When it comes to pet safety, most dog owners worry about interactions with other animals—especially in multi-pet homes or at dog parks. While any dog can act aggressively, certain breeds are more frequently involved in attacks on other pets.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, breed-specific aggression is often influenced by training, socialization, and environment—but reported incidents still show patterns.
Here are 10 dog breeds most frequently cited in reports of attacks on other animals, based on data from sources like the CDC, AVMA, and fatal dog attack studies.
Pit Bull Breeds
Pit bull-type breeds, including American Staffordshire Terriers, are consistently at the top of attack statistics. According to Dogsbite.org, they were responsible for 284 human fatalities between 2005 and 2017, and are frequently linked to pet attacks due to high prey drive and jaw strength.
Rottweilers
Rottweilers are the second most commonly implicated breed in serious bite cases. A CDC report from 1979 to 1998 found Rottweilers responsible for 29 fatal human attacks, while multiple studies have noted their aggressive behavior toward unfamiliar animals and strong territorial instincts.
German Shepherds
German Shepherds are often involved in aggressive incidents toward other pets. According to a review published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, they rank among the top breeds for bite severity, often due to their protective nature and high drive to chase.
Presa Canarios
Presa Canarios are a large, powerful breed originally developed for guarding livestock. They’ve been involved in several highly publicized fatal attacks, including the 2001 case in San Francisco. Their territorial instincts and extreme physical strength make them especially dangerous around other pets if not thoroughly socialized.
American Bulldogs
American Bulldogs have been involved in 15 fatal attacks between 2005 and 2017, according to Dogsbite.org. Their size and strength can make them dangerous in confrontations with smaller animals, particularly when socialization and supervision are lacking in multi-pet households.
Mastiffs and Bullmastiffs
Large and powerful, mastiff breeds have been linked to at least 14 fatal attacks in recent years. The AVMA has documented numerous incidents involving mastiffs acting aggressively toward other animals, often triggered by perceived threats or competition for territory or attention.
Siberian Huskies
Despite their friendly reputation, huskies were involved in 13 fatal attacks between 2005 and 2017. Their strong prey drive, originally bred for sled-pulling and hunting, can make them dangerous to cats and smaller dogs if not carefully socialized and properly exercised.
Boxers
Boxers have been linked to seven fatal attacks in recent decades. Their exuberant energy and strong bite force can lead to unintended injuries during rough play or fights with other pets. Boxers also rank high in reported bite-related hospital visits, according to clinical reviews.
Doberman Pinschers
Dobermans were once the go-to guard dog and retain strong protective instincts. CDC data lists them among the top ten breeds involved in fatal attacks. Their territorial behavior may lead to aggression toward other pets, particularly in unfamiliar environments or under stress.
Cocker Spaniels
While not typically seen as dangerous, cocker spaniels have shown signs of “rage syndrome,” a neurological condition linked to sudden aggression. According to veterinary behavior studies, they’ve been involved in both human and animal bite incidents, often with little warning or provocation.
- Please Note: This content was created with the assistance of AI and thoroughly edited by a human before publishing.
