The article is about the aggressive dog breeds. It starts out by giving general information on the different types of dogs, then covers specific information on each breed, their size, what they are known for doing when they are born and at maturity, how long it takes them to fully grow up, when to expect them to be aggressive in certain situations or phases of their life and more.
There are many breeds of dogs that can be aggressive, but this article will focus on the top 15 aggressive dog breeds. Breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, Akitas, Chow Chows and Dobermans are not for everyone. But if you’re a person who is around lots of animals-greeting dogs at a park for instance-chances are you run into some crazy ones.
The top dogs on this list are very strong, have short tempers and are easily provoked into attacking. If you live in a busy area or have many animals that come into your yard, you should be careful with these dogs. Otherwise, they’re great pets to own-just don’t accidentally let them out in public by mistake.
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Top 15 Aggressive Dog breeds
#1 Akita Inu –
A dog with a prickly attitude, the Akita is the only member of the family of dogs which all originated in Japan. It is a huge dog- 8-foot tall at its shoulders-with a long flowing coat and head turning red or white depending on its breed. The Akita is a reserved dog and not recommended for the first time pet owner.
But when raised with love and respect, it becomes a wonderful companion with endless affection. The downfall of this breed is its natural aggressive behavior towards other dogs and strangers.
Especially in areas where they aren’t familiar with the surroundings. Some Akitas may become over protective and territorial in nature and therefore should be trained to accept strangers into the household. They will do best in human families with experienced dog owners.
#2 American Bulldog –
The bulldog was originally bred for hunting purposes, but they were later used as blood sports such as bull baiting or bear baiting. The American Bulldog can also be used as a guard dog and will attack intruders and intruders who ignore the dog’s warning signs.
Gloves and leashes should be used when handling this breed because it is very strong and if scratched, the wounds will likely become infected. This breed is territorial that likes to keep to itself, but it also knows how to socialize with other dogs around the yard.
They are very good with children as long as they are raised properly and taught not to hurt small animals such as rabbits or cats. These dogs should be handled gently to prevent injury from biting or pulling.
#3 Boxer – (Aggressive dog breeds)
A dog with a strong, stable temperament and a good sense of humor, the boxer is a docile dog that loves to play and get plenty of exercise. If you let them, they will happily join in games with other animals such as squirrels and cats. They are affectionate towards other dogs around the house, but should never be left alone with strangers or pets that they do not know.
They should also have plenty of time outside without being crated inside the house all day long. Boxers are alert dogs and will protect their family from any danger that comes their way.
They can be stubborn at times especially when they want to do something they cannot, such as getting on the couch or opening the door to go outside. They enjoy games and tricks and serious training with discipline and consistency is a must for this type of dog.
#4 Bull Mastiff –
A dignified companion with a great sense of humor, the Bull Mastiff is not only a family dog but also a working dog as well. It can open doors, turn lights on and off as well as open cupboards and refrigerators. The breed has been known to be excellent guards for centuries.
The Bull Mastiff is an obedient and protective breed that will not tolerate other dogs in the yard unless they’re trained to be. If they feel threatened, the Bull Mastiff will often bark at strangers and attacking them with its powerful jaws.
They can also be used as guard dogs because of their great strength. But since they are so big and strong, it’s best to take precautions when bringing them along whether it’s a short trip or long one.
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#5 Doberman –
The Doberman Pinscher is a powerful and active breed and should be handled carefully as it may try to defend itself by biting if startled or irritated. The breed originated in Germany and can be a great companion for a single person or a family with small children.
They enjoy time spent with the family and are protective towards them, but they can sometimes be aggressive toward other animals in the household. The Doberman Pinscher is very intelligent and may have behavioral problems if it is not trained properly or does not receive enough attention from its owner.
#6 Golden Retriever – (Aggressive dog breeds)
A dog that loves to retrieve, the golden retriever has an active and playful temperament which makes it good for families with small children. They enjoy spending time around their owners and will sometimes playfully attack ankles when they’re trying to get attention.
The Golden Retriever is an affectionate breed that will look to you for leadership and would rather be your side than yours to you. They love swimming, playing catch, running and hiking. They are not recommended for apartment life because they will need plenty of space to play and exercise daily.
The Golden Retriever is an excellent dog for the family with active lifestyles because of their laid-back personalities.
#7 German Shepherd –
The name comes from the legendary King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia who created the breed in the 1800’s. This dog is intelligent, loyal and affectionate towards its owner. They can warn its handler of danger by barking or growling.
The German Shepherd can be very protective when its owner is out in public and will bark at strangers. This breed needs to be handled gently when in public places because it has a tendency to bark but once trained, can learn not to.
German Shepherds are able to adapt to living in apartment homes if they receive plenty of exercise inside. They do well with children but must not be left alone with them because they may be aggressive towards them otherwise.
