Updated at: 15-09-2023 - By: petstutorial

Dogs have been bred for various purposes over the years, and guard dogs are among the earliest and most important types of dogs. The scariest-looking dogs are often the most effective at intimidating potential intruders, and having them around can prevent conflict before it ever occurs. 

While some dog breeds may appear more intimidating than others, dog behavior is often down to the animal’s training and socialization. With the proper training and care, even the scariest-looking dogs can make excellent and well-behaved pets. 

In this article, we will take a look at the top 8 scariest dog breeds according to various sources, along with information on what makes them valuable companions apart from their ability to keep away intruders.

The Top 8 Scariest Dogs

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a breed of domestic dog that is regarded as medium-to-large or large. 

The Rottweiler has a muscular, massive, and powerful body with a broad head and a rounded forehead. The muzzle is well-developed, and the teeth meet in a scissors bite. The wide nose is black, and the medium-sized eyes are dark and almond-shaped. 

The Rottweiler is a powerful, calm, trainable, courageous, and devoted dog that is loyal and protective of its owner and family. They are known for their strength and loyalty and are often used as guard dogs. 

Rottweilers are also docile and laid-back dogs that enjoy agility sports and always having something to do. They are intelligent and have proven their worth beyond question in police and military work. The Rottweiler is a breed that needs an owner who is strong-minded, calm, but firm, and able to handle this dog’s massive size.

Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher is a medium-to-large breed of domestic dog that was originally bred in Germany in the late 19th century. The breed was developed by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector, night watchman, dogcatcher, and keeper of a dog pound. 

The Doberman Pinscher is a sleek, agile, and powerful dog that stands 24 to 28 inches at the withers and weighs 60 to 100 pounds. The breed has a long muzzle and ideally an even and graceful gait. 

The Doberman Pinscher is a stable, friendly dog that is loyal and devoted to its family. They are highly energetic and intelligent dogs that perform well in police and military work, canine sports, and as family guardians and companions. 

Dobes are very keen, super energetic with tremendous strength and stamina. They are not suited to kennel or backyard life and need human interaction and leadership. 

The Doberman Pinscher is a large energetic dog that requires daily mental and physical exercise, such as a long jog or vigorous play for at least an hour per day. They prefer temperate weather and enjoy retrieving, swimming, tugging, and running. The breed excels at dog sports such as agility, Schutzhund, ring sport, lure coursing, nose work, tracking, and dock diving.

Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, short-haired dog breed that is recognized by the United Kennel Club and the American Dog Breeders Association, but not the American Kennel Club. 

Originally bred to “bait” bulls, the breed evolved into all-around farm dogs and later moved into the house to become “nanny dogs” because they were so gentle around children. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a good-natured, amusing, extremely loyal, and affectionate family pet that is good with children and adults. They are highly protective of their owners and the owner’s property and will fight an enemy to the death. 

When raised with proper training and socialization, the American Pit Bull Terrier makes an excellent companion for children and is loving and gentle with people. They are devoted and loyal to their family and will defend them to the death if necessary. 

Pit Bulls are often described as “Velcro dogs” due to their strong bond with their pet parents and desire to always be near them. Pit Bulls are often good with children and other pets when well-trained and socialized, but it’s important to supervise interactions between kids and dogs, no matter the breed.

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a breed of working dog that was developed in Germany from traditional herding and farm dogs. They are medium to large-sized dogs that stand 22 to 26 inches tall at the withers and weigh 50 to 90 pounds. 

German Shepherds have a sturdy, muscular, slightly elongated body with a light, solid bone structure. They have a dense coat that consists of coarse, medium-long, straight or slightly wavy outer hair and soft short inner hair, and their color ranges from white or pale gray to black and is commonly gray and black or black and tan. 

German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective instincts. They are often used as working dogs in police and military roles, as well as guide dogs for the blind. 

German Shepherds are courageous, keen, alert, and fearless, and they have a high learning ability. They are extremely faithful and brave, and they will not hesitate to give their lives for their human pack. 

German Shepherds love to be close to their families but can be wary of strangers. They are devoted, vigilant, and protective family members, making them excellent guard dogs. 

German Shepherds are curious, which makes them excellent guard dogs and suitable for search missions. They are moderately active dogs and are described in breed standards as self-assured.

Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is a large, muscular breed of dog that was originally bred in England to guard estates and gamekeepers. They are devoted, alert guard dogs with a good-natured temperament and are docile and affectionate, but fearless if provoked. 

