 24-28 inches; Life span: 10-13 years
Doberman Pinschers are known for their loyalty towards their owners, which is why so many deem them lifelong friends. But with their ferocious bite and horrendous strength, they can be a potential danger to strangers, so if you are not their owner, keep your distance.
17. Alaskan Malamute
Weight: 70-110 lbs; Height: 22-28 inches; Life span: 10-12 years
Powerful, energetic and active, the Alaskan Malamute can destroy anything around them and they can become aggressive if they get bored. Dogs of this breed should be watched carefully with other small pets and young children in the home.
16. Wolf Hybrid
Weight: 70-130 lbs; Height: 25-33 inches; Life span: 12-15 years
As the name suggests, half of this dog breed is wolf. Even with proper training and domestication Wolf Hybrids still maintain much of the hunting instincts that come with their wolf genetics. This is why it is dangerous to keep them as pets.
15. Husky
Weight: 35-66 lbs; Height: 20-24 inches; Life span: 12-15 years
Huskies are primarily known as sled dogs. Because of their history as a working dog, they are unsociable, resistant and independent. They have their own way of handling things and reacting to different situations. This unpredictability is among the reasons why they are considered dangerous.
14. Boxer
Weight: 50-71 lbs; Height: 20-25 inches; Life span: 10-12 years
Boxers are descended from hunting dogs and are known for their strong jaws, powerful bites and headstrong personality. If not properly raised, they can turn out very aggressive attackers. Despite being considered a dangerous breed, Boxers were still one of the top 10 most popular dog breeds in 2016, according to AKC’s data.
13. German Shepherd
Weight: 50-100 lbs; Height: 22-26 inches; Life span: 9-14 years
German Shepherds, the first K9 Police dog breed, are intelligent, confidence and have little fear. They also have the potential to become overprotective and they can become very territorial. If not well-trained, these dogs can easily become a hazard, well beyond their intimidating looks.
12. Rottweiler
Weight: 77-132 lbs; Height: 22-27 inches; Life span: 8-11 years
Rottweilers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. These dogs are very powerful and have a natural instinct to protect their owners. They generally don’t like strangers and other dogs. They can become dangerous if poorly socialized from an early age.
11. Pit Bull
Weight: 30-60 lbs; Height: 17-22 inches; Life span: 8-16 years
The Pit Bull, a combative breed, is capable of killing almost any enemy. The incorrect upbringing of this dog is suicidal both for passers-by and owners themselves. They are responsible for more than half of dog-related fatalities in the U.S., according to the CDC and Animals 24-7. Be really careful when keeping this dog!
10. Tosa Inu
Weight: 79-130 lbs; Height: 24-32 inches; Life span: 10-12 years
Tosa Inus were initially bred for fighting, so they are considered to be dangerous. They can easily overpower a person or another same-sized dog if provoked. But they are intelligent and brave enough to protect owners from danger.
9. Cane Corso
Weight: 88-110 lbs; Height: 24-28 inches; Life span: 10-12 years
Quiet, stable, and tempered, Cane Corsos thus become many people’s home pets. They originated from Italy and were once used in the war to protect the soldiers from enemy attacks, which led to their dangerous reputations.
8. Bull Terrier
Weight: 49-84 lbs; Height: 18-22 inches; Life span: 10-14 years
Bull Terriers are well known for their sweet-tempered, active, and protective characteristics, so they have become many people’s pets. But they have been bred for fighting over the years, making them on the list of dangerous dog breeds.
7. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Weight: 64-90 lbs; Height: 24-27 inches; Life span: 10-12 years
As one of the strongest dog breeds, the Rhodesian Ridgeback can even keep lions away from people. They do not like strangers but are loyal to their owners. They often need a lot of positive reinforcement to avoid being oversensitive to certain situations.
6. Dogo Argentino
Weight: 77-99 lbs; Height: 24-27 inches; Life span: 10-12 years
Dogo Argentinos were primarily bred for large game hunting, and they can attack large animals like wild boars and pumas. Although they are athletic and strong, they have shown to be less aggressive towards humans. However, in the UK, it is illegal to own this breed according to the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991.
5. Boerboel
Weight: 110-200 lbs; Height: 23-28 inches; Life span: 10-12 years
Dogs of this breed are very loyal and protective to their families, but their size, strength, and temperament may cause problems. Many people keep them as guard dogs or working farm dogs. But remember, you should start early to train them for well-behaved dogs.
4. Fila Brasileiro
Weight: 130-180 lbs; Height: 24-30 inches; Life span: 9-11 years
The Fila Brasileiro, known as the Brazilian Mastiff, was originally from Brazil. They have great tracking abilities and were bred to help chase down cattle and even runaway slaves. Their aggressive nature has been kept till today, making them very dangerous dogs. They can easily plunge their jaws onto the neck of their opponents.
3. Basenji
Weight: 20-24 lbs; Height: 15-17 inches; Life span: 12-16 years
Basenjis are alert and curious, and they can quickly adapt to the situation. They are regarded as the second least trainable of all dog breeds. Their intelligence and strong jaws make them even more dangerous.
2. Saint Bernard
Weight: 140-260 lbs; Height: 26-35 inches; Life span: 8-10 years
Saint Bernard is a gigantic dog breed originally from the Swiss and Italian Alps. They were once used as rescue dogs and had a strong territorial behavioral tendency. Training and socialization should start early to make sure to make them behave.
1. American Bulldog
Weight: 60-130 lbs; Height: 20-28 inches; Life span: 10-15 years
From their muscular appearances, we can know that American Bulldog is a very massive dog breed. They can be very protective if someone ventures onto the property of their owners. They were once bred for great guard dogs and can even help kill vermin.
