Most Aggressive Dog Breeds in the World
There may be hundreds of dog breeds. Just like all humans are not the same, the natural behavior of dogs is also different. From cuddly-buddly dogs to aggressive ones, there are many. Then it is not advisable to have an aggressive dog as a pet. How will you know, whether the one you are wishing for is the destructive one or not? So here we have come up with the list of most aggressive dog breeds. After you take a look at the breeds, the next section has insightful information on the cause of their behavior.
Remember one thing, not all dogs are aggressive by nature, some become one of them because of nurturing. Here we have listed the aggressive dog breeds by nature. Why? Those are the ones, you should be careful of!
As said we won’t advise having them as a pet, but if you are more of a sporty person and can deal with their aggression, you might like to consider them.
Let’s have a look at the list!
Table of Contents
1. Pitbulls
| Breed Group | Mix Breed |
| Height | 17 to 21 inches |
| Weight | 30 to 60 pounds |
| Life expectancy | 8 to 15 years |
Believe it or not, Pitbulls have aggressive temperaments in their genes. They were bred to catch animals and hold them till the master comes and takes the charge.
They are famous for their ultimate fighting skills and can even confront deadly situations. The aggressive personalities hit them at the age of three.
It’s not like they aren’t a good pet, but one should know how to keep them calm. It is better to make them stay away from the alpha mode. Or they can become destructive.
This aggressive behavior also makes it do heroic deeds. This breed has saved and rescued many people and animals from dangerous situations.
2. Chihuahua
| Breed Group | Small breed |
| Height | 15 to 23 cm |
| Weight | 4 to 6 pounds |
| Life expectancy | 12 to 20 years |
This small little cuddly pet will take your heart away in a glance but don’t for looks. It doesn’t make a good pet for the home with children. Why? Because of their temperamental behavior.
They like being loved, if not you see the dark side. They are much devoted to their owner, sometimes they get jealous and lose their calmness.
Chihuahua is not very friendly with strangers, hence they bark often. And this personality makes them a good watchdog.
In short, they are aggressive when it comes to not being loved or taken care of! Proper training and interest will do wonders.
3. Wolf-Dog Hybrid
| Breed Group | Crossbreed |
| Height | 26 to 34 inches |
| Weight | 75 to 130 pounds |
| Life expectancy | 12 to 14 years |
It is a wolf-type breed, which is a crossbreed from a dog and a grey wolf (mostly). Wolves don’t have a good reputation either when it comes to aggression.
The wolf-dog hybrid has a high prey drive, due to which their temperament is unpredictable. If you are a novice owner, our suggestion is a strict no for getting a wolf-dog hybrid.
You can’t have small pets around the house, it won’t be friends with them like other dogs. There are chances it will hunt them down and may even try to eat.
4. Rottweiler
| Breed Group | Working group |
| Height | 22 to 27 inches |
| Weight | 85 to 130 pounds |
| Life expectancy | 8 to 10 years |
Rottweilers are large-sized dogs, which were bred for guarding and herding. They are among one of the scariest dogs on the earth (even today!).
As we said, it is a working breed, so it is normal to have an aggressive temperament. They have also secured a place in the US Army and police forces.
Though they are loyal and protective, negligence, abuse, or irresponsible pet ownership can make them aggressive and dangerous.
In short, proper training can make them good house pets. They are friendly with other dogs, people, and pets.
5. German Shepherd
| Breed Group | Herding group |
| Height | 24 – 26 inches |
| Weight | 66 to 88 pounds |
| Life expectancy | 9 to 13 years |
German shepherds are herding dogs, bred to protect herds from hunters and attackers. They have been a part of the military of both France and Germany.
This canine is one of the most intelligent and smart breeds. They have an aggressive dog personality in front of others due to their history and guarding instincts.
They are not risky for the household with children as they don’t pose any threats. However, they do unlike strangers, therefore they make good guard dogs.
6. Alaskan Malamute
| Breed Group | Working group |
| Height | 22 to 25 inches |
| Weight | 75 to 85 pounds |
| Life expectancy | 10 to 12 years |
The Alaskan malamute and Siberian huskies have a similar appearance but there is a difference in their height. They are larger than huskies and this is also the reason for their dangerous impression.
Alaskans are friendly with children and like to play with their human friends. However, they are not good with other dogs, especially same-sex. They will fight for dominance and can become destructive.
