A man’s best buddy is his dog. No other animal on the earth has forged such a bond with people as dogs.

On the other hand, specific dog breeds might scare us because of their size, appearance, and notoriety.

The way a dog evolves is determined by how he is nurtured, how he is handled, and his living situation.

Certain dog breeds are more prone to violent conduct than others, making them scary.

There are various scary-looking dog breeds to pick from to secure your family and house.

However, did you realize that many of these scary dogs become lovely family companions?

This post will look at the world’s top 12 scariest dog breeds. You have probably seen these terrifying canine breeds in films about the underworld or wealthy, evil individuals.

These are not pets for the fainthearted. If you’re terrified of dogs or don’t like giant breeds, you should avoid these scary family pets at all costs. 

Table of Contents

1. American Pit Bull Terrier

black colored Staffordshire Bull Terrier in water
American Pit Bull Terrier
NameAmerican Pit Bull Terrier
Height18–21 inches
Weight16- 27 kg
PSI240-330 PSI

Pit bulls are typically lovely dogs who make excellent loyal companions, but they can have a vicious streak that appears out of nowhere with little to no indication.

Many link these canines with dog attacks and serve as security dogs for criminals and drug traffickers as they have muscular body and are powerful runners.

Add to it the truth that they killed more humans (284) than any other dog breed between 2005 and 2017, and you can see why they are the most feared dog breed in the United States. 

They have a lousy prominence due to their violent behavior and have been employed in dog fighting rings worldwide. Several airlines and governments prohibit them from flying or migrating to their country.

2. Rottweiler

Rottweiler
NameRottweiler
Height24 to 27 inches
Weight50- 60 kg
PSI328 PSI

The Rottweiler is a medium-to-large or giant breed of domestic pet. The canines were known as Rottweiler Metzgerhund, or Rottweil butchers’ dogs, since one of their functions was to herd cattle and drive carts filled with slaughtered livestock to the marketplace. 

This dog is particularly frightening since they have an innate propensity and protective instincts to defend.

The Rottweiler is a highly volatile dog that will always defend itself when threatened by another dog or a person. 

They are excellent pets with a stocky body, but you should keep them locked up when you have strangers over for afternoon tea. And don’t forget to provide them with proper training.

3. German Shepherd

German Shepherd
NameGerman Shepherd
Height24–26 inches
Weight22- 32 kg
PSI238-291 PSI

The German Shepherds are service dogs of medium to enormous size that initially came from Germany.

These breeds of dogs are famous as the Alsatian in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The majority of these dogs are friendly.

These largest dog breeds are frequently utilized in police K-9 units due to their exceptional characteristics.

While these dogs make excellent family companions, they must be provided plenty of socialization and taught early.

German Shepards fall both into obedience classes and aggressive breeds as per their past activities.

They may become appreciatively defensive of their owners, family, and house. As a result, they can be scary and intimidating. 

A German Breed that has not been adequately taught might attack a kind stranger who enters the property.

4. Dogo Argentino

Dogo Argentino
NameDogo Argentino
Height24–26 inches
Weight40 – 54 kg
PSI500 PSI

They were initially developed in Argentina for large game hunting. As a result, these big, athletic dogs are naturally dominating and hostile, particularly among dogs of the same sex.

Dogo Argentino may easily injure or kill other animals or humans if not properly educated, treated, or tamed, as they have one of the strongest bites. 

At the shoulder, the average height of this huge breed measures between 23 and 27 inches. They range in weight from 80 to 100 pounds.

They are, without a question, scary and menacing. As a result, this dog breed is prohibited in several nations worldwide, including the United Kingdom. 

The Dogo Argentino has a thundering bark, which is generally enough of a deterrent.

5. Cane Corso

Cane Corso
NameCane Corso
Height25 to 27.5 inches
Weight45 – 50 kg
PSI650 PSI

Another powerful breed that is prohibited in several nations worldwide is the Cane Corso.

Due to their intimidating appearance and aggressive nature, many consider them very scary canines. Cane Corsos have even been known to attack or murder people. 

These breeds are highly self-reliant canine companions. These dangerous dog breeds try to impose their dominance if you don’t correctly groom them.

If you are one of those inexperienced owners who still want a dog, these scary dog breeds are not the ideal choice.

The dog requires specialized training and regular socialization; otherwise, you will come face to face with its destructive behavior.

You needn’t be told how risky that may be. They may harm both wild and domesticated animals as well as their owners. Also, remember that they can be violent and aggressive toward other dogs.

6. Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiff
NameTibetan Mastiff
Height24- 26 inches
Weight45 to 73 kg
PSI552 PSI

Perhaps you have heard the saying, “If a Tibetan mastiff bites you, you might lose a hand.” And it’s not melodrama to say that!

Tibetan Mastiffs are a massive Tibetan dog breed. They may weigh up to 100 pounds and stand up to 26 inches tall. Their size and appearance add to the fear. 

Tibetan Mastiffs originated with the nomadic civilizations of China, India, Mongolia, Nepal, and Tibet.

The indigenous tribes of Himachal Pradesh used them to defend sheep from wolves, leopards, bears, and other carnivorous predators. 

