Which Dog Breeds Are The Most Dangerous?

Learn more about dangerous dog breeds and how to recognize when an attack is likely.

Dangerous Dog Breeds in St George, Utah

Of the 433 documented American deaths caused by canine attacks from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2017, pit bulls accounted for 284 or 66% of these deaths. Rottweilers accounted for the second-highest number of deaths, totaling a mere 45 or 10.4%. Combined, these two dog breeds accounted for 76% of these total recorded deaths.

Among other fatal canine attacks recorded in this data set, 20 were attributed to German shepherds, 17 to mixed-breeds, 15 to American bulldogs, 14 to mastiffs, and 13 to huskies. Still, pit bulls account for more annual canine attacks and deaths than all other breeds

The Pit Bull:

Friend & Killer

While any dog can become dangerous if not properly trained and cared for, pit bulls undeniably account for the most dog bites and fatal dog attacks. Many dog activists have stated that no breed of dog is inherently more dangerous than another and that no dog is born with vicious tendencies. However, the statistics remain evidence of the breed’s often violent nature and lethal capacity.

The extremely muscular build of the pit bull, combined with speed and a powerful bite, makes them particularly dangerous and capable of severely injuring or killing fully grown adults.

The Evolution of the Pit Bull

Because the pit bull intends to fully eliminate any threat, it will often bite parts of the body like arms, legs, and necks where the main arteries lie. The blood loss from such an injury is generally the cause of death among pit bull victims.

What Should I Do If I’m Attacked?

While little can be done to avoid a pit bull attack or escape once the animal clamps its teeth into the muscle, the following techniques could help save your life:

The “armadillo technique:” Don’t make yourself appear more threatening. The pit bull will only be exasperated. Make yourself as small as possible by curling up and moving slowly.
The pit bull can reach speeds of 30 mph. Do not attempt to outrun a pit bull unless there’s an option for immediate safety like a car or house.
In the event of an attack, call for help as loudly as possible before suffering bodily harm that could affect your ability to yell.
Protect your neck at all costs before the pit bull can clamp down on it into your neck. Attempt to kick the dog away from your upper body. Kicking it in the snout where the dog is most sensitive will give you more time to escape.

Dangerous (Possibly Illegal)
Dog Breeds

Several states and cities have enacted BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) that make it illegal to own a “dangerous” breed of animal or dog, most often categorized as pit bulls, rottweilers, and Dobermans. Such breeds may even be identified under the law as “dangerous weapons.”

While many animal activists argue against restrictive breeding laws, increased public safety is the goal. Before moving to a new area, be aware of which dog breeds are allowed. Currently, there are no restrictions on potentially dangerous dog breeds in the state of Utah.

Other dog breeds that are more likely to bite or attack humans include:

The pit bull was originally bred from the old English bulldog, which gained its popularity from the cruel sport known as “bull baiting,” in which bulldogs were meant to harass a bull for hours until it died from fatigue and injuries.

Once bull baiting was outlawed, people turned to “ratting” in which rats were enclosed in a pit and the dogs were meant to kill as many as possible in the shortest amount of time.

Because ratting and dogfighting required agility and speed, bulldogs were cross-bred with terriers and thus we have today’s pit bull terrier.

Although these dogs were specifically bred for fighting, when immigrants from England came to the United States, pit bulls began to be utilized as frontier dogs, taking on an all-purpose role. From there the breed developed an often loyal and loving demeanor with humans.

Bred to Fight: Beware of Bite

Although the pit bull has recently gained more positive media attention, the statistical facts remain. They conclusively prove that the breed can be dangerous and potentially fatal due to its instinct to fight, encouraged over centuries of intentional breeding. Because a pit bull is exceptionally muscular and large, their bite is far more fatal when compared to that of other breeds.

While proper training can greatly alter an animal’s innate tenancies, their inherent instincts remain and are often triggered by different stimulants. Many dogs register threats differently and cannot be counted on to maintain control when instinct takes over.

Recognizing an Imminent Attack

Pit bulls bite and kill more people than any other dog breed partly due to their attack instincts. They give almost no warning signs before attacking unlike other dog breeds that will shuffle back, lower their head, bare their teeth, and growl or bark. People generally will register that an attack is imminent and back off or avoid the situation.

A pit bull, however, has been specifically bred to protect itself and quickly attack without giving the victim time to defend themselves. They will immediately close in and take advantage of the situation. What’s even more frightening are the pit bull’s vice-like jaws and sharp canine teeth which hold victims relentlessly and shake them vigorously. When this happens, it’s almost impossible to escape.