Experts Say These Are The Most Dangerous Dog Breeds For Families

Plenty of people want to add a new addition to their family, but that doesn’t always mean having children. Four-legged friends can be the perfect additions to so many homes, but what about the ones who might be more trouble than they are worth?

The dog breeds deemed to be the most dangerous for families aren’t all out to hurt us. Of course, a lot of it is down to how these animals are raised. Still, there are times that natural instincts can take over, with some dogs often best left for others instead.

An Affenpinscher is known to be wary of strangers entering their personal space

Being deemed as a “toy terrier” might say a lot when it comes to the Affenpinscher. This breed is on the smaller side and will often go out of its way to appear like the biggest one in the room, coming with a lot of fun and personality up its sleeve. However, this can also make for some issues.

People deemed to be invading an Affenpinscher’s space will quickly learn just how much they can try to intimidate a stranger. If owners don’t nip this kind of behavior in the bud, it can lead to a lot of issues further down the line. This can be especially true with unknown children who might get a little too close.

Shih Tzus might be safer with people who appreciate their smaller size

There was once a time it appeared everyone had a Shih Tzu under their arm. After all, they made the perfect purse dogs, but things have changed, and owners have learned a lot more about the right reasons to own a pet - and not just to have a fashion accessory. What about owning a Shih Tzu with a family?

Being pretty lazy dogs means Shih Tzus don’t need a lot of exercise and much prefer cuddling on the couch. However, it might be for the dog’s safety that they’re not the best with toddlers and babies. Being so small means they can easily get injured by curious hands, and their separation anxiety can make Shih Tzus a real commitment.

The Fila Brasileiro is banned in many countries due to its hunting instincts

If the name Fila Brasileiro doesn’t sound familiar, perhaps the Brazilian mastiff does? This is an incredibly large breed that was developed in, you guessed it, Brazil. Here, locals have a saying that goes, “As faithful as a Fila,” showing just how much loyalty this breed has to its owners. The problem? They can also be incredibly strong and aggressive.

The Fila Brasileiro was bred as a working dog, but rather than hunting prey, the breed is known to catch what it’s chasing and hold it close until its owner arrives. This can make them a real danger to infants and youngsters. Plus, the Fila Brasileiro can quickly return to its primitive instinct, with many countries outright banning the breed.

Tosa Inus were initially bred to fight and might return to their natural instincts if provoked

Like many other big breeds, the Tosa Inu was initially bred for fighting. The breed hails from Japan but can now be found around the world. However, they are only recommended for experienced pet owners as it doesn’t usually take long for things to take a turn. In fact, the Tosa Inu is banned in several countries.

This breed of dog loves to play and is known to be loyal to its family, but Tosa Inus can often get carried away when playing and quickly return to its fighting instinct, especially if they feel threatened. Having a Tosa Inu around small children, particularly those who love to be boisterous, could be a recipe for disaster.

Chihuahuas are known to stick to one person and be aggressive with anyone else

They might be small, but never underestimate the power of the Chihuahua. They are known to be incredibly loyal to their owners, but that’s where the problems often begin. Chihuahuas were bred to be lap dogs who will usually bond with one person - and that’s it. Being so small often means they also don’t like people in their space.

It’s not uncommon for Chihuahuas to be snappy with strangers, either growling or fully biting someone if they get too close. This can cause a lot of issues for families, as there are multiple people living in one house. Add on that younger members of the family might not understand their need for space, and things might not end well.

Chow Chows have been compared to cats, thanks to their personalities

Although they are dogs, Chow Chows have long been compared to cats, as they are often known for their aloof personalities. To make matters even more confusing, they look just like giant teddy bears, which can make them a tempting cuddle for people and children who might not know any better. Of course, this can cause some issues.

Chow Chows are known to be pretty difficult to train and can quickly become extremely protective of their families. Although this can be what some families want from their dogs, it might not be long before being overly touchy and grabby with the dogs or strangers entering their space can lead to some aggressive altercations with the breed.

An Alaskan malamute’s size can mean they might accidentally hurt children

Being such an eye-catching dog means that Alaskan malamutes are a popular choice of pet across the world. Although many people confuse them with huskies, the Alaskan malamute is actually larger and incredibly solid. This is why they made the perfect sled-pulling dogs who still require plenty of exercise if you want to keep them happy and healthy.

Amazingly, Alaskan malamutes aren’t actually known for being a dangerous breed. However, it’s their breeding history and size that mean they’re not always the best for families. Being so strong on the leash - and often pulling by accident - as well as their large size means Alaskan malamutes might end up hurting smaller members of the family.

