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Indeed, dogs may look adorable and all kinds of cute.
But all dogs are different, even within the same breed.
And especially for some new and aspiring furry owners out there, we suggest choosing a friendlier canine breed to start with.
So, what are some of the deadliest dogs in the world?
It's important to note that some dogs have been bred or trained to be more aggressive.
Whether for work or sport, some breeds were raised for their strength, size, aggression, and tenacity.
And these mighty Fidos made it on our deadliest dogs list today.
Let's get to know them, shall we?
World's Deadliest Dogs: An Overview
With dog bites occurring about 4.5 million times per year in the US alone, it pays to be cautious.
In fact, most recent studies found dogs to be the 2nd most dangerous nonvenomous animal in the U.S.
And dog bites can happen even in the comforts of your home, according to Dr. Randall Loder:
More occurred in the summer and on weekends and 80.2% occurred at home.
However, the deadliest dog tag doesn't necessarily label a canine bad.
Rather, it means these dogs pose a bigger risk in case of aggression or improper handling due to their strong bite force, overall power, and size.
Important: All dogs on this list need experienced owners, socialization, and obedience training from a young age.
But getting to know some dog breeds can give you a general idea of the temperament and personality traits that you can expect from a pup.
If you have small children, elderly relatives living in your home, or frequent visitors, choosing one of these deadliest dogs may not be the best option.
RELATED: The Science Behind Aggression In Dogs
Top 15 World's Deadliest Dogs
1 Cane Corso
A breed that has been used as a guard dog for centuries, the Cane Corso has an intimidating appearance.
If that alone doesn’t stop any house intruders…
Well, news flash: the Corsi breed's territorial instincts have been involved in many fatal dog mauling accidents.
In a positive light, the Cane Corso is easy to train, affectionate with family, and oozing with intelligence.
Although they are big dogs and one of the more muscular ones, their short hair is easy to maintain, too.
Healthy and tough, this breed does well in most climates.
And while these dogs are energetic and sociable, Cane Corso pups can become destructive or aggressive if left alone too often, or when bored.
Note: While mostly affectionate with their owner, they may not get along with kids and other animals.
So, be sure to supervise your kids and other pets at home at all times.
2 Dogo Argentino
Also known as the Argentinian Mastiff, Dogo Argentino was created to hunt big animals like puma and wild boar.
As one of the most dangerous dogs in the world, they have also been used as guard dogs for humans and properties.
Loyal and brave, these pups make great companions to active singles.
They're also quick and agile making them great for whatever you throw at them.
With a white coat and perfect proportions, this giant is undeniably beautiful and refined in appearance.
Like other dogs on this world's deadliest dog list, Dogo Argentino pups don’t usually get along well with kids or strangers.
They need plenty of human companionship to avoid becoming aggressive or destructive.
Watch that food! This breed packs on the pounds easily.
3 Rottweiler
From 2005 – 2016, there were 392 people in America that were killed by a dog.
And 76% of these deaths were attributed to either a Pitbull or a Rottweiler.
As popular service dogs, when properly trained and socialized, they can make great pets, too.
Intelligent and loving, these dogs are easy to train.
They want nothing more than to please, so they are most stable when they have regular work to perform.
What's more, Rotties are confident and energetic, but not overly extra.
Like other large dogs, training needs to begin immediately.
And due to their size, they can easily hurt someone without intending to do so.
Tip: Make sure you get your pup from a reputable breeder that doesn’t breed for aggressive qualities.
4 Pitbull
The Pitbull has a reputation for being one of the deadliest dogs in the United States.
Unfortunately, this breed became popular in dog fighting, and breeders bred in aggression and power whenever possible.
On top of that, brutal training is sometimes used to make them even more deadly.
Surprisingly to some, these fur babies love human companionship.
They're loving and easy to train.
Playful and energetic, Pitbull dogs are great for active, outdoorsy people.
While they have short hair, it does shed quite a bit.
They need daily exercise and companionship to keep from becoming aggressive or destructive.
Trivia: Pitbulls typically like to be the only dog in the family.
5 Perro de Presa Canario
Also known as the Canary Mastiff, this deadly pooch is a rare mastiff breed originating from the Canary Islands.
As cattle dogs, they protected farms from wild dogs and other predators.
These pooches are also used as traditional guard dogs.
Attentive and confident, these canines have the quiet mannerisms of anyone that knows they are top dogs.
Plus, dogs in this breed are independent, and do great in active households.
Due to their strong will, Perro de Presa Canario dogs need a strong trainer.
Caution: Perro de Presa Canario dogs don’t do well with kids or other pets.
While great as guardians and sporting dogs, they will need proper training and socialization.
6 Neapolitan Mastiff
Called gentle giants by many, this is another Mastiff hound out of Italy.
While most say they are great family pets, protective and gentle with children, they still are reserved with strangers.
That and combined with dislike of other dogs means they can still be deadly.
But Neapolitan Mastiffs are relatively calm.
They don’t bark excessively, won’t try to break out of their fence, and definitely won’t chew up all your shoes.
Trivia: Pups in this breed are great for calmer, older families.
The pooches in this breed are your stereotypical dog. They drool, snort, and fart.
With a strong will and average intelligence, they are harder to train than some other canines.
A strong, experienced master is needed here.
7 Rhodesian Ridgeback
With a distinctive line (ridge) of hair on their spine, and a chiseled, muscled body, these fur babies are definitely good-looking.
Also known as the African Lion Dog, these canines can be deadly to other animals and people.
Dogs in this breed are tough and healthy.
They can withstand many climates and conditions, making them great outdoor dogs.
