You might be interested in knowing about the most aggressive dog breeds because you’re looking to get a dog for the first time. It could be that you’re concerned about having a dog around kids in the house. Some people may want to know about aggressive dog breeds to find out if their insurance provider offers coverage, considering the kind of dog they have at home.
It’s true that insurers will raise premiums if you own a dog that’s considered to have a history of aggressive behavior. Some insurers would even refuse you insurance altogether, although this practice isn’t generally acceptable. Here’s a list of some of the most aggressive dog breeds ranked by different canine organizations. You’d be surprised about some of the breeds in the list because even in dogs, looks can be deceiving, too it turns out.

Chihuahua
They may be small, no more than 6lbs on average, but Chihuahuas are actually widely considered among the most aggressive small dog breeds. They can be highly aggressive towards strangers, including children. With behavior training and proper socialization, you can definitely build a strong bond with this breed. However, Chihuahuas have a tendency to be possessive, which is why they don’t exactly make a suitable choice if you have children.

Rottweiler
Rottweilers are an extremely sturdy and loyal breed but they’re also notorious for being headstrong and fierce. Most aggressive dog breeds, study show that Rottweilers are often involved in cases where dogs have caused human fatalities in the US. They can behave aggressively around other pets and people because of their territorial instincts. Rottweilers are, however, intelligent and highly trainable. Dog obedience training and socialization are extremely crucial in the early years if you want one as a pet.

German Shepherd
German Shepherd dogs are known for their strength, intelligence, and agility. This breed is highly trainable and is commonly deployed in military and police forces as working dogs. A German Shepherd definitely makes a loyal and excellent guard dog. However, if you don’t invest in training early on, you may find your hands full of canine behavioral problems. German Shepherd dogs need lots of exercises to keep them happy and prevent aggressive behavior. They also have a tendency to be overprotective and territorial. You need to schedule training and play sessions to keep a GSD busy. Proper socialization is also required.

American Pitbull Terrier
The American Pitbull Terrier is usually classified alongside other breeds like the American Bully and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as “pit bulls,” which many people erroneously think of as an official dog breed. Pitbull terriers are often bred to fight, for their fierce intelligence and incredible strength. A pit bull is known for having a strong jaw and if they bite, you can bet it won’t let go that easily. Pit bulls, however, can also be the most gentle and loving household pets depending on how they were raised and trained.

Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are sturdy, working dogs that can be playful, affectionate, and extremely loyal. They are generally friendly, even towards children, but they may act aggressively in the presence of other canines. They’re wary around strangers, but they rarely attack first. They require a lot of socialization and exercise. If left in isolation for a long period, they easily get anxious and may start to exhibit signs of aggression. It’s definitely your responsibility to know how to keep a dog entertained indoors.

Dachshund
Another breed of the small variety that makes it to our list of most aggressive dog breeds is the Dachshund. For whatever it lacks in size, it makes up with a big attitude that you should know better than to encourage—if you want to avoid headaches later on. Children should be warned to not play roughly with a Dachshund.

Chow Chow
Chow Chow dogs look all soft and fluffy but their temperament is actually anything but. This breed has a strong prey instinct which can turn into aggressive behavior if not properly tamed. If you’re getting a Chow Chow, you will have to provide strong guidance at a very early age. Proper training should also help you raise a mild-mannered and calm Chow Chow dog.

Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are medium-sized dogs known for their intelligence and ferocity as police dogs or guard dogs. These dogs have a strong protective instinct that can translate into aggression if they’re not given proper training protocol. But if raised with good leadership, it’s possible to raise a sociable and child-friendly Doberman household companion.

Mastiff
Mastiffs are great dogs to have at home, but also notorious for being among the most aggressive dog breeds in the world. They are loyal dogs and they guard their family members fiercely. Being a natural watchdog, don’t expect a Mastiff to be nice to a stranger. They will corner an intruder, although they won’t bite immediately. But if you’d prefer not to have a Mastiff growling at a house guest, you’d need to be able to invest time and energy in training this breed and making sure you socialize your pet.

Siberian Husky
The agile and energetic Siberian Husky loves to chase small animals, although it isn’t really aggressive by nature. This breed would attack and protect if provoked, which is a cause for concern for people looking to get a dog for the first time. It’s not a good idea to have them if you have small animals in the house as the Siberian Husky wouldn’t be able to resist a good chase. It’s also best to put them on a leash whenever you have to take them out for a walk.

This most aggressive dog breeds list is based on temperament scores given by organizations like the AKC and the American Temperament Test Society. These breeds ranked among those that are the most likely to show signs of panic, extreme shyness, or aggression. Some people would consider these breeds “dangerous.” It doesn’t mean, however, that these breeds aren’t worthy family pets—because they are. Pet owners just need to be ready for the dog training needs of what is considered to be the most aggressive dog breeds.