Top 20 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds in America

Boesen Law helps victims of personal injury in Colorado so sometimes ranking dog breeds can be controversial and misleading, as behavior in dogs is heavily influenced by training, environment, and the treatment they receive rather than breed alone. However, this list is just to be aware since we have helped clients who were victims of dog attacks and are coming from a legal angle.

Lists like this are based on statistics like bite reports, fatal attacks, and insurance claims. Below is a general ranking based on commonly cited sources like the American Veterinary Medical Association, CDC reports, and other studies on dog attacks:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Rottweiler
• German Shepherd
• American Bulldog
• Bullmastiff
• Siberian Husky
• Doberman Pinscher
• Alaskan Malamute
• Chow Chow
• Great Dane
• Saint Bernard
• Akita
• Boxer
• Presa Canario
• Cane Corso
• Dogo Argentino
• Tosa Inu
• Fila Brasileiro
• Wolfdog Hybrid
• Mastiff

Dog Breed Ranking Considerations

• Pit Bulls and Rottweilers often top these lists due to their strength and the frequency of attacks, but it’s important to note that any breed can be dangerous if not properly trained or treated.
• The lists are often criticized for not taking into account the total population of each breed, meaning that more common breeds may appear more dangerous simply because there are more of them.
• Some experts will argue that focusing on specific breeds oversimplifies the complex issue of dog aggression, which is more related to individual behavior, training, and environment. This is true, but again, we’re coming from a legal standpoint for victims of dog attack injuries.

Recent studies and reports on dog bite incidents in the U.S. provide insights into which breeds are most commonly involved in attacks and fatalities. Here’s a summary of findings from various sources:

• Pit Bulls remain the most frequently involved breed in fatal attacks. They are responsible for 66% of all fatal dog attacks between 2005 and 2019, with approximately 284 deaths reported in this period. This breed is followed by Rottweilers, which were involved in 45 fatal attacks during the same period.
• Mixed Breeds also account for a significant number of attacks, contributing to 27 human deaths from 2005 to 2019. Wolf Hybrids and American Bulldogs are other breeds noted for their involvement in fatal incidents.
• Siberian Huskies, Akitas, and Chow Chows have also been reported in several attacks, including fatalities. For example, Siberian Huskies were responsible for 26 deaths between 2014 and 2020.
• Not all dangerous dog incidents result in fatalities, but many breeds with strong bite forces, such as Doberman Pinschers and Mastiffs, can cause severe injuries. The bite force of these breeds can range from 328 PSI (Rottweilers) to over 550 PSI (Mastiffs).
• It’s also worth noting that children are disproportionately affected by dog bites, often experiencing severe injuries due to their smaller size and proximity to dogs. Approximately 45% of dog bite injuries occur on the extremities, such as legs, hands, and arms, and about 50% of child victims are bitten on the head and neck.

For more detailed statistics, you can refer to sources like the Canine Journal, Hepper, and other related studies.