Popular Dog Breeds That Can Cause Harm If You’re Not Careful – What To Know Before Adopting
When people choose to adopt a dog, they usually want a loyal friend—not a potential threat. To minimize risk, many opt for breeds reputed to be "non-aggressive." However, gauging aggression in dogs isn't straightforward, since factors like the owner’s care, the dog’s upbringing, and varying definitions of “aggression” can all influence the stats.
Still, certain breeds often appear in studies as more likely to show aggressive behaviors—from small lap dogs to police breeds and some well-loved family pets. Here’s a look at those breeds most commonly tagged as aggressive, though it’s wise to view these lists with some skepticism. Keep reading to learn more.
Jack Russell Terriers
Despite their small stature, Dachshunds are known for their fiery temperament. Bred originally for hunting, they can display aggression if not socialized or trained properly. In fact, a study by the University of Pennsylvania ranked Dachshunds as the most aggressive breed, especially toward their owners and other dogs.
Additionally, a 2005 study revealed that Dachshunds were the third most likely breed to bite children under 17, with at least 22 reported incidents involving kids and teens between 1994 and 2003.
Welsh Corgis
The New York Post reports that Corgis have seen a surge in popularity recently. However, as natural herding dogs, Pembroke Welsh Corgis may not always back down from a dogfight. In a 1996 survey, veterinarians described Corgis as "very aggressive," even ranking them as more aggressive than Boxers, Dobermans, and Border Collies.
That said, aggression in Corgis is uncommon, and there's little evidence beyond this study to suggest they’re typically violent. With proper training, Corgis are usually friendly and well-behaved companions.
Chihuahuas
The website Dognition surveyed its users to rate their dogs' levels of aggression, resulting in a study with some intriguing findings. According to the poll, Pit Bulls were consistently rated as the least aggressive, while Chihuahuas were seen as the most aggressive.
These results align with other research as well. The American Temperament Test Society identified Chihuahuas among the most aggressive breeds, and a 2008 study reported more attacks by Chihuahuas than by Dobermans.
Chow Chows
Though their popularity has waned, Chow Chows remain cherished as guard dogs. Between 1982 and 2009, nearly 1,600 Chow Chows were registered in the U.S., with at least 49 involved in attacks on people, leading to seven fatalities, according to the American Kennel Club.
Originally bred for hunting and guarding, Chow Chows can become aggressive when they or their owners feel threatened. The Liljegren Law Group notes that these dogs are more likely to defend than to initiate attacks—out of 238 reported dog attacks, Chow Chows were responsible for eight.
Doberman Pinschers
Doberman Pinschers are often seen as fierce and aggressive, and statistics somewhat support this perception. Among the ten breeds most frequently involved in fatal attacks, Dobermans ranked the lowest. When it comes to biting children, they were also among the least likely, with just eight reported incidents over a nine-year period.
However, surveys from the American Veterinary Medical Association suggest a stronger link between Dobermans and aggressive behavior, identifying them as one of the breeds most prone to violence.
Labrador Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds in America, and their prevalence might explain why they account for a significant number of bites each year.
When it comes to children, Labrador Retrievers rank as the third most frequent biters, with 484 reported incidents over a span of nine years.
Bullmastiffs
Although Bullmastiffs often appear gentle, their powerful, muscular build can make them seem intimidating in an attack. They are ranked as the sixth most aggressive dog breed, having been responsible for 14 fatal attacks over a 13-year period, according to DogBite.
When looking at bites instead of fatalities, the numbers increase. The American Kennel Club documented dog breed attacks between 1982 and 2009, during which Bullmastiffs were involved in at least 37 attacks, the majority of which targeted adults.
Boxers
In the nineteenth century, Boxers were originally bred for dogfighting and hunting. While they are now known for being friendly and loyal companions, a Boxer's bite can still be quite powerful.
A 2008 study in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that most Boxer attacks are directed at other dogs rather than their owners. However, if provoked and lacking proper training, they may also bite humans.
American Bulldogs
If a Bulldog feels threatened or hasn't been properly socialized, it may bite. According to DogBite, American Bulldogs are responsible for the fifth-highest number of fatalities among dog breeds in the U.S.
Much like Pit Bulls, Bulldogs have earned a reputation for being "aggressive" due to their strong appearance. Researchers at the University of Bristol found that a dog's aggression is often more influenced by the owner's personality than the breed itself. Unfortunately, owners with aggressive tendencies are more likely to adopt breeds that are stereotypically viewed as aggressive.
Beagles
Studies on Beagle aggression have yielded varied findings. Research from the Medical University of Graz revealed that Beagles bit their owners as frequently as Rottweilers, though this study focused solely on incidents involving children under 17.
In contrast, another study published in PLOS One offered a different perspective. Scientists observed adopted laboratory Beagles and found no signs of aggression. Like many other breeds, Beagles seem to display aggression only in particular situations.
