30 Dangerous Dog Breeds That Only Expert Trainers Can Handle

There is no denying that the Presa Canario is a huge dog. By the time this huge hound reaches adulthood, it usually weighs at least 100 lbs, which is a staggering statistic.

With a name that is Spanish for “Canarian catch,” the Canario was originally bred to work livestock. Due to their potential to be dangerous, these dogs require intense obedience training and a chance to socialize from an early age.

Understandably, some of the most dangerous dogs can also be ideal protectors. The Akita Inu is a perfect example due to its friendly disposition. However, these dogs may act aggressively towards any new dogs you choose to bring home.

Originally from the mountains of Japan, the Akita is associated with two breeds: the Japanese Akita Inu and the American Akita. Their independence, strength, and dominant nature can be a dangerous cocktail if they are mistreated.

Even boxers can be extremely friendly dogs. However, by the time they reach a certain size, this fierce dog can often undermine its owner, with devastating outcomes. Anyone who has grown up with a boxer knows that they can be pretty passive.

That said, there have been a number of incidents involving this dog breed — specifically, 48 from 1982 all the way up to 2012. This originally German breed can reach between 50 and 70 lbs, and they are often headstrong, energetic, and playful in equal measures.

While this might not be the most surprising addition to this list, the wolf hybrid has plenty of reasons to be here. At the end of the day, when you cross a wild beast with a cute domesticated pet, keeping this dog on an even keel will be challenging.

These hybrids are usually a combination of a grey wolf and a dog. Due to their many genetic traits, their behavior can often be very unpredictable.

While many people own Dogo Argentinos and have never had issues while alone in their company, this fierce breed has a devastating bite and is one of the strongest dogs.

Often bred to hunt game, this dog has the potential to kill a wide variety of animals, such as pumas and wild boars. They are often extremely protective of their owners. However, due to several tragic cases, it is illegal to own a Dogo Argentino in some countries, including the United Kingdom.

There is no denying that the bull terrier’s oval-shaped head gives it a unique facial appearance. This is a bi-product of many generations of crossbreeding, and they are believed to have the leanest muscle tissue of pretty much any dog.

Despite their intimidating appearance, the bull terrier isn’t the most dangerous dog breed on this list. They have no problem attacking smaller animals, which often spells doom for whoever they chase down.

Originally from South Africa, the Boer Boel appears to have leg muscles resembling some of the big cats with which it shares the same country. Also known as the South African Mastiff, this dog breed is owned by many to guard their homes.

Although loyal to their owners, they are also extremely dangerous due to their territorial instincts. They are particularly good at tracking down and keeping down intruders.

Several dogs on this list are more than capable of taking down their owners, and the American Bandogge is certainly one of them. Due to this breed’s incredible strength and huge muscles, American Bandogges were eventually bred to fight.

Seeing that they are a mix between a Neapolitan Mastiff and an American Pit Bull Terrier, it is no surprise that this breed is considered extremely dangerous and a useful guard dog.

While the Gull Dong is highly loyal to its owner, don’t expect it to behave respectfully to anyone else! This cross between a Bully Kutta and a Gull Terrier is extremely dependent on its beloved owner, and if it is left to its own devices for just a few minutes, all hell can break loose!

Originally bred as a fighting dog, the Gull Dong can be highly aggressive, especially toward humans who are unfamiliar with them. So watch out!

While this might be one of the visually cuter breeds of dogs on this list, it doesn’t make them any less dangerous. Originating from the southern regions of Africa, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has been bred in the past to help owners protect their farms and fields from fierce predators such as lions.

Make no mistake about it — although this dog doesn’t take too much work to be domesticated, owners need to give it a healthy social life.

There is no denying that the Basenji is a difficult dog to teach classic tricks such as sitting and fetching. This dog, originally bred to hunt, is infamous for being shy around strangers or flat-out aggressive. The Basenji is originally from Central America.

While it might not be the most dangerous dog breed on this list, numerous experts consider it the second most challenging dog to train!

One of the biggest dogs on this list, Saint Bernards, has the potential to be very dangerous. However, during their best days, they can be extremely friendly and sweet — a perfect dog for any family.

If they are not trained properly early, the consequences can be catastrophic. Originally bred to be a rescue dog, this large hound can cause a lot of damage purely because of its size. Weighing between 65 and 120kg, they are big!

