Bassett Hound
Despite originally being bred as hunting dogs, Bassett Hounds are one of the least likely dogs to get aggressive around people and other pets.
They often have poor recall, as they are a type of hound, so their failure to return if they're not properly trained will be their biggest issue.
Beagle
Beagles are fairly lightweight dogs, known for the great companionship that they offer. They're great around young children and the elderly because of their size and temperament.
They also don't throw their weight around the way a lot of heavier dogs do, and it's very unlikely that they'll bite.
English Bulldog
Despite a lot of other bulldog breeds sitting on the aggressive side of the scale, English Bulldogs are famously mild, almost never going out of their way to attack anybody.
Their demeanor is protective and calm, although they can be quite clumsy, so the main threats they pose are to you chinaware and glass vases.
Havanese
Havanese dogs, originating from Cuba, have become one of the most popular domesticated dogs in the USA in recent years.
It's easy to see why, as they are beautiful, and serve as effective watchdogs thanks to their long attention spans. However, they aren't too aggressive in nature.
Golden Labrador/Retriever
Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are notoriously playful and energetic, known for their goofy personalities and well-meaning, gentle temperament.
However, they do enjoy playtime and they are strong enough to knock over smaller children and can cause stability problems for elderly people if they get too excited. They mean well - but a bump from one of these silly pups can hurt.
Irish Setter
Irish Setters can be similar to golden retrievers and labradors in terms of both their size and their playful, goofy nature.
They will require a lot of exercise to tame their high energy levels, otherwise, they will become restless and hard to control.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are very large dogs, sometimes weighing up to 150 pounds. Their main hazards don't come from aggression, but sheer size.
As a breed, they're not always aware of their own weight, making it important that you keep your eye on them if they are around young children or elderly people.
Dalmatian
Believe it or not, Dalmatians don't necessarily grow up to be as placid and mild as Disney would have you believe.
Although they aren't usually outwardly aggressive, Dalmatians can be very territorial, and unafraid to stand their ground if they believe that they are being threatened in any way.
Chihuahua
Aggression can sometimes come in the smallest of packages. Chihuahuas may not have the stature of a Pitbull, but they have an intense anger inside of them.
They will often charge at people while bearing their teeth. They won't do much damage to adults, but they can seriously harm small children if they are not kept under control. Not to mention their irritating yapping can wreak havoc on your sanity.
Dachshund
The majority of Dachshunds will be friendly if they have had adequate training and have been socialized with other people and dogs from a young age.
If not, they can be aggressive, loud, and capable of biting. Their bite belies their small stature, and although it won't be fatal, it will leave you in a fair bit of pain.
St. Bernard
Once again, the nature of a St. Bernard will be defined solely by the way it is trained as a young dog. Whether you end up with a Beethoven or a Cujo is entirely up to you.
St. Bernards have been responsible for seven human fatalities, but if they are trained well, they will not tend to be aggressive.
Great Dane
Great Danes aren't as outwardly aggressive as some dogs, but they have the potential to be dangerous because of their large size.
They will require extensive training and a lot of socializing with other dogs, people, and different places when they are young to ensure they become placid and friendly adults.
Japanese Akita
The temperament of Japanese Akitas is defined by how they have been treated since they were young. If trained and treated well, they can be a loveable dog to be around.
They do not respond well to mistreatment though, often violently lashing out if they feel threatened, making them a little more unpredictable than most dogs.
Doberman
Dobermans were originally bred as security dogs, and still often occupy that role today. Doberman dogs have a strong potential to become aggressive.
The breed has a unique temperament which will require extensive training to keep under control and to prevent attacks and aggression.
Alaskan Malamute
Despite their fluffy appearance, Alaskan Malamutes are known for being unpredictable, capable of snapping, and being aggressive without a great deal of provocation.
Because they were originally bred for sledding, they are naturally strong, which can throw up some dangers. However, they are loyal and loving to their family.
Bernese Mountain Dogs
Bernese Mountain Dogs, despite their size, are not much of a threat towards humans, instead offering a lot of affection.
However, they can be very dangerous to other pets. They are a very territorial breed and have been known to mercilessly attack other animals because of their natural instinct to protect their owner.
Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are one of the most popular breeds of dog kept as pets, as they provide great company if they are treated well.
They are less kind when exposed to rough play, often barking at and attacking smaller children if they feel at all threatened.
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are a cross between two of the most famous hunting dogs in the world, the English Bulldog and the English Mastiff.
The male Bullmastiffs present the biggest issues, as they can be very territorial and aggressive, especially to other male dogs.
Perro de Presa Canario
The Perro de Presa Canario, also known as the Canary Mastiff, is notorious for unprovoked, indiscriminate attacks, sometimes even against its owners.
They are sturdily built, with a lot of natural power as well as having strong jaws that can grip on very tightly.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso Club of America recommends that prospective owners take classes on canine behavior and obedience training. This early socialization will help ensure that your dog grows up to be a well-behaved member of the family and can help curb any aggressive tendencies this breed might have.
If you are looking for a loyal companion, a Cane Corso should fit the bill nicely - as long as you are willing to put in the work to ensure that you properly manage your dog throughout its lifetime.
Bull Terrier
Bull Terriers aren't necessarily known for their sheer aggression, but if they feel they are being provoked, they can be very territorial and protective of themselves.
They are also a stubborn breed, so once the red mist descends, they can be very difficult to control and rein back in.
Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzers tend to go under the radar in the discussion of dangerous dogs as they don't look like the breeds usually associated with aggression.
However, dog historians believe that Giant Schnauzers are historically made up of a mix of breeds, including Boxers, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds, explaining their tendencies to be aggressive.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are very powerful dogs, and if left untrained, they can prove to be very problematic, especially if provoked.
