Top 10 Most Dangerous Breeds

Top 10 Most Dangerous Breeds

Which breeds are the most dangerous?

Which ones bite without warning, or can just snap?  Which ones are likely to attack unprovoked, or take up a pack mentality?  Which breeds have unstable temperaments, and just can't be trusted?

Quick - which breeds come to mind? Are you thinking Pitbulls, Presas, Rottweilers? Dobermans or Chows?  German Shepherds or Akitas?

Wrong. In fact, really wrong.

Contrary to popular belief, these breeds are not the most dangerous.  In fact, not a single animal welfare organization on the planet will give you a list of dangerous breeds, but we will..............

Just The Facts

But before we do - let's give you the facts.

Fact: The CDC has stopped reporting bite statistics by breed, as these numbers are driven by eyewitness reports, and are very often inaccurate.  Why did the CDC stop? Because misidentification of breed is extremely common, making eyewitness reports an unreliable source.

In her book,  Fatal Dog Attacks, author Karen Delise has studied the statistics and the stories behind these rare but deadly events. A top expert in this specialized field, she has concluded that a number of factors are present in a fatal attack.

Fact: On average, there are fewer than 30 deaths annually in the U.S. due to fatal dog maulings.  Statistically, these tragedies are incredibly rare, as the dog population of 79 million.  The stats on deaths by breed are available, as there are so few, and yes, Pitbulls and Rottweilers are on the list.  But so are other breeds you might not imagine.

The media and headline-hungry pols love to point to these stats, and with great authority point to Pitbulls and Rottweilers as top offenders. 

But what the media and politicians don't tell you is that the breeds on this list are driven by breed popularity, and that over the years, the types of breeds on this list have shifted.

So why are these breeds on the list? The answer is this - breed popularity drive the stats, but perhaps even more intangible is that breed popularity with irresponsible dog owners is an even bigger factor.

The #1 Factor

The absolute, number one factor that determines whether or not a dog will become dangerous is...............  ownership.

And in compiling this list of dangerous breeds, you'll note they all share one trait in common - they are all human. 

That's right, Kory, Jackie & Michael - humans are most reponsible for dangerous dogs. Humans are responsible for creating the circumstances and behavior that lead to dog bites or maulings.  Get it right, Bubba  - Humans.

So without further ado here are the...................

Top Ten Most Dangerous Breeds

10. Criminal Dog Owners - They vary in size, shape, color and creed. Whether urban or rural, they thrive in environments where crime does pay.

This breed may deliberately train dogs to be human aggressive. This breed  has been known to shoot dogs for fun it.  They fight dogs and use sweet tempered dogs as bait. Here in the New York area  - they've been known to feed dogs ground up glass and gun power to toughen them up - you know-In case the police kick the front door - they're out the back - and the dogs are in between.

9. Irresponsible and Ignorant Dog Owners

Characterized by a complete lack of common sense and or manners, these dog owners come in three distinct varieties - Dumb, Dumber and Plain Stupid.

However they do share the same breed traits, like

1. Complete disregard for local leash or pooper scooper laws
2. Stubborn, self-centered rudeness
3. The inability to see the potential consequences for their behavior

So here are the three types if I & I's:

• Dumb- When Snowball whines to go out, they throw open the front door and let her out to wander the neighborhood.  Snowball is free to poop and pee wherever she likes.  And if Snowball should wander into my yard and my dog defends its territory, like many dogs .......we've got a problem.
• Dumber - Easy to recognize, this genius nonchalantly walks their dog off leash in the neighborhood, like it's no big deal. WEll in my book - it is a big deal. How would you like it if I let my dog run up to your children off leash.   Or run up to any person who may be afraid of dogs.  (and BTW - I support off leash space - just not on the block).   And it's not OK if your dog takes a dump in my flowerbed, got that?
• Plain Stupid- Waaaaay short on common sense - they let their children play unattended with dogs, or let them run up to pet a stranger's dog or get in a strange dog's face.

8. Negligent or Abusive Dog Owners

Like sociopaths who lack basic the human trait of compassion - this all-too-common breed is well known for a lack of care or concern.  They are, however, gifted and talented in the areas of neglect or cruelty.

