The Most Dangerous Dog Breeds

By Joshua Glotzer in Dog Bites on September 04, 2025

Dog attacks can result in severe physical injuries, costly medical bills, and lasting emotional distress, particularly when the dog is large or difficult to control. At Glotzer & Leib, we’ve guided many residents who have suffered significant harm from such incidents. Learning about the most dangerous dog breeds plays an important role in raising awareness of breed-related risks, promoting public safety, and clarifying the legal rights available to dog bite victims in California.

While no breed is dangerous by nature, certain dogs are more likely to be involved in serious bite-related incidents due to their size, physical power, and tendencies toward territorial behavior. These risks are often worsened by poor training, neglect, or abusive environments. Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Huskies frequently appear in dog bite statistics, but with proper socialization, many of these dogs live peacefully in homes across Burbank.

The Most Dangerous Dog Breeds

When identifying the most dangerous dog breeds, several factors should be considered. Some dogs have been developed for protection, others for hunting or fighting. According to Dog Academy, factors that may influence what are considered aggressive traits in certain dog breeds include:

• Genetics, particularly in dogs purposefully bred for guarding, hunting, or fighting
• High prey drives, more common in breeds developed for hunting
• Strength and size, including jaw strength and bite power
• Trainability and temperament, whether the dog is stubborn or difficult to control
• Behavioral issues, caused by boredom, anxiety, fearfulness, or a predisposition to stress
• Territorial tendencies, which may lead to aggression if the dog is not properly socialized

Dogs of any breed may develop aggression issues for other reasons, and some of the most dangerous dog breeds evaluated in this report show patterns that point more to owner neglect than innate behavior.

Pit Bull Terrier

Pit Bulls have long carried a reputation for aggression, largely because of their tragic history in illegal dog fighting. According to recent data from State Farm they’re responsible for 65% of fatal dog attacks, with 284 deaths linked to the breed. Their muscular build, high pain tolerance, and bite force (235 to 260 PSI) can cause severe damage during attacks.

Even with strong defenses from owners who argue Pit Bulls are misunderstood, their power and fighting background make them a risky choice for first-time dog owners or households with young children. Some confusion also exists because breeds like American Bulldogs are mistakenly labeled as Pit Bulls, which clouds reporting.

Rottweiler

Rottweilers are protective, confident, and powerful. Originally developed for guarding and herding, they can become territorial if not properly socialized. Known for their physical strength, they may react aggressively when provoked or threatened.

They tend to be loyal family dogs, but strangers may not be so lucky. In several attacks, victims were unfamiliar with the dog or entered the dog’s property. Without consistent training and control, this breed can pose serious dangers.

German Shepherd

As trusted police and service dogs, German Shepherds are obedient and intelligent. But they also rank high in bite statistics, especially among children. Their alertness, paired with their size and speed, makes them excellent working dogs, but potentially dangerous in the wrong environment.

Some attacks come from fear-based reactions. When German Shepherds are undertrained or poorly treated, their protective instincts may become unpredictable.

American Bulldog

Often mistaken for Pit Bulls, American Bulldogs are strong and territorial. They can weigh over 100 pounds and show impressive agility. Originally used for farm work and guarding, they can display a determined nature that may lead to disobedience if not handled with confidence and consistency.

American Bulldogs need extensive socialization to interact safely with unfamiliar people or animals. In homes where this doesn’t happen, their protective nature may escalate to aggression.

Bullmastiff

Bullmastiffs combine the strength of the Mastiff with the drive of a Bulldog. Bred to be silent watchdogs, their sheer size, often over 120 pounds, can be intimidating. With early socialization, they tend to be calm, but their instinct to guard can become problematic when strangers approach their property.

In Burbank, where homes may have smaller yards or tighter neighborhoods, this territorial behavior could lead to confrontations if the dog isn’t secured.

At Glotzer & Leib, LLP, we believe every injury victim deserves experienced, dedicated representation, without being treated like just another case. With decades of experience and a track record of seven-figure results, we take on powerful insurance companies and fight for those whose lives have been disrupted by serious motor vehicle accident, a workplace injury, or any type of personal injury claim. You’re not just a case to us, you’re our priority.

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Siberian Husky

Huskies are high-energy, intelligent dogs originally developed for endurance work in cold climates. They are not naturally aggressive, but their independence and stubbornness can cause frustration for owners unfamiliar with breeds that have a strong, independent nature.

