Dog Breeds Most Likely To Attack (And Which Have The Bite To Back It Up)

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Some dogs bark loudly but rarely bite. Others? They leave a lasting impression (yes, that’s a dental pun).

We break down which breeds show up most in attack reports — and which ones have the bite to back up their bark.

3 Reasons Why Some Dogs Attack More Often

Not all attacks happen for the same reason. A dog’s history, size, and purpose often shape how it responds when threatened or excited.

1. Size Factor

It might come as a surprise, but oftentimes, the smaller the dog, the more aggressive the behavior. Because they can’t physically overpower a threat, smaller breeds often rely on snapping or growling as a defensive strategy.

Breeds like Chihuahuas and Dachshunds frequently display fear-based aggression, lashing out when they feel threatened or unsafe. Learn more about the different types of canine aggression and what to do if your dog is suddenly aggressive.

Alternatively, larger dogs may not display aggression as frequently, but when they do, their strength and jaw power make the outcome far more dangerous.

2. Breed Purpose

Many breeds were developed for specific jobs, and those instincts continue to influence their behavior today.

Herding breeds, such as German Shepherds and Australian Cattle Dogs, may nip or chase other animals. Guarding breeds, such as Rottweilers, Dobermans, and Mastiffs, are more likely to exhibit territorial aggression toward strangers.

3. Human Influence

Regardless of the breed, environment plays a significant role in aggression.

Dogs that lack socialization, experience neglect, or receive poor training are far more likely to lash out, while those raised in stable, well-managed homes often show little to no aggressive behavior.

Top 5 Breeds Named Most Often In Attack Reports

Certain breeds consistently appear in attack reports. This doesn’t mean every individual dog is dangerous, but these five breeds are consistently linked to higher numbers of reported attacks and, in many cases, more severe outcomes.

The statistics below were compiled from a variety of sources with similar data, including www.cdc.gov, www.fataldogattacks.org, worldanimalfoundation.org, nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com, www.aspca.org, and www.avma.org.

1. Pit Bull–Type Dogs

Pit Bulls are the breed most often associated with dog attacks. The term covers several related breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bully, American Bulldog, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Pit Bulls account for more reported fatal attacks than any other breed. From 2013 to 2021, they were the top biting breed in 20 states. In 2022 alone, they were linked to 41 deaths in the U.S. A 15-year study by Ohio State University found Pit Bulls responsible for 22.5% of reported bites.

The severity of their bites also stands out. Their heavy heads, broad jaws, and strong musculature often result in complex wounds. Estimates suggest Pit Bulls were involved in about 3,400 attacks and at least 235 deaths in the U.S. between 2014 and 2020.

Sadly, Pit Bulls are also among the most abused and abandoned dogs in America. Many are bred for fighting or kept in poor conditions, which fuels aggression. Not surprisingly, they are one of the most common breeds in shelters and rescues.

2. Rottweilers

Rottweilers rank just behind Pit Bulls in attack frequency and severity. Together, these two breeds account for an estimated 77% to 80% of dog attacks on people in the U.S.

Reports estimate Rottweilers are responsible for more than 500 documented attacks and at least 51 deaths since 2005. Without proper care, socialization, and stimulation, they are prone to aggression. With responsible ownership, however, Rottweilers are loyal, intelligent companions.

Their history as guarding and working dogs also plays a role. Bred for protection and herding cattle, they have strong territorial instincts. When left unsupervised or poorly trained, that protective drive can escalate into aggression, which is why they require experienced owners.

3. German Shepherds

German Shepherds are the third most reported breed in attack cases. Known for their intelligence and protective instincts, they rank high in both bites and fatalities.

Since 2016, German Shepherds have consistently been among the top three breeds most likely to bite. They are estimated to have caused at least 15 deaths and about 120 attacks in the U.S. since 2014.

German Shepherds often direct aggression toward strangers if they lack proper training and socialization. While they are generally less innately aggressive than Pit Bulls or Rottweilers, their strength means even a single bite can cause serious harm.

4. Presa Canario

The Presa Canario is a large, powerful breed developed initially for guarding and protection. They have a reputation for being highly suspicious of strangers, both human and canine.

From 2014 to 2020, Presa Canarios were linked to at least 111 reported attacks and 18 deaths in the U.S. Though they are less common as pets, their bites often result in severe injuries and permanent disfigurement.

Because of their strength and intensity, Presa Canarios are generally not recommended for families with children or inexperienced dog owners.

5. Chihuahuas

Tiny but mighty, Chihuahuas are surprisingly aggressive compared to their size. They are territorial, reactive, and often show aggression toward children, other pets, and even veterinarians.

One study found Chihuahuas responsible for 4.2% of reported dog bites on children. While rarely fatal — only one confirmed Chihuahua-related death has ever been recorded in the U.S. — they are considered one of the most likely breeds to snap or nip.

Most Chihuahua bites don’t result in hospital visits, which means their aggression is underreported in official statistics. Still, their frequent nipping makes them an essential part of the conversation on breed aggression.

