When looking for a new best friend, one of the most common questions asked by potential dog owners is: how aggressive is the breed I chose? Wondering the answer to this question is understandable, especially if you have small children or other pets. Unfortunately, it’s also far from simple.
Before we can see which races are most likely to be aggressive, we need to agree on the definition of aggression.
What is aggression in dogs?
To the detriment of many breeds of dogs and their owners, determining whether an entire breed is aggressive or not is highly subjective. There is also a big difference between aggression and behavioural characteristics such as reactivity and prey impulse, which can be confused with the former.
In the simplest possible terms, aggression is a display of dangerous behaviour, usually in relation to another dog or a person. Although most people associate aggression with biting, this involves a full spectrum of behaviours. Other examples of aggression may include barking, growling and stockpiling.
What is reactivity?
Meanwhile, reactivity refers to dogs that become overstimulated in certain situations and can present themselves as onslaught, growling and barking. Some dogs become reactive near men, other dogs or even when they are on a leash. Although special care and training are needed to control reactive behaviour, these dogs are usually not dangerous.
Prey Drive vs. Assault
The prey impulse can also be confused with aggression. Although aggression is usually triggered by fear, a dog’s hunting impulse is simply an extension of its natural hunting instincts. Prey impulse can lead to dangerous behaviour towards small animals, including cats and other dogs, but does not make a dog inherently insecure.
10 of the most aggressive dog breeds according to real research
For our list of the most aggressive dog breeds, we used research by the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS). ATTS conducts tests to verify the performance of different breeds of dogs in a variety of scenarios, including interaction with strangers, noise stimuli, visual stimuli and more.
Although it is impossible to definitively label any breed of dog as aggressive or not, the results of the ATTS tests give us a good idea of which breeds are most likely to exhibit aggressive trends.
1. Chihuahua
They may be tiny, but chihuahua usually has very low scores on temperament tests. However, few can agree on whether chihuahua is subject to aggression because of its genetic composition or because many chihuahuas receive inadequate training and socialisation.
Its small size means that even the most aggressive chihuahua will not cause much damage. Still, if you have a chihuahua, it is your responsibility to ensure that he receives adequate training and socialisation and is not allowed to wander freely in environments where aggression can be triggered.
2. Dachshund
Another aggressive breed of dog, at least according to temperament studies, is the adorable Dachshund. This breed, more commonly known as sausage dog, presents the same problems as Chihuahua. Although they are small and don’t pack much, they are usually aggressive with strangers.
Although it is tempting to treat your Dachshund like a spoiled lap dog, routine training and socialisation are crucial. Do not underestimate the effectiveness of professional training if your Dachshund shows signs of aggression.
3. Chow Chow
While the Chow Chow looks like a big and cute teddy bear, the breed is known for its aggressive tendencies. However, this behaviour presents itself in very predictable ways.
Chow Chow tends to show aggressiveness towards strangers and other dogs if it is not socialised from an early age. At the same time, the breed also has a high hunting boost, which is often confused with even more aggressiveness. With the right training protocol, however, it is perfectly possible to create a calm and well-adjusted Chow Chow.
4. Doberman Pinscher
A well-trained Doberman Pinscher may be an excellent companion, but it is still one of the most aggressive breeds there is. In addition, even the calmest Doberman can cause fear with his intimidating size, speed and strength.
Most Doberman Pinschers who exhibit aggression actually do so out of fear. Because of this, it is important to control your dog’s anxiety and teach him to be confident with strangers and in new environments.
5. Dalmatian
According to ATTS tests, healthy Dalmatian is actually at risk of aggressive behaviour. Many experts believe that this is due to the history of the breed as a watchdog, which required them to treat all strangers as threats.
Although the breed’s popularity has fallen since the launch of Disney’s 101 Dalmatians, they are still one of the best-known dogs in the world. However, you shouldn’t bring a Dalmatian home just because you’re a fan of iconic locations. Remember that these dogs require complete training and socialisation to live a happy and safe life.
6. Rottweiler
After the pit bull races, Rottweiler probably has the worst reputation in popular culture. Although it is true that rottweilers are at the top of the list of aggressive breeds, most are loving and well-adjusted companion animals.
As rottweilers tend to fight to be territorial, other dogs are the most common trigger. In addition, as they have a greater hunting boost, the breed is not the best option for families with cats or small dogs. With a lot of socialisation since childhood and the right environment, however, rottweilers are great pets.
7. Jack Russell Terrier
Now, let’s go back to the small races. Although many people do not think of the Jack Russell Terrier as aggressive, the breed is known for being stubborn and having a strong hunting boost, despite its size.
First of all, the Jack Russell Terrier is highly energiser and requires a lot of exercise and stimulation. Race is prone to bite if it is neglected or little socialised. Although his bite is nothing compared to that of a larger breed, it is extremely important to prepare your Jack Russell Terrier for success with proper training.
8. German Shepherd
Despite being one of the most popular family dogs today, it should not be a surprise that the German Shepherd occupies a high position on our list. After all, the breed is known for its work as a police and military dog, among other professions.
Often, the aggressive side of a German shepherd appears when he feels that his family is in danger. To avoid possible problems, it is extremely important to provide adequate socialisation for your dog from an early age. If they know that strangers are friends instead of enemies, the risk of aggressive behaviour will be significantly reduced.
9. American Pit Bull Terrier
If you’ve seen the statistics on pit bull bites, then you may be surprised to see the American Pit Bull Terrier so far on this list. But you need to keep something very important in mind.
Although most sources report pitbull aggression, the term pit bull actually covers several different breeds, including many mixed breed dogs. When you divide this grouping into your individual breeds, the temperament test shows that the American Pit Bull Terrier and other bully breeds are far from the most aggressive dogs there are.
10. Siberian Husky
Unlike many other dogs on this list, Siberian Husky is not usually aggressive because it is protective or anxious. Instead, the aggression of this breed is often the result of inadequate training and socialisation.
As Huskies are extremely stubborn, they are a difficult challenge even for the most knowledgable dog owners. They also have a strong hunting boost, which can often be confused with pure aggression. In general, Siberian Huskies need a severe hand and an enriching environment to prosper.
Final thoughts
If you see one of your favourite breeds on this list, don’t worry. Although it is true that these breeds show the highest rate of aggressive behaviour, the probability of any dog acting badly is still extremely low. For example, the Doberman Pinscher is the fourth on our list, but close to 80 percent of the dogs tested still passed the ATTS test with flying colours. With the right training, your favourite breed will be a great pet!