We asked a vet what are the main five dog breeds that he finds genuinely scary and troublesome, especially when he has to treat them during his practice. But before we dig into the matter, I find it helpful to specify that there are no inherently bad breeds of dogs, only completely irresponsible owners who simply allow and perpetuate negative habits and behaviors.
It’s true that some breeds are more likely to exhibit aggressive tendencies than others, but that’s about it.
According to doctor and veterinarian Amir Anwary, who also has a social media presence as @amirthevet, these are the names of the five breeds he finds simply terrifying.
Chow Chow
We don’t know exactly why Dr. Anwary decided to start the list with this breed, but apparently, Chow Chow’s are super scary. The breed can be traced all the way back to the Han Dynasty of 2000 years ago, when they were used as guard dogs, because of their muscular and powerful build.
They can easily grow up to 20 inches tall from floor to shoulder, and possess a series of unique features, including a black tongue and a lion-like mane of hair. They are also considered one of the easiest breeds to housetrain.
Cocker Spaniel
Surprisingly enough, the Cocker Spaniel, well-known for its cheerful temperament and wagging tail, is fourth on the list of intimidating dogs. Despite being quite a popular choice for family pets, research shows that aggression is somehow common as far as this breed is concerned, especially in golden-colored dogs.
This unprovoked aggression is often referred to as Spaniel Rage and Cocker Rage.
Rottweiler
These quite large working dogs oftentimes receive a lot of negative media attention, mostly due to their stature and roles in all kinds of security services as guard dogs, and also within the police and armed forces.
The breed is constantly chosen by individuals who believe possessing this type of dog only adds to their intimidating persona. However, rottweilers are a breed for seasoned owners who deeply appreciate the high level of daily activity they need. They can also engage their sharp intellects quite easily.
Chihuahua
The whole notion that the diminutive chihuahua might be seen as frightening is oftentimes met with derision by some people. However, those who make such claims have likely never seen one.
Despite their petite size, chihuahuas are well-known for their strong personalities and commonly exhibit behavioral issues, that can range all the way from persistent begging and housebreaking issues, all the way to separation anxiety, incessant barking, destructive chewing, and even tendencies to bite or nip.
However, they also have endearing personalities, comedic appearances, and true loyalty to their owners, which can compensate a lot for their tendencies to bite or nip.
Belgian Malinois
It seems that the dog breed Dr. Anwary is the most wary of is the Belgian Malinois, which is also known as the Belgian Shepherd Dog. Primarily employed for herding or as security animals, they are quite nimble, swift, highly intelligent, and extremely protective and observant.
Tosa Inu
This is commonly known as a risky dog breed, especially since it is recognized as a fighting dog, too. It is likewise a totally uncommon breed. Probably BECAUSE this dog is so risky, it has been banned in many countries, like the UK, New Zealand, Denmark, Norway, Hong Kong, Australia, and many others. The motive for this ban is the increasing variety of attacks on humans, especially children.
Statistics:
- group: working group
- height: male: 24.5 -32 inches, female: 22-27.5 inches
- weight: male: 100-200 pounds, female: 80-130 pounds
- energy level: Moderate
- physical characteristics: large and well-built, broad head, short coat
- lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a huge, and quite muscular dog. He can easily weigh as much as a hundred thirty pounds, and become as tall as 27 inches. Unless these dogs are extremely well-trained and well-behaved, they might become violent. Poorly trained puppies can also become very unpredictable. However, with proper care and training, these puppies can really be amazing family pets.
Statistics:
- group: working group
- height: male: 25-27 inches, female: 100-120 pounds
- energy level: Moderate
- physical characteristics: strong, muscular, short coat, distinctive wrinkled face
- lifespan: 8 to 10 years
Malamute
The Malamute is constantly mistaken for the Husky. These puppies are quite big, and they can weigh as much as eighty-five pounds. These puppies can also be a bit passive, but they make fantastic work pals. And just like the huskies, the Malamute is well-known for pulling sleds in the blistering bloodless. Due to their size, they aren’t the best pets to have around young children.
Statistics:
- group: working group
- height: male: 25 inches and up, female: 23 inches and up
- weight: male: 85 pounds and up, female: 75 pounds and up
- energy level: very high
- physical characteristics: large and sturdy, thick double coat, and erect ears
- lifespan: 10 to 14 years
- color: different colors, including black, gray, sable, and red
- shedding: heavy shedding (but seasonal)
- bark: quite moderate
Wolf hybrid
The Wolf Hybrid is definitely a cross between a dog and a wolf. Due to their genetic nature, these puppies are known to be a bit unpredictable. Some of them get more development from a canine, while others get plenty of traits from the wolf.
Some of these puppies can also be quite non-aggressive and docile. Unfortunately, a high percentage of these dogs are seen as dangerous and attack humans and small animals, too. This is probably the most effective dog that can surprise you with its aggressiveness and threatening demeanor, simply due to its genetic makeup of a wild animal.
As they have a terrible reputation, there are some Wolf Hybrids that are also known to be heroes. With these pups, you truly never know.
Saint Bernard
If you’ve seen the Beethoven movies, you have also seen Saint Bernard as a highly intelligent, defensive, and loving dog. Well, all of that is true. This particular breed of dog comes from the Italian and Swiss Alps, and its popularity skyrocketed over time, mainly due to its capability to rescue lost hikers who became stranded in snowy mountains.
As these dogs are very friendly and protective, they can also be quite territorial. For instance, if you need to keep Saint Bernard from showing territorial and competitive behavior, you have to start socializing him with all kinds of strangers and different animals from a young age.
And as long as this breed is well-trained, he can be a remarkable friend. But if he doesn’t get the proper attention and training, he could turn aggressive, due to his length and aggression. The common weight of this breed is somewhere between 140 and 260 pounds.
The largest ones can reach over 310 pounds. If this particular dog is trained to be competitive, you will see that he can come with remarkable results, but also a harmful attitude.
Statistics:
- group: working group
- height: male: 28-30 inches; female: 26-28 inches
- weight: male: 140-180 pounds, female: 120-140 pounds
- energy level: low to moderate
- physical characteristics: giant breed, long coat, and very expressive eyes
- lifespan: 8 to 10 years
- color: red and white, mahogany and white, brindle with white
- shedding: heavy shedding (but seasonal)
- bark: low to moderate
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