Tagged: Dangerous Breeds

Dangerous Dog Breeds (Part 3)

Dangerous dog breeds

Certain dog breeds have distinct characteristics, which although not universal, can act as a guide to their behavior. Many dogs were bred for certain jobs in the past and, even today, still carry some of the same behavioral characteristics. While some characteristics do not endanger people and animals, other characteristics pose a threat. Examples include territorial, protective, and suspicious natures. Even with proper training, certain dogs still may have particular and dangerous behavioral traits that you should be aware of.

Dangerous Dog Breeds Often Have a History of Being Guard, Hunting, or Military Dogs

Shar-Pei

  • The Shar-Pei is a distinctive dog, recognizable by the wrinkled skin encompassing its body. Bred in the past to be a fighting and guard dog, this breed is aggressive toward animals and strangers without proper training. Shar-Pei are also independent and strong-willed dogs and will take control of situations and households without a strong leader. Due to the protective and independent nature of this dog, it may often act on its own if it feels the family is threatened. The Shar-Pei can be aggressive and should be handled with caution.
  • Height
    • Females: 18-20 inches
    • Males: 18-20 inches
  • Weight
    • 40-55 pounds

Chow Chow

  • Often called a Chow, this dog breed is extremely fluffy with an impressive mane and a curled tail. Known to be stubborn, reserved, and independent, these dogs were used for hunting and guarding as far back as the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. – 220 A.D.). Even with their own families, they tend to be distant and they will actively challenge approaching strangers if not introduced by their owners. Experts instruct that a Chow Chow should be significantly socialized as a puppy to counteract the aggressive tendencies and should never be approached without the owner present.
  • Height
    • Females: 18-20 inches
    • Males: 19-22 inches
  • Weight
    • 40-70 pounds

Boxers are dangerous dogsBoxer

  • The Boxer breed originated in Germany and is high energy and loyal. They have a history of guarding and serving in the military due to their alert and watchful personalities. These dogs are extremely affectionate with their family but can be suspicious of strangers if not socialized as puppies. If a Boxer feels it or its family is threatened it can respond with aggressive behavior without hesitation. With the Boxer’s strength, agility, and intelligence, people should be cautious when approaching one without the owner present and without knowing the individual dog’s personality.
  • Height
    • Females: 21-23.5 inches
    • Males: 22.5-25 inches
  • Weight
    • 60-70 pounds

A Dachshund is a dangerous dogDachshund

  • Although these dogs are small, they have the temperament of a much larger animal. Bred to be hunting dogs (with the power and confidence to take on a badger), these dogs have strong prey drives and will hunt smaller animals within a household including cats, birds, and rodents. Their personalities also include possessive and jealous natures and they can begin to snap and bite at strangers or even family members if not trained properly. While people may not see them as a threat because of their size, the Dachshund still has sharp teeth and maintains enough force to cause damage.
  • Height
    • Females: 8-9 inches
    • Males: 8-9 inches
  • Weight
    • 16-32 pounds

This site is intended purely as a resource guide for educational and informational purposes and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Any information provided on this site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a professional attorney in your state. The use and receipt of the information offered on this site is not intended to create, nor does it create, an attorney-client relationship. The content of an e-mail sent to Scott T. Gegenheimer Attorney at Law or any of its attorneys will not create an attorney-client relationship and will not be treated as confidential.

Dangerous Dog Breeds (Part 2)

Certain dog breeds were bred for specific characteristics throughout the centuries. Whether they were bred for small size, herding instincts, or defensive traits, these characteristics were passed along in the designated breed until it was in their nature and part of the breed itself. While all dogs can benefit from training and exposure to situations thus calming some of the more aggressive characteristics, the complete suppression of an instinct is not reasonable. Dogs that were bred to be alert, defensive, and protective will show the signs of being a dangerous dog breed throughout their lives. It is best to know which dogs naturally have these characteristics and to be cautious when interacting with them.

Dangerous Dog Breeds Due to Breeding

AkitaA dangerous dog breed, the Akita, is unsocial.

  • The Akita is known to be a stubborn, protective, an unsocial breed. They are fiercely loyal and protective of their family and naturally suspicious of strangers. This dog breed was originally utilized for guard work and for large-game hunting, as they are capable of standing their ground against bears. Without proper socialization as a puppy, this large and muscular breed can become aggressive. They are known to be unfriendly toward other animals, children, and strangers.
  • Height
    • Females: 24-26 inches
    • Males: 26-28 inches
  • Weight
    • 85-130 pounds

 Doberman PinscherDoberman Pinschers have been used in the military and can be a dangerous dog.