#8 Great Dane –
A large dog that needs plenty of exercise, the Great Dane needs daily walks or runs to stay happy and healthy. It was originally used for hunting purposes, but today it is used as guard dogs, police dogs and racehorses.
The Great Dane is a very gentle giant and will try to be protective of its owner while still maintaining a happy and friendly personality. They love playing fetch, playing with toys and there is nothing better then watching it run after a ball or stick.
Since they are large, the Great Dane needs plenty of space to run around in. They can get very attached to their owner and may nip at them when they get excited by something distressing. Such as loud noises, crowds of people or children.
#9 Husky – (Aggressive dog breeds)
Another breed that was created for hunting purposes, the Husky can be a loving family pet if raised right from puppyhood. They look cuddly and love to jump on the laps of their owners. They are big dogs that need lots of exercise and need to be socialized with other dogs or people as early as possible.
The Husky does well with kids but should not be left alone with them. It will try to attack them out of jealousy or boredom if they can’t play. These dogs may become very destructive when left alone. It should only be left alone for short periods under supervision of a responsible owner.
#10 Labrador –
The Lab was originally used for hunting purposes. But today it is a gentle giant that loves being around its owner. It is one of the most popular dog breeds and it’s not hard to see why. This breed loves swimming and fetching but what it really loves doing is sitting next to its owner.
It wants to be close to you all the time and wants to please you at all times. The Labrador is very sociable and can be trained easily as long as there is consistency. Labs love children but may nip them out of excitement if they get too excited.
Or startled by something, such as loud noises or other dogs barking. They also love playing with toys and should only be left alone for short periods under supervision of a responsible owner.
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#11 Newfoundlander – (Aggressive dog breeds)
The Newfoundland was originally used to pull heavy loads. Since it is a large breed, they need plenty of daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They are also good with children but should not be left alone with them. Because they may be aggressive toward strangers.
Keep in mind that this large dog can be very aggressive when it feels threatened. The Newfoundland should only be left alone with that one child who is supervised by an older adult at all times. They are extremely smart and need training to teach them how to interact with other dogs. Or people in the household safely.
#12 Samoyed –
Originally used for hunting purposes, the Samoyed is a large, intelligent breed that loves being around its owner. It loves being on you lap or being at your feet. This dog can be aggressive with other dogs but if properly trained it can be very friendly toward family members.
Keep in mind that this breed may try to bite you if it feels threatened. So they should not be left alone with small children if you do not know them well enough yet. They are very affectionate with their owners. But may nip or growl at strangers who come too close or try to pet them without permission. The Samoyed needs plenty of daily exercise to stay healthy.
#13 Saint Bernard – (Aggressive dog breeds)
The Saint Bernard is a large breed that loves being around its family. It needs lots of daily exercise because it has large muscles, bones and an active lifestyle. It was originally used for rescue purposes but mostly as a watchdog or watch dog. They are very protective toward their owners.
And will try to be territorial when they feel threatened by strangers or other dogs. They can be aggressive towards other dogs but should not be left alone with them. Otherwise they may nip at them out of jealousy.
Or boredom if they cannot play with other dogs in the yard or on walks with you. This dog needs to be trained to become more friendly with strangers or other dogs. Otherwise they may bite them out of protectiveness.
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#14 Schnauzer –
Like the Poodle, this breed comes in different sizes and coat lengths, depending on the color of hair it has. This breed should be brushed regularly because its hair can become very tangled if not maintained.
They are very intelligent dogs but need to be introduced to new situations slowly so they don’t feel threatened. Since they are territorial around their homes, they fear strangers. And will bark at them out of protection for their owner. The Schnauzer needs daily exercise to stay healthy.
#15 Shar-Pei –
Originally used for hunting, the Shar Pei is a very loyal dog that loves being around its owner. It is part of the aggressive dog breeds in our list. It needs plenty of exercise to stay healthy but should not be left alone for long periods of time. Because it can be destructive if left by itself for too long. The Shar Pei has a wrinkly face that makes it look very unique and cute. They are protective, intelligent dogs that make great watchdogs or guard dogs if properly trained.
In conclusion,
it’s important to know what type of dog you are getting before buying it. A lot of people buy dogs that they don’t know how to care for properly. These are just some of the most common breeds out there that have the most negative attributes. Some are better than others, but it’s still important to research on breeds before making a purchase. So you can be sure you are getting a good one.
Aggressive dog breeds are more susceptible to some health issues that many other breeds are not known to have. Even though the breed is bred for aggression. It is also bred with certain common health issues that may become a problem later in life. Some of the most common health problems found with aggressive dog breeds are Hip dysplasia, Canine Multifocal Retinopathy, Hypothyroidism, Allergies, Dermatomyositis & Skin disease which includes possible skin infections & fungal infections.