More Breeds Linked To Dog Attacks

Beyond the top five breeds most often named in attack reports, many other dogs appear in bite and fatality data. Some are surprising family favorites, others are powerful working dogs, and a few are smaller breeds with a big bite. Here’s what the numbers reveal.

Unexpected Family Favorites

These dogs are often seen as gentle companions, but their popularity means they appear in bite statistics more often than people expect. High ownership rates increase the chances of incidents being reported, even if the breed itself isn’t unusually aggressive.

• Golden Retriever — Known for their sweet nature, Goldens are still connected to 3 deaths and 11 attacks over the last decade. Popularity means even rare incidents get counted.
• Labrador Retriever — America’s favorite family dog shows up in attack data mostly due to high ownership. Labs were linked to 3 deaths and 56 reported attacks between 2014 and 2020, often involving children.
• Saint Bernard — Gentle giants at heart, Saint Bernards have been reported in at least 12 incidents and one death in the last decade. Their sheer size can make accidents more dangerous.
• Australian Shepherd — Highly protective and defensive, Aussies have been involved in 1 death and 38 reported attacks from 2014 through 2020.

Big But Gentle … Until They’re Not

Large working breeds are usually affectionate, but their size alone makes any bite or lunge far more dangerous. Poor training, lack of socialization, or mishandling can quickly escalate a situation.

• Great Dane — Majestic but massive, Great Danes caused 3 deaths and 37 reported attacks in the past decade. Most are sweet, but their size makes them formidable.
• Mastiff — Not usually hostile, but poor training or fear can turn dangerous. Mastiffs were tied to 5 deaths and 28 attacks between 2014 and 2019.
• Cane Corso — Often steady but powerful, the Cane Corso was linked to at least 21 attacks and 2 deaths. Their unpredictability means owners need strong handling skills.
• Alaskan Malamute — Known for strength and stamina, Malamutes have been tied to 6 deaths and 15 attacks in recent years, often at home and involving children.

Smaller But Snappy

Just because a dog is small doesn’t mean it won’t bite. These breeds may not cause as much physical harm as larger ones, but their behavior still lands them in bite reports — and many more cases go unreported.

• Jack Russell Terrier — Feisty without training, Jack Russells bite more than people realize. Because their bites rarely cause severe damage, many incidents go unreported.
• Lhasa Apso — This small dog is famous for nippy behavior. While their bite force is weaker, they can still cause injury if provoked.
• Chow Chow — Defensive and territorial, Chows were tied to 61 attacks and 8 deaths since 2014. Their fluffy looks often mask their dominant personality.

Rare Or High-Instinct Breeds

Some breeds are less common but still appear in bite data because of their strong instincts or protective temperaments. Their rarity doesn’t erase the risk they can pose without proper handling.

• Doberman — Originally bred as guard dogs, Dobermans still carry strong protective instincts. From 2014 through 2020, they were linked to 23 attacks and 8 deaths.
• Boxer — Intelligent and energetic, Boxers can channel prey drive into aggression. They’ve been connected to 7 deaths and 64 attacks in the last ten years.
• Akita — Remarkable but reactive, Akitas were involved in 7 fatalities and 70 attacks between 2014 and 2020.
• Wolf Hybrid — With wild and domestic genes, Wolf Hybrids have stronger prey drives and higher bite risk. From 2005 through 2019, they were tied to 19 deaths and at least 85 attacks.

Breed Attacks By Target (Strangers, Owners, Other Dogs)

A study on canine aggression published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that certain breeds are more likely to direct aggression toward specific targets — strangers, their own owners, or other dogs.

The researchers surveyed owners of more than 30 popular dog breeds to measure aggression in everyday situations. Because this was based on owner reports, and not all breeds were included, the results offer a comparative snapshot rather than a complete picture of breed aggression.

5 Breeds Most Aggressive Toward Strangers

In this section, we’ll look at the breeds that scored above average for stranger-directed aggression.

5 Breeds Most Aggressive Toward Owners/Family

Aggression toward owners and family members was the least common form of aggression overall in the Duffy, Hsu & Serpell study. Still, some breeds were reported more often for snaps, bites, or attempts to bite directed at their own household.

5 Breeds Most Aggressive Toward Other Dogs

In the Duffy, Hsu & Serpell study, aggression toward other dogs was the most common form reported across all breeds. Some breeds, however, scored much higher than average in this category.

Breeds Most Likely To Cause Serious Injury

Not all bites carry the same risk. Small dogs may snap more often, but their bites rarely cause severe damage. Larger breeds, with stronger jaws and more muscle behind them, have the potential to cause greater injury if aggression escalates.

The High-Risk Combination

The breeds most often considered capable of causing serious injury are:

• Pit Bull–Type Dogs — Muscular build and strong jaws; often linked with severe injuries when attacks occur.
• Rottweilers — Guarding heritage and powerful bites make their attacks difficult to fend off.
• German Shepherds — Used as police/military dogs for their strength and control; capable of inflicting deep wounds.
• Akitas — Large, wary, and protective; their bite strength adds to their risk profile.
• Mastiffs — Massive size and some of the highest bite forces recorded among domestic dogs.