Due to their intelligence, they can also be trained as attack dogs, which explains why they are used by police forces across the world.
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois dogs are similar to German Shepherds in temperament and appearance. Just like German Shepherds, they can be trained to attack on command.
Belgian Malinois dogs are widely used for law enforcement in the United States, from street policing to protecting the White House.
Wolfdog
The Wolfdog is exactly what you'd imagine, a mixture of domesticated dog and wolf. Their natural wolf-like instincts make them a very difficult breed to control.
This has led to them being banned in many territories across the world, as they have been known to attack humans even if they are not provoked.
Boerboel
Boerboel dogs are often used as security dogs, due to their size and strength. They can grow to weigh up to 180 pounds, making them an immense force.
They have a lot of energy and will need regular walks in order to prevent unprovoked outbursts because of a lack of exercise.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies have historically been working dogs, used to pull sleds along in harsh conditions. They are very intelligent dogs, but they do have a tendency to lash out if they are annoyed.
If they are not used to children, they could cause damage without intending to, as they are often impatient with rough play.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terriers have the look of a potentially aggressive dog, but they very rarely attack unless they are provoked.
However, their stocky build means they are quite strong, making them very difficult to control if they lose their temper or if they feel vulnerable in any way.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiffs, with their drooping features and lumbering personalities, are by and large harmless to humans, especially if trained sufficiently.
However, they are very protective and will soon become aggressive if they feel other animals are trying to harm their owners.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Although Caucasian Shepherds may bear a mild resemblance to German Shepherds, they are substantially more dangerous, especially when they are provoked.
Their size, strength and instinctive aggression makes them a very dangerous breed, especially around humans that they are unfamiliar with.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows, despite having a cute name, can be very territorial, quickly becoming aggressive if they believe they or their owner are under threat.
They are another stubborn breed, making them difficult to control once they snap. This stubbornness requires them to undergo more training than most dogs.
Gull Dong
Unfortunately, Gull Dong dogs have been used in dog fights for many years, and have had an innate distrust of humans and other animals bred into them.
To a dog that has been forced to fight to survive, any creature is a rival. Their aggression has led to the breed being banned in many countries across the world.
Bandog
The DNA of a Bandog is usually mixed with that of a Mastiff, Pitbull, and Staffordshire Terrier. As you can imagine, this blend makes for a pretty intimidating dog.
They are highly alert and loyal dogs and will use their brute strength and agility to fend off any human or animal they believe to be posing a threat.
Boxer
Boxers are not uncommon to see when out for a walk, as they are the 11th most popular dog in the United States.
Despite this, they have the potential to severely harm, and even kill humans, if control is lost. Thankfully, Boxer attacks are rarely unprovoked.
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs are a mixture of German Shepherd and the Carpathian Grey Wolf, so it's safe to say that aggression is in their blood.
Initially, it's less about training Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs and more about taming them, as their default state is aggressive and distrusting. Not a great dog to have around the home.
Akita
Some dog breeds are good for first-time dog owners, some aren't. The Akita breed is known to be difficult to train, and will often walk all over a new owner. They don't like strangers, tend to be aggressive with other animals, and can be protective of their food.
They should not be left alone with other pets. If not trained right from the beginning, these dogs can become dangerous.
Tosa Inu
Tosa Inu dogs are often gentle and kind, but they have been cruelly used for dog-fighting over the years, which brings the worst out of them.
In stressful situations, Tosa Inus can be very aggressive and very dangerous to be around. Their strength and agility makes them very difficult to control.
Dogo Argentino
Dogo Argentino dogs have been bred as guard dogs for years, and do offer an incredibly intimidating deterrent to any wannabe intruders.
They can be very hostile toward unfamiliar humans and will bark and growl before launching into attack. At their worst, these attacks can prove to be fatal.
Fila Brasileiro
Also known as Brazilian Mastiffs, Fila Brasileiro dogs have an intimidating stature, weighing up to 110 pounds with a jaw stronger than most dogs of its size.
They are mostly bred to act as guard dogs, and for good reason, as they are incredibly highly strung. You don't have to do much to get on the bad side of a Fila Brasileiro.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
As the name implies, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog that was initially used to hunt lions. Its name comes from the dogs that were bred in Rhodesia, which is now Zimbabwe. The breed was developed in South Africa and was used to protect farms from predators.
This dog is known for its loyalty to its family, and it will do anything to protect them. These dogs have been used as guard dogs for centuries, but they are more family friendly today.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are not naturally violent, but they possess all of the power required to carry out fatal attacks if they have been angered.
They are a confident breed, very distrusting of strangers, which explains their common use as guard dogs. It's best that you don't antagonize them.
Pitbull
Pitbulls are the most high-profile dangerous dog, famously banned in many countries following a string of unprovoked attacks on humans, which made them the breed responsible for the most human fatalities.
It doesn't help that they have historically been bred to fight, as well as falling into the hands of irresponsible owners who sometimes train them with bad intentions.
American XL Bully
American XL Bullies have become notorious within the last couple of years because of a huge upturn in the number of reported attacks that have been carried out by the breed.
Their reputation has become so bad that they have been banned in many countries across the world, including the UK, as of 2024.
Kombai
This ancient breed is one of the most dangerous dogs in the world and is famous for its loyalty and regal temperament. Originally used as a guard dog for families and royalty in India, the Kombai has a lot of history behind it.
Unfortunately, this ancient breed is slowly dying out due to mixed breeding with "more aggressive breeds" that's left them more aggressive than ever. Still, with the right love and care, this regal dog can become an equally loyal companion.