21 Most Aggressive Dog Breeds

'Nature vs. Nurture'—who wins over whom? The argument can be endless. However, before joining the argument, we must note that 4 million people suffer from dog bites yearly.

Dogs are man's best friend and love spending time with their favorite human. However, like any other animal, they can also be dangerous and aggressive. Hence, if you plan to bring a canine friend to your home, knowing the most aggressive dog breeds is crucial. Especially what are the factors that make them aggressive?

Is it overwhelming for you? Don't worry. We, the dog lovers, are here. Today's comprehensive blog will inform you of the most aggressive dog breeds and other related factors. Therefore, stay tuned and keep reading.

21 Most Aggressive Dog Breeds

When choosing a canine pal, the most common questions are, 'What are the most aggressive breeds of dogs?' or 'Are they kid-friendly?' To answer that question, here is the list of the world's 21 most aggressive dog breeds.

1. Pit Bulls

Pit Bulls are the most aggressive dog breed, with a history of 284 deaths and numerous fatal bites. They are lovable and playful, yet their bad temperament has earned them a bad name.

Pit Bulls are incredibly fit. Only 6% of dogs are as fit as a Pit Bull worldwide. They are mainly hunting and fighting dogs and are known for their aggression. They are one of the largest dog breeds in the World.

• Life span: 8-15 years
• Height: 45-53 cm
• Weight: 16-27 kg

2. Rottweiler

No wonder Rottweilers are second on this list. Like pit bulls, Rottweilers are known for their bad temperament and aggression.

Rottweilers are territorial dogs. Hence, they usually have issues with other dogs. Plus, they have a high prey drive. Therefore, if you have small pets at home, it's better to avoid Rottweiler's. However, with proper training, care, and love, Rottweiler can be social and calm.

• Life span: 9–10 years
• Height: 61-69 cm (male) and 55-63 (female)
• Weight: 50-60 kg (male) and 35-48 kg (female)

3. German Shepherds

German Shepherds have the glory of serving law enforcement and militaries. They are intelligent, strong, and powerful, and they are one of the most aggressive dog breeds. They have a history of 20 deaths and several non-fatal bites.

Due to high intelligence, German Shepherds are easily trainable. Hence, with the proper assistance, they are excellent for homes. However, while keeping them at home, the owners must remember that they are also territorial dogs. Therefore, owning them with other dogs can be risky.

• Life span: 12–14 years
• Height: 60-65 cm (male) and 55-60 cm (female)
• Weight: 30-40 kg (male) and 22-32 kg (female)

4. Doberman Pinscher:

Historically, the Doberman Pinscher is a guard dog. They are strong and intelligent and have a long history of serving in the police force. Although they are highly aggressive, mentioning that they are aggressive towards strangers or acquaintances is essential. According to experts, this is due to fear and their instinct for protection.

However, Doberman Pinschers are highly trainable. With proper training and care, they are pretty lovable towards their family.

• Life span: 10-13 years
• Height: 68-72 cm (male) and 63-68 cm (female)
• Weight: 40-45 kg (male) and 30-35 kg (female)

5. Bullmastiff

Since the late 1800s, Bullmastiffs have been among the most popular guard dogs. They are mainly assigned to protect their owners' properties. Although they are extremely devoted to their families, they don't like strangers and visitors.

Bullmastiffs have a history of 14 deaths and 3.2% of fatal bites. Remember that they tend to bite almost everyone. Therefore, it is essential to train them from childhood to control it.

• Life span: 8-10 years
• Height: 64-68 cm (male) and 61-66 cm (female)
• Weight: 50-59 kg (male) and 45-54 kg (female)

6. Neapolitan Mastiff

Our furry friends are famous for their unconditional love for their humans. However, a few of them are overprotective, and the Neapolitan Mastiff is one of them. They are extremely protective of their owners, which makes them extremely aggressive towards strangers.

Neapolitan mastiffs are large dogs (their body is 15% bigger than their height) with behavioral issues. Hence, it is essential to train them from an early age. However, with proper training, they are manageable enough.

• Life span: 8-10 years
• Height: 63-77 cm (male) and 58-70 cm (female)
• Weight: 60–70 kg (male) and 50–60 kg (female)

7. Presa Canario

Presa Canario, aka Perro De Presa Canario or Canary mastiff, is known for their strength, fighting capability, and territorial and protective nature. They are highly distrustful of strangers. However, with the family, they are just the opposite. With their 'own' people, they are calm, lovable, and perfectly cuddled dogs.

