Although any dog breed can exhibit aggressive behavior, some are more prone to it than others. Therefore, You need extra care when introducing these breeds to families with young children. However, these breeds can become great family pets with the help of proper training and boundaries.
Check out the top 10 dog breeds known for their aggressive tendencies.
10Siberian Husky
Siberian Husky is a highly active and energetic breed that can adapt to the harsh and cold conditions of the Siberian Arctic. While Huskies are generally social and friendly dogs, they can sometimes display aggressive behaviors. A Husky exhibits aggression mainly through growling, barking, snarling, biting, and snapping. Common triggers include fear, anxiety, territorial disputes, lack of socialization, and improper training.
Changes in their environment can also cause Huskies to become aggressive. For identifying, addressing, and managing a Husky’s aggressiveness, patience, consistency, and the right tools and resources are necessary. Implementing prevention strategies, working on training and socialization, seeking professional help, and taking action are also essential.
9Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a small dog breed from Mexico, originally bred as a companion. Despite their size, they are fiercely territorial and protective of their owners and family. Their small size makes them perceive the world as more threatening than larger breeds, leading to a tendency to act aggressively and swiftly to perceived threats.
Signs of aggression include baring teeth, growling, stillness, and a stopped wagging tail. Chihuahuas may bark and nip at unfamiliar people or animals that get too close. Proper socialization from a young age, obedience training, and a secure environment can help manage their aggression.
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8Akita
Akita is a powerful dog breed that originated in the northern mountains of Japan. They are affectionate and intensely loyal to their family. Since they are hardy, they can be reserved and aloof with strangers. According to the American Kennel Club, the temperament of Akitas can be changed from playful to aggressive. Therefore, it can be dangerous to leave small children or other animals alone with them.
Their aggressiveness can be triggered when you stare at them, abuse them, or treat them aggressively. However, socialization and obedience training can help reduce aggressiveness. Treating them with respect and consistent training can help develop a close bond with Akitas.
7German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is an intelligent herding dog breed that originated in Germany for herding sheep. In addition, they have been trained for various purposes, including disability assistance, police work, search-and-rescue, and warfare. Due to their territorial and protective nature, they can become aggressive if not appropriately trained.
Comprehensive police dog training, which covers obedience, scent detection, and mental stimulation, can enhance their performance as police dogs while preventing aggression and minimizing the risk of harm to innocent individuals. They may show aggression and become overprotective if they perceive a threat, but with proper training and socialization, German Shepherds can be loyal and loving companions.
6Rottweiler
Rottweilers are domestic dog breeds commonly used as search and rescue dogs, police dogs, and guard dogs. However, they can be difficult to read, so it’s important to recognize signs of aggression such as growling, snarling, a low body position, exposed teeth, and set-back ears. Consistent and firm training is necessary to reduce their aggressiveness.
They exhibit high energy levels and prey drive, so establishing proper boundaries is crucial. Rottweilers are fiercely loyal and protective of their owners, and a well-trained one will not attack strangers without reason. Additionally, these territorial breeds display aggression towards other animals. Proper care is needed when introducing a Rottweiler to another pet.
5Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a medium to large-sized dog known for its intelligence, alertness, and loyalty as a companion. Originally bred for work, they can be fierce and aggressive when protecting their family from perceived threats. Due to their history as a guard and police dogs, they may exhibit fear and aggression toward strangers.
Playful interactions with other dogs can sometimes escalate into dogfights, but early socialization with non-threatening dogs can help them become more sociable. Signs of their aggressiveness include circling, walking on their toes, and tight tail wags. However, proper and intense training can help relax their aggressive tendencies and develop a strong bond between them and their owner.
4Chow Chow
The Chow Chow breed of dog originated in northern China. They have a fluffy double coat and a unique, funny walk due to their stiff back legs. However, they can be fiercely aggressive towards strangers and may become overprotective of their owners and property. This aggression is largely due to their temperament and personality.
While they are typically protective of family members, they can become stubborn and attach themselves to specific individuals as they age. Chows show their distinctive aloofness towards individuals other than their owners and may exhibit aggression toward other dogs of the same gender. Consistent early socialization is key to helping them interact appropriately with strangers.
3Dashhund
The dachshund is a dog breed with a long body and short legs, originally bred for hunting small game-like rabbits. While they are playful, these dogs can be stubborn and determined, often displaying aggression that can turn them into difficult pets. Dachshunds may become aggressive if they feel threatened, are in pain, or suffer from an illness, often due to hormonal changes.
Hearing and vision issues may also contribute to their aggressive behavior as they age. Dachshunds even become dominant over their owners due to a lack of trust. Therefore, providing them with continuous training, proper care, and guidance is essential to remain obedient and well-behaved.
2Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is an Italian mastiff-type breed originally bred for herding cattle and hunting large game. These dogs form deep bonds of loyalty with their owners and fearlessly defend them. However, they can become aggressive or dangerous if not properly socialized or subjected to abuse. Training and socializing a Cane Corso can be challenging due to their massive size.
Some may display aggression towards other dog breeds at a young age. Early socialization and obedience training can effectively prevent this issue. It is important to avoid forced training and instead opt for obedience classes to establish leadership and decrease the likelihood of dominance aggression.
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1American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier is typically a medium-sized dog breed with a short coat and a well-defined muscle structure. They exhibit greater strength, confidence, and a high level of intelligence. Pit Bulls were once bred for sports like baiting and dog fighting, resulting in aggressive tendencies.
Even today, prioritizing their breeding for protection, dog fighting, social status, and financial gain results in their unpredicted aggressive nature. Additionally, mistreatments such as abuse, neglect, tethering, and inadequate training may lead to aggressive behavior. But socialization, positive training techniques, consistent handling, and dedication from their owner can make Pit Bull breeds excellent pets.