When you are bred to be a hunting dog for many generations, it is very difficult for an owner to eliminate your inherent dangerous streak. Another dog on this list that threatens humans purely because of its size, they don’t call them Great Danes for no reason whatsoever.

It holds the record as the world’s tallest dog and is also believed to be the ninth most dangerous dog breed on the planet. They were originally bred in Germany to hunt wild boar.

The fact that it is illegal in numerous places around the world to own one of these is a testament to how dangerous this dog can be. The Fila Brasileiro is not necessarily interested in attacking prey.

However, this dog, also known as the Brazilian Mastiff, has been trained to protect owners from intruders and is an expert at tracking strangers. Moreover, the Fila is also very good at holding down intruders while waiting for their owner to arrive.

Seeing that they are between 24.5 and 32 inches tall when standing, the Tosa Inu is a dog breed that can often be quite intimidating to be around. Originally bred to be a fighting dog, the Tosa can trace its origins back to Japan and is also referred to as a Japanese Mastiff.

Ownership of this towering dog is limited or banned in several countries, including Australia, Fiji, Denmark, Ireland, and the U.K.

It seems like American Bulldogs share a very similar trait with humans, and it’s one of the things that can make them dangerous. Just like their owners, this dog breed is often very friendly.

However, due to their vitality and confidence, American bulldogs are prone to becoming arrogant, which also breeds stubbornness. These dogs, originally bred to hold down cattle on farms, will often react negatively to an owner if they are not treated well.

Like many dangerous dog breeds on this list, the Chow Chow is undeniably cute when it is still a puppy. It can also retain much of that cuteness as they mature. However, many owners of Chow Chows would beg to differ.

These dogs are believed to require a high level of attention and physical activity to minimize their aggressive behavior. This breed, originally from China, is also referred to as a Songshi Quan, which literally translates into “puffy-lion dog.”

A dog with incredible senses might let these get the better of them, and the Doberman Pinscher is a classic example of this. This is because they are generally trained to take down intruders and are some of the best guard dogs in the world.

This is in no small part due to their loyalty, intelligence, and ability to stay alert at all times. Originally bred in Germany, the Doberman Pinscher can weigh between 65 and 90 lbs, and they often demonstrate aggressive behavior towards strangers.

Plenty of people own huskies, and they can generally train them to be well-behaved pets. However, it’s not always that simple. Originally bred in the Arctic regions to pull sleds, this dog requires a lot of discipline and exercise to stay on an even keel.

Huskies have a strong predatory instinct, so they should be kept away from smaller animals. If they are bored, huskies can get into all sorts of trouble.

Cane Corsos are primarily known for being the last Mastiffs still used in coursing. Weighing between 99 and 150 pounds, this dog is a huge threat to game animals, and it also helps that it has been bred to fight.

Amazingly, this dog has a loose connection to a specific historical period. Apparently, the Ancient Romans also used the Cane Corso’s ancestors, the Canis Pugnax, in warfare, as they were helpful at defending soldiers on the battlefield.

The following dog shares a similar trait to huskies: they sometimes struggle to socialize with strangers and smaller animals. The Alaskan Malamute heavily depends on a lot of exercise to stay fairly content.

Otherwise, there is a strong chance that this dog will get bored and misbehave. Due to their desire to be independent, the Malamute can be difficult to train, and its size, ranging from 70 to 100 lbs, can be challenging, too.

Contrary to what you might think, Rottweilers are actually fairly benevolent towards humans. Nevertheless, the wrong owner can bring out the worst in these powerful dogs. With an inherent instinct to guard its owner, there is so much more to Rottweilers than the stigma they carry.

Usually, a variety of abuse, neglect, and poor training can pave the way for aggressive and dangerous behavior from this particular breed. Tender love and care will most likely have the reverse effect.

There is no denying that German shepherds are synonymous with loyalty. Trained to be vicious fighters and defenders of the top forces, they are a useful asset to have by one’s side. However, if this dog is unfamiliar, it’s best to look the other way.

That said, German Shepherds are believed to be extremely intelligent. They are part of many K-9 units in various police forces, and they should be trained to protect their owners safely.