According to experts, they are intelligent enough to train; however, due to their aggressive behavior, only entitled trainers can manage them.

• Life span: 9-11 years
• Height: 60-65 cm (male) and 56-61 cm (female)
• Weight: 50-65 kg (male) and 38-50 kg (female)

8. Cane Corso

Historically, cane corso were used as hunting dogs. Later, they became popular as companion and guard dogs. Due to this nature, cane corso are highly aggressive.

They are also territorial dogs and are not friendly with strangers. The first meeting can be dangerous for any visitor. Hence, the owner needs to be watchful.

However, with patience, love, and proper training, Cane Corso can be a friendly, social, and calm dog.

• Life span: 10-12 years
• Height: 62 to 70 cm (male) and 58-66 cm (female)
• Weight: 45-50 kg (male) and 40-45 kg (female)

9. Japanese Tosa

Although Japanese Tosa holds the 9th position in this list, they are one of the most aggressive dogs in the World. Countries like Australia, Austria, Denmark, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, Iceland, and Ireland have banned them already. Also, you can't own a Japanese Tosa in some zones of the USA. Hopefully, you canunderstand the potential risk of having a Japanese Tosa.

The reason for this aggression is in their genes. They are a crossbreed of mastiffs, great Danes, bull terriers, and Saint Bernards. According to experts, training and making them social is possible. However, they can still bite people to death.

• Life span: 10-11 years
• Height: 23-32 inch (male) and 21-30 inch (female)
• Weight: 38-45 kg (male) and 34-38 kg (female)

10. Siberian Husky

Currently, Siberian Huskies are one of the most popular dogs. They are gentle with kids and perfect for families. However, according to experts, they have behavioral issues. Hence, they need proper training to be social.

Untrained Siberian Huskies can be aggressive and dangerous. Moreover, sometimes they are stubborn. Therefore, only an experienced trainer can handle them. If you have a Siberian Husky, they are highly energetic dogs and usually jump like a rubber ball.

• Life span: 12-15 years
• Height: 53-60 cm (male) and 51-56 cm (female)
• Weight: 20-27 kg (male) and 16-23 kg (female) 

11. Dachshund

Dachshunds can be miniature, yet they are known for their aggression. Their bark can shake your hurt.

According to experts, Dachshunds can be aggressive towards strangers and have a persistent barking issue. Hence, proper training is required. With that, they can be social and kid-friendly. In addition, their bite is not fatal; however, they can injure you.

• Life span: 12–16 years
• Height: 8–9 inch and  5–6 inch (miniatures)
• Weight: 7-14 kg and 4-5 kg (miniature)

12. Pitbull Terrier

Pitbull Terriers belong to the Pit Bull family and are quite aggressive. They are one of the most controversial dog breeds in the USA. Many organizations are trying to ban them, while some are working to raise awareness.

Initially, the Pitbull Terrier was a fighting and guard dog breed. Hence, they have a high prayer drive, immense strength, and high willpower. However, experts say it all depends on the owner. A wrong owner and environment can make them dangerous and trigger more aggression.

• Life span: 8-15 years
• Height: 45–53 cm (male) and 43–50 cm (female)
• Weight: 16-27 kg (male) and 14-23 kg (female)

13. Akita

Akitas have roots in Japan, where they were hunting dogs. They are naturally aggressive and have a high prey drive. They are also quite stubborn, which makes them difficult to train.

Although they are known as one of the most loyal breeds, they have an excellent bond with their families. However, their hunting nature can be dangerous for strangers. Hence, the owners need to be very careful and start training them from an early age.

• Life span: 10–13 years
• Height: 64-70 cm (male) and 58-64 cm (female)
• Weight: 32-39 kg (male) and 23-29 kg (female)

14. Dogo Argentino

Dogo Argentino is one of the most aggressive dogs in the dog World. Typically, they are hunting dogs. Hence, they have high aggression, proper fitness, strength, and a high prey drive. They are extremely dominant and territorial. Often, this combination gets fatal for strangers.

Experts suggest training Dogo Argentinos as a precaution before owning them. Also, careful upbringing and experienced handling are important to avoid any mishap.

