Most Aggressive Dog Breeds

Doggos, pups, furry friends — they go by many names. Dogs are one of, if not the most, beloved pets all over the world — in fact, over 65 million Americans are dog parents. These cuddly balls of energy are known for being lifelong companions, offering joy, protection or even help throughout everyday life. 

Some dogs, though, have a reputation for being more aggressive than others. But what does this really mean? Should you stay away from aggressive dog breeds altogether, or does it just take some experience to take them on? And what are the best ways to handle a dog with aggressive tendencies? 

In this article, we’ll take a look at what makes a dog breed aggressive, dive into some of the most aggressive dog breeds out there, and even offer you some tips and tricks for how to handle these breeds. 

Aggression in dogs covers everything from biting and growling to barking and snarling. Determining levels of aggression in dogs is a process that’s usually carried out by different organizations — in the US, this is done by the American Temperament Testing Society. By presenting dogs with different stimuli and evaluating their reactions, these professionals can receive information into which breeds are more triggered into aggressive behavior than others.

While tests like these are of course insightful and help form a basic understanding of which breeds have aggressive tendencies, there’s still room for interpretation in these evaluations, and should be taken as guidelines rather than rules. 

There are several factors that can be attributed to aggressive behavior in dogs, and certain breeds are even predisposed to these factors. Some key factors include:

• Size and strength: Larger breeds with strong jaws can inflict significant damage, making their aggressive behavior more dangerous (Note: this doesn’t mean that larger dogs are more aggressive — only that large dog breeds which already have a tendency towards aggressive behavior have the possibility of inflicting more damage than small breeds with the same tendency)
• Trainability: Whether or not a dog is easily trained can determine if they’ll act aggressively
• Genetic disposition: Dogs bred for activities like hunting, guarding or fighting may have a higher predisposition to aggression than those bred for other reasons
• Prey drive: Hunting dogs tend to have a higher prey drive, which mean they may act on their hunting instincts when confronted with small animals 
• Behavioral problems: If a dog is bored, unstimulated or anxious, this can sometimes trigger aggressive behavior 

Outside of these factors, dogs can be triggered into aggressive behavior out of fear, resource guarding, pain, territorial protection, or even maternal instincts. 

Understanding what factors affect aggressive behavior in dogs is important in learning how to handle these types of dogs, as well as in determining which behaviors can be dangerous. 

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Are aggressive dogs always dangerous?

Though you might be on the lookout for a list of ‘the most dangerous dogs to humans’ so you know which ones to avoid, it’s important to remember that aggressive dogs aren’t necessarily mean dogs — they’re simply acting on an instinct that can (and should be) controlled. 

Dog aggression is common, and almost all dogs can be aggressive when the right triggers (or the wrong ones, depending on how you look at it) come along. 

And while dog aggression can be threatening and harmful, it’s important to know how to recognize this type of behavior and know how to manage it in your pup. This means that aggressive dog breeds should only be raised by adept, experienced and firm owners who are cautious and prepared to handle this type of behavior. 

If you’re a first time pet parent, dog breeds that are prone to aggressive behavior shouldn’t be at the top of your list for a new member of the family. 

Additionally, it’s important to be able to recognize this behavior in other dogs, to be able to protect not only your pup in a dangerous situation, but also yourself and others. Familiarizing yourself with symptoms of aggression in dogs is key to being prepared for potentially dangerous or unpredictable situations.  

So which dogs are more prone to aggressive behavior than others? Let’s explore some of the most common dog breeds known to exhibit aggressive traits.

Chihuahuas

The Chihuahua, one of the smallest dog breeds, originates from Mexico and is named after the state of Chihuahua. Despite their size, they have a bold personality and are known for their fierce loyalty to their owners.

They can exhibit aggression primarily due to their small size, making them feel vulnerable and more likely to act defensively in certain situations. Chihuahuas can be very protective of their territory and owners, displaying aggression towards humans and other animals. 

Rottweiler

Rottweilers are large, powerful dogs that were originally bred in Germany for herding livestock and pulling carts. They’re known for their strength, endurance, and protective nature.

These dogs can be aggressive due to their strong protective instincts and territorial tendencies. Their physical strength also means that any aggressive behavior can be dangerous if not managed correctly.

Doberman Pinscher

Another dog originating from Germany, Doberman Pinschers were developed primarily for protection and security. They’re known for their intelligence, alertness, and loyalty.

Dobermans are perhaps one of the more common dog breeds known for aggression - their natural guarding instincts can make them wary of strangers and protective of their family. This breed requires a firm, consistent hand in training to ensure they don’t become overly dominant or aggressive.

Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers were originally bred in England for fox hunting. They’re energetic, intelligent, and fearless little dogs.

Jack Russells can be aggressive due to their strong hunting instincts and high energy levels, and may sometimes exhibit aggression towards other animals — especially if they perceive them as prey. 

Shar Pei

The Shar Pei is a breed known for its distinctive wrinkled skin and unique blue-black tongue. Originally from China, they were used for hunting, herding, and guarding.

