Dangerous Dog Breeds

A look at the statistics related to dog bites in the United States over the last few years gives some distressful information. Studies reveal that there were 33 incidents of dog mauling in the United States in 2007. The Insurance Information Institute's data reveals that dog bites cost insurers a whopping $356.2 million that year. This is just a reflection of how dangerous dogs can be. Some dangerous dog breeds include the Alaskan Malamutes, the Doberman, the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler.

American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed of medium-sized dogs native to the United States. The Terrier is around 18 to 22 inches tall. The males weigh about 40 to 60 lbs, while the females weigh about 30 to 50 lbs. This breed sports a glossy and smooth coat. Their life span ranges from 10 to 12 years. Pit Bull Terriers have one of the strongest bite grips among the canines. Their jaw has the capacity to cut through muscles, and break bones. Inadequate socializing can result in hostile behavior towards strangers and other dogs. The breeding of this species is considered illegal in many jurisdictions. The law in the United Kingdom forbids the breeding or sale of "any dog of the type known as pit bull terrier", according to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Rottweiler
The Rottweiler, commonly known as the Butchers Dog, is a breed of dog ranging from medium to large size, native to Germany. This breed was initially introduced as a herding dog in Germany. The male Rottweiler is around 24 to 27 inches tall and weighs approximately 110 lbs, while the female Rottweiler is around 22 to 25 inches tall, and weighs approximately 90 lbs. They sport a black and tan colored double coat with short hair. Their life expectancy ranges from 10 to 12 years. The Rottweiler is regarded as the second most fatal breed after the Pitt Bull Terrier. This energetic dogs needs to get proper exposure to vent their energy. It is often noticed that the dog becomes hostile owing to lack of socialization or improper care. Like most of the other breeds, the Rottweiler is hostile towards other dogs of same sex, as well as other domestic animals such as cats or birds.

German Shepherd
The German Shepherd, also known as the Alsatian, a is a breed of large sized dog, native to Germany. The German Shepherd is a working dog, which was initially used to herd sheep. Owing to their intelligence, strength and obedience, this breed of dog has been widely used by police and military establishments all over the world. The German Shepherd has a life span ranging from 7 to 10 years. The males, 24 to 26 inches tall, weigh around 70 to 90 lbs, while the females, 22 to 24 inches tall, weigh around 60 to 70 lbs. In the United States, the German Shepherds account for a larger number of random biting incidents than any other dog breed. Reports also suggest that this breed constitutes half of the bite cases which required medical attention. It is also known for its hostile behavior towards other dogs, especially the smaller breeds.

Alaskan Malamutes
The Alaskan Malamute, Canis lupus familiaris, is a large breed of domestic dog, which was originally used to pull sleds in Alaska. Originating in Alaska, United States, the Alaskan Malamute sports a thick double coat, a natural gear protecting the animal from cold. It has a life span of 14 years. Measuring about 23 to 26 inches tall, an Alaskan Malamute can weigh up to 80 lbs. A dog of this breed is most often hostile towards other dogs of the same sex. Very energetic, this animal has to be given ample scope to vent out its energy, failing which, it can display robustious and unsound behavior, characterized by actions such as destructive chewing. This breed has an independent mind and hence, sometimes they reportedly become dominant and manipulative.

Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher, also known as just Doberman, is a breed of domestic dog which originated in Germany. As they are very intelligent, alert and loyal, they are widely popular as pet dogs. A male Doberman, around 28 inches tall, can weigh up to 110 lbs, whereas a female Doberman, around 26 inches tall, can weigh up to 90 lbs. Its life span ranges from 10 to 14 years. At times, the Doberman can become extremely aggressive. This energetic animal has to have good opportunity to vent out its energy, because when they are bored, they are known to behave in a boisterous manner, with loud barking and destructive chewing. If not properly socialized, this dog displays immense aggression towards humans. This breed displays a dominant attitude towards other dogs of the same sex, and are quite often seen chasing cats or birds.

Though these are considered as some of the most dangerous dog breeds, the nature of the dog is more often dependent on the nature of its owner. Lack of guidance, abuse, inadequate attention are bound to make these canines dominant and destructive.