Most Banned Dog Breeds

From purpose-bred hunters capable of taking down mountain lions, bears, and wolves, to the dog breed with a disturbing history of warfare against humans, as well as other ultra-powered hounds that regularly turn on their owners, and others even scarier than that. Let’s carefully meet the world’s most-banned dog breeds.

Dogo Argentino

Let’s kick things off with one of the most commonly banned breeds in the entire world, the Dogo Argentino. Known for its remarkable strength, loyalty, and skill in hunting, this breed was originally developed in the late 1920s by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez in Argentina. Martinez aimed to create a hunting dog capable of taking down big game like boars, pumas and even mountain lions. And boy, did he succeed, as you can see in this epic Dogo vs puma showdown:

Dogo Argentino cazando Puma by AK 47

By selectively breeding the now-extinct Cordoba Fighting Dog with several other breeds, including Great Danes, Boxers, and Mastiffs, Martinez created a dog with the physical prowess, temperament, and high pain tolerance, to be an unstoppable hunting machine.

Despite its intended use as a hunting companion, the Dogo Argentino has a history that’s often overlapped with illegal activities like dogfighting, which only fuels its reputation. The instinctive natures of hunting breeds like Dogos makes them especially dangerous.

For taller prey, or humans, they typically target legs to immobilize, then clamp down on the neck, inflicting severe or fatal injuries. Combined with their stamina and determination, they’re incredibly difficult to restrain once they attack.

Unsurprisingly, Dogo Argentinos have been the target for bans across over 20 countries. In the UK for example, Dogos were banned as part of the Dangerous Dogs Act brought into law in 1991. Countries that also have laws outright banning Dogo Argentino include Norway, Portugal, Israel and India. In the USA, breed-specific legislations are enforced at the local level, ranging from specific restrictions to outright bans.

Sadly, restrictions like these have been made in response to some very real, tragic attacks. In 2018, 28-year-old Jenna Sutphin of Maryland was fatally attacked by her Dogo Argentino, Rocky, a dog she had owned for four years. The most unsettling detail is that Jenna’s fiancé, Jason, was an experienced Dogo breeder, meaning even skilled handlers can fall victim to the unpredictable nature of powerful dogs like Dogos.

However, there are a few stories where Dogos have played the hero. In 2008, a Dogo named Morocho heroically fought off a mountain lion that was chasing two young girls in Argentina, saving their lives at the cost of injuring himself.

Wolfdog

If you’ve seen Game of Thrones, it’s likely you’ve contemplated just how cool it would be to have your very own Dire Wolf companion. But in reality, owning a wolfdog, a hybrid between a domestic dog and a wild wolf that does indeed exist, comes with challenges that make them controversial and often illegal.

For a bit of history, humans began taming and breeding wolves 15,000 to 20,000 years ago. Early domestication was mutually beneficial: wolves received food and shelter, while humans gained hunting partners and protectors. Over time, selective breeding created domesticated dogs, but wolves and dogs can still interbreed naturally.

By the 1920s, breeders across Europe began programs for deliberately breeding these wolf-dog hybrids, turning back the clocks to the early days of domestication, but these primal beasties’ wild instincts make them unpredictable.

As part-wild-animal, wolfdogs retain natural behaviors that are near-impossible to train out, especially since they possess less desire to please humans and often respond poorly to forceful training methods. They form strong bonds with their primary owner and can become fierce protectors, but the downside to this is that they may cause harm to others they perceive as threats. Just check out these these two Czechoslovakian wolfdogs reactions to the postman.

Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs Reaction When See the Postman by mustbefunny *

Wolfdogs’ unpredictable temperament, combined with protective instincts, makes them particularly dangerous in households with children. Tragically, there have been cases in the U.S. where wolfdogs kept as pets turned on young family members, including incidents in Alabama in 2023 and Virginia in 2018.

Beyond their wild instincts, wolfdogs also possess another potentially-troublesome trait: a super-sharp intellect. Studies have found wolves often have a higher IQ than domestic dogs, and wolfdogs inherit this intelligence, creating challenges.

Wolfdog owners report their pooches are master escape artists, and they’ll quickly figure out how to exploit any weakness in their environment, like opening gates, and scaling fences. A potential nightmare if they escape into areas with children or other animals!

