Just like humans, dogs can be prone to dangerous and aggressive conduct. Such behavior can often be attributed to lack of training, poor domestication, or ongoing inaction when our canine companion acts up. Nonetheless, all dog breeds are different, and there are some dangerous and aggressive dog breeds that will often make the list of top most scary dogs.
It is important to recognize that some breeds, regardless of their formative years, tend to behave more aggressively toward humans and other dogs. A lack of change in your dog’s behavior is no reason to give up.
In all cases, research is critical when adopting and owning a dog with an aggressive nature. Since you’re reading this right now, you are taking the right steps! When conducting your investigation, take the noise with a grain of salt. Social media has given us insight to both ends of the aggressive dog spectrum.
Opposing advocate groups have presented arguments both for, and against, policies surrounding traditionally aggressive dogs. The most extreme of these conflicts involving an aggressive breed end up on the news or on social media; this has led to both sides vigorously defending their position time and time again.
The short list of most scary dogs that are also often labeled as aggressive breeds is oft discussed and pondered. Ask someone on the street which breed they would associate with being the most dangerous and you will likely hear some combination of the same four or five breeds.
In this list of top most scary dogs, we will take a look at four of the most commonly discussed canine culprits. It is important to consider the implications of owning a naturally aggressive dog specific to their breed.
4 Most Scary Dogs According to Statistics: Dangerous And Aggressive Dog Breeds
The below list of most scary dogs is focused on those breeds that are prevalent in the US. We’re also starting with the most known suspect for these lists, as expected. However, bare in mind that a lot of this is perception, and it doesn’t mean that all these dog breeds are actually dangerous to people or unsuitable for adoption. In the end, it all comes down to their owners and how dogs have been raised and trained.
1Pit Bulls
The most notorious and widely discussed dangerous dog, Pit Bulls can be found on any list of most scary dogs. They have had their fair share of criticism over the years, and not without reason.
Pits have a long history of aggression toward humans and dogs alike. No other dog has been involved in more dangerous incidents over the past decade than Pit Bulls, and the data is there to back this up.
From the above linked CDC study:
“During 1997 and 1998, at least 27 people died of dog bite attacks (18 in 1997 and 9 in 1998). At least 25 breeds of dogs have been involved in 238 human DBRF during the past 20 years. Pit bull-type dogs and Rottweilers were involved in more than half of these deaths.”
Due to a long history of breeding and training for sport, Pit Bulls are generally strong and powerful dogs. They develop muscles at an accelerated rate and enjoy using them in the form of playing and, yes, this sometimes means physical contact.
Prospective owners should consider the implications of owning a pit based on their lifestyle, home environment, and those who live around them. It is important to contact your local Homeowner’s Association to ensure they are not outlawed in your community.
Due diligence is especially key when owning a Pit. Plenty of exercise and obedience training are paramount with this dog breed. They are willing and capable learners, thus training and ample play time are excellent ways for them to channel their energy. Coupled with an intelligent sensibility, Pits can make for wonderfully obedient companions that will never pose any danger to their owners or the community.
2Rottweiler
Following the numbers of the above linked CDC study, Rottweilers are easily second on the list of most scary dogs. With a powerful jaw and imposing set of teeth, the Rottweiler certainly merits discussion as the most intimidating dog breed.
There was a time when they were considered to be the most dangerous dog in the world, especially following several attacks on small children in the mid-1990’s.
“When they fire at dogs, roughly 55 percent of shots hit home. Most of their targets are pit bulls, with a smattering of Rottweilers and German shepherds.”