Doberman pinschers have worked hard to shake their former reputation

For years, the Doberman pinscher has earned a reputation for being one of the most aggressive breeds. Thankfully, things have changed a lot over the years, and they can now make great additions for people who know what they’re doing. However, there is still the fact that the breed might not be the best for young families.

Doberman pinschers are known for being highly protective of those they love, which can lead to incidents with strangers if the dogs feel as though their family is being threatened. Then there’s the fact Doberman pinscher puppies come with incredibly sharp teeth and claws, a potentially dangerous mix with young children if they’re not supervised constantly.

The American Bandogge can have a short amount of patience

The American Bandogge is one of the most controversial breeds in the world, as well as one that has a mysterious history. No one is entirely sure where the breed originated, with many now referring to the breed as the American mastiff. Whatever the case, we know that American Bandogges were bred for hunting and protection.

With those two characteristics in mind, the American Bandogge might not be the best addition for families. The breed is known to have a short amount of patience, which can prove to be dangerous for children who press the wrong buttons. If they do start to wear thin, the breed might return to its aggressive instinct.

The Perro de Presa Canario is known for being an aggressive guard dog

When it comes to guard dogs, the Perro de Presa Canario is known to be one of the most sought-after, thanks to the breed’s reputation and presence. Their reputation means plenty of these dogs are often left to their own devices to protect someone’s home, meaning they have little human interaction or training throughout their lives.

Although they can be trained to be loyal pets, the Perro de Presa Canario is also known for its incredibly aggressive streak if things aren’t kept in line. They are known to be territorial and headstrong, as well as being extremely suspicious of anyone new, which can often make this breed one of the more unpredictable.

Afghan hounds are known for their speed and the thrill of the chase

The look alone of an Afghan hound is always enough to make them stand out of the crowd. They are known to have hilarious personalities and often bring a lot of light to someone’s life, but it comes at a cost. Afghan hounds typically get bored when left alone for too long and can quickly become destructive without enough stimulation.

Another aspect of the Afghan hound is that the breed has a strong instinct to chase anything that runs. The problem? Young children often love to run around and have fun, and Afghan hounds are lightning fast when it comes to the chase. If you’re not careful, this could quickly lead to an accident with serious consequences.

Pekingese are some of the most stubborn toy breeds on the market

It can be easy to think that all of the dogs in the toy breed category will make themselves seem bigger and louder than everything else in the room. However, that can't always be said for the Pekingese. They are known to be incredibly confident and one of the most stubborn in the category, but they love to lounge around.

Still, the Pekingese is also incredibly emotional, with many of the dogs feeling a lot of hurt and disrespect when they are told off or trained. To make matters worse, the Pekingese usually don't take too well to being poked or pulled around, which can lead to outbursts while also being incredibly protective of their food and toys.

German shepherds can make good family dogs, but only if they have the right training

There are plenty of reasons that German shepherds are used by law enforcement around the world. They are highly intelligent, obedient, and have an incredibly strong bite. While all of these make for some great characteristics for chasing bad guys, they might not be the things people want for their family pets. Still, that’s not always the case.

German shepherds can make great additions to the family home as they are loyal and pretty patient with youngsters. However, it’s all down to the training with this breed. German shepherds can also be rather boisterous and jump around, which could lead to accidental injuries if children and dogs aren’t supervised at all hours of the day.

Cane Corsos require a lot of exercise and are an incredibly large breed

One thing that many people don’t know about Cane Corsos is just how much exercise the breed needs every day. Although they will never be able to run for miles, they do need to be on the go for at least two hours every day to give their minds and muscles the stimulation they need.

That’s all thanks to their history as a hunting breed, but what about Cane Corsos with children? Like many other big breeds out there, it’s all about the training when it comes to these dogs. However, the fact they are so large and are known to keep their eye on the prize could lead to children being accidentally hurt.

Bullmastiffs have been known to turn on their families

Although they are accepted in many countries, there are still some around the world that don’t allow the bullmastiff as they have been marked as a dangerous breed. Their size and intelligence mean they have long been used as guard or working dogs, with plenty claiming they also make great family additions if they have the right training.

Sadly, there have also been many incidents of bullmastiffs turning on their owners after years of good behavior. For one, the breed is known to be incredibly loyal to its family, which can cause some issues when it comes to strangers. Then there’s the fact bullmastiffs can be easily provoked, which can cause problems with younger members of the family.

Jack Russell terriers will often take out their frustration by biting

Terriers come in all shapes and sizes, with Jack Russell terriers being some of the most common on the market. However, you might want to think twice before welcoming one into the home. Back in 2015, a British police force investigated the number of dog attacks and found the breed was responsible for the most.

