Scary Dogs: The Scariest Dog Breeds In The World (+Photos)

A dog is a man’s best friend. No animal on this planet has formed such a connection with humans as dogs. They have been with us through good and bad times and they continue to be our best friends, companions, protectors, and source of happiness. However, certain dog breeds can strike fear in our hearts due to their size, build, reputation. In this article, we will see what makes these dogs scary and what are the top 10 scariest dogs in the world. 

These scariest dog breeds, although all of them are beautiful and if you raise them the right way, they just have the look of scary dogs and not the personality.

Before we continue, I want to remind you that bad behavior in a dog is never the fault of that dog, but his owner. This article mentions that certain dog breeds have killed people. However, we in no way consider canines responsible for those attacks, but their owners and the lack of proper socialization, training, and management. There can never be a bad dog, only a bad owner.

Which are the scariest dog breeds?

What is it that makes a certain dog so scary that you stay petrified when you meet one on the streets? Basically, what do dogs need to have to be considered scary dogs?

For some dogs, you don’t even have to know the breed history or characteristics. But, you somehow know that they are not the canine to mess with.

These are the characteristics that make dogs look scary:

Size

Well, size plays a big role and acts as a deterrent to any possible hostile actions. The bigger the dog the more scary and intimidating it seems. A tiny Chihuahua may bark and lunge at you, but it just doesn’t have the same feeling nor effect as standing in front of a silent Cane Corso that has his eyes set on you.

Build

Another important factor that makes canines look even scarier and intimidating is the way their bodies are built. Generally, a dog with a square head, a large mouth, broad shoulders, and a muscular build is far more intimidating than a fluffy furball.

Personality

Some dogs are just built to guard and protect. These “guarding traits” are the result of hundreds of years of selective breeding. Breeders honed those traits to create fearless, ferocious, and extremely loyal pooches capable of protecting their owners.

Take, for example, a Rottweiler and a Golden Retriever. While Rottweiler will intimidate even the big wild animals, a Golden Retriever simply doesn’t have that presence nor personality. You can expect a Rottweiler to ferociously defend your home till’ death, while Goldens will most likely come to greet and lick the stranger. 

This in no way means that Golden Retrievers are bad dogs. They just have another purpose. And that is to retrieve waterfowl and later to be a loving companion and a friendly family dog.

A list of the 14 most intimidating dogs in the world

Coat Color

Research has shown that canines with black coats color appear more intimidating to most people than those of other colors. It’s not completely clear why this is the case. However, some researchers suggest this is the result of most dogs in security being predominately black. For example, Doberman Pinchers, Rottweilers, German Pinchers, etc.

Bark

Last but not least – the bark. A tough and rough bark is enough to scare most people and make them turn and run in the opposite direction. A powerful bark can be a great tool to deter potential intruders, even if the dog is soft and non-aggressive.

Scary Dogs Breeds Of The World

German Shepherd

There is no doubt that the German Shepherd is one of the most intelligent and loyal dog breeds in the world. They are also working dogs who love it when they have something to do. When they have a task

But, German Shepherds are also scary. They are powerful, medium-sized dogs that are a favorite among military and police forces around the world.

They are capable of performing just about any task you ask of them. They are great at learning and excel at obedience training. German Shepherds are so smart that they can learn any command and any trick you can think of.

However, the image of being a dog tied to the military and special forces is intimidating for people. Also, Hollywood painted German Shepherds as intense dogs always ready to chase and grab anyone on command.

Belgian Malinois

Similar to German Shepherd, the Belgian Malinois is another breed that the military and police forces and security agencies alike. These are tireless, intense canines that will literally work themselves to death if in hands of an inexperienced owner.

Malinois are bred to bite hard, with the strength of bite at approximately 195 PSI. If not trained and socialized properly, the prey drive of Malinois kicks in transforming the dog into a menace that will chase and probably bite people in the streets.

The scary part is that these dogs have become extremely popular since appearing in the movie John Wick 3. However, what the audience doesn’t see in the movie are hundreds of hours of hard work and grueling training to shape them into well-rounded pups. 

Since the movie came out, more and more people want to own a Malinois without knowing how hard it is to care for and properly train these dogs. These are not dogs for first-time owners. Unfortunately, more and more first-time owners pick Belgian Malinois as their first dog.

Akita

Akitas have a reputation to be aggressive canines. Couple that with a powerful bite, scissor-like jaws, and an impressive physique and you will understand why this breed is banned in many US cities. However, as always, it’s not the dog that’s at fault, it’s the owner.

Generally, Akitas are quiet, playful, and loyal pups. However, there is always that fear of the unknown when you meet Akita on the street. You really don’t know if that particular Akita was properly trained and socialized.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

There are three main characteristics with which you can describe a Caucasian Shepherd dog. These are huge in size, strength, and courage. These are the dogs that kill wolves, so it’s safe to say they appear scary to most people. Extremely powerful and intelligent, but also stubborn and strong-willed.

