15 Dog Breeds That Intimidate On Sight

While some quickly approach a dog to pet it, others prefer to keep their distance out of fear. And sometimes, we can’t blame them because some dogs look intimidating and scary. This fear of dogs may stem from their physical appearance or what they have heard about them. In this list, we have written about 15 dogs that tend to scare quite a few people.  

Rottweiler

One thing that makes rottweilers intimidating is their size. They can be around two feet tall, which is one-third the height of many adults. Because they always want to protect their owner, they’re ready to fight against people they deem suspicious, and this is one reason people use them as guard dogs.

Doberman Pinscher

This breed was built to look intimidating with its muscular appearance so that it could serve as a protection dog. When it snarls, it reveals a set of big teeth, which can be scary to see. The fact that their teeth can split a tennis ball in two makes them a breed to avoid. 

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is aggressive and more likely to bite than many other breeds. When playing or relaxing, this rather superb, terrifying breed looks like something you want to approach, but it’s intimidating when facing you while protecting what’s its own.

Bullmastiff

Just the size of the bullmastiff is enough to scare you, and when you consider its large head, muscular frame, and confidence when approaching you, that’s your clue to avoid it. Historically, the dog was used to scare poachers, and today, it still sends shivers down the spines of many.

Cane Corso

The gigantic head of the Cane Corso is one reason to fear it. It doesn’t bark all the time, but when it does, it intimidates those around it. This breed comes in several colors, from fawn to black and brindle, and some people may find the darker-colored ones scarier.

Dogo Argentino

One athletic trait of this breed is its quick response, which can startle someone who wasn’t expecting it or isn’t used to their kind. The muscular frame of this dog and its agility are some other reasons people may want to keep their distance from it.

Alaskan Malamute

If you know anything about the Alaskan Malamute, you’ll know it’s strong and doesn’t tire quickly. That’s the kind of dog you do not want to cross. The resemblance this dog shares with wolves makes it even more scary. This dog can even scare polar bears, which are big and scary creatures.

Akita

While training may tame their aggressiveness, fear or other factors can push them back to that behavior. Their erect ears, shaped like triangles, complement their protective personality, and they aren’t very friendly with strangers. Akitas may not bark so much, so you may not know when one is approaching you.

Belgian Sheepdog

They are also called Belgian Shepherds. These dogs have ferocious faces, and when they are seen in action, they paint a scary picture. This sheepdog’s thin and long heads look ready to bite and they’re carried by a thick neck. There are several varieties of this dog, including Malinois and Groenendael.

Tosa

Sometimes, we are afraid of what we aren’t used to, and this applies to Tosas. Many of these dogs can’t share a space with other dogs and are very protective, and these traits may not make them so likable except to their owner. Some countries have banned or restricted them because they can be dangerous.

Shar-Pei

This wrinkled dog is not as big as many dogs on this list, but at first sight, its skin folds can make you nervous. Some of them are chubby around the belly and, being medium-sized, look like they can overpower a human. Their deep barks accompany these features to make them even scarier.

Chow Chow

Most of us fear lions, and Chow Chow’s manes will give us that vibe. Historically, this dog has been responsible for the loss of several lives. Those who know about them know things can go wrong if they are not careful around them.

Presa Canario

The Presa Canario’s muscular build may be great for dog fights, but it’s also good at terrifying people. Having it around children may put them in danger, and when they have other dogs in their space, they may fight them. It won’t mind barking to show strangers it doesn’t want them around.

Great Dane

If a dog that is taller than most other dogs and can even be taller than humans doesn’t scare you, then not many other things can. This giant breed may accidentally knock children down because of their weight, which could be too much for adults to handle.  

Boerboel

The Boerboel will display much love to its family, but you may see its other side if it doesn’t trust your presence. Its thick build makes it seem like it would never lose a fight. Many people recognize this breed as a dangerous dog; in some places, it isn’t allowed to live among humans.