Dogs have long been seen as man’s companion and best friend. However, although that’s true, some dog breeds are designed for hunting prey, protection, and more. It’s possible to tame them, but they can often get too aggressive, not allowing you to domesticate them. In fact, some dog breeds are so dangerous that they’ve been banned as pets in countries like Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and more!
American Pit Bull Terrier
According to the Human Society of Harrisburg Area, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a clever, courageous, playful, determined, resourceful, and alert dog breed. However, this dog breed also has an intense determination to win. Although they have a poor reputation for hurting people or starting dog fights, the study from the Human Society of Harrisburg area notes that unless it’s poorly bred by “unscrupulous individuals using abusive methods,” this dog should not attack people.
German Shepherd
These dogs have long been viewed as great companions for humans, especially at work, since they’re considered working dogs, too. But German Shepherds have high exercise needs and would only thrive in a household that can keep up with their energy. Aside from this, they are also prone to health issues like elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and more.
Japanese Tosa
According to Michele Welton, a dog trainer and behavioral consultant, there’s a serious animal aggression issue when it comes to the Japanese Tosa, as it was bred to be a massive dog-fighting machine. If you have other dogs or pets at home, it’d be best not to bring home a Japanese Tosa, as it can display predatory behavior toward them, especially cats. It’s not supposed to be aggressive toward humans, but a Japanese Tosa’s actions can be hard to predict; you’ll undoubtedly find it hard to know if it’s rushing toward a thief or one of your own kids! The Japanese Tosa is considered so dangerous that it’s banned or restricted in countries like Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Norway.
Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro, also called the Brazilian Mastiff, is considered a hunting dog and a guard dog for a ranch or plantation. It’s incredibly loyal to its owner and his family, but you’d best be careful if you’re a stranger or an outsider. If you’re a Fila Brasileiro owner and have family and friends visiting, you must be prepared for the possible consequences, as your Fila Brasileiro can attack your closest friends just because they attempted to pet your dog. Aside from this, the Fila Brasileiro sheds and drools a lot, and they, too, have many health problems.
Dogo Argentino
According to the American Kennel Club, the Dogo Argentino is large, powerful, and athletic. This dog is strong and tenacious and would be a great guard dog for one’s family and property; it’s also a great hunting dog. However, the Dogo Argentino’s prey drive could be so strong that it shouldn’t be kept with cats, especially if they’re not raised together. It can be strong-willed and aggressive, requiring immense courage and dedication from its owner.
American Bandogge
The American Bandogge can be raised and trained to be more trustworthy and controlled. However, because this dog is mainly bred because of its fighting capabilities, there’s no doubt it can be highly aggressive. If their owners cannot show the American Bandogge that they are dominant and are the alpha, then their dog can act up and attack.
Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are great companion dogs. However, they are predisposed to a handful of health issues pet owners should know about before adopting or getting involved with an Italian Greyhound. One of the most common problems is broken bones; Italian Greyhounds have a delicate stature and are prone to leg breaks. They can also suffer from autoimmune diseases, retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, and more.
Rottweiler
Many people are inclined to get a Rottweiler because of its ability to protect its owner. However, do note that for them to become your protector, they need a lifetime of training. Aside from this, Rottweilers are expected to, at some point in their lives, challenge their owners. If you’re not prepared for that, then you’d better not get involved with a Rottweiler!
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are popular and famous for being cute, especially as puppies. However, this is not the dog breed for you if you love to go out of the house or vacation a lot. Basset Hounds are also known to love rolling around in disgusting substances, like dead rabbit carcasses, poo, and other smelly stuff! Lastly, Basset Hounds are notorious thieves; you can never leave your things—especially food—unattended!
West Highland White Terrier
Be careful not to get too attached to your West Highland White Terrier. Though a purebred dog, it’s not an exception to the many health problems that dogs go through. A 2007 health survey conducted by the West Highland White Terrier Club of America, Inc. revealed that the West Highland White Terrier is susceptible to atopic dermatitis, aggression, inflammatory bowel disease, pulmonary fibrosis, pancreatic enzyme deficiency, and more. Aside from this, they are also at risk of craniomandibular osteopathy, heart disease, and hip dysplasia.
Afghan Hound
As one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, the Afghan Hound has been estimated to have been around for thousands of years. It’s a dignified hunting dog and not your typical friendly neighborhood dog; therefore, as noted by the Australian National Kennel Council, an Afghan Hound is not friendly with strangers. As pets, training an Afghan Hound is a challenge because of how aloof it is; you’d first have to gain their trust before they start to submit.
Great Dane
Great Danes are gentle giants; they are affectionate, trustworthy, require minimal grooming, and are even excellent guard dogs. However, they are incredibly massive and would require a big space for them to be comfortable. Great Danes, sadly, do not live long lives; aside from other illnesses such as heart and dental disease, they are also prone to gastric dilation or bloat. It is the top fatal health condition affecting Great Danes.
Chinese Shar-Pei
The Chinese Shar-Pei is a cute dog, there’s no doubt about that. However, the problem is that they can encounter many health problems during their lifespan, ranging from their eyes to their respiratory system and even their muscles and immune system. Dr. Jeff Vidt created an Owner’s Guide to the Chinese Shar-Pei, and he noted that this dog breed “suffers from some unusual and perplexing problems, many of which have not yet been described in the veterinary literature.”
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a magnificent dog breed that has ingrained itself in Italy’s history. It was bred to guard and defend its owners and their properties, as seen through its contributions during World War II. The main problem with the Neapolitan Mastiff, however, is that though it’s a great guard to repel intruders, it cannot run and be active for hours. It doesn’t have great endurance and cannot chase a thief down the street.
Chinese Crested
Chinese Cresteds are one of the most unique dog breeds out there. They are small, elegant, exotic-looking, and make excellent watchdogs. However, Chinese Cresteds also have high levels of separation anxiety, making it hard for a devoted owner to leave for extended periods. Michele Welton, a dog trainer and behavioral consultant, notes that they can be stubborn and are notorious for breaking stuff in the house!
Border Collie
Border Collies are usually a popular choice when it comes to household pets. However, if you do own a Border Collie, you have to be cautious about how you interact with them or how you expose them to the outside world. This is because Border Collies are very sensitive. According to Clever Creatures, a website established to help with dog-human relationships, Border Collies are prone to “being affected by having a single bad experience and have poor ‘bounce back’ when something goes wrong for them.”
Pug
Though small, Pugs are incredibly high maintenance. In fact, it’s recommended that owners always schedule their grooming on time. This is because Pugs are prone to skin yeast infections and eye issues. They are also heavy shedders, requiring owners to set aside time for regular brushing.
English Bulldog
English bulldogs can be incredibly stubborn, especially when they put their minds to something. They should also not be fed around small children or other pets because they are very possessive about their food! It’ll also be costly to care for an English Bulldog, especially because of its short lifespan, expensive veterinary bills, and many health problems.
Dachshund
A Dachshund’s bark is not proportionate to its size. Though small, their barks pack a punch and may lead to trouble if not controlled early on. They are loyal but can take it too far and become a one-person dog; when this happens, there can be extreme separation anxiety when you leave or go on vacation. Lastly, Dachshunds are prone to back issues; you’ll need to purchase ramps and stairs and place them around your home so your dog doesn’t strain its back to get on the couch, the bed, and more.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
There’s no denying how magnificent a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can look. However, if you leave them alone for long periods, you’d best be prepared for separation anxiety, which can manifest as destructiveness and barking. They are also dogs that need to be fenced or leashed because of their chasing instincts. Lastly, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a relatively short lifespan because of health problems such as cancer, heart disease, obesity, parasites, and more.