7. Wolfdog

Wolf dog
NameWolfdog
Height24 and 30 inches
Weight25 – 30 kg
PSI406 PSI

Even though wolves were the ancestors of all present canines, wolves are not domesticated animals.

They are hazardous to people by nature, and it has been demonstrated that this is still the case even when only a portion of a dog’s DNA originates from a wolf.

The ones with an exceptionally high proportion of wolf blood will be the scariest. Still, even after a few generations of mating, the significant genetic variances between these two subspecies might result in unexpected consequences. 

Compared to dogs without any wolf blood, wolfdogs are relatively hazardous due to their propensity to become violent and fiercely territorial.

8. Great Dane

Great Dane
NameGreat Dane
Height30–35 inches
Weight54- 91 kg
PSI238 PSI

The Great Dane, the tallest dog breed, was designed for hunting boar. Being a hunter has become a hereditary feature for this dog through the years.

This breed is an excellent family companion, yet his size and bark might deter burglars or alert his owner to an intruder. 

These dogs are often fond of youngsters, and many will let tiny children ride on their backs like a horse.

Despite being a friendly dog breed, Great Dane has the scariest bark. The powerful bark is to scare potential intruders.

If the dog turns violent and has his height and weight of up to 120 pounds behind him, you might be in a grave situation.

9. Doberman

Doberman
NameDoberman
Height27 or 28 inches
Weight40-45 kg
PSI305 PSI

The Doberman is a large breed of domestic dog bred in 1890 by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector.

Even the most sadistic criminal would be scared off by their growling howl! These canines may grow 27 inches tall and weigh up to 100 pounds. 

Dobermans are also known for becoming police and guard dogs. Because of this, the general population perceives them as violent and scary canines.

One of the terrifying aspects of Dobermans is their enormous biting strength. Dobermans can exert an astonishing 305 PSI of pressure through their jaws.

10. Caucasian Ovcharka

Caucasian Ovcharka
NameCaucasian Ovcharka
Height27 to 30 inches
Weight40- 50 kg
PSI550-700 PSI

This breed, also known as a Russian Bear Dog or Caucasian Shepherd Dog, safeguarded sheep from invaders and wolves and performed well in the chilly temperatures of the tundra.

The Caucasian Ovcharka is an excellent security dog who can quickly knock over an assailant when necessary. 

They rank among the largest dogs in the world. These breeds can also be challenging to train since they are pretty independent and do not like outsiders.

They are also naturally suspicious of outsiders, which may hinder your connection.

11. Akita

Akita
NameAkita
Height24 to 28 inches
Weight30 40 kg
PSI350 to 400 PSI

The Akita’s head gives off the terrifying impression that it is a hybrid of a wolf and a bear, which is incredibly unsettling.

These canines had roots in ancient Japan when samurai kept them as pets. Akitas are regarded as brutal and deadly animals. 

They hate outsiders and will strike them right away. However, they are also kind and terrific with kids, especially after training.

Any Mafia would be willing to risk leaving their family in this dog’s capable hands.

12. Kangal

Kangal
NameKangal
Height25- 30 inches
Weight48–60 kg
PSI743 PSI

Kangal dogs were developed to guard sheep. The Kangal seems significantly taller and more frightening than the usual big dog due to its lofty front legs.

The primary impulse of a Kangal is to defend its owner rather than to combat the threat. 

So, if someone or something attempts to assault the pooch’s owner, the Kangal will not hesitate to intervene.

It is noted for having the most potent biting force of any existent dog breed at 743 PSI. For this factor alone, it has scored a spot on our list of the scariest dog breeds! 

This robust stature and powerful bite used to be enough to frighten away grizzly bears, wolves, and leopards.

Many people are terrified of these scariest dog breeds, and in certain situations, they should be.

13. English Mastiff

English Mastiff
NameEnglish Mastiff
Height27-35 inches
Weight50 – 150 kg
PSI556 PSI

English Mastiff is an ancient breed of dog considered the largest dog species. The old English Mastiff is not necessarily the tallest breed but certainly is the heaviest.

This loose skin mastiff breed can weigh from 50-150 kilograms. In 2001, the dog named Hercules cinched the world record for heaviest with a weight of 128 kg and a neck of 97 centimeters long.

In 1889, an English Mastiff named Zorba weighed 150 kilograms with a height of 8 feet tall; it is the heaviest and tallest dog ever.

These types of dogs are excellent family dogs as they are good with families and young children.


Touching an unfamiliar dog of any breed can be risky, as many dogs are capable of attacking people. 

While most will only strike if challenged, others may attack impulsively, and if a powerful dog fangs your throat, you are unlikely to get up anytime soon.

But not all of these canines are vicious animals. These dogs, like many others, have a poor reputation due to trauma, neglect, lack of bonding, insufficient training, and being managed by irresponsible owners. 

There can never be a scary dog, only a negligent owner. Look out for our article on the ugliest cat breeds for unique and fantastic pet species.

(Last Updated on August 18, 2022 by Sadrish Dabadi)

Shradha Bhatta holds a Bachelors’s Degree in Social Work along with a Post-graduate degree in Project Management from Georgian College in Canada. Shradha enjoys writing on various topics and takes pleasure in discovering new ideas. Her life’s mission is to make the world a better place for all beings.