The 25 most dangerous dog breeds
The "danger" of the dog breed is influenced by many factors, and experts on this topic often disagree. Just calling a dog dangerous is not fair. However, in the case of some breeds, it can be said for sure that a dog of this breed will cause more harm to its victim - if it decides to attack. It is on this principle that these 25 breeds were chosen.
It is important to note, however, that almost all breeds are bred to obey their owners. So most of the incidents are explained by improper training and unreasonable behavior of the owner.
1. Tosa inu. Tosa inu is a massive dog. Originally bred as a fighting breed, it is considered dangerous, banned in some countries.
2. American bandog. This incredibly strong dog is a cross between an American pit bull terrier and a Neopolitan mastiff. Despite its formidable appearance, it was not bred to fight. Some, however, use dogs of this breed as fighting dogs.
3. Cane Corso. A very muscular dog. It is considered a descendant of ancient Roman fighting dogs, which were used as pickling dogs-gladiators.
4. Bull Terrier. The dog is famous for its large egg-shaped head and incredible strength. The breed is not particularly aggressive, but it has a highly developed hunting instinct, therefore it is dangerous for smaller animals than it.
5. Rhodesian ridgeback. A South African breed. It is believed that he is able to drive lions away from prey while the owner is hunting. Dogs of this breed are loyal and intelligent, but do not really like strangers. They require reasonable positive training and lack of harsh treatment, so as not to develop the aggressive side of the breed.
6. The Great Dane of Argentina. A large white muscular dog bred in Argentina for hunting, in particular wild boars and cougars. When breeding, aggressiveness towards people was not the goal. However, for example, in the UK it is forbidden to keep dogs of this breed.
7. Burbul. A large mastiff bred in South Africa for the purpose of protecting a house or farm. Dogs of this breed are very loyal and are considered good guards.
8. Gul-dong, or Pakistani bulldog. A very strong dog, the breed is bred as a fighting one. Aggressive and difficult to control.
9. Basenji, or African flying dog. The hound is a breed from Central Africa. It ranks second in the list of breeds that are difficult to train.
10. St. Bernard. The breed comes from the Swiss and Italian Alps. Originally a rescue dog. However, like dogs of any other large breed, they must be taught from childhood to be sociable with strangers and other dogs in order to prevent possible aggressive behavior.
11. American Bulldog. A heavy, muscular dog. They are known for their friendly behavior, but they can show incredible stubbornness. It was bred as a breed for the protection of farms.
12. Great Dane. Known for its incredible size. The dog of this breed has a growth record of 1.1 meters. It was bred in Germany for hunting wild boar and deer.
13. The Brazilian fila, also known as the Brazilian Mastiff. Aggressive and impulsive dog. Due to its size, temperament and potential aggressiveness, the breed is banned in many countries.
14. Canary Great Dane. A large shepherd dog. Needs good training. In some situations, dogs of this breed can be aggressive towards other dogs and suspicious of strangers.
15. Akita inu. A large pomeranian bred in the mountainous regions of Japan. A strong and independent dog. Loyal to the owners, but suspicious of strangers.
16. Boxer. By nature, dogs of this breed are not very aggressive, but they were included in the list of the most dangerous breeds due to the number of unpleasant incidents involving them from 1982 to 2012. The breed was bred in Germany. They are considered very energetic and self-willed.
17. Volkosob, a hybrid of a wolf. The result of crossing a gray wolf and a dog, which explains the unpredictable behavior.
18. Chow-chow. The breed was bred in China. Despite the seeming friendliness, dogs of this breed require very good training. They can be very aggressive, protecting the owner. From 1979 to 1998, 238 deaths were recorded. They need daily physical activity.
19. Doberman. This breed is famous for its loyalty and intelligence. It is considered the best guard dog - it attacks only if it is provoked or the owner and his property are in danger. The breed was bred in Germany by Carl Friedrich Louis Doberman. They can show aggression against strangers and other dogs, but cases of aggression against owners are extremely rare. Aggression, coupled with size and strength, make Dobermans potentially dangerous.
20. Husky. A northern breed bred for sledding. Due to their strong hunting instinct, they can be dangerous for smaller animals. They are known for their destructive habits — when they are bored.
21. Alaskan malamute. A breed related to the Siberian Husky. Such a dog needs daily exercises, otherwise it begins to languish, as well as show signs of aggression and disobedience. At times they are difficult to train and are bad as guard dogs.
22. Rottweiler. A strong breed with well-developed herding and guarding instincts. As with dogs of other breeds, the danger of the Rottweiler is often explained by the irresponsibility of the owner, abuse, lack of training and socialization. The strength of the Rottweiler should not be underestimated.
23. German Shepherd. Smart, confident, alert and fearless dog. The breed is used by the police. They may be overzealous in protecting their owners and their territory. With improper upbringing, the German Shepherd can start attacking people.
24. Pit Bull. The term "pit bull" can mean an American pit bull terrier, a Staffordshire Pit bull terrier and an American bulldog. Initially, the breed was bred for bull and bear baiting, but it was also used in dogfights. In America, it is considered the most dangerous dog.
25. Caucasian Shepherd. Bred to protect the herd. A typical Caucasian Shepherd is assertive, stubborn and fearless. In the case of bad upbringing and poor training, dogs of this breed can show uncontrollability — not to accept people who are not familiar to her.