Poodles
Poodles of any size are popular dog breeds. Intelligent, loyal, and friendly, poodles aren't generally considered to be aggressive dogs, but they can be. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, Poodles are included in the top ten aggressive dogs toward children.
Research in 2008 indicates that most poodle attacks focus on other dogs. Plus, the American Temperament Test Society found that most poodles succeed at the aggression test with a 75% - 87% pass rate.
Shar-Peis
Like many breeds originally developed for hunting, Shar-Peis can still show a strong, stubborn side. They're especially known for being territorial and aloof if they aren’t properly socialized from a young age—and studies seem to support this.
According to research published in the *New Zealand Veterinary Journal*, veterinarians ranked Shar-Peis as "very aggressive" based on their professional experiences. This view is also backed by data from the American Temperament Test Society, which placed Shar-Peis among the top seven most aggressive dog breeds.
Pit Bulls
The idea that Pit Bulls are naturally aggressive is a widely debated topic—and some statistics seem to support the myth. A 13-year study by DogBite.org found that Pit Bulls were involved in 66% of fatal dog attacks in the U.S. However, other researchers, including those cited by *Forbes*, point out that people with more aggressive tendencies may be more likely to own breeds seen as aggressive.
Unfortunately, this reputation has serious consequences for Pit Bulls. The breed is banned in 10 states, and many end up being euthanized in shelters. But not all research agrees—one study by the American Academy of Pediatrics did not find Pit Bulls to be more aggressive than other breeds.
Dachshunds
Dachshunds may be small in size, but they're not without a temper. Originally bred as hunting dogs, they can become aggressive if they aren’t properly socialized or trained. In fact, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania identified Dachshunds as the most aggressive breed, particularly toward their owners and other dogs.
A 2005 study also found that Dachshunds ranked third among dog breeds most likely to bite children under 17. Between 1994 and 2003, they were involved in at least 22 reported attacks on kids and teens.
Siberian Huskies
As adorable as Siberian Huskies are, they can bite as well as any other big dog. A study by Philadelphia lawyers documented more Husky attacks than most other breeds. Over 12 years, Huskies caused 13 fatalities in the U.S.
According to Frank Coote, a dog warden for the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, large dogs always pose a risk to children, regardless of breed. Huskies may nip at their owners or other dogs if they're handled roughly.
German Shepherds
German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., according to the American Kennel Club. Their loyalty and intelligence are unmatched, which could be why owners don't expect German Shepherds to bite. But they do.
In 2005, the American Academy of Pediatrics published a study recording which breeds bite children (under 17) most often. Underneath cross breeds, German Shepherds had the most recorded bites on the list: 105 within nine years.
Rottweilers
According to the Seattle Times, Rottweilers have significantly risen in popularity since 1997. Yet their aggressive nature has a seemingly contradictory statistical backing. DogBite records Rottweilers as the second most vicious breed with 45 fatalities over 13 years.
However, the American Kennel Association reports fewer over a longer time; from 1982 to 2009, they reported only 67 Rottweiler-related deaths.
Saint Bernards
A large dog may intimidate a lot of people, and Saint Bernards definitely make the cut. According to research by the Journal of the AVMA, Saint Bernards bite more than most other dog breeds. Pet Help also listed Saint Bernards as one of the more violent dogs in America.
Experts believe that Saint Bernards descended from the Alpine Mastiff, which is also an aggressive breed. In most cases, however, Saint Bernards are easygoing dogs who get along with children.
Akitas
Akitas are tall, fluffy dogs that hunted bears in ancient Japan. That makes their bite all the more dangerous.
The American Kennel Club recorded vicious behavior: around 48 Akita attacks over 37 years. Like most breeds, most Akita aggression is directed at other dogs, but they need to be trained to prevent violence against people.
Pekingese
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, Pekingese can be more aggressive than Rottweilers and Dobermans. Out of 113 dogs tested, 10 of them bit their child owners, which is about 3% of all Pekingese.
However, a different study contradicted this. According to research in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Pekingese are one of the least likely dogs to bite their owners in the face. As with every dog breed, their temperament largely depends on their owners.
Schnauzers
Schnauzers come in many colors and sizes, but all of them are known as fun-loving, affectionate dogs. That doesn't erase their tendency to bite, however. The American Temperament Test Society ranked Schnauzers as one of the top seven aggressive dog breeds.
According to research on dog attacks on children, Schnauzers were ranked the tenth most likely to bite. Based on the pool of dogs they tested, 1.5% of Schnauzers acted aggressively towards their owners in that period.
Border Collies
Border Collies aren't typically labeled as aggressive dogs, but attacks can happen. Reports of Border Collie maulings have hit the news in the past several years. But those are vicious attacks that are considered newsworthy; non-fatal bites from Border Collies happen much more frequently.
The American Veterinary Medical Association labeled Border Collies as "frequent biters." Statistics in 2005 recorded at least ten attacks on children within nine years, making Border Collies the fifth most likely breed to bite children.