These G & Ts routinely fail to give their animals even the basics of food, water or shelter or fail to provide vet care. David Owens, an employee of Child Services in New York, has been accused of leaving his dying Akita out in the cold for weeks.

Even beating the dog is OK  for these people- it's only a dog. Even if it's not their dog!  Kick it if it gets in your way, wants food or attention. OK - so cruel and unusual punishment is against law, so giving them the same treatment is out. Too bad.

6. Ignorant Shelter Workers & Rescuers

We give shelter and rescue workers big snaps for the great job they do on a daily basis.  That said - they are some bad apples in this bunch.  Who? These people are marked  by their staggering ignorance, leaving the rest of the dog world stammering in surprise. 

Statements from these so-called "professionals" include, "We don't adopt out Pitbulls - they have locking jaws", and "We don't adopt out Rotties or Dobermans - they're aggressive".  Better yet, they hide a dog's health or behavioral history, thinking that all dogs can be saved, from adopters who may be in for a big surprise. Someone needs to teach this breed a lesson - and quick.

5. Ignorant Dog Fanciers

Nose and tail always in the air with, "Breed restrictions don't really apply to me - I own a PUREBRED dog".  Oh, really ?  Maybe you'd like to share you magical powers with the rest of us....or better yet ............

4. Arrogant Dog Fanciers

Not only are nose and tail always in the air, but his type will even dis their fellow dog fanciers with, "it's not my breed".   Ain't that special? Now bend over ...........this won't hurt a bit....

Numbers 4 and 5 do a diservice to the many hardworking, ethical home breeders who care deeply about their dogs and the welfare of dogs in general.

3. Irresponsible News Media

They attack -unprovoked, when you least expect it.  Out of the blue, and really just when those ratings are starting to take a dive.  That's just the perfect time to lead with a dog story.  These media outlets target large working breeds, they thrive on fear.   And they are yellow to the core.

• Yeah - I'm talking to you, Kathryn McIntyre of the Commerce City Journal for your lack of editorial integrity for publishing the street addresses of pitbull owners.  Sex offenders have more privacy rights than dog owners.
• And yeah - I'm talking to you all you local metro broadcast news outlets, like CBS Channel 2 News in New York that that invariably portray "dangerous" dogs as Pitbulls or Rottweilers. In journalism - we don't automatically portray stories of rapes with images of black or Hispanic men.  Nor should we visually support dangerous dog news stories with pictures of Pitbulls and Rottweilers, by default - like the one shown here from the CBS News site:
• And yeah, I'm talking to you, for any print or web media that shows that same doctored photo of a snarling pitbull with digitally elongated teeth. 

This ain't news - it's titillating info-tainment designed to spike fear, ad circ, and ratings at the same time.

It's time to run these out-of-control puppies back thru the basics - you know, fair and balanced reporting, media ethics - all that stuff they swore by in journalism school.

2. Greedy Insurers

These insurers aren't dogs - they're pigs.  And who's to stop them when...........

• they can chow down of easy profits on the backs of good dog owners by denying, limiting or eliminating coverage of dog owners in 37 states?
• they stuff so much of their piggy bank bucks into the pockets of politicians? 

Then politicians, hoggin' up all that campaign dough , do the bidding of the insurance sector, blocking bills that would make it illegal for insurers to discriminate against good dogs and good dog owners.

There's a saying - pigs get fat, but hogs get slaughtered. I'd like to invite you all to a barbeque :-)

1. Opportunistic Politicians

These dogs will whine - they beg - they'll do anything for attention - and money - especially from those fat cats in the insurance lobby who ensure obedience with juicy campaign donations.  These politicians breed fear, thrive on ignorance and count on apathy. Prime examples are :

Michael Bryant - Ontario's infamous "Puppykiller" for the province's sick and twisted breed ban.  One must "prove" that a dog isn't a pitbull and the law requires all pitbull type puppies be shipped out of the province, sent to reseach facilities or euthanized.

Jackie Speier of California, AKA "The Breed Exterminator" , and notable author of SB 861, which is having a chilling effect on dog ownership in California

Paul Wesslehoft of Oklahoma - whose bill to ban certain breeds just went down in flames in the state legislature there.