Wolfdog escape by michael kimionakis

The demands of owning a wolfdog are as relentless as a wolf’s hunting instincts, and many owners find themselves overwhelmed. These dogs grow rapidly and often outgrow their environment before their owners realize just how big they’ll get.

This was the case for Yuki, a massive wolfdog who ended up at the Shy Wolf Sanctuary in Florida at just eight months old in 2008. Yuki was 87.5% gray wolf, 8.6% Siberian Husky, and 3.9% German Shepherd. When he was rescued, Yuki stood 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 120 pounds, at pup age!

Due to their size and wild ancestry, owning a wolfdog is legally complicated. In places like the UK, hybrids at least three generations removed from their wolf ancestor are allowed without restrictions. But many countries, such as India, and the UAE, ban them entirely. In the US, 38 states have varying degrees of restrictions, while Maryland and Michigan enforce statewide bans.

For those still keen to live out their dire wolf fantasy, there are plenty of legal and safely bred domesticated breeds that look like a wolf but with instincts more akin to that of man’s best friend. The Siberian Husky, Yakutian Laika, Norwegian Elkhound, and even the adorably miniature Alaskan Klee Kai are all excellent alternatives, as they’ve been specially bred to cohabit with humans.

Kangal

Sometimes known as the Anatolian Shepherd or Karabash, Kangals were originally bred in Turkey for the protection of livestock against predators such as bears and wolves.

The Kangal’s intimidating size is the most obvious factor contributing to its dangerous reputation. Adolescent Kangals regularly weigh up to 100 pounds, and some adult males reach upwards of 150 pounds. Not only that but the Kangal boasts the strongest bite force of any dog breed, with a chomp powered by up to 743 pounds per square inch. This powerful bite, terrifyingly, could actually crush an adult human’s leg bones.

Combined with the breed’s formidable size and protective instincts it makes the Kangal both an excellent guardian but, in some cases, a liability when improperly handled. Like many cattle guardian breeds, Kangals are highly intelligent and independent thinkers, meaning they’re capable of taking action without permission from their owner, which can lead to potentially dangerous situations.

In 2023, British multimillionaire Dr Anwar Ansari had his three pet Kangals confiscated by authorities after they escaped his property, attacked a man, and chowed through a neighbor's flock of hens. Even with the ruffled feathers aside, fiercely-protective Kangals aren’t exactly suitable for first-time dog-owners.

You can own a Kangal in most places in the USA, but countries like Denmark have banned Kangals outright, while Italy, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus have laws that usually require them to wear muzzles in public spaces. Even Turkey have banned Kangal exports to prevent unregulated breeding for dogfighting. It makes sense because even with the morality of dog-fighting aside, these big boys’ bite force seems like an unfair advantage!

Presa Canario

The Presa Canario is among the strongest, and most banned, dog breeds. These beasts weigh up to 160 pounds with a bite force of 550 pounds per square inch; enough to crunch through the bones or your forearms with ease, or, as occurred in one specific example I’m about to get into, able to crush a human trachea like a soda can.

Real Deal Decoy Work - SoCalPresa Bane & Kane - Perro de Presa Canario by SoCalPresa

Originating in 15th-century Spain on the Canary Islands, this breed was originally used for herding cattle. Its hyper-vigilant nature and quick reactions make it an excellent guard dog, bonding deeply with owners, but requiring lifelong training and socialization due to their instinctual stubbornness and aggression.

While initially a multipurpose farm dog, the Presa Canario’s fighting abilities led it to dogfighting pits, a popular activity in the Canary Islands. After dogfighting was banned in 1940, Presa breeding declined, and the breed gained a tarnished reputation that persists today.

One of the most notorious incidents involving the breed occurred in 2001 when two Presas attacked 33-year-old Diane Whipple in her San Francisco apartment building, leading to her tragic passing. The owners were convicted and jailed, the dogs were euthanized, and this incident contributed to the breed’s negative reputation.

Unsurprisingly, the Presa Canario is banned or heavily restricted in several countries. Australia and New Zealand banned this breed, while countries like Malaysia require government approval for imports. In Romania and Singapore, Presas must be leashed and muzzled in public. Some U.S. regions, like Ashton, Ohio, and Lone Tree, Colorado, meanwhile, have local bans.

