The 20 Most Dangerous and Aggressive Dog Breeds

When you think of dogs, the first image that comes to mind is almost always that of a faithful, affectionate and protective companion. However, there are breeds that, due to history or breeding choices, have characteristics that can make them potentially dangerous.

This occurs when they are not properly managed and educated. The dangerousness of a dog, after all, does not depend on the breed, but on a set of factors including training, socialization, the family environment and, obviously, the responsibilities of the owner.

Over the last few years, some dog breeds have come under the magnifying glass of governments, animal rights associations and public opinion due to their physical strength, dominant temperament or episodes of aggression. All this has led, in several countries, to the adoption of specific regulations.

These include possession bans or muzzle and leash requirements. But what are the dog breeds considered the most dangerous? Below we will give an overview of the 20 dog breeds commonly considered among the most aggressive, based on studies, statistical data and the regulations currently in force in Europe and beyoond.

American Pit Bull Terrier

Originally selected for fighting, the American Pit Bull Terrier is known for having great strength and tenacity. In many countryes there are no specific restrictions for the possession of this dog breed. However, responsible management is required. In some regions of Germany, however, it is prohibited to have an American Pit Bull Terrier.

American Bully XL

This is a particularly muscular and powerful dog breed, which was recently banned in the United Kingdom due to some serious news stories. it is not forbidden to have a American Bully XL, but as always careful management and correct education are required.

Rottweiler

This is a very loyal guard dog, but at the same time territorial. The use of a leash and muzzle in public is required. In some German regions it is considered potentially dangerous and for this reason Rottweiler are included in some lists of breeds at risk.

Dogo Argentino

Physically very strong and dominant by nature, the Dogo Argentino requires decisive and well-targeted training. It is a muscular and athletic dog, originally from Argentina, developed for hunting large animals. Known for its courage, strength and determination, these characteristics require an expert owner and early socialization to avoid aggressive behavior.

Doberman

Elegant and reactive, it requires early socialization. The Doberman, in fact, is not dangerous by nature, but has a reputation for being very defensive. It is no coincidence that it is often used as a police or guard dog. There are no national limitations for this breed, but responsible management is recommended.

Fila Brasileiro

As can easily be understood from the name, this is a dog breed of Brazilian origin. With a strong temperament by nature, it is a very protective dog and has great devotion to its owner. It therefore tends to be wary of strangers. It is a very powerful and faithful molosser, which can show aggression if not trained correctly.

Tosa Inu

The Tosa Inu, also known simply by the term Tosa, is a dog breed of Japanese origin. Its name, in fact, comes from the area where it was originally bred, namely the province of Tosa in Japan. It is not subject to specific national regulations, but its potential aggressiveness requires attention.

Bullmastiff

A dog breed of British origin, the Bullmastiff is naturally calm but imposing. However, it requires consistent education. Result of the cross between the English Mastiff and the English Bulldog, combining the strength, resistance and power of the former with the determination and courage of the latter, the Bullmastiff, while generally calm and affectionate with family members, can become a very determined guardian in the presence of strangers.

American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier, also known as AmStaff or Pitbull Amstaff, is a dog breed whose selection began in the United States of America in 1936. Strong and lively by nature, often confused with the Pit Bull, it is a dog known for its incredible physical strength, courage and tenacity. These characteristics, if not managed correctly, can lead to aggressive behavior.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, also known as the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Stafford or Staffy, is a dog breed of British origin derived from the Bull and Terrier officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Energetic and stubborn by nature, it requires constant attention.

Italian Cane Corso

It is a molossoid dog breed of Italian origin recognized by the International Cynological Federation. Traditionally used as a guard and defense dog, the Italian Cane Corso is majestic and protective by nature. Due to its characteristics, it requires an expert owner and responsible management to prevent aggressive behavior.

Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a dog breed that descends from the rustic molossoids once present in the countryside of southern Italy. Its origins date back directly to the large molossers of ancient Assyria and Babylon, later spread throughout Europe by the Romans. Imposing and dominant, it is a territorial dog.

Akita Inu

The Akita Inu is not by nature an aggressive breed or one that barks a lot. However, it can be very protective and therefore distrustful of strangers. Noble but independent, in particular can be aggressive towards other dogs. If well trained and properly inserted into the social context, it can be a faithful and calm companion.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large-sized dog, with short, brown fur. Its distinctive feature is the crest along the back, formed by a strip of hair that grows in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. Born for big game hunting, it is an autonomous dog.

Perro de Presa Canario

The Cane da Presa Canario, as its name suggests, is a molosser breed originating from Spain, specifically the Canary Islands. It is no coincidence that it is considered the symbolic animal of the island of Gran Canaria. Strong and wary of strangers, it requires careful training.

Bull Terrier

This is a dog breed of British origin, officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Energetic and stubborn by nature, the Bull Terrier is sometimes difficult to manage. Its strong character and great energy, in fact, require expert training and early socialization.

Kangal

Traditional Turkish breed, belonging to the large livestock guarding dogs. Its name comes from the city and district of Kangal, located in the province of Sivas, the easternmost of the Central Anatolia region in Turkey. Protective and courageous by nature, the Kangal is a guard dog with extraordinary strength.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a large breed, particularly widespread and appreciated in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia and Russia. A massive dog, born to defend livestock from predators, it is known for its independent, territorial and protective character. There are no national regulations that limit the possession of this breed, but its management requires experience.

Central Asian Shepherd Dog

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a molosser breed of Russian origin, recognized by the International Cynological Federation. Known for its loyalty and extraordinary ability to always find its way back to its owner, it is imposing and independent, therefore not suitable for all family contexts.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog, also known as Kangal Çoban Köpeği, is a breed originating from Anatolia. Traditionally used as a guard dog for flocks, today it is also widespread in many countries as a companion dog, thanks to its alert and loyal temperament. Strong and potentially dominant, needs a solid guide.

Original article published on Money.it Italy. Original title: Le 20 razze di cani più pericolose e aggressive