The Bullmastiff has a massive, powerful build, but is not a cumbersome dog. They have a large, broad skull that is wrinkled, and a broad, deep muzzle that is usually darker in color. The forehead is flat, and the stop is moderate. The black nose is wide and has large nostrils, and the medium-sized eyes are dark hazel. The V-shaped ears are set high and wide, carried close to the cheeks, giving a square appearance to the skull. 

Bullmastiffs are extremely loyal, smart, and dedicated family companions that love nothing more than being with their people. They are firm and fearless family guardians that are standoffish toward strangers but have a soft spot for their loved ones. 

Bullmastiffs are gentle and affectionate with family members and have generally calm, easy-going natures, making them good dogs for families with reasonably well-behaved children. They are powerful dogs that require a firm master who is confident and consistent with the rules set upon the dog. 

Bullmastiffs are droolers and have a short coat that is easy to groom and doesn’t shed excessively.

Akita

The Akita is a large and powerful breed of dog that originated in Japan. They are muscular, double-coated dogs that have a dignified and intimidating presence. They have small eyes and erect ears that give them a very dignified expression, and their body is muscular with straight and strong legs. 

The Akita is a powerful, independent, and dominant breed that is commonly aloof with strangers but affectionate and deeply loyal with its family. They are docile, intelligent, courageous, and fearless dogs that are careful and very affectionate with their family. 

The Akita is a natural guard dog and is considered a first-class guard dog in Japan. They are extremely loyal and thrive on firm leadership from their handlers. 

Akitas are typically white, brindle, or pinto in color. The two separate varieties of Akita are a pure Japanese strain, called Akita Inu or Akita-ken, and a larger mixed strain, commonly referred to as the “American Akita”. 

However, it is subject to debate as to whether the Akita strains are distinct, or if they constitute one, single breed.

Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is an Italian breed of mastiff that is usually kept as a companion dog or guard dog. They are powerful and muscular dogs that are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature. 

The breed is closely related to the Neapolitan Mastiff and is well-muscled and less bulky than most other mastiff breeds. According to the international standard, dogs should stand some 62–70 cm at the withers and weigh 45–50 kg; females are about 4 cm smaller, and weigh some 5 kg less. 

The Cane Corso is a working dog that was originally used to guard property and hunt big game such as wild boar. They are powerful and athletic dogs that require experienced pet parents who have large, securely fenced yards. 

Cane Corsos are intelligent, eager to please, versatile, and intensely loyal to their humans. They are affectionate and gentle dogs that can make loyal companions. 

However, they can also be willful, and early socialization with people and other animals is important. Like most large dogs, they require a good amount of exercise to keep up with their muscular shape.

Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working sled dog breed that belongs to the Spitz genetic family. They are recognizable by their thickly furred double coat, erect triangular ears, and distinctive markings. 

Siberian Huskies come in a variety of colors and patterns, often with white paws and legs, facial markings, and tail tip. They are intelligent, outgoing, and independent dogs that thrive on human company but need firm, gentle training and socialization. 

Siberian Huskies are classic northern dogs that are intelligent but somewhat independent and stubborn. They are friendly, playful, and have a vivacious and mischievous personality. 

Siberian Huskies are active, independent, mischievous, and playful dogs that get along fairly well with children and other dogs. They are born and bred for the snow and do best with active and experienced pet parents. 

Siberian Huskies are smart, outgoing, and tend to be independent thinkers, which can easily lead to behavior problems if not corrected early as a puppy. They are known to be vocal dogs and can be prone to howling.

FAQS

1. Why are these dog breeds considered scary?

These dog breeds are often considered scary because of their intimidating looks and/or bark. They were often trained for guard duties since their powerful appearance often intimidated intruders and predators alike. This has had the unfortunate side effect of giving them a reputation for aggressive or dangerous personalities.

2. Are these dog breeds actually dangerous?

In reality, most of these breeds are loyal and gentle pets when given the proper training (like any dog). Like any other type of dog, these breeds need early and frequent socialization, tailored training, and adequate exercise and mental stimulation to dissuade aggressive and problematic behaviors. With the proper training and care, they can make excellent and well-behaved pets.

3. Can these dog breeds be good family pets?

Yes, these dog breeds can be good family pets with proper training and socialization. They are often loyal and protective of their families and can make excellent guard dogs. However, it is important to note that some of these breeds may not be suitable for families with young children or other pets.

4. How much exercise do these dog breeds need?

The amount of exercise these dog breeds need varies depending on the breed and the individual dog. However, most of these breeds are active and require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. This can include long walks, runs, or playtime in a securely fenced yard.

5. Are these dog breeds suitable for first-time dog owners?

These dog breeds are not recommended for first-time dog owners due to their size, strength, and potential for stubbornness. They require experienced pet parents who can provide firm, consistent training and socialization.

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