Molly Markert of Aurora, Colorado's Town Council - that smiling Miss Prim (we hear she smirked to the audience when the breed ban passed) - and noted dog-hater, a leader in passing Aurora's 12 breed dog ban

I've got a message for you - kick these headline grabbing, egg-suckin', political opportunists  of ANY political persuasian to the curb in the next local or state elections.

The Most Dangerous Breeds? 

I'll tell you the most dangerous breeds - write these down!

#1 All Time Dangerous Breed:

The #1 most dangerous breed are media outlets that deliberately breed fear, spreading myths and lies about dog breeds and canine behavior through irresponsible reporting and reinforcement of undeserved and negative breed stereotypes

What You Can Do About It:

• Call up the paper, the TV station or email the website and complain about the biased dog story
• Ask for the Editor, Sales Manager and/or Program Director
• Tell them you won't read, watch or visit
• Tell then you won't patronize their advertisers until they stop their biased coverage
• Tell them they have the opportunity to spread knowledge, not fear
• Tell them My Dog Votes!

#2 All Time Dangerous Breed:

The #2 most dangerous breeds are the local and state politicians that feed on the fear created by the irresponsible media, and the public's ignorance.  They are greedy for the headlines, campaign dough and do the bidding of the private sector instead of truly advocating for the public health, safety and welfare.  They pass breed bans , weight or size restrictions, public space bans, and mandatory microchip laws, and other anti-dog legislation limiting the rights of responsible tax-paying citizens rather than deal with their criminal and social problems.

What You Can Do About It:

• Call or write the offending local of state elected official and complain about the breed ban or other anti-dog legislation
• Tell them you want the ban overturned in favor of breed-neutral legislation
• Tell them you want any other anti-dog legislation stopped or overturned
• Tell them you will vote them out in the next election
• Tell them you will vote out any politician that supported the ban
• Tell them you will rally every dog owner in town against them
• Tell them they have the opportunity to educate instead of legislate
• Tell them My Dog Votes!

#3 All Time Dangerous Breed:

The #3 most dangerous breeds are the apathetic dog owners who say nothing, or do nothing because they think they cannot affect change, or fight the sytem, or it doesn't affect them directly. Or maybe they just don't care - or won't care - that is - until they come for their dog.

What You Can Do About It:

• Tell all of your friends, neighbors, relatives and associates, regardless of whether or not they own a dog about the breed ban or other anti-dog legislation
• Tell them they must support their fellow dog owners, friends,  and neighbors
• Tell them if we don't stand together now, we all fall
• Tell them they have the opportunity to unite the community, not divide the community
• Tell them to do it for their dog
• Tell them My Dog Votes!

Now get off your butts and go do it.

Comments

[Angelo]

Its too bad people walk around with blinders on. I have a pit bull and rottweiller that i consider part of my family.They greet people with their tail, Stub, wagging. They enjoy meeting new people. It is the owners responsibity to socially intergrade them with society. when I hear negative stories about pitbulls and rottweillers, and the bad rap they get, I shake my head and I hope that you do too! I just felt that I had to say something in their behalf, if i did not than I would be neglecting their voice.

[Melissa]

I have an 11 mth old rottie and he loves my kids. he follows my 12 year old around all the time. he toloerates my 2 yr old. I hate the fact that there are bsl. I agree with the poster about the ddo. Yes my rottie needs to be socialized more which i am doing by obedience training and getting him out and about but he is the biggest lovebug i have ever seen. I am hoping to get his canine good citizen in about another year so that i will have prrof that he is not a dangerous dog as so many people think of this breed. I have also just found out that come may all military posts are banning chow, dobies and rotts. pitbullsd have already been banned. I will be grandfathered in because i already own one at this post but not at any other post. I find that very dis heartening. I believe that if I own the dog before the ban i should be grandfathered in at every post. i feel it should be DDO on posts as well. Where we are stationed at right now, there is a rottie on our military police force. I would like to pride myself on having a rottie that is very "user friendly" as a vet I spoke with today said. just my two cents.

[Alex Bedrick]

Please somebody find a way to get this article published in more places because I am really sick of Pit Bulls getting such a bad reputation. I have a Pug that is the biggest sweetheart at times but I have also seen my Pug (Harley) put bigger and more "supposed" dangerous breeds in there place. Hell I've seen my Pug at less then 1 year old deter an Attacking Raccoon from Potentialy Harming me.

