1. Pit Bulls
- Largest category of breed on the list
- Responsible for 2/3 of fatal bites
- 284 deaths from pit bull attacks
- 235 PSI bite force
This probably won’t surprise anyone because pit bulls, while lovable, have a bad reputation for violence. The term “pit bull” is a catch-all that’s become commonplace. It’s an umbrella that includes numerous bulldogs and terriers instead of applying to a single breed.
Over a period of 13 years, the group was responsible for about ⅔ of all fatal dog bites in the United States, with 284 deaths.
If that number doesn’t surprise you, it may shock you to learn that only 6% of all dogs in the country fit the pit bull category. Spending generations as hunting dogs and fighting dogs, they were bred to be dangerous.
They have large bodies, strong jaws, and honed instincts. The unfortunate truth is that other animals, even human beings, don’t stand much of a chance against a pit bull.
2. Rottweilers
- 45 fatal attacks from period of the study
- Protective of family but not visitors, wanted or not
- Powerful with a bad temper
- 328 PSI bite force
Before pit bulls gained a reputation as dangerous, the rottweiler was at the top of the list of most dangerous dog breeds. These powerhouses can grow up to be 120 pounds and remain in good health.
They are large and have a temper that can break bad when a situation goes south. More specifically, they are friendly and protective of those in their own home. However, that protection does not include any guests.
During the period of the study, the rottweiler was responsible for 45 fatal attacks. They have a powerful bite and know how to use it.
3. German Shepherds
- History of deadly attacks
- 20 deaths from the study
- Aggressive and territorial
- 238-291 PSI bite force
German shepherds are workers with a history in law enforcement and militaries. They are intelligent, powerful, strong, and dangerous dogs able to inflict deadly attacks.
On average, they weigh around 90 pounds and reach a height of 2 feet. They are a great asset against human threats after generations of breeding that made them an effective weapon.
German shepherds tend to be aggressive and territorial, causing 20 deaths in the aforementioned study. Additionally, they account for numerous non-fatal bites. Fortunately, they are highly trainable.
4. American Bulldog
- Powerful, muscular build
- Responsible for 15 deaths
- 3.5% of fatal dog attacks in study
- 305 PSI bite force
Unlike British bulldogs, their American cousin is a powerful working dog. While British bulldogs were overbred and became less useful as tools, the American bulldog averages 100 pounds of packed muscle. They are thick, powerful and easily one of the most dangerous dog breeds.
Over the course of the study, they were responsible for 3.5% of all fatal dog attacks, resulting in 15 deaths. While that’s not a big number, it’s significant given that the name rarely comes up in comparison to others on this list.
Still, they have a strong bite and can pounce hard enough to knock a grown human to the ground.
5. Bullmastiff
- 3.2% of fatal dog attacks in the study
- Weigh up to 130 pounds
- Able to cause severe damage
- 552 PSI bite force
People love bullmastiffs because they are alert, fearless, and devoted to their families. They are great for home protection but don’t always enjoy visitors. If you want a bullmastiff, it’s important to curb that behavior while they are young to prevent bites.
Attacks by this breed aren’t frequent, but they are large enough to inflict severe damage. On average, they weigh up to 130 pounds. They represent 14 deaths in the study, 3.2% of all fatal attacks.
Again, the numbers don’t seem that high, but how often do you see a bullmastiff in the United States?
6. Siberian Huskies
- 3% of fatal attacks
- Record of attacking adults and children
- Strong survival instincts
- 320 PSI bite force
We love huskies because they look like wolves we can play with or keep at home. So, is it surprising that they act like wild animals at times?
Initially, people used Siberian huskies to reach the coldest areas of North America. While they don’t weigh as much as other dogs on this list, they are independent and strong. Moreover, they seek out prey to catch, which can include smaller animals as well as humans.
Generally, it’s the husky’s survival instincts that cause the biggest problems. In the study cited above, they were involved in 3% of all fatal attacks. While they have a friendly demeanor more often, they have a record of attacking children and adults who challenge them.
Unfortunately, even a husky without a history of aggression can give in to their instincts.
7. Labrador Retrievers
- 2.1% of the attacks in the study
- Large, powerful, athletic
- Friendly until they feel threatened
- 230 PSI bite force
To this day, labrador retrievers are hunting dogs that work alongside people. Weighing up to 80 pounds, they are larger dogs that stand around 2 feet tall. When we think of labs, we tend to think of family dogs.
