Dogs are lovely human companions that have been successfully domesticated for many years.
They are believed to have descended from a common ancestry with wolves before they were domesticated and specifically bred for different purposes.
However, some dogs have retained some wild instincts that early humans originally used for hunting and protecting livestock and properties.
The wild instincts in some breeds have led to numerous dog attacks, bites, and fatalities.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 4.5 million dog bites occur yearly in the United States alone.
These attacks have led to some casualties such as serious injuries, infections, fractures, trauma, permanent disability in some persons, and death.
Studies have revealed these attacks are more prevalent in certain breeds that will be discussed.
However, responsible dog ownership helps to reduce every possible threat and danger they may pose to children and strangers.
In this article, we will discuss the 10 most dangerous breeds of dogs for public awareness and safety measures.
1. Pit Bull Terrier:
Pit bulls have had a negative stereotype for so many years because they were used for bloodsport and bull baiting in Britain before 1966 and as fighting dogs. Read here
Research from hospital records conducted in the United States alone has also shown they are responsible for more than 50% of dog bites despite constituting 6% of the dog population in the United States.
These statistics from independent research have also not helped to project them in a good spot.
You might be wondering why they were used for bloodsports and are notorious for bite incidents.
Well, Pit bulls have an intimidating big size and great speed that easily gets children and strangers startled which can lead to unwanted confrontation when not closely monitored and trained by their owners.
Their big size, athleticism, with a bite force of 240 psi, and most especially their history and bite incidents have made some pet insurance companies, not issue insurance for them.
However responsible ownership can make them lovely and calm companions.
2. Rottweilers:
This might come as a bit of a surprise, especially to rottweiler owners who have grown to know their pets as loving, loyal, and protective pets.
Well, the protective instincts of rottweilers have led to some recorded casualties most especially to non-suspecting strangers.
According to a study conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), rottweilers were involved in 8.5% of dog fatalities in 2017 over a 20-year study period.
When put in quotes, they are the second most dangerous breeds of dogs in terms of fatalities recorded.
Rottweilers have an incredible bite force of 328 psi, which is more than pit bulls and one of the strongest among other breeds of dogs.
Their incredible bite force, height, and weight which is more the pit bulls makes them very fierce in a battle.
However, they are lovely, loyal, intelligent, and protective of their owners and family.
It is rare for a rottweiler to attack children or their owners except when extremely provoked.
3. German Shepherd:
German Shepherds are unarguably one of the most popular breeds of dog if not the most popular.
They also double as one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs.
Their intelligence and quick learning abilities have made them a formidable partner with security operatives in so many countries.
They are used for sniffing narcotics and explosives, capturing criminals, curbing crime scenes, etc.
However, they have also contributed to a significant percentage of recorded dog bites around the world.
The recorded incidents and statistics have been argued to be insignificant considering their population in most households and inexperienced dog owners.
4. Tibetan Mastiff:
It is not surprising that Tibetan mastiffs make up the list of the 10 most dangerous breeds of dogs.
In one of our studies, we discussed the breeds of dogs that can defeat a lion in a hypothetical fight where they have to protect themselves, The Tibetan mastiff was high on the list.
They share similar characteristics with lions such as their intimidating heights and double protective coats.
They are protective, calm dogs and good for children and families which is unbelievable considering their intimidating heights.
However, they are not advisable to own for first-time pet owners largely due to their independent minds and large size which can pose a great threat if not properly handled an experienced hands.
5. Siberian Huskies:
Are you on the onlook for a dog that has a close resemblance to their ancestry, specifically wolves? Search no further, you have found one.
Siberian huskies have a close resemblance with wolves but unlike wolves, they are beautiful and adorable breeds of dog you will likely fancy owning.
It is not a coincidence they are on the list of the 10 most dangerous breeds of dogs since they have a close physical resemblance with wolves.
They are not advised to be owned as a first pet due to their strong-willed nature and desire to explore and adventure which can lead to escape from their secured space causing threats to neighbors and passersby.
They are also responsible for some recorded fatalities annually.
6. Alaskan Malamute:
There is a high chance you have never heard of them before or seen one.
Well, it is the norm even for some animal lovers not to have heard of, seen, or owned an Alaskan malamute or must have mistaken one for a Siberian huskie cause of the close resemblance.
Alaskan malamutes are not recommended as first-time pet dogs because of their strong-willed nature just like Tibetan mastiffs.
They are capable of exercising their dominance if they sense you are weak over them which is quite likely for a first-time dog owner.
They are not best suited for households living with smaller animals and children because of their high prey drive and their great bite force of over 400 psi which is more than capable of causing great harm to smaller pets and kids.
Few cases of fatalities have been recorded. however, responsible ownership is a priority when owning one preferably from a young age.
7. Cane Cors0:
One of the indices that makes a dog or animal dangerous is their territorial and protective instincts and in cane corso, their instincts are high.
They can attack in seconds when feel threatened or in danger which sometimes can be misconstrued and they are difficult to control even by their owners when they are in such a state.
Their large size which is the same height as the average human when they are fully erect standing on their hind legs is quite intimidating to watch.
However, they are great intelligent companions when socialized early and trained to obey commands.
8. Doberman Pinscher:
Surprisingly, not that they are on the list but down the list to number 8 on the 10 most dangerous breeds of dogs.
A Doberman pinscher has the strongest bite force for a dog.
Their bite force is over 600 psi which is more than 2 times that of pit bulls.
They are regarded as guard dogs and no one comes close in their role as a guard dog.
9. Chow Chow:
They can be said to be big fluffy cute teddy bears but their instincts and personalities are at variance.
They are regarded as one of the oldest dog breeds from ancient China and they have a clear distinctive look just like huskies.
Chow Chow is a solitary aloof animal, they find it a little difficult to socialize and they can burst into aggression if forcefully interacted with or if they feel threatened.
They were responsible for over 238 fatalities between 1978 and 1998 with the majority of the fatal casualties being little children.
10. Akita:
At the bottom of our list is one of the most known dogs in the United States, Akita.
They were originally bred in Japan as guard dogs before they were introduced into other countries.
Akita are known to have a hard time socializing with other animals including dogs and they are highly aggressive when threatened.
They have a bite force of 350- 400 psi which is more than pit bulls and they are responsible for over 70 attacks and 8 deaths recorded in the United States alone.