  • The Doberman Pinscher breed originally began in Germany and was bred to be loyal and protective. Over the years, the Doberman has added intelligence, speed, and stubborn qualities to its name and has been identified as aggressive in some situations. They were used in WWI and have been used as military and police dogs in various countries. They are extremely protective and loyal to their families and can be intimidating to strangers when given cause.
  • Height
    • Females: 24-26 inches
    • Males: 26-28 inches
  • Weight
    • 60-80 pounds

Giant SchnauzerGiant Schnauzers are a dangerous dog because of their territorial natures.

  • This dog was bred as a working dog. Known for its intelligence and energy levels, the Giant Schnauzer was used to herd cattle and act as a guard dog. They were later incorporated into the role of a police dog in Germany. They tend to have bold personalities and work well as guard dogs due to their territorial natures. Schnauzers will alert their owners of trespassers without fail. They are suspicious of strangers and will do as they please without proper socialization and training, including guarding the house in any way they see fit.
  • Height
    • Females: 23.5-25.5 inches
    • Males: 25.5-27.5 inches
  • Weight:
    • 55-80

 Staffordshire Bull TerrierThe Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a dangerous dog to other animals.

  • Although small, these dogs were initially bred in Britain as fighting dogs. They have muscular bodies and large heads that often remind people of American Pitbull Terriers. Although they are known to be loving toward their family and friendly toward children and strangers, these dogs are highly aggressive toward other animals. Even with exposure to other dogs at a young age, this breed can be overly aggressive with other dogs throughout its lifetime.
  • Height
    • Females: 14-15 inches
    • Males: 15-16 inches
  • Weight

24-38 pounds


This site is intended purely as a resource guide for educational and informational purposes and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Any information provided on this site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a professional attorney in your state. The use and receipt of the information offered on this site is not intended to create, nor does it create, an attorney-client relationship. The content of an e-mail sent to Scott T. Gegenheimer Attorney at Law or any of its attorneys will not create an attorney-client relationship and will not be treated as confidential.

Dangerous Dog Breeds (Part 1)

Let’s face it, not all dog breeds are created equal. The Labrador breed is known to cause the most dog bites each year in America, but it is also the most commonly owned breed. This favorite family pet has more opportunities to bite because of the larger population. But the fact of the matter is that a Labrador, no matter how big, simply lacks the temperament, inclination to bite, and the jaw strength to do serious damage except in the most extreme of circumstances. Other dog breeds have more severe temperaments, inclinations, and jaw strengths.

Dangerous Dog Breeds

American Pit Bull Terriors can be a dangerous dog breed due to a massive jaw.The American Pit Bull Terrier

  • This dog has a long and violent past and is known to be a fighting breed. Characteristics include massive jaws, high agility capabilities, and owner obedience. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a dog that will become aggressive if not properly socialized from a puppy. They are known for never backing down from a fight and fighting to the finish, no matter the consequences.
  • Height
    • Females: 17-18 inches
    • Males: 18-19 inches
  • Weight
    • 30-85 pounds

Rottweiler Rottweilers can be a dangerous dog breed because they are heavily muscled.

  • The Rottweiler breed is an extremely muscled breed and can be identified by its large size and coloring. It is mostly black with brown highlights around the face, chest, and eyes. These dogs have enormous physical strength and have been used as work dogs, guard dogs, and police dogs. Rottweilers are protective and aggressive and can be dangerous when strangers or unknown animals come into contact with them.
  • Height
    • Females: 22-25 inches
    • Males: 24-27 inches
  • Weight
    • 85-130 pounds

German Shepard German Shepards can be dangerous because they are suspicous and protective.

  • This dog breed is a working dog known for its agility, high energy, and trainability. They tend to be large and are versatile in the jobs they can perform. Combined with their other traits of a suspicious nature toward strangers and a protective nature of their family and home, German Shepards can be dangerous to those not known to them. They are not afraid to attack and as a result, have been used for military and police jobs.
  • Height
    • Females: 22-24 inches
    • Males: 24-26 inches
  • Weight
    • 75-95 pounds

BullmastiffBullmastiffs can be a dangerous dog breed. They were bred to be a guard dog.

  • Originally bred to be a guard dog, the Bullmastiff is a confident, fast, and courageous dog. They are extremely large in stature and carry a lot of muscle enabling them to take down fully-grown adults with ease. The dog breed is a known protector and can be aggressive with strangers.
  • Height
    • Females: 24-26 inches
    • Males: 25-27 inches
  • Weight
    • 100-130 pounds

This site is intended purely as a resource guide for educational and informational purposes and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Any information provided on this site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a professional attorney in your state. The use and receipt of the information offered on this site is not intended to create, nor does it create, an attorney-client relationship. The content of an e-mail sent to Scott T. Gegenheimer Attorney at Law or any of its attorneys will not create an attorney-client relationship and will not be treated as confidential.