What's more, they adapt well to living in small spaces, and shed very little, so they make great indoor dogs as well.
The Ridgeback is a large, powerful, and independent breed; so, they need effective, experienced training.
They retain the prey drive and love to wander and roam.
For this reason, they need a strong fence and a strong handler.
8 Chow Chow
Regal to some and funny looking to others, the Chow Chow is, um, not really a family pet.
Unlike some other dogs on this world's deadliest dog list, you would be hard-pressed to find anyone who disagrees.
This is one deadly animal, especially around the food bowl.
Trivia: Serious, aloof, and independent, Chow Chow's personality is more cat-like than dog-like.
That being said, these canines aren't very active and friendly.
They are basically just statement-piece dogs only for some.
With all these things in mind, owning a Chow Chow requires the best trainers, using the best methods in pack leader and socialization training.
9 Doberman Pinscher
These dogs grow to a large size but can still be incredibly graceful.
They might not be a hulking, drooling monsters, but Doberman Pinschers are in the Mastiff class of canines.
Smooth and sleek, this breed is a head-turner.
But they're also known as one of the deadliest dogs in the world.
These intelligent, sensitive canines are easy to train, though.
Considered to be great with kids and other pets, these pooches are energetic and playful.
Dobes are alert and fearless, so they still make great guard dogs.
Tip: Make sure you get your Dobes from a reputable breeder that doesn’t breed for aggressive traits.
Eager to please, dogs in this breed need regular human companionship to keep from becoming aggressive and destructive.
10 Bandog
As a breed of varied ancestry, Bandogs were originally created by breeding Mastiff breeds with Bull Dog breeds.
They can have different looks and temperaments depending on their heritage, but make no mistake that these are one of the deadliest dogs.
That said, many insurance companies, apartments, and cities have banned this breed.
However, this breed is still mainly bred to be guard dogs, and they excel.
And these dogs will lay down their life for their charges.
As primarily guard dogs, these canines can be very dangerous.
They need intense pack leader training.
Plus, they're wary and distrustful of strangers, so they need intense socialization training from birth.
11 Kuvasz
These beautiful dogs are large and lacking in social graces.
As traditional livestock guards, the Kuvasz breed is capable of much decision-making and independent thought.
Breed owners debate Kuvasz's reputation as one of the world's deadliest dogs.
Active and intense, these canines love the outdoors.
Tough, healthy, and brave, these dogs are ready for whatever you can cook up making them excellent guard dogs.
But the Kuvasz is not a hunting breed, so they have relatively no prey drive.
While highly intelligent, they are hard to train, wanting to go their own way instead.
As working dogs, this breed is able to go for days protecting and managing its livestock with no input whatsoever from humans.
They are still not ready for that input.
12 Caucasian Ovcharka
This Russian dog is a shepherd and is tough.
It can kill wolves and bears to keep its charges safe.
Even supporters of this breed call it brutal.
Yup, there is no question why this dog made it onto the list of deadliest dogs.
What's more, this breed was made to survive barren, wetlands, and bitter cold; so, it is one tough cookie.
Brave and loyal, this breed is a common police, rescue, and working dog in the areas of the old Soviet Union.
However, this breed is not a great dog if you have kids and other pets.
The Caucasian Ovcharka is a danger to other animals and to humans that do not approach it properly.
13 Kangal
While the Kangal is in the Mastiff category of dogs, they're commonly known as the Turkish Shephard Dog.
These strong, powerful pooches were created to protect livestock and people from bears, wolves, jackals, panthers, and other prey animals.
When it comes to activity levels, Kangal dogs are energetic and playful.
When trained and socialized properly, they make great family dogs for active people, too.
While not suitable for apartment life, these dogs are ready for outdoor life in a large, secure area.
Like other livestock guard dog breeds, the Kangal can be territorial, possessive, and defensive.
So, get your fur baby from a reputable breeder and use proper training methods to avoid aggressive acts.
14 Dalmatian
Some might be surprised to see this beloved breed on the world's deadliest dog breed list, but Dalmatians have been known to attack.
A traditional dog of war, these pooches have a long history of acting as guard dogs.
It may surprise you to see the Dalmatian on a list of deadliest dogs, but there is good reason to include them here.
These fur babies are hardworking and easy to train. They are great for service dogs which is why you often see them in firefighting and police stations.
Energetic and enduring, they are great for active, sporty people.
While friendly and affectionate with their owners, these pups usually do not like kids, strangers, or other dogs.
These canines have the energy to spare. They need lots of exercise and room to roam.
15 German Shepherd
Between 1979 and 1998, 17 German Shepherds were blamed for accidental deaths. Not including bites alone.
Although they are regularly used as service dogs, this breed has certain traits that land them on the list of deadliest dogs.
Smart and attentive, these dogs are easy to train.
While they love to play and be active, they also appreciate the quiet time spent relaxing.
Note: Resilient and healthy, these dogs are great in all climates.
These fur babies love to chew.
They need puzzle boxes and chew toys to keep them busy and keep them from becoming destructive.
Pups in this breed like their alone time.
Children should be taught never to chase or pull dogs that are trying to hide.
World's Deadliest Dogs: Before You Go…
While getting a glimpse of the world's deadliest dogs can be knee-trembling, it's vital to know that canine aggression is an outcome of some factors.
Not to mention, the breeding, harsh training, and handling of some dogs in order to fight, hunt, and kill prey.
And we know that dogs have soft spots in them, too.
But you need to think things over when adopting a dog, especially if you're a newbie or have small children at home.
You can consider going for gentler and friendlier dog breeds to ensure your family's safety.
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