[Jackson]

I own a full blooded doberman and she is the sweetest dog I've ever been around. She is gentle with kids and is basically a big lap dog. The kids in the neighborhood love playing with her and often bring their dogs over to play as well. I would have to say the ownership and training of a dog has everything to do with its mentality. If you introduce a dog to a variety of people and other animals, they are usually more receptive and won't get startled by something unfamiliar. The most dangerous dog is an untrained dog. In Alabama the dog with the highest rate of attacks was beagles, and rotties and dobes were two of the fewest.

[Jeni]

I couldn't agree more! I have been looking up information on the MOST aggressive dogs and it seems to vary from site to site. Some seem to be misinformed in stating that pit bulls are the most aggressive dogs,and going as far as to rate them as number one! However I am a proud owner of a full breed pit bull and she is the sweetest, most well mannered dog i have ever met! It's time people stop being so damn ingornant and realize the dogs are NOT the problem! According to some other sites, the Weiner dogs are actually the most aggressive dog of them all. Of course you don't see them being slammed in the news, because such a small dog, doesn't have the harshest bit and really poses no threat to death in an adult. However the minutes some idiot decides to open an illegal pit bull fighting arena and gets caught, guess who's the bad guy!

[Michelle Ryan]

I had a rottie for many years and I never had problems with her. She was such a baby. You could be a stanger to her, walk up to her talking to her and she would roll onto her back fro you to rub her belly. I'm really glad there is a sight like this one to inform people a little bit better on dogs.

[Kyleen]

This is all so true. My family has a Pit Bull and nobody really knows how nice and loving they can be. My uncle had to get rid of his Pit Bull because of where he moved. That should not be allowed because he took very good care of her and she was a very big baby, but the landlord would not allow it. But the next week she let their new neighbors to have a Rottweiler! According to some statistics Rottweilers are number TWO on the top ten dog bites list. If that doesn't tell you something, then you are literally stupid. If someone bans Pit Bulls from certain places, they should do research and ban other dogs that are on the top ten, if not ALL dogs because all dogs can bite. Any family dog can bite. My dog is a Dalmatian and he scares the crap out of anybody that shows up at the house because he is chained up outside and he "smiles" and licks his teeth, but that's not because he's going to bite. It's because he's happy to see you. My mom got the dog warden called on her because of Speak, but the dog warden didn't do anything because he, himself, found that Speak was a very nice dog. Our neighbors wanted him euthanized because they were SCARED of him. Bull crap! No dog should be put down just because they LOOK vicious....Maybe if people did their research, not all this crap about dog laws would be going on!

[JKS]

Pit bulls do not have 3000 pounds of bite pressure. Great article overall, but that stuff about their bite strength is completely unfounded.

[Dr. James]

Dear Dog Owners, Dog Lovers, & those who genuinely care about Dogs AND People,

Just as cream rises & rocks sink, so too will certain breeds of dogs "tend" to be the ones most commonly associated with certain measurable outcomes. Outcomes like "number of human lives saved in rescue operations annually", or "number of ducks retrieved from open water", or whatever. It just so happens that Pit Bulls & Rottweilers (wonderful & beautiful animals that I love, utterly blameless for their breeding, training or lack thereof), possess the right combination of power, tenacity, & temperament to be the ones associated w/ 90% of the dog-attack fatalities in the U.S.

Of course, if those two breeds were somehow eliminated tomorrow then the breeds ranking #3 & #4 would inherit the #1 & #2 spots & everyone would soon be going on about the "menace" of THOSE breeds instead, etc, etc, until finally we were all concerned about the danger of Golden Labs & Hush Puppies 'cause they'd be the only ones left to fear.

I also always try to keep in mind that for every American killed by a dog there are 1,000 who die in car wrecks, but I rarely hear those who wish to ban or otherwise eliminate the most dangerous breeds (inarguably Pit Bulls & Rotties, if Dead Americans is the measuring stick) say much about giving up their cars. It depresses me to admit that this has less to do with absolute or even relative risk reduction but rather the ease with which one can self-righteously seek to limit the rights of others as long as one cannot imagine the New Rule affecting ones own life or interests.