Many assume that all Pitbulls are inherently dangerous and are inclined to be violent. However, there is so much more to them than meets the eye. There is a wide variety of Pitbulls, each with unique quirks and behavioral traits.

Many of them, though, were originally bred for dogfighting and baiting bears and bulls. Although they are generally considered the most dangerous dogs in America, many owners have warm, peaceful relationships with their pitbulls.

If one plans to own a Caucasian Ovcharka, training this particular dog in the book is imperative. This is because this dog naturally doesn’t like strangers and other humans and needs to be conditioned not to succumb to this instinct.

Originally bred to protect livestock, the Caucasian Ovcharka is believed to be courageous and assertive. If not trained properly, this dog will struggle to accept others and may demonstrate aggressive behavior toward others, and it could be too late to change.

While usually gentle, especially with children, Bull Mastiffs can become aggressive for various reasons depending on how they’re raised. If socialized at a young age, they get along with other animals rather than treat them as prey.

While puppies may be unable to differentiate between intruders and friends, older mastiffs are known to be watchful and can tell a person’s motives, causing them to take charge and attack. They’re naturally protective, and if trained to be watchdogs, they’ll rush to corner an intruder.

Kangals are naturally territorial dogs, so while they may be calm around children, they’re extremely protective of their owners and tend to be aggressive towards other male dogs. Of course, Kangals are a little more detached from strangers until they get to know them.

However, they usually don’t threaten people unless they’re given a reason to attack. Although they’re gentle and can be trusted around homes, it’s important to note that they shouldn’t be confined to small spaces because they’ll become destructive.

How can a dog with this kind of face ever be dangerous? Well, they’re not threatening per se. They’re social and loyal to their families. That said, they have a strong protective instinct and will protect their owners from any threats.

Aussies are highly intelligent and energetic creatures, meaning they need a healthy outlet for their energy. They get bored quite easily and may decide to keep themselves busy by chewing on things, digging, or barking. They’re even known to become aggressive if they don’t have something to challenge them mentally.

Collies, a type of herding dog, rarely become aggressive, but if they do, it’s for good reason. What’s good about Collies is that when they become aggressive, they give warning signs beforehand, making it much easier to get to the root of the aggression.

Intelligent and active, they’re not the breed that should be locked inside the house because they will use all their energy to destroy everything. Because of their strong herding instincts, they may start herding running children because the children are the same as young sheep.

A relatively rare breed, Pharaoh Hounds are known for their athleticism and intelligence. With a muscular build and stubborn nature, it’s important to reign these hounds in to instill obedience and prevent overly aggressive behavior.

While this breed makes for a perfectly fine house pet, they’re popularly owned as hunting companions and require a lot of exercise, so they don’t adopt negative behaviors. For example, they are known to become unruly if they haven’t been adequately socialized at a young age.

While known for their friendly demeanor and loyal disposition, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has been involved in attacks and was originally bred to bait bulls. Described as fearless and intelligent, this breed is not likely to back down from a fight.

They’re naturally muscular, but although they appear intimidating, they’re not usually aggressive toward humans but rather enamored with them. Of course, members of this breed can differ in temperament, and without consistency, it’s difficult for people to tell which ones are friendly, so it’s best to be cautious around this kind of pup.

The Czechoslovakian Vlcak, originally bred in 1955, is a mix between a German Shepherd and a Carpathian wolf. That said, it doesn’t come as a shock to learn that this dog can exhibit aggressive behavior in some cases.

These dogs must be appropriately socialized to reduce the risk of significant danger, considering that they’re, you know, part wolf. Although loyal to their owners, they also require strong leadership to inspire obedience.

Often mistaken for a small German shepherd, the Belgian Malinois is highly intelligent and energetic, so they need an active owner to give them proper training. Otherwise, prepare for some misbehavioral issues, including digging, biting, or herding.

Although they make ideal guard and police dogs, they can also show aggressive behavior, especially towards small children and other animals. That said, if they’re socialized at an early age, Malinois are known to be very accepting.

Vizslas, a dog breed from Hungary, are highly energetic and affectionate with those around them. They’re ideal guard dogs and may bark at strangers invading the ‘pack’ space. They’re natural hunters with an excellent ability to be trained.

Still, they must be trained gently without harsh commands or strong physical correction. If trained too harshly, their sensitive temperaments could be easily damaged. If socialized early, they should have no issues with children.