This is often a common theme with Jack Russells, with the breed often taking out its frustration by nipping and biting those around it. While they might not be the best for families with young children, Jack Russells can be good additions for knowledgable homes with adults or teenagers only, providing no one is too excitable.

The Chinese Shar Pei often likes to spend time away from their family

There are unusual dogs, and then there is the Chinese Shar Pei. The extra rolls over their entire body certainly makes them one to turn a few heads, with plenty of people wanting to welcome the breed into their homes for this reason alone. Sadly, this might not always be the best idea, especially for those with young children.

Shar Peis are incredibly intelligent and need a lot of stimulation and exercise to be healthy and not become destructive. This can be tough when you already have other family commitments. Plus, Shar Peis are known to be an independent breed who like their own space, something children might not necessarily understand all the time.

Great Danes are usually fine until something sets them off

Often hailed as one of the biggest breeds in the world is none other than the Great Dane. They are a majestic dog who has a lengthy history. They have been bred for hundreds of years to be the perfect hunting dog, with their large size and power meaning they were ideal for taking down the likes of boar.

Although Great Danes aren’t known to be aggressive, there is always the chance that this giant breed could turn. The Great Danes are highly protective of their space, meaning they don’t take kindly to anyone who gets too close. This is where their size can become dangerous, as it’s tough to stop an attacking Great Dane.

A bull terrier can be a great family pet, but their strength can be deceiving

They might be one of the smaller breeds in the world, but bull terriers are a stocky breed that is incredibly strong for their size. Sadly, their association with bad guys in movies and as guard dogs mean that bull terriers have often been regarded as some of the more aggressive terriers, but is that really true? That depends.

Bull terriers can make for some great family dogs, especially if they have the right training, as they aren’t known for using aggression as an answer. However, being so strong and having such a dense bight means that bull terriers can be a real danger if something happens that makes them turn on their family.

Boxers can accidentally hurt small children through their boisterous nature

Did you know that some insurance companies deem boxers to be a dangerous breed and refuse to insure them? They have long earned a reputation for being an unpredictable breed, but things have changed a lot for boxers. To start, they were used as bull-baiting dogs and by butchers to control cattle in the slaughterhouse.

Now, many claim that boxers are the perfect family dog. Sadly, their downfall might come from their love to play - and their size. Boxers are known for only growing up well into their later years, which can mean small children often get knocked over and potentially hurt by the boisterous dogs without them even realizing it.

English toy spaniels can get snappy if people don’t give them the right amount of space

It turns out the English toy spaniel might have actually come from Asia. Experts agree that they were often gifted between those at the top in Japan, meaning they are more than used to spending their days lounging around and spending time on their owners’ laps. However, the English toy spaniel can also be very independent and stubborn.

While they can be quick to train if you know what you’re doing, the English toy spaniel is also known to be wary of strangers and can be loud if they aren’t getting attention. To make matters worse, English toy spaniels can also get a little snappy with children if they aren’t given enough of their own time and space.

The Dalmatian stands out but requires a lot of work to remain healthy

Want a dog breed that stands out? Dalmatians could be the thing that so many people want, as their spots are so unique to each dog. They are a popular pet, but that doesn’t mean they’re the easiest. For one, Dalmatians require at least two hours of exercise each day and are an incredibly energetic breed.

That’s part of why they’re not always the best for families. As well as needing a lot of attention to remain healthy, Dalmatians are large and love to bounce around. Little ones who accidentally get in the way could end up getting knocked down. They can also be known to bite if they aren’t given proper training.

Wolfdogs aren’t recommended to be kept as pets by anyone

It’s not just that wolfdogs aren’t ideal pets for families - they aren’t ideal pets at all. They are actually a cross between wolves and dogs, often with two to four generations between pure wolves and wolfdogs. Still, a lot of the wolf behavior remains in these animals, meaning they are more wild than domesticated like other dog breeds.

They are known to be highly influenced by pack mentality and are not known to be social animals. This can mean they don’t enjoy being around people and could lash out at those who try to push their luck. To top things off, wolfdogs are incredibly strong, something that can become a real issue along the way.

Boerboels were bred in South Africa as menacing guard dogs

Like many large dogs, Boerboels were bred to be guard dogs, with a lot of emphasis placed on their size and aggression. The breed hails from South Africa and can weigh as much as 200 pounds, with the dogs using their size to prevent anyone from getting too close to their family. Their loyalty certainly helps their protective instincts.