• Life span: 10-15 years
• Height: 60-68 cm (male) and 60-65 cm (female)
• Weight: 40-45 kg (male) and 35-40 kg (female)

15. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Although every furry friend is handsome, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is one step ahead on this. You might feel an urge to pet them. However, abandon this thought. They are known for their aggression and are not friendly with strangers.

A Rhodesian Ridgeback has strong prey drives, territorial instincts, and enough strength to cause damage. It is not suitable for living with other dogs or smaller animals. If you are planning to have one, connect with a trainer first.

• Life span: 10-12 years
• Height: 63-69 cm (male) and 61-66 cm (female)
• Weight: 39 kg (male) and 32 kg (female)

16. Dalmatian

Dalmations rose to popularity after becoming the brand ambassador of the fire station. Later, They became popular as guard dogs. They are extremely protective of their humans, which makes them quite aggressive towards visitors and strangers.

Additionally, their high prey drive can be fatal for any kid. However, with proper training, they can be social and people-friendly.

• Life span: 10-13 years
• Height: 58-61 cm (male) and 52-58 cm (female)
• Weight: 15-32 kg (male) and 16-24 kg (female)

17. Chihuahua

Chihuahua might be the smallest breed in the World—even smaller than most cats. Chihuahua does not have the power to harm anyone, so people ignore their stubborn and aggressive behavior. In reality, they are highly aggressive and usually have a persistent issue of barking towards everyone.

Therefore, Chihuahuas need to be trained properly. Please note that training them can be painful due to their stubbornness and lower intelligence. However, it's not impossible.

• Life span: 14-16 years
• Height: 15-23 cm
• Weight: 1.8-2.7 kg

18. Chow Chow

Despite their cute, bear-like look and lovable nature, Chow Chows can be mean and aggressive. Historically, they came from China. They were bred for hunting, guarding, and moving supplies in harsh weather and sometimes for fur and meat.

However, they are currently popular family dogs. If you plan to have one, remember they can be overprotective of their owners and aggressive enough to protect. In 32 years, they have severely harmed 61 people, including 37 children and 18 adults. Hence, train them accordingly.

• Life span: 9-15 years
• Height: 48-56 cm (male) and 46-51 cm (female)
• Weight: 27-31 kg (male) and 22-28 kg (female)

19. Boxers

Boxers usually have a dopey look that helps strangers to roam around them. However, they are highly active and hold immense strength and muscle. Boxers are highly protective of their owners and can do anything to protect them.

Moreover, they don't trust anyone easily. Hence, they get aggressive and unmanageable when they consider someone as thereat.

Data shows they have a history of only seven deadly bites and several non-fatal bites. Therefore, training them properly is needed.

• Life span: 11-13 years
• Height: 56-64 cm (male) and 53-61 cm (female)
• Weight: 30-32 kg (male) and 25-27 kg (female)

20. Basenji

Basenjis are known for their independent nature and strong willpower. Hence, training them is like moving a mountain. Typically, they are hunting dogs. Consequently, they tend to chase almost everything they see.

Moreover, they are highly protective, which makes them aggressive toward potential threats. If you are planning to own one, train it carefully. Experts say they become more aggressive when left unattended.

• Life span: 12-16 years
• Height: 41-43 cm (male) and 38-41 cm (female)
• Weight: 11 kg

21. Shar Pei

After Chow, Shar Pei is another Chinese breed who holds a significant place in this list. Sher Pei’s has a dual personality. Although, Sher Pei’s known as one of the best companion dogs, they are quite aggressive, too.

Historically, they were bred for protecting, hunting and pit fighting. Due to this, they are quite stubborn and aggressive. Hence, training them is not everyone’s cup of tea. Additionally, following some precaution such as respecting their private space is important for safety. However, with proper training and assistance, they are as gentle as a kid.

• Life span: 8-12 years
• Height: 46-51 cm (male) and 46-51 cm (female)
• Weight: 25-29 kg (male) and 18-25 kg (female)

It is the list of the most aggressive dog breeds worldwide. Now, one might ask, is that the breed responsible for their aggression? No, apart from the breed, various factors make a dog aggressive.

Things That Make a Dog Aggressive

Dogs are one of the best emotional support humans have. However, some dog breeds are aggressive and dangerous towards people. We must inform everyone that their intentions are pure; they want to protect their family. However, sometimes, it gets fatal.

Plus, there are a few triggering factors that make dogs aggressive. Let's explore these factors, which will help us avoid every potential risk.

