Dog bites and attacks often make shocking headlines. While most dogs are loving, loyal companions, some breeds are more prone to aggression than others. If you’re considering getting a dog, it’s important to research breeds thoroughly to find one that will be a safe, happy addition to your home.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Pit bulls, Rottweilers, German shepherds, and Chow Chows are among the dog breeds most likely to turn on their owners.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the factors that contribute to dog aggression, explore scientific research on bite statistics, and provide an in-depth look at over a dozen breeds with higher rates of aggression.
What Causes Dogs to Become Aggressive?
Genetics and Breed History
Some dog breeds were originally developed for fighting or guarding, which means aggression may be part of their genetic makeup. For example, breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers are more likely to show aggressive tendencies compared to less aggressive breeds like Labs or Golden Retrievers.
However, proper socialization and training from an early age can counteract those innate tendencies in any breed.
Socialization and Training
A lack of proper socialization and training is one of the most common reasons dogs develop aggressive behaviors. Puppies that do not receive adequate positive human interaction and training during their first 4 months of life are at a higher risk.
Ongoing training and socialization helps reinforce good behaviors in adult dogs as well.
Health and Medical Issues
Pain or illness can cause a dog that is normally friendly to lash out due to fear or discomfort. Conditions like arthritis, ear infections, dental problems, injury, or gastrointestinal issues may elicit aggressive reactions.
Veterinary exams to rule out medical causes are important in cases of sudden aggression in mature dogs.
Abuse and Neglect
Dogs subjected to physical abuse, improper confinement, or social isolation may become fearful and aggressive towards people and other animals. Neglect can also cause nutritionally-based diseases affecting brain development and function.
Dogs rescued from abusive or neglectful situations require time, patience, and professional training to overcome past mistreatment.
Protectiveness and Territorial Behavior
Even friendly dogs have strong instinctual drives to guard territory, resources, and family members. They may show aggressive tendencies around strangers, unfamiliar dogs, or in situations where they feel threatened. Proper fencing, supervision, and socialization reduces territorial aggression.
Neutering/spaying helps curb protectiveness over mates and offspring.
Dog Bite Statistics and Research
Breeds Implicated in Most Fatal Attacks
Certain breeds like pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German shepherds are frequently cited in research as being responsible for the majority of dog bite fatalities. However, researchers warn that bite statistics are often unreliable due to difficulties in breed identification and other confounding factors.
According to a report by DogsBite.org, between 2005-2017 pit bulls accounted for 66% of fatal dog attacks in the United States. Rottweilers and their mixes were responsible for 10.4% and German shepherds 6.8%. However, it’s important to note that breed identification can be subjective.
Limitations of Bite Data
While statistics point to certain breeds being implicated in more attacks, researchers say bite rates are not an accurate predictor of a breed’s aggression. Limitations with bite data include:
For example, according to a literature review by the AVMA, identifying pit bull-type dogs is unreliable even for experts. Also popular breeds may be overrepresented in bite statistics simply because there are more of them, rather than being inherently aggressive.
Other Factors Impacting Bite Rates
Research shows breed alone is not an accurate predictor of aggression in dogs. Other significant factors include:
| Socialization and training | Dogs lacking proper socialization and training are more likely to bite |
| Health | Injuries, illness and pain can lead to aggressive behaviors |
| Reproductive status | Unneutered dogs are more likely to bite |
| Management factors | Chaining, tethering, abuse, neglect etc. are linked with biting |
One literature review concluded that dangerous behaviors appear to be breed-neutral and dependent on the specific conditions under which dogs are maintained. Ultimately, breeding itself is not a sole predictor of bite risk.
Dog Breeds Prone to Aggression
Pit Bulls
Pit bulls have a reputation for being aggressive dogs. This is partly due to their history of being bred for dog fighting and guarding. However, with proper training and socialization from an early age, pit bulls can be very loving and loyal companions.
Their tenacity and strong bite means owners must be diligent with training. Muzzling in public and extra supervision around children and strangers is recommended.
Rottweilers
Originally bred as guard dogs, Rottweilers are powerful, imposing dogs. They can be aggressive towards strangers and other dogs if not properly socialized. With their large size and incredible bite force, owners must be cautious and keep up with training throughout their lives.
Extra precautions should be taken in public places and around children. But Rottweilers who are trained and socialized make loyal, affectionate pets.