Chihuahuas may be known as one of the smallest dogs in the world, but they’re definitely mighty…and yappy. Chihuahuas can be described as loyal and devoted to their owners — sometimes to the point of jealousy, in which they may bite or snip at someone getting a little too close to their owner.

They’re usually a very temperamental breed and aren’t necessarily known as child-friendly. Because they don’t like strangers, they bark often and can be good as an alert-style watchdog.

The dachshund, or the Weiner dog, can range in size from eight to thirty-two pounds. You’re probably wondering how a Weiner dog can be considered aggressive on Earth. It turns out that this breed of dog is susceptible to “small dog syndrome.”

This means it tries to compensate for its small size with a large attitude, leading to different behavioral issues. If Dachshunds are socialized early, they do well with children, although they don’t do well with too much rough play.

Described as fearless and independent, it’s almost surprising that Jack Russells are such small-sized dogs, ranging from 14 to 18 pounds. They’re usually white with black or beige markings. This breed’s origin began in England, in which they were primarily used to hunt foxes.

They have also been used to hunt groundhogs and badgers. They’re very energetic. Beyond that, they’re stubborn dogs with little patience and aren’t very tolerant of children.

Labrador Retrievers are easily the most popular dog breed known to man, if we’re honest. Anyone and everyone who owns a Labrador will claim they’re gentle and loveable. While they’re not naturally aggressive, they’re highly energetic and need an outlet to release all their pent-up energy.

In other words, if you lock them in the house, they’ll become highly destructive of your belongings. They’re a gentle and patient breed, but it’s important not to leave them alone with small children as they’re extremely active and clumsy.

Don’t let their size fool you — a Pekingese is one courageous and bold breed. Be wary, though, because that could quickly switch to aggression, especially towards other dogs, whether in the household or around the neighborhood.

That said, it’s crucial that a Pekingese receive early socialization. This breed also needs a strong and firm hand to control and prevent negative behavior such as growling, snapping, excessive barking, or biting.

While they’re popular family pets, cocker spaniels are known to be aggressive. This behavior is often misdiagnosed as ‘Cocker Rage’ or ‘Sudden Onset Aggression.’ However, if it manifests itself, it’ll happen before the cocker becomes an adult, often around eight months old.

This is why it’s essential to socialize them early to avoid aggressive behavior, such as biting, growling, or snapping. Even the most aggressive dogs can usually learn gentle ways if appropriately trained.

This might be one of the most surprising additions to this list. How could the beautiful black-dotted star of 101 Dalmatians be considered one of the most dangerous dog breeds in the world? With that said, there is a good reason why they can be threatening to those around them.

Not only do Dalmatians have a muscular body, but they also have great endurance, meaning they can engage in confrontations for long periods.

In the 1940s and ’50s, the military bred Russian Black Terriers to assist soldiers in sniffing out enemies during war. Moreover, they were also good at guarding soldiers, often showcasing their loud bark.

Fast-forward many decades, and the Russian Black Terrier is a popular pet. That said, though, there is no denying that this dog requires a lot of training to make it a worthy addition to the family.

Those prominent wrinkles are unmistakably synonymous with Shar Peis. This dog breed, generally a gentle giant under the right owner, can reach severe levels of aggression if handled incorrectly. Originally bred in China, a Shar Pei’s original purpose was to act as a guard dog.

These days, though, the dog is a popular pet. Interestingly, the name Shar-Pei is actually Cantonese for “sandy skin,” alluding to the breed’s rough coat and texture.

Arguably the fluffiest dog on this list, it is hard to imagine that the Bedlington Terrier could be anything other than gentle and friendly. However, even though it has fur reminiscent of a small sheep, this dog actually has a reputation that bypassers might not be fully aware of.

The Bedlington Terrier has been described as a “versatile dog being good with children and fit to kill any other dog of his weight,” which is extremely worrying.

It should come as no surprise that the national dog of South Korea can be just as ferocious as it is cute and cuddly. People worldwide own these beautiful dogs, which are popular due to their gentle behavior and loyal ways.

That said, though, the Korean Jindo also has the potential to display serious acts of aggression. If owners don’t care for them properly, Jindos can become dominant over those surrounding them and cause plenty of destruction.