Breed Tips

Top 10 Most Aggressive Dog Breeds of 2023

February 1, 2023

Top 10 Most Aggressive Dog Breeds

Love, hate, sadness, anger, calm, excited are all emotions which humans are not immune from. That is what makes us human in the first place. But we are not the only ones with all these emotions within us. A lot of species on this planet have been gifted with these emotions which completes life for them. And dogs are one of them. Called as the man’s best friend, they are loving, affectionate, caring, protective but also sometimes angry and aggressive. At the end, they owe their origins to the wolves which are known for their aggressive hunting. Aggression is usually seen via barking, biting, lunging, snarling, etc. Dog aggressions have led to several dog prohibited areas, deaths, especially amongst children and uncountable injuries and surgeries amongst us humans. Let’s have a look at the top 10 most aggressive dog breeds. 

1. Chihuahua

Chihuahua
  • Average Weight: 2 to 7 pounds (male and female)

  • Average Height:  6 to 9 inches (male and female)

  • Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

These tiny dogs may not look very aggressive by appearance but have been known to show quite a few aggressive traits. The smallest breed in the world, Chihuahuas are very loyal and devoted to their owners. This very trait brings out jealousy when someone else tries to get close to their owners and often results in barking and biting. These are not very child friendly.

2. Dachshund 

Dachshund
  • Average Weight: 15 to 30 pounds (male and female)

  • Average Height:  15 to 19 inches (male and female)

  • Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years

A Weiner dog, Badger dog, Sausage dog, or Dachshund, is a short-leg, long-bodied dog known for its unique appearance. Primarily used for hunting, aggression is one of its traits. Another reason for its aggression is its small size, which it tries to make up for with an attitude. 

3. Chow Chow

Chow Chow
  • Average Weight: 40 to 90 pounds (male and female)

  • Average Height:  17 to 22 inches (male and female)

  • Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years

The China-originated dog, Chow Chow is a sturdy dog with a thick dense double coat. These hunting and herding dogs and the pet of ex-US President Calvin Coolidge, have a dominant personality. Dominance comes along with an aggressive nature.

4. Akita

Akita
  • Average Weight: 60 to 100 pounds (male and female)

  • Average Height:  23 to 28 inches (male and female)

  • Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years

The Historic, large-sized, Japanese dog, Akita has its origins in the northern mountains of Japan. Used usually for policing and guarding, they have developed protective nature. They are very wary of strangers and other dogs and may even attack.

5. American Pitbull Terrier

American Pitbull Terrier
  • Average Weight: 35 to 60 pounds (male and female)

  • Average Height:  18 to 21 inches (male and female)

  • Life Expectancy: 8 to 14 years

The only true Pitbull, these dogs are tenacious and determined. American Pitbull Terriers are very characteristics lead to become aggressive and engage in fights often. However, if trained well, they can be very loving and affectionate. You may also be interested in Japanese Terrier

6. Cane Corso

Cane Corso
  • Average Weight: 100 to 110 pounds (male and female)

  • Average Height:  24 to 28 inches (male and female)

  • Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

This Italian Mastiff breed is usually a companion or a guard dog. Cane Corso also has been used for hunting because of their aggressive nature. With strangers, it is highly unlikely that they will be friendly in the first go. 

7. Doberman Pinschers 

Doberman Pinschers 
  • Average Weight: 2 to 7 pounds (male and female)

  • Average Height:  6 to 9 inches (male and female)

  • Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

This large breed developed by Louis Dobermann in Germany is among the most intelligent, tenacious, energetic guard dogs. Often used by the Police, Doberman Pinschers can be very aggressive if not trained properly, especially against strangers. You may also be interested in Miniature Pinscher.

8. German Shepherds

German Shepherds
  • Average Weight: 66 to 88 pounds (male and female)

  • Average Height:  24 to 28 inches (male and female)

  • Life Expectancy: 9 to 13 years

Also known as the Alsatians, the German Shepherds are the working dogs of Germany. Primarily used for herding, disability assistance, search-and-rescue, police work, and warfare, they are intimidated by their looks itself. Their protective nature makes them aggressive.

9. Rottweilers

Rottweilers
  • Average Weight: 110 to 130 pounds (male and female)

  • Average Height:  24 to 27 inches (male and female)

  • Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years

Mainly used for herding livestock and pulling carts filled with butchered meat, Rottweilers are also known as Rottweiler Metzgerhund, meaning Rottweil butchers’ dogs in Germany, their origin. From loving and affectionate to aggressive protectors, these dogs can be all depend on their upbringing. 

10. Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky
  • Average Weight: 45 to 60 pounds (male and female)

  • Average Height:  21 to 24 inches (male and female)

  • Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

These ferocious but beautiful-looking breed of dogs are a working sled dog breed. With athletic stamina and high intelligence, these dogs need adequate physical stimulation which otherwise turns into restless and very aggressive behaviors. Often around smaller pets, children, and strangers, Siberian Huskies tend to show this aggressive sides  

This is not an exhaustive list of all the aggressive dogs but a tailored list with comparatively higher aggression levels amongst all dog breeds. There are other aggressive dogs as well which include Dalmatians, Jack Russel Terriers, Perro de Presa Canario, etc. The wolf genes do tend to play their part in many of the breeds. The key is to train them properly at a young age itself. There is no doubt that despite high aggressive levels, all of these dogs make excellent human companions with their loving, affectionate, and protective natures. There are just some extra precautions to take when adopting aggressive dogs as they might show this side in front of your friends coming over or even around mischievous children at times. 

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