They also don’t make the best guard dogs because they tend to trust people. Still, these lovable friendly dogs are on a list of the most dangerous dog breeds in 2023…
They are responsible for 2.1% of the attacks in the study. Typically, people believe the dog wanted to defend its family, territory, or food. The unfortunate truth is that sometimes an attempt to correct behavior makes a dog feel backed into a corner and threatened.
While they aren’t the most aggressive dogs out they, they are big enough to knock people over and cause severe damage.
8. Boxers
- 7 fatal attacks in study
- History of non-fatal bites
- Muscular, energetic, and protective
- 230 PSI bite force
Boxers have a dopey look about them that gives people a sense of ease around them. However, they are working dogs with a lot of energy and a lot of muscle. Couple that with their protective nature, and you have the potential for a problem.
When the dog doesn’t trust someone or perceives them as a threat, they are capable of defending themselves. According to the study, they only caused 7 deaths. However, they have a history of non-fatal bites, too.
As with other aggressive breeds, it’s important to know how to handle and train this breed from a young age.
9. Doberman Pinscher
- Bred to attack
- Highly successful guard dogs
- Responsible for 6 deaths in study period
- 600 PSI bite
The Doberman is an iconic dog with a unique look. They always seem on alert with their cropped ears and stiff posture. It’s no surprise that they have a long history as guard dogs because they are highly successful in that role.
In fact, “pinscher” is a German term that refers to how they attack and bite prey. It’s another breed specifically bred for a purpose, and that is to attack. If anything surprises you about their presence on this list, it’s probably that they’re at #9.
Over the course of the study, Dobermans caused 6 deaths, not a prolific number at all. Still, they are capable and powerful.
10. Alaskan Malamutes
- Large, powerful, energetic
- Don’t always listen to owners
- Caused 4 deaths in study period
- 400 PSI bite force
Last on our tour of the most dangerous dog breeds is the Alaskan Malamute. This breed bears a striking resemblance to the Siberian husky. However, the Malamute is much larger, weighing up to 90 pounds.
These large, powerful dogs also have a ton of energy. They love getting into trouble and bouncing around like a rubber ball. Unfortunately, part of that trouble is that they don’t always listen to their owners.
That’s something that requires a lot of training from a young age. While they were only the cause of four deaths in the study, they belong on this list of the most dangerous dog breeds because they have a powerful bite, and they are more than willing to use it.
11. Chow Chows
- Attacked 61 people in a 32-year period
- Caused 8 deaths
- .01% of the dog population
- 220 PSI bite
Moving into the “honorable mentions” portion of our list, we’ve pulled data from additional sources to cover other dogs that fall into the most dangerous dog breeds category.
The Chow Chow is originally from China and perhaps one of the oldest recognized breeds. Initially, they were bred for many purposes, from guarding and hunting to herding and moving supplies. Their thick coat looks almost like a lion’s mane, prompting some owners to style them in that manner.
Chow Chows have a sturdy build and tend to be stout, weighing around 70 pounds or higher. While they are pets to many homes, many insurance companies consider them a high-risk dog breed. Often, they are aggressive and overprotective of their owners.
In a review of a 32-year period, they harmed 61 individuals, including 37 children and 18 adults. They also caused 8 deaths in that period, all while being .01% of the total dog population.
12. Akita
- 70 attacks
- .07% of the dog population
- 52 maimings and 8 deaths
- 350-400 PSI bite force
The Akita, originally from Japan, is a large dog. It has a strong instinct to protect, and it tends to have a hard time socializing with other dogs. Likely, this is due in part to their independent, stubborn demeanor.
In certain states, there’s even legislation that groups them with other dangerous dog breeds and restricts ownership. Still, the Akita is a popular dog across the United States, despite being about the 3rd most likely to bite unprovoked, according to a 32-year review by Animals 24-7.
13. Presa Canario
- Bans or restrictions in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Ukraine, and Romania
- Bred to fight, aggressive without training
- 540 PSI bite force
One of the planet’s most imposing and most dangerous dog breeds is the Presa Canario, or simply Presa. With the right training, a Presa is a loyal pet and a great guard dog. However, they are also bred to be fighting dogs and have an aggressive temperament when it doesn’t receive proper training.
Over that same 32-year period, Presas attacked 111 people, including 18 deaths and 63 maiming incidents. In that same study, 150 breeds had at least a single attack, but the Presa was at #4.
14. Japanese Tosa
- Bans in Ireland, England, Australia, and many other countries
- Illegal in certain parts of the United States
- 556 PSI bite force
