most dangerous dog breeds

The Caucasian Ovcharka also known as the Caucasian Shepherd, was bred to protect livestock. The typical Caucasian Ovcharka is assertive, strong willed and courageous. However, unless properly socialized and trained, the Caucasian Shepherd may exhibit ferocious and unmanageable tendencies since it does not accept people it does not know and has a powerful urge to defend.

The term pit bull encompasses certain breeds of dog from the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire bull terrier, the American Staffordshire terrier, and the American Bulldog. Originally bred for baiting bulls and bears the majority of their breeds were also used for dog fighting in numerous parts of the world and is considered as the most dangerous dog in America.

A breed of dogs that originated from Germany, the German Shepherd can weigh as much as 70 to 100 lbs. Known for being intelligent, confident, alert, vigilant, and fearless; the police use them for their K 9 units. However, caution must be exercised with Shepherds as they can become overprotective of their family and territory, and if not socialized correctly; can lead to attacks.

Rottweilers are a powerful breed with well developed genetic herding and guarding instincts. As with any breed, potentially dangerous behavior in Rottweilers usually results from irresponsible ownership, abuse, neglect, or lack of socialization and training. Nevertheless, the Rottweiler s strength is something that should not be overlooked.

A breed of dog related to the Siberian Husky, this breed requires daily exercises to be happy, else they will become bored, disobedient and destructive. This large breed of domestic dog can grow from 70 to 100 lbs and are perfect companion for pursuits like carting, mushings, bikejoring, and skijoring. Since they are known for their strong independence, they can be difficult to train, cope poorly with smaller animals, and are unreliable as watchdogs.

Used to pull sleds in the northern regions and differentiated for their fast pulling style, they were also utilized for sled dog racing and for adventure trekking. However, they can be dangerous to smaller animals due to their strong predator instinct and are known for being destructive if they are bored.

Famed for their alertness, loyalty and intelligence, this breed of dogs is considered to be the best guard dog where they only attack if they are provoked or sense that their family and their property is in danger. A breed of domestic dog that originated from Germany in 1890 developed by Karl Friedrich Louis Doberman, hence the name; they can weigh as much as 65 to 90 lbs. Although once used as guard dogs or police dogs, they also exhibit aggressive behavior directed to strangers and other dogs, though owner directed aggression is low. Their aggression due to their size and strength can also make them potentially dangerous.

Though they seem to be distant and independent, this breed of dogs requires staunch attention from their owners if they do not want them to grow aggressive and ill bred. Originally from China, the 50 to 70 lbs Chow Chow can also be referred as Songshi Quan or puffy lion dog. This dog has discernment skills against strangers and can be fiercely protective of their owners. Consider as high risks dogs, they are considered as unacceptable and may require insurance due to 238 fatalities from dog bites from 1979 to 1998. Though they can be housed in apartments, they need daily physical activities and exercises so as not to become dangerous as pets.

As the name implies, the Wolf Hybrid also known as the Wolf dog is a cross breed between a dog and a wolf (typically a grey wolf). Consequently, Wolf dog hybrids are a mixture of genetic traits resulting in less predictable behavior patterns compared to either the wolf or dog.

Though not typically aggressive by nature, they are listed in our 25 most dangerous dogs breed list due to 48 negative incidents involving the breed from 1982 to 2012. Originally from Germany where they can grow from 50 to 70 lbs, their bright, playful and energetic personalities are countered by their headstrong characteristic.