German Shepherds
Often used as police or military dogs, German Shepherds are intelligent, active, and working dogs. They can be wary of strangers and very protective of their family. Early and continued socialization can minimize aggression. German Shepherds should have plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
When properly trained, they are disciplined, confident guardians renowned for their trainability and courage.
Chow Chows
Chow Chows are aloof, serious dogs initially bred to guard and hunt. Without early socialization, they can be aggressive and distrustful of strangers. They may not get along with other dogs. Chows require patient, experienced handling. Their thick coats also make them prone to overheating.
But Chow Chows who receive proper training and attention make devoted companions.
Doberman Pinschers
Dobermans were originally bred as guard dogs and can be intimidating with their large size and muscular build. They are energetic, driven dogs that need plenty of exercise and training. With responsible breeding and socialization, Dobermans are fiercely loyal and make excellent guardians and police dogs.
Their aggression is generally directed towards intruders rather than family.
Alaskan Malamutes
Alaskan Malamutes are strong, energetic working dogs bred to pull sleds. They need extensive exercise and do not do well in hot climates. Malamutes can be challenging to train and handle due to their independence and prey drive. They may not get along with smaller animals.
Early socialization can minimize aggression towards strangers and other dogs. Patient owners will be rewarded with an affectionate, playful companion.
Siberian Huskies
Like Malamutes, Siberian Huskies are energetic dogs bred to pull sleds over long distances. They can be destructive and difficult to train due to their independence and high prey drive. Huskies should be leashed or fenced in.
With socialization, Huskies can get along with people and some dogs, but small pets may be at risk. Owners need to provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation for this clever breed.
Great Danes
Despite their massive size, Great Danes are gentle giants known for their friendly nature. However, their size alone can intimidate strangers and children should be supervised around them. Some male Danes can be aggressive towards other dogs.
With training and socialization, Great Danes make calm house pets. But their strength means owners must be able to control them on walks.
Boxers
Originally bred as guard dogs, Boxers are energetic, strong, and imposing in appearance. They need plenty of exercise and consistent training. Boxers can be headstrong but are also known as the “clowns” of the dog world due to their fun-loving nature.
With socialization they get along with people but may be aggressive towards other dogs. Boxers make loyal, playful family companions.
Saint Bernards
Saint Bernards are massive, powerful dogs bred for alpine rescues. Due to their sheer size they can knock children over unintentionally and should always be supervised around little ones. Saint Bernards can do well with other dogs when properly socialized but may see small animals as prey.
With regular training they can be calm house pets. But owners must be prepared to deal with their large food consumption and drool.
Akitas
Akitas are large Japanese dogs originally used to hunt big game and guard villages. They are independent and wilful dogs that require experienced handling. Akitas can be aggressive with strangers and intolerant of other dogs, especially those of the same sex. Early socialization is essential.
When trained properly, Akitas become devoted, respectful companions that take their guardian duties seriously.
Wolf Hybrids
Wolf-dog hybrids are controversial, with most experts recommending against owning them. Hybrids tend to be challenging pets with strong prey drives and unpredictable behavior even when raised by humans.
Due to their mixed wild wolf and domestic dog ancestry, hybrids can be aggressive and dangerous, especially towards other small animals. Wolf hybrid ownership is restricted or banned in many areas.
Cane Corsos
Cane Corsos are large Italian guard dogs that form strong bonds with their families. Without proper socialization and training they can be aggressive towards strangers, children, or other dogs. Their strength and drive means extensive obedience training is required.
When handled correctly, Cane Corsos are devoted, protective companions that need plenty of mental and physical exercise.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Originally bred to hunt lions in Africa, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are tough, muscular guard dogs. They are aloof with strangers and can be aggressive with other dogs when not socialized properly. Their strong prey drive makes them inappropriate housemates for cats or other small pets.
But Ridgebacks who are trained and exercised regularly make loyal, dignified protectors of home and family.
Conclusion
While genetics play a role, proper socialization, training, and responsible ownership are key to curbing aggression in any breed. With a commitment to meeting their needs, even breeds with higher bite rates can make wonderful pets.
If you’re considering a dog with greater protective instincts, be sure you have the knowledge and experience to handle them responsibly. With the right owner, even misunderstood breeds like pit bulls can be loving, trustworthy companions.
