The Most Threatening Dog Breeds To Avoid Adopting (& Which Ones That Make The Best Companions)
It's true—while every dog is influenced by both genetics and environment, breed traits can give you a good idea of what to expect. Some dogs are naturally gentle, patient, and eager to please, while others may need more consistent and loving guidance.
By learning about a breed’s temperament, energy level, and history, you can avoid frustration and help both yourself and your future dog succeed. Whether you want a calm cuddle buddy or an active, protective friend, there’s a breed that fits your needs.
Safe: Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is the perfect mix of elegance and energy. With their smooth silver coats and striking eyes, they have a royal look that fits their noble history. But under that fancy appearance is a playful, loyal dog who wants to join in the fun.
They're happiest when running, hiking, or chasing things—so if you love outdoor adventures, a Weimaraner will be right by your side. Just be prepared to keep them active and mentally busy, because a bored Weimaraner can find creative ways to get into trouble!
Dangerous: German Shepherd
It might be surprising to see the usually sweet and friendly German Shepherd on a list of dangerous dogs, but sometimes this breed can show a more aggressive side. Their energetic and loyal nature can sometimes cause problems.
German Shepherds can also grow very big, and their strong bite can be scary. A well-trained German Shepherd is usually easy to handle, but without proper training from a young age, they can become unpredictable and aggressive.
Safe: Samoyed
That famous "Sammy smile" is more than just cute—Samoyeds are truly loving, friendly, and want to be part of the family. They were originally bred to herd reindeer and pull sleds in Siberia's harsh cold, but these fluffy dogs are surprisingly gentle and social.
Their thick, fluffy coats need regular grooming, and they shed a lot, especially during seasonal changes. But if you don’t mind a bit of extra fur and want a playful, loyal dog that gets along well with kids, other pets, and almost everyone, a Samoyed could be perfect for you. Just get ready for lots of attention wherever you go—they’re real showstoppers!
Dangerous: American bulldog
There are different kinds of bulldogs, and American bulldogs—unlike their smaller British cousins—are big, muscular, and strong. They were bred to work and are known for being solid and tough for their size.
American bulldogs are linked to about 3.5 percent of fatal dog attacks on people, which is a relatively low number. Still, it's a concern because of their compact size and powerful strength.
Dangerous: Chihuahua
Chihuahuas may be small, but they have the heart (and bark) of a much bigger dog. Their confidence is almost funny—they'll stand up to animals five times their size without hesitation. This is part of what makes them charming, but it can also be challenging.
With good socialization and training, chihuahuas can be loving and very loyal pets. But if not managed, their big-dog-in-a-small-body attitude can lead to snapping, barking, and being possessive. They are tiny but powerful dogs that do best in homes that understand their bold personalities.
Dangerous: Cane corso
The Cane Corso is definitely not a dog for the faint of heart — or the inexperienced owner. With roots as an ancient Roman war dog, this breed brings serious intensity to the table. Their sheer size and strength can be intimidating, but with proper training and socialization, they're incredibly loyal, confident, and even affectionate with their people.
That said, Cane Corsos take their job as protectors very seriously. They’re naturally wary of strangers and don’t always play nice with smaller animals, thanks to that strong prey drive. In the right hands, though, they make incredibly devoted companions who will do anything to keep their family safe. Just be sure you’re ready for the responsibility — this isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it kind of pup.
Safe: Cocker spaniel
Cocker spaniels aren't ideal for sedentary types, as these spritely little dogs always seem to have excess energy to burn off. But their playful, gentle nature makes them a great choice for anyone who can keep up with them.
The small size and boundless enthusiasm of cocker spaniels makes them a good pairing for families with active kids. They're also more than willing to be trained for anyone who wants to teach them a few tricks.
Safe: Bichon frise
The Bichon Frise may look like a tiny cloud with legs — and their personality is just as soft and sweet. These dogs thrive on companionship and absolutely love being the center of attention. They're playful, gentle, and cheerful little companions who tend to get along with everyone, whether it's kids, other pets, or guests coming through the door.
Because they're hypoallergenic and don’t shed much, they’re a favorite for allergy sufferers — though their grooming needs are still high to keep that fluffy coat looking its best. If you’re home often and looking for a cuddly, low-shedding pup with a sunny personality, the Bichon Frise could be your perfect match. Just know that they *do* expect to be spoiled a little. Or a lot.
Dangerous: Rottweiler
Rottweilers are a well-known breed, admired for their intelligence and composed demeanor. They remain calm in most situations and are often excellent guard dogs. However, their protective nature can sometimes go too far, leading them to be overly aggressive at times.
One of the concerns with Rottweilers is their powerful bite, which is capable of breaking bones. Due to this risk, it's crucial to ensure that your Rottweiler is thoroughly trained and well-disciplined.
Safe: Pug
Certain dogs are bred in a way that makes them unlikely to be a threat to humans, and pugs are a perfect example. They're small, sturdy, and muscular, much like bulldogs, but their size and friendly nature make them harmless.
Pug owners are likely to be satisfied with their pets, as long as they're ready to give them plenty of exercise. Their compact size also makes them a great option for living in smaller spaces.
Safe: Bernese mountain dog
These gentle giants tend to be adaptable and not particularly demanding. This means that they'll fit right into most households, regardless of how many kids or dogs might already be present.
It's important to be aware of just how big these dogs can get - more than 100 pounds - so they're not a great choice for apartment living. But for those who want a big dog that's great with kids, a Bernese mountain dog is a solid choice.
Dangerous: Chow chow
These big, dense dogs have a distinctive face and a unique temperament. Originally bred as hunting and herding dogs, chow chows have a lot of confidence and can be downright assertive compared to other dogs.
