Most Dangerous Dog Breeds in United States

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) not only tracks disease but also dog attacks on humans. Statistics show as many as 30 different breeds of dogs have been involved in attacks on people. The CDC reports most dog attacks take place at the dog's home or in a familiar place. Statistics also show a chained dog is more likely to bite than an unchained dog.

While there are numerous attacks by a variety of breeds, the CDC has prepared a list of the most dangerous dogs in the United States. It is important to note these list does not necessarily indicate one breed is more likely to bite than another. The dogs that made this list are dogs which can do the most harm when they do attack. The size, strength and bite force of these dogs make them far more dangerous when they do attack than other breeds. The list includes several breeds you might expect, plus one or two which may come as a surprise.

The top ten most dangerous dogs according to the CDC are; Akitas, Pit Bulls, German Sheperds, St. Bernards, Rottweilers, Huskies, Chow Chows, Great Danes and Alaskan Malamutes. Of these, the two dogs most likely to be involved in a fatal attack are the Pit Bull and the Rottweiler. With the bite strength and shear brute force of these animals, it is not surprising they can do a great deal of harm when they attack.

Why any dog attacks a person and to what degree is a hotly debated issue. Many feel certain breeds are more prone to violent attacks than others. At the same time it is argued a dog's temperament is determined by how it is raised and treated by its owner. A mistreated dog is more likely to attack than a dog which is treated with kindness and love.

Between the years of 1979 and 1998 the CDC reported 25 different breeds of dog were involved in 238 fatal attacks. This is approximately one fatality per month during the reporting period. According to the CDC Pit Bulls and Rottweilers were involved in over 50% of these fatal attacks. Another study found Pit Bulls were responsible for nearly 60% of all fatal attacks on people. Does this mean a Pit Bull is more dangerous than another breed of dog? If attacking, most certainly. More study is needed however to determine if one breed is naturally more aggressive than another.