However, there have been several stories of Boerboels turning on their owners without any instigation. Their bite is incredibly powerful, meaning if they do turn, then it can have dangerous and potentially life-ending consequences. All in all, the Boerboel isn’t often recommended as a pet for families, especially those with children or youngsters in the house.

Weimaraners can inherit aggressive behaviors from other generations in their family

There appears to be a theme between dogs that were bred to hunt and those that might not be the best for families. The Weimaraner is no exception. They are an incredibly intelligent dog who is known to be wary of strangers, with plenty opting for the breed because of their loyalty and the protectiveness of their families.

The issue comes when Weimaraners aren’t given proper training. Plus, those from genetic liens that are known to be more aggressive could inherit some of those traits without us even realizing it. Growling, barking, and snapping at those around them are all ways a Weimaraner can show they’re upset or stressed with a certain situation.

Greyhounds have never been bred to be family pets

While some breeds are raised to be perfect family companions, others aren’t. The latter is the case for the greyhound. Instead, they are known for their speed and agility, making them the perfect racing dogs. This can also lead to some issues for those looking to welcome a greyhound into the family home if they’re not careful.

Greyhounds can be safe with children if they are trained from a young age and know how to socialize with others. On the other hand, their love of the chase can mean that greyhounds will prey on small children. Greyhounds are also known to show their annoyance to people they don’t like, including youngsters in their families.

Neapolitan mastiffs require a lot of training to keep their aggression under control

Learning about a breed before welcoming them into the family home is vital if you want to keep everyone safe. While many think that Neapolitan mastiffs look like great additions, that’s not always the case. For one, they need a lot of training if you want to ensure they don’t use their size against the family.

Then there’s the fact that Neapolitan mastiffs are known to be highly protective of their loved ones. Why is that an issue? If this breed feels that one of their loved ones is being threatened, they can quickly become aggressive, turning against anyone who stands in their way. This can be especially true when it comes to strangers.

The Staffordshire terrier has an incredibly powerful bite, thanks to their fighting history

Although they are a different breed, being a type of pit bull means that Staffordshire terriers are often confused with pit bull terriers. This has earned them a reputation for being aggressive which isn’t always the case. However, it can be if Staffordshire terriers end up in the wrong hands or without suitable training from a young age.

Staffordshire terriers tend to be more laid-back than pit bulls, but they have both been used as fighting dogs in the past. This means that some can come with aggressive personalities. To make matters worse, the Staffordshire terrier has a mighty bite that can lead to dangerous consequences for anyone on the receiving end of an attack.

The gull dong requires a strong owner with plenty of experience

It comes to something when a dog breed is recommended for experienced owners only. That’s the case with the gull dong, which is known to be highly intelligent and loyal to its owners. This means the breed often needs a strong owner to ensure they don’t overpower their family. But they’re also known to be powerful.

The gull dong is particularly wary of strangers, both in the form of humans and animals, meaning they can be prone to attacks if they aren’t monitored. To make matters worse, gull dongs are typically only happy when they have a job to do - as they were bred as working dogs - meaning they don’t always have patience for children.

Australian shepherds can sometimes see their herding nature take over around children

It’s not always that a dog is dangerous which makes it an unsuitable addition for families. That’s the case with the Australian shepherd. After all, they can make great additions to homes with other children, so long as they get plenty of stimulation and exercise. They are bred as working and farm dogs, after all.

However, there’s a clue in the name when it comes to the Australian shepherd. They are often used for rounding up animals on the farm, with their shepherding instincts often taking over when around small children or animals. This can often mean they nip at people’s ankles as they think they are doing a job.

The French bulldog needs socializing before they are ideal family pets

Like it or not, it’s hard to deny dogs go through their own trends. Long gone are the days of the pug, as French bulldogs have had their time to shine in the last few years. While it can be easy to see photos of people playing with their Frenchies and assume they’re family dogs, that’s not always the case.

Instead, French bulldogs require a lot of socialization to ensure they get along with others before they are safe to be around children. With the proper training, they can be perfect family additions. Without the work and effort they need, Frenchies can bite - and even if it’s not as powerful, it can still cause damage.

Skye terriers are known to dominate anything they can if you’re not careful

Terriers tend to be pretty loyal to their family, and the Skye terrier is no exception. Amazingly, these are one of the breeds that don’t tend to need as much exercise as other terriers, but they do need someone with a firm training regime. That’s because Skye terriers tend to be incredibly dominant and stubborn if they’re allowed.