This can pose problems when they're hanging out with other breeds, as chow chows generally want to be the boss. A chow chow with proper training from its puppy years probably won't cause problems, but a stubborn streak can lead to issues.
Safe: Pembroke Welsh corgi
A favorite of Queen Elizabeth II, corgis seem on the surface to be silly little dogs, with short legs propelling their plump bodies. But if you get to know a corgi, you'll see just how sweet and friendly they are.
Due to their breeding as herding, guard, and companion dogs, corgis tend to be very invested in what their humans are doing. If you want to be the center of your dog's whole world, consider a corgi.
Dangerous: Doberman pinscher
Dobermans can make for an ideal family guard dog, as they're incredibly loyal to their people while serving as a stoic, intimidating presence to outsiders. Sometimes this loyalty can be a problem, though, particularly when they bond with an individual rather than a whole family.
Dobermans have a powerful bite and can be downright mean towards those they don't trust. Usually, this means other dogs - dobermans don't tend to play nicely with other breeds. In rarer cases, though, they could bite a human.
Safe: Standard poodle
When someone says 'poodle,' most of us think of the miniature variety. But the larger cousin of this breed, the standard poodle, is a breed worth considering for any families.
In addition to the standard poodle's hypoallergenic coat (as a bonus, it sheds way less than most breeds), the standard poodle is intelligent, outgoing, and unlikely to lash out at strangers. If you have allergies but want a safe and friendly dog, the standard poodle might be for you.
Dangerous: Boxer
Don't let the goofy expression on the face of virtually every boxer fool you: these oddball mutts can pose a danger to people in some circumstances, especially if they haven't been properly trained from a young age.
The danger lies in the fact that boxers are well regarded as guard dogs. This means that many boxers are keen to protect their territory and possibly to lash out against any interlopers or intruders.
Dangerous: Labrador retriever
Labs are generally some of the most trusting dogs around, which means that they can generally be trusted not to get aggressive and lash out at people, even strangers.
That said, labs are quite big, standing a couple of feet tall and weighing up to 80 pounds. This means that even the sweetest lab can cause some damage in certain circumstances - for instance, if it feels threatened or feels a need to defend its territory or food.
Safe: Boston terrier
Boston terriers have kind of a goofy personality that starts with their inquisitive expression. They're a great choice for anyone who has frequent visitors, as they're more than willing to meet new people and make new friends.
They're good playmates for kids, other dogs and even cats, but because of their small size, it's a good idea to keep an eye on things if they're paired up with breeds that are significantly larger.
Dangerous: Siberian husky
The Siberian husky is a beautiful dog, with piercing blue eyes and a close genetic connection to wolves. These genetics might help explain why this breed can potentially be dangerous.
Siberian huskies are very communicative dogs, and can be total sweethearts. They can also be stubborn, which occasionally causes them to lash out. While they're relatively small compared to other dogs, even a small Siberian husky can pack a lot of force into its bite.
Safe: Cocker spaniel
Cocker spaniels are undeniably beautiful dogs, with some of the most luscious coats you'll see on any breed. They tend to have gentle, but defined, personalities, which make them a good fit for most families.
While they were originally bred as hunting dogs, their prey drive isn't particularly high. To keep a cocker spaniel happy, all it really needs is love and enough outside activity to keep it from feeling penned in.
Dangerous: Alaskan malamute
Malamutes are massive dogs, which makes a lot of sense considering their selective breeding: they were originally intended to haul large loads over long distances. They're also adept hunting dogs, with a strong prey instinct.
It's extremely rare to see an Alaskan malamute target and harm a human. But it isn't unheard of. Some sources say that up to five deaths in the United States in the late 1960s and 1970s can be attributed to malamute attacks.
Safe: Border collie
The iconic fictional dog Lassie wasn't a border collie, but she was a collie - and this family of dogs tends to exhibit the intelligence and loyalty that Lassie made famous.
Border collies are trusting dogs, and they're easy to trust as well. Their keen intelligence and patient nature means that they're unlikely to ever lash out at humans. They're a great fit for a family that hasn't owned a dog before.
Dangerous: Akita
The akita is an adorable dog, a larger breed that was originally bred for its abilities as a big game hunter. Anyone who's owned an akita can attest to the fact that they have an excellent nose for prey.
This ingrained ability to hunt prey, combined with its large size, can be a dangerous combination. While akitas aren't likely to attack a human, their territoriality and aggression can create conflicts with other dogs.
Safe: French bulldog
For a variety of reasons, smaller breeds are the best choice for some households. Unfortunately, due to their size, these breeds can also be yappy and territorial. The French bulldog is a bit of an outlier in this regard.
French bulldogs tend to be pretty relaxed and easygoing, especially given their smaller size. Their sweet, companionable nature has made them one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, despite their predisposition to various health problems.
Safe: Beagle
It's hard to look at a beagle and see any sign of it being a dangerous dog. Maybe that's because they're very rarely aggressive. They're smart, energetic dogs that require a lot of attention, but are also incredibly rewarding.
Beagles are a great choice for big families with kids, as this will put them in a situation where they're getting the love, attention, and playtime that helps them thrive.
Dangerous: Pit Bull
Pit bulls can be extremely sweet and protective dogs, but they're also at the top of anyone's list for dangerous dog breeds. The umbrella term 'pit bull' includes various bulldogs and terriers, and is often associated with dog attacks.
Generally speaking, about two thirds of all fatal dog bites in the United States can be attributed to pit bulls. That's a lot, especially considering the fact that only about 6 percent of dogs in the U.S. could be defined as pit bulls.