1. Genetics

Dogs like Basenji, Pit Bulls, mastiffs, etc., are meant for hunting. It makes them naturally protective and genetically aggressive. Hence, they tend to attack any potential threat.

However, there are many other dog breeds known for their gentle and docile nature. To learn more about these breeds, check out our blog on 'Least Aggressive Dog Breeds'.

2. Prey Drives

Prey drive is the instinct of chasing among the dogs or other animals. It is a universal feature of hunting dogs. However, it can be fatal for kids, smaller animals, and visitors.

3. Strength and Biting Capability

Some dogs' aggression is fatal due to their high strength, dominant structure, and high biting capacity. For instance, the Neapolitan mastiff's body is 15% bigger than its size. It bites with 550 psi (pounds per square inch).

4. Trainability

Some breeds are highly stubborn, which makes them aggressive. For instance, the Basenji is stubborn and difficult to train. Hence, controlling their aggression takes time.

Related: Learn how to train a stubborn dog.

5. Behavioral Issues

Dogs like Siberian Huskies have behavioral issues, which need to be controlled through training. However, breeds like Basenji develop behavioral problems due to boredom or depression. Therefore, pay attention.

6. Territorial Behavior

Most hunting dogs have territorial behavior. They do not tolerate any intruder in their territory, which makes them more protective and aggressive. Again, through proper training, this can be controlled, and they can be socialized.

Of course, any breed can develop aggression due to various issues. However, the above reasons play a predominant role. To diminish this issue, the American Temperament Test Society, Inc. (ATTS) provides a deep insight into dog behavior that helps breeders and owners tackle it easily.

Tips to Handle an Aggressive Dog Breed

If you own an aggressive dog, be assured that the aggression is not going away naturally. It is in their genetics. Hence, educating or training them important. Plus, an aggressive dog can become fatal in spite of training them, if the situation goes against their choice.

At this time, they can attack their owner even. Therefore, following some specific tips for handling them is inevitable. It can save lives.

1. Hire an Experienced Trainer

One of the best ways to handle an aggressive dog is to train it properly. However, the wrong trainer can worsen the situation. Hence, look at the trainer's background carefully before hiring.

2. Identify the Trigger

Various situations cause stress and anxiety among dogs and lead to aggression. This can be due to touching their favorite toy or intruding into their house. Whatever the reason, remove it and try not to repeat it.

3. Do not Leave them Unattended

An unattended dog can be aggressive and dangerous. Hence, take your dog for a walk regularly. Use a dog walking set to make your walks more convenient and hassle-free. Frequent exercise and socializing also help. Plus, spend time with them and show ample affection.

4. Don't Punish

If you punish your dog for being aggressive, it can negatively impact the behavior. Instead, try to appease them with patience and love. Also, specify the hidden trigger that turned them aggressive, and don't reprise that.

Aggressive Dogs Can be Gentle with Proper Training

Often, people do not show any interest in having aggressive dogs, and this is due to fear. However, this is wrong. Aggressive dogs can be gentle, calm, loveable, and friendly. For that, you have to train them properly and be patient. Plus, showing them adequate love and affection also helps with this.

Besides this, taking them for a walk regularly is important to fuel their socialization. However, try to avoid regular collars during the walk. It might hurt them if they jump suddenly, and it can trigger their aggression. Gift them a no-pull dog harness from Doodle Couture. It ensures 100% comfort and zero pulling.

Related: How to put on a dog harness?

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Is it possible to train a dog to be less aggressive?

That depends on the breed and situation that made your dog aggressive. However, aggression can be greatly reduced with proper training and care.

2. Should I own an aggressive dog breed?

If you like, you should. Don't worry about the aggression. It can be handled with proper training, socialization, and care.

3. Are Aggressive Dogs Allowed in Apartments?

It varies from apartment to apartment. You must have a word with the apartment managing committee. However, we suggest not keeping a large dog in a smaller apartment. It can make them obese and more aggressive.

4. Will Pet Insurance Cover Aggressive Dog Breeds?

Usually, insurance companies cover aggressive dogs. However, some dogs are partially or fully banned by insurance companies. Instance, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, and Pit Bulls are 100% banned by maximum insurance companies, while Chow Chow is 95% banned, and Wolf dogs and wolf hybrids are 93% banned. For more information, contact any pet insurance company.