The Seven Most Dangerous Dog Breeds

by Steve Reiss (stevenreiss@scienbizippc.com)

• Pitbulls – The Pitbull was at the top of the CDC’s list of dangerous breeds, with 66 dog bite-related deaths from 1979-1988.
• Rottweiler – The CDC says Rottweilers ranked second in dog bite-related fatalities with 39 deaths from 1979-1988.  When combined, Rottweiler and Pitbull breeds were involved in approximately 60 percent of human deaths in the CDC’s study.
• German Shepherd – German Shepherds may be targeted for “banning” in certain areas, or refused coverage on some homeowners’ insurance policies because of their tendency to become territorial and protective, which can result in aggressive behavior.  The CDC says German Shepherds were involved in 17 dog bite-related fatalities from 1979-1988.
• Husky-type – This breed was responsible for 15 dog bite-related fatalities from 1979-1988 according to the CDC.
• Malamute – Although similar looking to husky-type dog breeds, the Malamute is its own unique breed. The CDC reports that the breed was still involved in 12 dog bite-related fatalities from 1979-1988.
• Doberman Pinscher – These dogs were once common as guard and police dogs giving them a reputation of being intimidating and aggressive, especially towards strangers.  The CDC reported this breed to be involved in nine dog bite-related fatalities from 1979-1988.
• Chow Chow – These dogs are known as an aggressive breed, fiercely protective of their people and property.  The CDC reported this breed to be involved in eight dog bite-related fatalities from 1979-1988.

 Dangerous Breeds