Are you searching for the toughest, scariest dog breed to protect your house and family?
There are a lot of “scary dog breeds” that aren’t really as vicious as people would believe. In reality, some of the most frightening-looking canines are the softest, friendliest, kindest dogs you’ve ever met.
However, there are still a few dog breeds that have a reputation for being dangerous.
List of Scary Looking Dogs
The following is a list of the top 20 scariest dog breeds based on their appearance and reputation:
Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a large, powerful dog with a reputation for being aggressive. Rotties are loyal and protective of their families, but they can be territorial and aggressive toward strangers. If not properly socialized and trained, they may be dangerous.
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is another large, powerful breed with a reputation for being aggressive. Dobermans are intelligent and alert dogs, but they can be territorial and protective of their families. If not properly socialized and trained, they may be dangerous.
American Bully
The American Bully is a large, muscular dog with a reputation for being aggressive. American Bullies are loyal and protective of their families, but they can be territorial and aggressive toward strangers. If not properly socialized and trained, they may be dangerous. Many of the pitbull types make imposing pets.
Caucasian Shepherd
The Caucasian Ovcharka is a large, powerful dog with a reputation for being aggressive. Caucasian Ovcharkas are loyal and protective of their families, but they can be territorial and aggressive toward strangers. If not properly socialized and trained, they may be dangerous.
Great Dane
The Great Dane is a large, muscular dog that is known for its gentle temperament. Despite their imposing size, these dogs are often considered to be one of the best family pets around. They are good with children and make great watchdogs, but they need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Did you know Scooby-Doo is a Great Dane?
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a large, powerful breed with a reputation for being loyal and protective. These dogs are used extensively by the police and the military, and they make excellent guard dogs. They need plenty of exercise and training to stay happy and well-behaved, but they can be a great addition to any family.
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a medium-sized, athletic dog with a reputation for being intelligent and alert. These dogs are used extensively in law enforcement and the military, and they make excellent guard dogs. They need plenty of exercise and training to stay happy and well-behaved, but they can be a great addition to any family.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a large, powerful breed with a reputation for being gentle and good-natured. These dogs are known for their loyalty and protective nature, and they make great family pets. They need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy, but they are typically well-behaved indoors.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a large, powerful breed with a reputation for being aggressive. Cane Corsos are loyal and protective of their families, but they can be territorial and aggressive toward strangers. If not properly socialized and trained, they may be dangerous. In some countries the Cane Corso is a banned dog breed.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a large, fluffy breed with a reputation for being gentle and good-natured. These dogs are known for their loyalty and protective nature, and they make great family pets. They need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy, but they are typically well-behaved indoors.
Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a large, powerful breed with a reputation for being aggressive. Dogue de Bordeaux are loyal and protective of their families, but they can be territorial and aggressive toward strangers. If not properly socialized and trained, they may be dangerous. In Bermuda the Dogue de Bordeaux is a restricted breed. The dog breed became famous due to the movie Turner and Hooch.
Tosa Inu
The Tosa Inu is a large, powerful breed with a reputation for being aggressive. Tosa Inus are loyal and protective of their families, but they can be territorial and aggressive toward strangers. If not properly socialized and trained, they may be dangerous. The Tosa Inu is banned in many countries due to its aggressive nature.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large, powerful breed with a reputation for being aggressive. Tibetan Mastiffs are loyal and protective of their families, but they can be territorial and aggressive toward strangers. If not properly socialized and trained, they may be dangerous.
Presa Canario
The Presa Canario is a large, muscular dog that was originally bred for fighting. Though they are not as aggressive as they once were, they are still considered to be one of the most dangerous dog breeds. They can weigh up to 100 pounds and stand at 26 inches tall.
English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is another large, intimidating breed. They can weigh up to 200 pounds and stand at 30 inches tall. They are known for being gentle giants, but their size alone makes them a tough looking dog breed.
Boxer
The Boxer is a medium to large sized breed of dog that was developed in Germany. The coat is short, smooth, and tight-fitting. The head is square with a short muzzle. Boxers are stocky, strong dogs with powerful jaws. They were originally used as working dogs, but today they are more commonly seen as companion animals. If you are looking for a scary dog breed, the Boxer is definitely one to consider.
Boerboel
The Boerboel is a large, mastiff-type dog breed from South Africa. The name comes from the Afrikaans word for “farm dog”. They are intelligent, strong, and loyal dogs that make great working dogs and family pets. However, they can also be quite scary when they want to be.
Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino is a large, white, mastiff-type breed of dog. They were originally bred in Argentina for the purpose of big game hunting. Today, they are more commonly used as working dogs and family pets. However, their size and strength make them a scary dog breed if they are not properly trained and socialized. The Dogo Argentino is banned in the United Kingdom and several other countries.
Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro, also known as the Brazilian Mastiff, is a large working dog breed from Brazil. The coat is short and smooth. The head is large and square with a short muzzle. The Fila Brasileiro is a powerful, muscular dog that was originally bred for hunting and working. These dogs are banned in many countries.
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a large, mastiff-type dog breed. The coat is short and smooth. The head is large and square with a short muzzle. The Bullmastiff was originally bred in England for the purpose of guarding estates. Today, they are more commonly used as family pets and working dogs.
While some of these breeds may have a reputation for being aggressive, it’s important to remember that any dog can be dangerous if not properly trained and socialized.
The best way to ensure that your dog is safe and won’t pose a threat to yourself or others is to purchase a breed that has a good temperament and train them properly from a young age.
If you’re looking for a scary dog breed to protect your home, one of the above breeds may be a good option for you. However, remember that it’s always important to do your research before purchasing any pet.
What are some of your favorite tough dog breeds?