How many non-smokers have I heard advocate firing (or not hiring) a smoker to "elicit beneficial change w/ incentives for good behavior"? I wonder if they realize firing unwed mothers or promoting only Party Members to high office were used for the same purpose. The incredible arrogance of Pious Pricks (Left & Right, Rich & Poor, bar-room lawyer & Supreme Court Judge) never fails to amaze me.

That all said, here's the hard question - What can be done to make Pit Bulls & Rotties less dangerous? I mean, if we really care about the dogs, Human Beings & less death between the two then this is the most important issue. And by "less dangerous" I don't mean the usual stuff about socialization & training & all that unmeasurable, soft-science crap, I mean less able to kill people. Not less likely, less ABLE. This is the only meaningly measure, the one being used to implicate these dog breeds as Dangerous.

Understand me, this means making the dogs physically different than they are now. Less powerful jaws (especially Pit Bulls - Jesus! 3,000 pounds of bite pressure! What are they, Bionic?!), less massive builds (specifically the Rotties - My God! Can you imagine dealing w/ a big male determined to kill you? How about two? How about a child or small female near & dear to you, since these are almost always the people killed by these dogs). I'm talking surgical trimming of masseter (jaw) muscles, elective removal of the largest ("canine") teeth, Breeder/Owner sponsored & sanctioned changes to the official Breed Descriptions to render the largest specimens ineligible for Show or even Papering, etc, etc.

I'm talking about changes that those who love Rotties & Pit Bulls might hate but would be willing to support & even champion because they love the Dogs more than they love the Breeds.

Those who carry .357's or .38's like to call shooter's who favor a .44 magnum "jus' crazy - w/ a Monster like that he's more likely to kill hisself or somebody else when the bullet goes through the Mugger & keeps on goin' than win a gun-fight." Of course, they're quick to label .25 or .30 caliber guns as "pitiful, what's the point of such a useless little thing?" Pit Bulls & Rottweilers are far less dangerous than driving to work every day, far more dangerous than almost any other breed of dog in this country. Those are the simple, measurable facts. What remains is what those who consider themselves lovers & defenders of the dogs are willing to do about it. Not lovers of the "Breed", mind you, but lovers of the actual living, breathing animals who we've made into what they are and are solely responsible for it. - Dr. James

[TD]

This is the most collective truths I've seen about the 'dangerous dogs' subject. Well done! I will go so far as to say that this should be better published- placed in as many sites as possible and possibly given to a newpaper or two! But then again, That might make things too hot for the politicians and force them to heat up the competition.

All in all, Well done! I'd like to see more of these things floating around. As for the poli's, don't vote for them if they don't listen to reason :)

[b shay]

this is, simply put, the dumbest article i have ever read.

EDITOR's NOTE: You're so right - you may think it's dumb, but unfortunately it's true.

[paul]

true but still the pitbull is harder to control than any other dog.im not just sayin crap cause i have one myself

[Daline Bezerra]

I would like to say thank you for all the truths you have put out...People now a days truly have no common sense and seems our city leaders are too lazy to even do research for themselves...
I would like to add that with owners of the breeds who normally are called dangerous PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE use your voices..speak on behalf of your dogs. Be at your city council meetings, be present be active...Lets all network together and not allow anymore cities or states to pass such prejudice and unlogical laws..not to mention laws that are taking away our freedom as American citizens.
God bless you for this article written.

[J Harrison]

I appreciate everyones comments about how their pitbull is great, or how their rottweiller is very friendly, and i also appreciate the fact that all dogs pose a risk, but i still feel that it boils down to a simple fact. These dogs were bred for their size, power and quite often their ability to kill (from an animal sense of course not human). I know they were not bred for aggresion, and i totally agree with the fact small, especially toy, dogs seem to have a greater propensity to bite (which would seem logical as many of these breds were also bred to hunt and kill smaller prey), the difference is the damage that they are capable off.
The example I would use is that i have been going to soccer matches all my life, and English soccer games have a terrible reputation. I have never once been involved in a fight, but i have to accept that no matter how smart i think i am i never have complete control over the situation, so if someone was going to attack me i would much rather it was someone who was 5'3" and 110 ringing wet rather than someone who was 6'4 and 200 pounds of muscle and had been training to fight for years.
I appreciate that this over simplyfying things, and that there are cases of small animals creating terrible damage, but this is not the norm. I think many people, and certainly many that i speak to would agree with this. Most are concerned, not at how aggressive a dog is but how much potential that dog has for causing substantial damage. Dobermans, Rottweilers, argentino dogs etc. are seen as having a great potential for this (obviously one of the key reasons why they are used as gaurd dogs).
Unfortuanatly due to this perception they also seem more likely to attract the "wrong type" of owner, something which does not help their reputation and something that is a terrible shame for all the responsible owners out there.

