20 Dog Breeds You Should Never Mess With

“Black Boerboel” by Vida Booysen is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Dogs have long been known as loyal friends, protectors, and beloved members of the family. However, some dog breeds are not only loyal and intelligent but also strong, protective, and assertive. While these dogs can be loving and gentle when raised in the right environment, their power and instincts mean they should always be treated with respect. Here’s a closer look at 20 dog breeds you should never mess with.

Pit Bull Terrier

A dog sitting on the floor next to a door
Photo by Bethany Ellis on Unsplash

Pit Bull Terriers are often misunderstood due to their reputation and the media coverage of their involvement in attacks. Bred initially for bull-baiting and later dog fighting, Pit Bulls have a tenacious spirit and incredible strength. A well-trained Pit Bull can be a great furry friend, but their powerful build and strong bite mean that they can be dangerous if they feel threatened or mistreated.

Rottweiler

a close up of a person petting a dog
Photo by Steve Smith on Unsplash

Rottweilers are one of the oldest herding dog breeds, with a history that dates back to the Roman Empire. These dogs are protective of their families, and without proper socialization, they often become territorial and suspicious of strangers. Their intimidating presence, combined with their powerful bite, means they should be handled by an experienced owner who can provide good, consistent training.

German Shepherd

a german shepherd dog looking at the camera
Photo by Sabbra Cadabra on Unsplash

A bored or under-stimulated German Shepherd can develop behavioral issues, including anxiety and aggression. These dogs are naturally wary of strangers, making them guard dogs, but this trait also means they need early and ongoing socialization to ensure they don’t become overly protective. German Shepherds are ideal for active families or people who can give them the attention, exercise, and training they need.

Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Dog Sitting on Grass
Photo by Nikola Vu on Pexels

Bred by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann in the late 19th century, these dogs were intended to protect their owners and property. Dobermans are intelligent and loyal dogs. However, their protective nature means they can be aggressive towards perceived threats if not properly trained and socialized. They need an owner who can be a strong leader, offering consistent training and plenty of exercise.

Cane Corso

a large black dog laying on top of a lush green field
Photo by Sophie Hollies on Unsplash

The Cane Corso, an Italian Mastiff, is a breed with deep roots in Roman history. In Roman times, they were used as guard dogs and hunting buddies. Cane Corsos are smart and need consistent, firm training from an experienced owner. Without proper guidance, their protective instincts can lead to aggressive behavior, especially towards strangers or other animals.

Bullmastiff

“Bullmastiff Lotte” by blumenbiene is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Bullmastiffs were developed in the 19th century to guard estates against poachers. They are known for their strong protective instincts and the ability to take down intruders without resorting to excessive violence. However, their guarding nature means they can be territorial and suspicious of strangers. Early socialization and obedience training are needed to ensure they remain well-mannered and under control.

Akita

“Akita inu” by B@rt is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Akitas originated from Japan, where they were initially used for hunting large game and as guardians. These pups can be aloof and reserved around people they don’t know, and if not properly socialized, they can become aggressive. Their independent nature makes them a challenging breed to train, requiring an owner with experience and patience. Akitas are not usually recommended for first-time dog owners.

Alaskan Malamute

a black and white dog with a red collar in the snow
Photo by Sergii Gulenok on Unsplash

Alaskan Malamutes are one of the oldest Arctic sled dog breeds. Malamutes have a high prey drive, meaning they may not be suitable for homes with small pets. They are also known for their vocalizations, often howling rather than barking. While they are generally friendly with people, their dominance can lead to issues with other dogs if not properly socialized.

Chow Chow

a dog standing on top of a grass covered field
Photo by Alexander London on Unsplash

Chow Chows are an ancient breed from China. They are often described as cat-like due to their independent character. Chow Chows can be very territorial and protective of their families, leading to aggressive behavior if they perceive a threat. These dogs need early socialization to prevent them from becoming excessively suspicious of strangers.