Key takeaway: Aggression frequency tells us which breeds are more likely to bite, but bite strength and disposition determine which breeds are most likely to cause serious injury when they do bite.

What Dog Has The Strongest Bite?

Bite force plays a role in attack severity but is not the only factor. The Kangal has the strongest bite force of 743 PSI, whereas Pitbulls only have a bite force of 240 PSI.

Learn more about what dog bites the most and more dog bite statistics by breed in our dog bite statistics article, where we review some other breeds’ bite forces.

Prevention Matters More Than Breed

Any dog, regardless of breed, has the potential to bite under the wrong circumstances. Factors like lack of training, poor socialization, neglect, or being left unneutered often play a much bigger role than genetics alone. Dogs that feel fearful, cornered, or territorial may lash out, even if they’re typically calm family pets.

Responsible ownership is the most effective way to prevent attacks. Early socialization, consistent positive training, and neutering when appropriate can all lower risk. Supervision around children, secure fencing, and avoiding high-risk situations (like dog parks for reactive pups) also make a difference.

Quick Takeaway: Breed may influence tendencies, but environment, training, and care determine outcomes. Prevention always matters more than labels.

4 Dog Attack Stats

While it is hard to think about, some canine attacks can cause extreme damage or even be fatal to the person or other animal they attack.

1. According to the World Animal Foundation, one in 112,400 dog attacks is fatal.
2. Between 30 and 50 people are killed every year by reported dog attacks. The CDC reports an average of 33 fatal dog attacks every year.
3. In the United States, children ages 5 through 9 have a much higher risk than anyone else and have the highest incidence of dog bite injuries.
4. Since 2016, more than 65 breeds have been involved in fatal attacks, according to PitBullinfo.org, including purebred and mixed breeds.

Personal Experience With A Dog Attack

My son was attacked by a Chow Chow when we were walking home from school. He was 7 years old at the time and very much liked dogs. This was an animal that lived on the same block as us, and we would walk by it and the owner regularly. We often said hello and petted the pup, with permission and supervision from the owner.

On his walk home from school, the Chow was outside with his owner, as he was most days. We walked by and stopped to chat, my son asked to pet the dog, and the owner said it was ok. When the Chow got over to my son, he bit his hand as my son reached out to pet him.

It was a bite that punctured the skin and bruised quite a lot. We went for medical treatment and had to report the incident. After speaking to the owners, they made the heartbreaking choice to put the animal down. A day prior, the Chow was overly aggressive with the mail carrier and had been exhibiting some odd behaviors. After speaking with their vet, they decided that was the best choice. The owners did not want to risk the Chow biting another child, especially since my son was familiar with him and, prior to that, had no issue.

Where The Most Dog Attacks Happen

Dog attacks are reported nationwide, but some states see higher numbers. According to the United States Postal Service, there were more than 5,800 canine attacks on postal workers in 2019. The top 10 states for reported incidents were:

1. California
2. Texas
3. New York
4. Pennsylvania
5. Ohio
6. Illinois
7. Florida
8. Michigan
9. Missouri
10. North Carolina

Fatal attacks follow a similar trend. The states with the highest numbers of dog-related deaths include:

1. California
2. Texas
3. Florida
4. North Carolina
5. Ohio

Breed-Specific Laws & Bans

In response to dog bite concerns, some states and cities have adopted breed-specific legislation (BSL). These laws restrict or ban ownership of certain breeds, most often Pit Bulls and Rottweilers.

More than 1,000 cities and counties across the U.S. have BSL ordinances. View breed-specific legislation by state at bslcensus.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses the most frequently asked questions about aggressive breeds, bite statistics, and methods for preventing attacks. Don’t see your question? Ask us in the comments.

What Dog Breeds Bite The Most?

Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are consistently linked to the highest number of serious bite incidents.

Smaller breeds, such as Dachshunds and Chihuahuas, also score high for aggression toward strangers and owners; however, because their bites cause less damage, many incidents go unreported. This means statistics often underrepresent how frequently these smaller breeds attempt to bite.

Which Other Breeds Have Been Involved in Fatal Attacks?

Breeds beyond Pit Bulls and Rottweilers also appear in fatal attack data. Huskies were linked to 26 deaths between 2014 and 2020, Wolf Hybrids to 19 deaths from 2005–2019, and American Bulldogs to 16 deaths in the same period.

Akitas, Boxers, and Chow Chows have also been associated with fatalities.

Are Family Breeds Like Labradors and Golden Retrievers Dangerous?

Labradors and Golden Retrievers are among the most popular U.S. family dogs, but their high ownership numbers mean they appear in bite statistics. Labs were linked to 3 deaths and 56 reported attacks between 2014 and 2020, while Goldens were connected to 3 deaths and 11 attacks in the last decade.

Do Smaller Breeds Bite Too?

Yes. Small dogs, such as Lhasa Apsos and Jack Russell Terriers, can be feisty without proper training.

While their bites rarely cause fatal injuries, they can still inflict painful wounds and often go unreported.