The Scariest Dog Breeds According to Research

When we talk about “scary” dogs, everyone has their take. Some people might be scared of large dogs, while others could be worried about smaller, but aggressive breeds. The ranking comes from Protect My Paws, based on an examination of over 200,000 tweets about dogs. They made use of the NRC Language Sentiment Tool, calculating how many “fearful” words were linked to certain breeds. The more fear-related words used for a breed, the higher it ranked in the scariness list.

10. Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie’s substantial size, coupled with an overall intense look, might intimidate some. Their long, rugged fur could potentially hide their expressive faces, leading to misinterpretations of their intentions. Furthermore, their high energy level, if not properly managed, could also contribute to the perception of them as being potentially scary.

9. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Don’t let the Staffordshire Bull Terrier’s sweet face fool you. Due to their robust and muscular body, they can often be intimidating. Originally bred for bull-baiting, they still carry a certain fierceness that can worry some people. Furthermore, they are known to be highly protective of their families, which can manifest in aggressive behavior when feeling threatened.

8. Vizsla

When it comes to the Vizsla, their athleticism can be overwhelming for some. These dogs are agile and energetic, making them seem daunting due to their lively nature. In combination with their keen hunting instincts, this breed can accidentally intimidate people who are not used to an active dog lifestyle.

7. Bloodhound

The Bloodhound, with its imposing stature and solemn expression, can unquestionably unnerve some individuals. Their uncanny tracking ability, originally bred for hunting deer and boar, might make you feel as though you’re always under surveillance. Moreover, their deep, loud bark could be alarmingly scary if you’re not expecting it.

6. Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois, known for its substantially muscular build and intense gaze, could potentially instill a sense of fear. Combined with its military-grade training and high-energy levels, their potential aggressiveness if not perfectly trained can appear intimidating. This breed’s sharpness, combined with its sheer strength, may seem daunting to some.

5.  Italian Grayhound

Don’t let the delicate appearance of the Italian Greyhound mislead you. This breed, though small, can be quite unnerving due to their high speed and agile movements, reaching up to 25 mph. Their piercing eyes and alert demeanor can be intimidating, and their deep need for companionship might push them to aggressive tendencies when feeling abandoned.

4. Irish Wolfhound

Despite their reputation for being friendly and good-natured, the sheer size and strength of the Irish Wolfhound can potentially make it a daunting breed. It mixes the power of a wolf with the domesticity of a dog, which, without proper training and socialization, can sometimes result in aggressive tendencies. Its wolf-like appearance and intimidating stature alone are enough to frighten even the toughest humans. 

3. Boxer

The Boxer’s imposing physique, characterized by a strong jaw and muscular build, can be quite intimidating to some. Most often, their unknowable and somewhat unpredictable energy levels, coupled with their tenacious personality, may appear scary. Nevertheless, their protective nature is a boon, making them excellent guardian dogs.

2. Japanese Chin

Despite their compact size and endearing appearance, Japanese Chins can be alarmingly protective. Their typically docile nature could flip in an instant when they perceive a threat to their human family. With sharp teeth and a sudden, startling agility, they can transform into daunting contenders, especially if they believe their loved ones are in danger.

1. Akita

Despite their distinct, majestic appearance, Akita dogs can indeed arouse fear due to their sheer power and formidable bite force. Their scissor-shaped jaws are potent enough to cause significant harm, making encounters with an aggressive Akita particularly intimidating. Certain towns in Indiana even impose restrictions on them, reflecting their potentially frightful character.

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