Wolfdog

“Wolfdog” by ilmungo is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Wolfdogs are a hybrid breed created by crossing domestic dogs with wild wolves. They are often unpredictable, with strong instincts that can make them hard to train and manage. They require extensive socialization and training, and even then, their behavior can be challenging. Wolfdogs are not recommended for inexperienced owners, as they need someone who deeply understands canine behavior and can provide the structure and boundaries they need.

Tosa Inu

“Tosa inu LM546” by Lilly M is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5

The Tosa Inu is a rare breed from Japan, originally bred for dog fighting. They are known for their courage, strength, and protective instincts. Due to their history, Tosa Inus can be aggressive if trained and socialized properly and are banned or restricted in several countries due to their potential for aggression. Despite their reputation, they can be calm and affectionate with their families when raised in a stable, loving environment.

Fila Brasileiro

“Fila brasileiro pregow lk9” by Pleple2000 is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Fila Brasileiro, or Brazilian Mastiff, is a powerful and protective breed known for its loyalty and strong guarding instincts. They are very devoted to their families but can be highly suspicious and aggressive towards strangers. This dog breed requires an experienced owner who can provide strong leadership and consistent training to manage their protective character.

American Bulldog

a large brown dog standing on top of a lush green field
Photo by Sabīne Jaunzeme on Unsplash

American Bulldogs are strong, athletic dogs with a history rooted in farm work, where they were used for herding cattle and hunting. They are known for their courage and protective instincts, which can sometimes cause aggressive behavior if they feel their family is threatened. American Bulldogs are loyal and affectionate with their families but need consistent training and early socialization.

Boerboel

“Boerboel wiki1” by Smok Bazyli is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Boerboel is a large, powerful breed from South Africa, originally bred to guard homesteads and farms. They are known for their strength, confidence, and protective nature. Boerboels are territorial and can be aggressive towards strangers, making them excellent guard dogs but also requiring careful handling. This breed needs an owner who can provide strong leadership and consistent training to manage their dominant nature.

Dogo Argentino

“My Dogo Argentino, chillin’ by the cactus” by andigirl is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

The Dogo Argentino is a powerful and courageous breed from Argentina, originally developed for big game hunting. They are known for their strength, endurance, and protective instincts. Dogos are naturally dominant and aggressive towards other animals, especially if not properly socialized. They need someone who can provide firm, consistent training and plenty of exercises to channel their energy in a positive direction.

Great Dane

“The Great Dane” by Scott 97006 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Great Danes, often known as “gentle giants,” are one of the largest dog breeds in the world. Despite their imposing size, they are usually friendly, affectionate, and great with families. However, their massive size and strength can pose challenges, especially if they are not trained and socialized enough. A Great Dane that is poorly trained can unintentionally cause harm simply because of its size.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

“Rhodesian Ridgeback” by haroldmeerveld is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

Rhodesian Ridgebacks were bred in Africa to hunt lions, which speaks volumes about their strength, bravery, and independence. These dogs are known for their strong-willed nature and can be quite stubborn, making them a challenge for inexperienced dog owners. They are naturally protective of their families, which can lead to territorial behavior if not properly managed.

Saint Bernard

“Saint Bernard Dog Sitting” by 3D Photographers is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Saint Bernards are famous for their history as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps, where they saved countless lives. Known for their friendliness, Saint Bernards are excellent family dogs, especially with children. However, their massive size and strength require careful handling. A fully grown Saint Bernard can weigh up to 180 pounds, and if not properly trained, they can be difficult to manage.

Perro de Presa Canario

“CaneCorso (7)” by Kumarrrr is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Perro de Presa Canario, or Canary Mastiff, is a large and powerful dog with strong guarding instincts. Originally bred for working with livestock, they are naturally territorial and protective. This breed is not recommended for inexperienced dog owners due to their dominant nature and potential for aggression if not trained and socialized.

Belgian Malinois

“Our Belgian Malinois” by Karsun Designs Photography is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

The Belgian Malinois is a smart and energetic dog often used in police and military work due to their agility, trainability, and strong work ethic. These dogs are known for their protective nature and can be very assertive, especially if they perceive a threat to their family. They are not suited for a sedentary lifestyle and need an active owner who can provide them with the physical and mental stimulation they crave.

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