Top Dangerous Dog Breeds: (alphabetical order)
It is important to remember that there is no such thing as a “safe” dog breed. All dogs can become dangerous at any point in time.
Many breeds, large or small, can show a tendency towards aggression. Unfortunately, large breed dogs can do much more damage than small dogs.
The following list is based on breed reputation and the number of attacks reported throughout the past.
To see photos and more information about each breed, click on a breed name from the following list:
CDC Fatal Dog Attack Study
Over a 20-year span, the CDC Center for Disease Control and Prevention) conducted a study and collected data on dog bite and attack-related fatalities. The following illustrates their findings.
| Purebred | Crossbred | ||
| Breed Name | # of Deaths | Breed Name | # of Deaths |
| Pit Bull Type | 39 | Wolf Dog Hybrid | 14 |
| Rottweiler | 39 | Mixed Breed | 12 |
| German Shepard | 17 | German Shepard | 10 |
| Husky Type | 15 | Pit Bull Type | 10 |
| Malamute | 12 | Husky Type | 6 |
| Doberman Pinscher | 9 | Rottweiler | 5 |
| Chow Chow | 8 | Alaskan Malamute | 3 |
| Great Dane | 7 | Chow Chow | 3 |
| Saint Bernard | 7 | Doberman Pinscher | 0 |
| Total Purebred attacks | 153 | Total Crossbred attacks | 63 |
| Total unknown breed attacks | 238 | ||
| Total deaths 1979-1998 | 454 | ||
It is important to remember that these are only dog bites and attacks, which resulted in death. The number of attacks for which an injury occurred is unknown. The CDC does not track these types of attacks, as they are mostly based on eyewitness accounts and cannot be deemed accurate.
Other studies have been conducted to provide a list of “safe” dogs or dogs which are best to be chosen as a child’s or family’s pet. The dogs on the following list have been deemed “safest” for having around small children and families. They have a good temperament, which means less aggression and little chance of attack.
Dogs Typically family friendly:
The above breeds are reported to be dog-friendly overall; however, a recent 2023 study claims that some of the breeds have a tendency towards aggression.
Dog Safety
Remember, to always use caution when approaching ANY dog, regardless of size or breed, as it is their temperament, which determines their attitude and likelihood to bite or attack.
If you have been bitten or attacked by any type of dog, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately after the attack. Never approach a dog that you are unfamiliar with and keep a safe distance between you and the dog. A fearful dog is much more dangerous than you might think. You can view a list of California dog bite laws on our dog bite statutes page.
Dog Bite Statistics in the U.S (Infographic). Download or share our dangerous breeds dog bite info-graphic to educate others on the dangers of approaching a dangerous dog.
Legal Assistance With a Dog Bite
Contact an experienced California dog bite attorney at Bisnar Chase who will fight for your rights and hold the negligent dog owner financially responsible for the damages caused by his or her pet.
Injured victims may be entitled to damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, cost of cosmetic surgery, psychological counseling, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Call us to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights. Call (800) 561-4887.