Skye terriers also tend to stick to one person in the family, making them their primary person. The issue? These dogs are also incredibly dominant over anything smaller, such as small animals or children. The same can also be said for anyone who isn’t firm with them, with Skye terriers often reacting to discipline or anyone who teases them.

The Japanese tosa has long been used as a powerful fighting dog

Plenty of countries around the world don’t allow Japanese tosas, thanks to the history and reputation that follows the breed. They are known to be brave, courageous, and patient, but that’s not all. The Japanese tosa was once bred as a fighting dog, meaning they know how to stand their ground in any altercation that comes their way.

Just because many view the breed as the national treasure of Japan doesn’t mean they should be welcomed into every home. One of the up and downsides of this breed comes when they feel under attack. Being so protective of its family means the Japanese tosa will often stop at nothing to bring down what it views as a threat.

Basenjis are known to be aggressive toward a host of other animals and children

One of the lesser-known dog breeds out there is the Basenji. The breed comes from Central Africa, where they have long been used as hunting dogs. That might tell you everything you need to know about what to expect from this breed. Plenty of people have welcomed Basenjis in as family companions, but is that really a good idea?

The Basenji is still used as a hunting dog across many areas in Africa, meaning a lot of the dogs still have those chasing instincts on the surface. This can mean they are prone to attack small animals and children, especially if they run away. Basenjis are also known to be aggressive toward other dogs, regardless of their size.

The Siberian husky needs a lot of attention and exercise to thrive

When we think of Siberian huskies, there's a good chance we might think of snow and sleds. You wouldn't be wrong, as these dogs have been used in colder temperatures for getting from A to B for years. That hasn't stopped plenty of people from welcoming Siberian huskies into their homes all across the world throughout the years.

However, it's their personalities that might mean they're not the best fit for a busy family home. Huskies love to be the center of attention, something that often doesn't work when you're trying to raise a family. Then there's the fact that Siberian huskies need a lot of exercise and can often feel left out of the family unit.

Japanese chins require constant attention to avoid separation anxiety

Toy breeds are often known for being hyperactive and pretty yappy. Thankfully, the Japanese chin tends to be quieter than most others on the market, but the breed does love to run around and stretch its legs every now and then. Like many other smaller breeds, the Japanese chin also enjoys spending its days on someone’s lap.

However, it’s not all bonuses with this dog. Being so small and agile means Japanese chins are incredibly fragile and might accidentally get hurt if they lie in a house with small children. Then there’s the fact that this breed also prefers to be with someone all day, as they can easily develop separation anxiety and become destructive.

The Akita is highly protective of its things and food

Akitas come in all shapes and sizes - and will often show different sides to their personality, depending on who they meet. At home, this breed tends to be loving and loyal to the ones it loves. With strangers, Akitas are usually silent and timid. They are also known to be an incredibly headstrong breed that knows what it wants.

One of the many issues that come with owning an Akita is how they don’t tend to like sharing their toys or food with others - and they aren’t known for their love of playing, either. This can be an issue for people with young children, as reaching for something that belongs to an Akita could lead to serious injuries.

Dogo Argentinos were bred for fighting, but little is known about them as pets

Getting an answer as to whether or not a Dogo Argentino is dangerous or not will all depend on who you ask. They are one of the more unusual and uncommon breeds on the market, meaning less if known about them than other dogs. However, we do know that Dogo Argentinos were bred to be fighting dogs.

This alone can mean that some individuals have a fighting instinct brewing beneath the surface. Plus, there have been reports of Dog Argentinos attacking anything that stands in their way when they feel they are under attack. Of course, their size and the power of their bite mean this can be a dangerous combination to tackle.

American bulldogs have risen in popularity, but they need a lot of socializing and activities

The rise in popularity of the American bulldog means that plenty of underground breeders have been passing off mixed breeds as the real thing for years, with plenty of associations looking to bring things back under control. Still, their appearance and stockiness have left many people head over heels with the breed over the years.

The best person to own an American bulldog is someone who loves to exercise and get out of the house, as they need a lot of stimulation to keep healthy. However, some American bulldogs have been known to be standoffish with strangers or if they feel threatened. To combat this, American bulldogs need to be socialized from a young age.

Dachshunds have been known to bite smaller members of the family

One dog that has certainly become more of a trend than an informed purchase in the last few years are Dachshunds. While they might look like little wieners, there is a lot more to this breed than an adorable addition. After all, Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers, hence the long back and narrow face of the breed.

This also means they can be incredibly nippy, especially when it comes to young children. Dachshunds might look sweet, but they have a powerful bite and often won’t let go, something that goes back to their days out there hunting game. While they can be trained, they’re better suited to more grown-up households or those with older children.