They have a strong instinct to chase and may react poorly in homes with small animals or unfamiliar children. Bite incidents involving Huskies are less common but can be serious due to their speed and strength.

Alaskan Malamute

The larger cousin of the Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Malamute, was developed for heavy work in cold environments. They are powerful and determined, but also extremely independent. This independence often translates to difficulty with obedience.

Like Huskies, they need space and mental stimulation. Without it, frustration can cause them to lash out or escape. Reports of attacks often arise from lack of exercise or control. Among the most dangerous dog breeds, their unpredictability when under-stimulated is often noted by owners.

Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans were bred as guard dogs. Their intelligence and loyalty are strong assets, but they also possess a naturally suspicious nature. When left untrained, this trait can quickly become dangerous.

They’re lean but strong, capable of causing severe harm in a short time. Their imposing appearance often makes people wary, but it’s their strong instinct to protect their person that can escalate if strangers are involved.

Chow Chow

Despite their teddy bear appearance, Chow Chows can be reserved and temperamental. Their strong guarding instincts and low tolerance for strangers can make them volatile in busy environments.

They don’t enjoy rough play and often react poorly to teasing or uninvited contact. For this reason, they aren’t ideal for families with young children unless trained extensively from puppyhood.

Great Dane

Known as gentle giants, Great Danes are not typically aggressive. However, due to their massive size and strength, even playful mouthing or an accidental collision can result in injury.

Aggression in Danes is usually tied to anxiety or pain. If not trained early to interact gently, they can unintentionally hurt people, even without malice.

Boxer

Boxers are active, fun-loving dogs with high energy levels. But they’re also stubborn and strong. Some Boxers exhibit behavioral problems, especially when left alone for long hours.

While not often involved in fatal attacks, they can still injure people when they become overly excited or defensive.

Wolf Hybrid

Wolf-dog hybrids are controversial. Their wild ancestry makes them unpredictable. While some owners report calm behavior, others have experienced sudden aggression, even after years of peaceful cohabitation.

These animals don’t respond to training the same way domestic dogs do. Their instinct to hunt and react to perceived threats makes them a real risk, especially in residential settings.

What to Do if You’re Attacked by a Dangerous Dog

• Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately: Even if the bite seems minor, puncture wounds can easily become infected.
• Report the incident to Burbank Animal Control: This starts an investigation and may help identify past incidents involving the most dangerous dog breeds or any other breed.
• Document everything: Take photos of your injuries, the dog, the location, and any property damage. Ask witnesses for their contact info.
• Avoid confronting the owner. Let authorities handle the follow-up. Arguments may complicate liability later.
• Contact a personal injury law firm: In many situations, state law can hold dog owners responsible for bite injuries, depending on the circumstances of the case.

Dog Bite Statistics in California

Dog bite incidents are reported across California each year, including in Burbank. Many occur in public spaces such as parks or during off-leash situations. These reports only reflect a portion of actual incidents, as many go unreported when injuries seem minor or victims are unsure of their rights.

Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Community from Dog Attacks

• Know your neighbors’ pets: Be cautious when walking near unfamiliar dogs, especially those behind short fences, loose in yards, or that show signs of stress or agitation.
• Teach children how to behave around dogs: No running, no sudden hugs, and always ask before petting, ensuring they understand to give dogs personal space.
• Avoid approaching tethered or unleashed dogs: These situations account for a large portion of bites, particularly when the animal feels protective.
• Advocate for responsible ownership: Reporting off-leash or aggressive dogs helps keep neighborhoods safe and encourages accountability among pet owners.
• Be prepared. Carrying an umbrella or another safe deterrent can reduce the risk of an attack without causing harm.

Talk to Glotzer & Leib About Your Dog Bite Case

Dog bites can leave physical and emotional scars. At Glotzer & Leib, we help Burbank residents pursue fair compensation for their injuries. Whether the bite came from a known breed on this list or a dog with no history of aggression, your rights still matter.

Understanding the most dangerous dog breeds is just one part of the picture; holding negligent owners accountable makes a huge difference. Contact us today at 747-241-8288 or visit us at 1023 N Hollywood Way, Suite 202, Burbank, CA 91505, for a case review, and let’s discuss your options.