Proper training, nurturing, and early socialization with other dogs and strangers will make them the most lovable dog. Malamute never attacks first, it will be careful but once they feel fear they won’t stay back!
7. Doberman Pinscher
| Breed Group | Working group |
| Height | 24 to 28 inches |
| Weight | 60 to 80 pounds |
| Life expectancy | 10 to 13 years |
The personality traits of Doberman pinscher include intelligence, obedience, energy, and alert. These all are the traits of a good pet, how come this is on the aggressive dog breeds list.
This breed was bred for personal security, hence they have aggressive behavior towards strangers and other dogs.
They need enough time for exercise to release their extra energy. They don’t like being left alone (like most other dogs), this can also lead to the development of aggressive or destructive behavior.
If you see any socialized Doberman near you, take tips from its owner or trainer. It is only because of their proper training.
Other than these, there are a few other most aggressive dog breeds. We have mentioned their names in the below list, have a look.
8. American Bulldog
| Breed Group | None |
| Height | 20 to 27 Inches |
| Weight | 60 to 120 pounds |
| Life expectancy | 10 to 15 years |
American Bulldogs are generally known for being loving and affectionate companions, but they can also exhibit aggressive behavior in certain situations. This aggression can be directed towards other dogs, people, or even objects. Some of the most common triggers for aggression in American Bulldogs include:
- Resource guarding: American Bulldogs may become aggressive if they feel that their food, toys, or other possessions are being threatened.
- Territorial behavior: American Bulldogs are protective of their territory, and they may become aggressive if they perceive a threat to their home or yard.
- Fear or anxiety: American Bulldogs may become aggressive if they are feeling scared or anxious. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as a new environment, loud noises, or other animals.
9. Jack Russel Terriers
| Breed Group | Terrier Group |
| Height | 12 to 14 inches |
| Weight | 13 to 18 lbs |
| Life expectancy | 13 to 16 years |
Jack Russell Terriers are known for their energy, intelligence, and loyalty. However, they can also exhibit aggressive behavior, particularly towards other dogs and small animals. This aggression is often due to their high prey drive and their tendency to be possessive of their resources. If you notice aggressive behavior in your Jack Russell Terrier, consult a qualified dog behaviorist.
I have removed some of the less essential information, such as the specific triggers for aggression in Jack Russell Terriers, to make the passage shorter. I have also combined some of the sentences to reduce the overall word count.
10. American Staffordshire
| Breed Group | Terrier Group |
| Height | 17 to 19 Inches |
| Weight | 40 to 70 lbs |
| Life expectancy | 12 to 14 years |
American Staffordshire Terriers (AmStaffs) are usually kind and loving dogs, but they can sometimes be aggressive. This can be because they weren’t trained or socialized properly, or because of their genes. Medical problems can also make AmStaffs aggressive.
To help prevent aggressive behavior in AmStaffs, socialize and train your puppy early, avoid using harsh punishment, and provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. If you’re concerned about aggressive behavior in your AmStaff, talk to a dog behaviorist.
Explore More
11. Dachshund
12. Akita Inu
13. Dalmatian
14. Great Dane
15. Cane Corso
Reasons for Dog’s Aggressive Behavior
1. Obsession
Don’t let your dog get obsessed with any person or thing, this will lead them to develop destructive behavior. How? If they are obsessed with something they will fight to get them.
2. Fear
If a fear develops in a dog, you will never be able to get it back to normal. 70% of dogs get aggressive temperament due to the fear factor. Giving proper training and early socialization will help them a lot.
3. Nurturing
Some people say aggressiveness is in nature, while we believe the highest contributing factor is nurturing. It’s not about who it is it is about how to treat it. Every dog (actually, pet) deserves to be loved and treated as a family.
4. Past Experience
Yes, it is also one of the highest contributing factors in the dog’s temperament. 80% of aggressive dogs have a bad experience. Either breeder or owner treated it as badly as possible. Dogs will protect you if you treat them as your friend and not foe.
5. Breed Type
Some dogs are bred to be aggressive ones. However, you will see most of them serving in police or military forces.
Conclusion :
The final wrap-up statement from our side is, “The temperament of dogs depends on how you treat them.” Among the list of aggressive dogs, they are a few dogs that will do wonders if proper training and ownership are given.
Discover more:
Related Posts