Caucasian Shepherd can become aggressive if not trained and cared for properly. Also, they can be hard to train due to their stubbornness.

Meeting a Caucasian Shepherd dog on the street would send a shiver up the spine of even the bravest among us.

Dogo Argentino

Dogo Argentino was bred to hunt other animals. Therefore, these powerful, strong canines are by nature dominant and aggressive, especially towards dogs of the same sex.

If not trained, handled, or socialized properly, Dogo Argentino can easily cause injury or kill other animals or even humans. There is no doubt they are scary and intimidating. That’s why this dog breed is not allowed in a lot of countries around the world.

Cane Corso

Cane Corso is another breed that is banned in many countries around the world. Many people see them as extremely dangerous dogs due to their size and aggressive nature. There are even cases of Cane Corso attacking or killing humans.

Cane Corsos are very independent dogs. If you don’t train them right they will assert themselves as being dominant. I don’t have to tell you how dangerous that can be. They can cause many issues to their owners or wild and domesticated animals. Also remember, they can be violent and aggressive towards other dogs too.

Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinschers have a reputation for being police and guard dogs. This alone makes the public perceive them as aggressive and dangerous dogs. Dobermans are nowadays family pups. But there is no doubt they are capable and ferocious guard canines.

One of the scariest facts about Doberman Pinschers is the immense strength of their bite. Dobermans are capable of applying an incredible 305 PSI of pressure through their jaws.

Rottweiler

It’s easy to see why Rottweilers look scary to most people. They are big, muscular dogs with black fur and are usually suspicious of strangers.

This large dog can be extremely territorial and protective which makes them dangerous to strangers. A Rottweiler may attack a person he perceives as a threat to his owner.

Rottweilers aren’t dangerous to their family. But they can be dangerous to strangers. They are very protective. They want to protect their home and family. So when they think someone is attacking their pack, their family, they will get mad. And they will fight back!

Perro de Presa Canario

This is one of the most imposing and powerful dog breeds in the world. These dogs have a reputation for being aggressive and dangerous. Since 1982 and 2014. Presa Canario bite attacks were the fourth most common among all the dog breeds. These dogs also have one of the strongest bite forces among all dog breeds, which exceeds 500 PSI. There are several high-profile cases in which Presa Canario killed or injured people. 

Also, the sheer physical appearance of Pressa is only contributing to the overall fear factor. Presa Canario is a powerful, strong, 160-pound dog that is extremely hard to fend off in a case of an attack.

Perro de Presa Canario is forbidden in many countries around the world and some areas of the USA.

American Pit Bull Terrier

American Pit Bull Terrier possesses everything that makes a dog intimidating and scary. Pit Bull is an athletic dog, with an impressive physique and a muscular body.

Many people associate these canines with attacking people and being the guard dogs of criminals and drug dealers. Add to that the fact that they have killed more humans (248) than any other dog breed in the last 13 years and you will understand why they are the most feared dog breed in the US, and at the top of our list.

Tibetan Mastiff

Talking about scary dogs we can’t forget about the Tibetan Mastiff. These dogs don’t only look dangerous, they also are very dangerous! They can really be ferocious animals. Maybe you’ve heard the expression “If you get bitten by a Tibetan mastiff, you may lose a hand.” And that is definitely not an exaggeration.

The biggest danger with Mastiffs is that they will bite you even without provocation. Of course, if not socialized and trained well.

What’s also scary is their size, how they look. They can be up to 26 inches tall and weigh up to 100 pounds. They are muscular and powerful. You can say that they really are intimidating.

American Bully

The American Bully is another dangerous dog. They aren’t only scary by their nature. But they also look scary. They have wide shoulders and a muscular, strong body. Sometimes it seems like they could rip apart a grown man with their teeth.

The American bully isn’t aggressive by nature. Actually, they are loving and gentle dogs. But, the problem is in us people. There are people who intentionally breed aggression out of them.

Some people also treat their dogs badly, they mistreat them which leads to aggressive behavior. The American Bully also needs proper training, obedience training and socialization.

English Mastiff

The English Mastiff is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. And they definitely belong on the list of scariest dog breeds. They are around 30 inches tall and weigh up to 150 pounds.

As you can see the Mastiff is a massive, very muscular dog. They are very strong and can hurt you in a second. It’s in their nature to defend their family and their territory. And they will do anything to do that! He is simply a protection dog and they will protect their family with their life if needed.

Fila Brasileiro

The Fila Brasileiro is also known as the Brazilian Mastiff. This is a very large and scary dog. If you’re looking for an intimidating guard dog that will protect you and your family, then the Fila Brasileiro is perfect!

The Fila Brasileiro is very loyal and territorial. This means they will do anything to protect you from anyone. This also includes people you know.

They are also aggressive, so once they are triggered it’s hard to get them under control. So, this dog isn’t only scary, they are one of the very dangerous dog breeds too.

Scary dogs names