Top 5 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds Based on Bite Fatalities

1. Pit Bull

To anyone who knows dogs, the American Pit Bull Terrier is no surprise at #1 on a list of deadliest dogs. In this study the Pit Bull stood far ahead of all the other breeds with 66 fatalities attributed to it. Known for their extremely aggressive nature, many states have legislation banning the breeding of pit bulls.

Furthermore they are known to be bred for the highly illegal sport of dog fighting. Therefore, it’s no real surprise that Pit Bulls are known as the #1 deadliest dog based on bite fatalities.

2. Rottweiler

Coming in at #2, the Rottweiler was responsible for 39 fatalities in this study. Another very old breed the Rottweiler is one of the oldest herding breeds in existence. As with most old breeds, their prey drives require much training to dampen.

Adult males have about the same dimensions as the German Shepard, however they are much heavier, with some being able to weigh around 110 pounds (50 kilograms). Their temperament is usually passive and attentive, but are known to be prone to aggressive outburst.

3. German Shepard

Another commonly recognized dog makes this list. German Shepherds are a fairly new breed of dog, only dating from about 1885, where a society in Germany worked towards creating a perfect breed to protect herds in rural communities. A fully grown adult German Shepard can weigh 82 pounds (38 kilograms) and stand at about 25 inches (62 centimeters), about the same size as a Malamute.

Also like the Doberman, their high intelligence and aggressiveness makes them sure picks as guard and police dogs. With 17 fatalities attributed to them, they are the third most dangerous dog breeds.

4. Husky

Huskies are one of the oldest breeds of dogs thought to exist in the world. Like their Malamute cousins they are used primarily as sled dogs, and must be constantly active. With a total of 15 fatalities linked to Huskies in the study conducted, they are definitely known to be aggressive, but this has been linked to poor training/obedience issues as Huskies rate as one of the most intelligent canines in the world. Given their close relation to the grey wolf however, they do maintain a somewhat high prey drive.

5. Wolf-Dog Hybrid

Unsurprisingly Wolf-dog hybrids (Wolf X) are known as the 5th most dangerous breed of dogs. With 14 listed fatalities in this study. Wolves themselves are ancestors of the modern domestic dog, and are known as one of the most dangerous predators in the wild even today. Even with proper crossbreeding, domestication, and training Wolf-dog hybrids maintain much of the prey drive of their wolf genetics making them quite dangerous to keep as pets.