[Laur]

Great article. I'm so sick of hearing about these "aggressive dogs". Because of the way they look I am sure people are just scared! Stupid people get these dogs and make them to be fighting dogs because they look tough. I have a beautiful 8 month old pup and hes such a good dog. He loves my kids and hes so friendly to everyone. The only time I've ever seen him mean was when this big headed Akita was in the room. People don't look past the tough exterer of the dog and think...that could be the greatest dog even. Rottis are great family dogs as well. My in laws have a corgi....hate it. He nips at you and barks at you whenever you move. In a book it also said a crogi will even bite his own owner!!!!

[Jeff]

Some dog breeds were bred to be aggressive. To say that some breeds are not more dangerous than others is ridiculous.

[Sydney]

I have been picking up stray pit bulls and pit bull mixes and taking in dogs that were used as bait dogs for almost 10 years. I have had them around my kids. Never once had my kids been bitten by a dog. Then one day, a neighborhood dog broke his chain and attacked one of my children. First thing everyone asked at the hospital was was it a pit bull? The look of shock on their face when I said it was a lab was priceless. Luckily my kids are aware of the fact it is bad owners, not bad dogs and my son has recovered and has no fear of dogs despite the several scars to his face and head.

[Traci]

Amen!!
It wasn't until I adopted a pit bull mix that I truly realized how many people judge a dog by its breed rather than its behavior.

[Jennifer]

I just want to thank you for what you are doing. I own a pit mix (rescue) and never realized how much hatred people could have for a breed of dog.
Ironically I have had her for two years and over those two years she has been attacked by a yellow lab, a maltese!, and a black lab. In all instances my dog didn't dare retaliate because quite frankly, I am a responsible dog owner and knew how to handle her in the situation.
As far as I am concerned it's all about responsibility, maintaining a healthy relationship with your dog, knowledge about the breed of dog you own, and again responsibility. Of which many people lack.
I would also like to report that I too am not a drug dealer, low income provider, bad person, former inmate, or whatever racial profiling you deem to be an owner of a bully breed.

[ursie]

well i got 3 amstaffs!! and they are wondefull dogs..never shown any aggresion towards humans..and are very loving..

[Lori]

The key here for these dogs is to SOCIALIZE SOCIALIZE SOCIALIZE!!!!! I have had 4 Dobies and my 4th is currently still with us (once they come to my house they stay until death do us part). Treat them in a kind loving manner, coddle them like a newborn baby, keep them in good health, and above all do not let anyone torment them. Protect them as you would your own child. I say this for all animals, but particularly the ones that have been bred for protection. Haven't ever had a biting or attack incident. They are wonderful dogs!!!! I like my Dobie more than I like most people!

[Shari Riggs]

I LOVE THIS!! This isnt what I expected either..but unlike the bonehead that was rude about it ..I loved it!This is ALL TRUE and the people who don't like it are the poeple who are probably recognizing themselves on the list! I cant wait to read more!!!

[Tiffany (again)]

I am for Dangerous Dog Ordinance (DDO), but not BSL.
DDO's target individual dogs who attack people rather than entire breeds, and are proven more effective than banning entire breeds anyway. But the stupid government wants the easy way out. And that easy way is BSL.

[danielle]

Finally a sane article, I have a 2yr old rottweiler and he is the biggest baby, my baby! I really wish people wouldn't judge dogs by their breeds, but by the people who take "care" of them. My dog is so friendly, he even let someone to come in my home and steal my computer!

[Tiffany (again)]

I just read some more comments. Quit being rude, guys! This is valuable information and if you are criticizing the author for it, YOU are the ones who are maggot meat heads.