Right or wrong, some dog breeds have been labeled as violent or hostile and the cause of many dog bites or dog attacks. Because of their size and build, when these dog breeds attack, they have the potential to cause more damage, especially to children. This is really what is meant by “dangerous” dogs.
Did you know that the CDC estimates that, within the US, roughly 4.5 million individuals are bitten by dogs annually, with an average of 43 fatalities?
Sadly, children and seniors are the most likely victims. And often, the incidents involve familiar animals.
Facts About Dog Breeds Considered Dangerous
Dangerous dog breeds are not necessarily the most aggressive dog breeds. Something as small as a chihuahua can be a very aggressive and territorial breed, but that does not mean it’s very dangerous. Dangerous dogs are the ones with both a willingness to get violent and the ability to harm people or other dogs.
Pit Bulls tend to weigh around 55 to 65 lbs. Improper training can sometimes make them aggressive and if not trained right, they may attack. They are perceived to be very aggressive and they have a locking jaw that when they bite on something they refuse to release it easily.
Pit Bulls can be loving pets if raised correctly under responsible ownership with appropriate training and supervision.
Rottweilers average 100 to 130 lbs. Rottweilers are very territorial and are typically used as a guard dog. Again, these dogs can be very aggressive without proper training. Many consider Rottweilers to be unsuitable family pets.
Rottweilers have a long history as working dogs, originally bred for herding and guarding. Their powerful build and protective instincts make them effective in these roles but also contribute to their reputation as dangerous.
Huskies weigh around 60 to 70 lbs. Huskies are energetic and very loyal to their owners; however, improper training, poor socialization, and bad social experiences can make a Husky aggressive and not suitable for children.
Huskies possess strong prey drives. Originally bred to pull sleds across Arctic terrains, this trait can sometimes manifest as aggressive behavior towards smaller animals or even children if not properly trained and socialized from an early age.
German Shepherds are typically around 100 lbs. These intelligent dogs are extremely powerful. They are loyal but if mistreated they can be dangerous; when properly trained they make excellent companions.
They are renowned for their strong territorial instincts and often exhibit a high level of protectiveness over their homes and families, which is deeply ingrained in their behavior.
Doberman Pinschers average 65 to 90 lbs. Known as guard dogs, they can sense when danger is lurking and typically attack when their people are in danger. They still must be trained properly or a Doberman will assume he is the leader, not you.
Wolf Hybrids, dogs that are a cross of a wolf and a dog, can be extremely deadly. Oftentimes, they can be mistaken for a Husky or Malamute. Their wild ancestry contributes to their unpredictable behavior, as they may exhibit more primal instincts compared to fully domesticated breeds. These dogs should be handled with caution, and responsible ownership is paramount to prevent dangerous situations.
Other dog breeds to exercise caution around include:
- Akitas
- Alaskan Malamutes
- American Bulldogs
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Boxers
- Bullmastiffs
- Chow Chows
- Golden Retriever
- Great Danes
This isn’t a comprehensive list; caution should be exercised around any dog, especially when children are present.
Need More Information
- Dog Bite Statistics (Most Common Breeds & How Likely Are You To Get Bit?) (caninejournal.com)
- 15 Dog Bite Statistics in 2024: Breeds, Incidences & Deaths – Dogster
Safety Around Dangerous Dogs
A dog’s owner is responsible for ensuring their pet is trained and socialized. Ask about the dog’s:
- Training. Proper training should enable dogs to understand basic commands and have a sense of right and wrong.
- Socialization. The more comfortable a dog is around strangers, the less chance he will become aggressive and bite.
- Exercise. Proper physical activity reduces frustration-induced aggression, common among these active dogs.
Best advice is that you should never agree to take care of a friend or relative’s dog that is considered a dangerous dog breed when there are children in the house or when children may be visiting.
If you come across a problem dog, whether it is a dangerous breed or not, you should always report it to your city or county animal control office.
Resources for You
- Preventing Dog Bites
- Dog Bite Prevention from the ASPCA
- Find blog articles related to Dog Bites
Receive a Free Evaluation from Knowledgeable Dog Bite Attorneys
Dog bites can result in long-term medical treatment, including multiple surgeries, rehabilitation and therapy, and plastic surgery. Your legal options may depend on the city in which the attack occurred, so you need an aggressive legal team familiar with the law who will negotiate a settlement ensuring all future medical care is covered.
The Nash & Franciskato Law Firm in Kansas City has handled many serious animal attack cases involving dog bites. Our caring and compassionate lawyers look at all angles in order to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Plus, our personal injury legal team gives you:
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Dog bite incidents can be extremely traumatic for anyone, especially a young child. If your child has suffered from a dog attack, our dog bite lawyers in Kansas City can help you hold the dog’s owner liable for injuries suffered. Contact us for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
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Editor’s Note: This page was originally written on March 2, 2016. It was reviewed for content and accuracy on March 21, 2024, and again on October 10, 2024, when it was re-published.