Because of their independent and territorial nature, Shar Peis can sometimes act aggressively. They can be suspicious of strangers and other animals, sometimes displaying protective behavior that can lead to aggression.

Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is an Italian breed known for its large size and muscular build. Historically, they were used as guard dogs and for hunting large game.

As a dog that was mainly bred to guard and protect their owners, Cane Corsos can sometimes be aggressive and territorial. This can make them act on their aggression if not properly trained and socialized from a young age.

Akita

Akitas are large, powerful dogs originating from the mountainous regions of Japan. They were initially used for guarding royalty and nobility, as well as for hunting.

As experienced guard dogs and hunters, these dogs can get territorial, which can lead them down the path of aggressive behavior. They’re naturally wary of strangers and can be aggressive towards other dogs, especially of the same sex. 

Pomeranian

Pomeranians are small, fluffy dogs that originate from the Pomerania region in Europe. They’re known for their lively and extroverted personality.

These feisty dogs can exhibit aggression due to their small size and bold personality, similar to Chihuahuas. Because of their desire to protect their owners, they may show aggression when confronted with strangers and other animals.

Pitbull Terrier

Pitbull Terriers were originally bred in England for bull-baiting and later for dog fighting (no surprise here that they made the list, right?). They’re muscular, powerful dogs known for their tenacity.

This dog’s genetics makes it tricky for them to avoid aggressive tendencies; not only that, their strong prey drive and history of being bred for fighting add to this as well. 

Dogo Argentino

The Dogo Argentino is a large, powerful breed originating from Argentina. They were bred for big-game hunting and are known for their strength and endurance — not least of all for their strong bite.

Dogo Argentinos can be aggressive due to their prey drive, protective nature and territorial instincts, like most other breeds on this list. They require an experienced handler who can provide firm training and socialization to manage their behavior from a young age. 

Owning a dog prone to aggression requires patience, consistency and knowledge. It’s not for the faint of heart, and anyone eager to learn how to manage their pup’s aggression properly can use these tips and tricks to get started:

• Proper nutrition: A balanced diet supports your pup’s overall health, and can even influence behavior. Ensuring your furry friend receives all the necessary proteins, vitamins and minerals is a great start. 
  
  

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• Early socialization: Introducing your dog to new environments, people and other animals at a young age to reduce fear-based aggression is an important part of managing these tendencies. 
• Safe environment: Ensure your home environment is safe and stress-free. By providing a comfortable space for your dog, you can reduce their anxiety levels, therefore reducing the risk of triggering anxiety-based aggression. 
• Regular exercise: A bored dog is a destructive dog — make sure you provide your pup with regular physical (and mental) stimulation to prevent boredom and frustration. 
• Consistent training: Positive reinforcement techniques to train your pup is a great way to ensure the right behavior is rewarded and reinforced. Negative reinforcement can actually have the opposite effect — so try to avoid this method in particular when training your dog. 
• Professional help: Remember: professional dog trainers are here to help! If your dog is acting particularly unruly or the aggressive behavior seems to be escalating, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals for advice on ways forward. 
  
  

Unsurprisingly, you might still have questions about owning an aggressive dog breed. Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions about these spirited dogs:

How can you calm an aggressive dog? 

To calm an aggressive dog, provide a relaxing and safe environment, use positive reinforcement training techniques, and ensure your dog gets regular exercise and mental stimulation. Avoid punishing the dog, as this can increase aggression. In severe cases, seek help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist​.

What is the most aggressive dog?

Determining the number one most aggressive dog breed is tricky given that the parameters for identifying aggression aren’t objectively determined down to an exact science. However, some of the most commonly identified aggressive dog breeds are American Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, and Jack Russell Terriers, among others. 

What is the least aggressive dog?

Some of the least aggressive dog breeds are Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Though it’s important to remember that nearly all dogs can be prone to aggression if something sets them off. 

Is it safe to own an aggressive dog breed?

It can be safe to own an aggressive dog breed if you’re an experienced dog owner and are committed to providing proper training, socialization, and care. Understanding the breed's specific needs and behaviors is crucial, and consulting with professional trainers can help manage and mitigate aggressive tendencies​.

Does my pet insurance cover my aggressive dog?

Pet insurance coverage for aggressive dogs can vary by provider and policy. Some pet insurance companies may exclude coverage for breeds considered high-risk or for pre-existing behavioral issues, so it’s important to review your policy details and consult with your insurance provider​ if you’re not sure what exactly your policy covers. 

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If you’re an experienced dog owner ready to take on the challenge of raising a dog with tendencies toward aggression, good for you! With a firm hand, proper training in your back pocket, and an eagerness to learn, you and your lively pup can have a long and happy life together.

As a responsible pet owner, be sure to stay clued up on all the relevant signs your dog may be headed towards acting on their aggressive traits — not only for yours and your pup’s safety, but for others as well. 

Knowing how to calm your furry friend, socializing and training them from an early age, and understanding your dog’s triggers is key to ensuring everyone’s safety, well-being, and happiness!