In the wrong hands, Presas can represent a serious risk to people and animals around them, and even in experienced hands, these dogs are difficult to manage. So, if you ever happen to see one, it’s smart to be wary of these dogs, especially if it doesn’t know you.

While full-blown unprovoked dog attacks are rare, there are some things you can do to prevent triggering aggression. One of the easiest ways is to avoid eye-contact with the dog and don’t attempt to speak to it, even if you think it’ll help it realize you’re friendly. If it leaves you alone or acts friendly, great, if not, good luck, pal!

Tibetan Mastiff

Originating from the rugged mountains of Ancient Tibet, Tibetan Mastiffs were initially bred as guard dogs trained to protect livestock from predators and Buddhist monasteries from unwelcome intruders. The largest Tibetan Mastiffs have reached weights of 250 pounds, with their often massive manes making them appear even larger. It’s this colossal capacity for size in combination with their origins as protectors that calls their safety into question.

Tibetan Mastiffs are naturally protective, territorial, occasionally unpredictable and difficult to handle, meaning their aggressive instincts towards strangers can quickly turn ugly. In China, there have been multiple cases of Tibetan Mastiff attacks, one of which saw 20 police officers being called in to deal with two dogs that had reportedly made a beeline for pedestrians in the city of Shijiazhuang in 2013.

Over in Scotland, in 2018, a 200-pound Tibetan Mastiff was found to have attacked 3 people, including a teenager girl and an elderly woman, on separate occasions. While many people were injured in these incidents, sadly, things ended in a more permanent way for the Tibetan Mastiffs in question.

These incidents have done little to tame the bear-like Tibetan Mastiff's wild reputation, and only stirs up concerns that have led to restrictions in several regions. Belarus and Ukraine have placed heavy restrictions on the ownership of Tibetan Mastiffs, while Bermuda has banned the breed altogether.

In Beijing and Shanghai, strict laws bar any dog over 13.7 inches in height, making the towering Tibetan Mastiff, standing an impressive 26 to 35 inches, an unwelcome giant in these urban landscapes. In the United States, a few cities, such as Wapato, Washington, ban Tibetan Mastiffs outright.

While responsible owners invest the time and dedication to properly socialize their gentle giants, this breed is not ideal for those lacking the necessary experience. Tibetan Mastiffs are both adored by some and staunchly rejected by others. Either way this gargantuan fluffball is proof that with great physical power comes even greater responsibility for owners.

Doberman

They say you can’t teach old dogs new tricks, but our next breed was quite literally born from one man’s need for a very fierce trick up his sleeve. The Doberman traces its origins to 19th-century Germany with Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector who faced significant threats on his rounds.

Dealing with angry taxpayers and criminals eager to steal his collections, Dobermann decided he needed a bodyguard. So, he set out to develop a breed so formidable that even the most hardened tax-dodger would think twice before causing trouble.

The exact mix of breeds Doberman used remains a mystery. Some say he combined a pinscher with a German shepherd, while others believe he used a variety of breeds known for their strength and tenacity, including Rottweilers and Pinschers. Either way, the result was the Doberman, a breed with loyalty, strength, and vigilance intertwined into its DNA.

The Doberman’s loyalty can make it dangerous, as they instinctively act against perceived threats. Like other protective breeds, Dobermans target vulnerable areas when attacking, especially the head and face. In 2024, a Doberman in Yorkshire, England attacked a child when she leaned in to kiss it, biting her head. Thankfully, the child survived.

Incidents like this have led to a reputation as a dangerous breed and even outright bans in places like the UAE, Qatar, Shanghai, China, and the German state of Brandenburg. In some countries, like Ireland, Malaysia, Romania, and Singapore, laws require certain high-risk breeds, including Dobermans, to be muzzled in public, with non-compliance leading to weighty fines.

In the USA, Dobermans are subject to breed-specific legislation in some areas. For instance, New York City’s Housing Authority bans tenants in city-owned buildings from owning Dobermans. Additionally, Doberman owners often face higher insurance premiums due to the breed’s libelous reputation.

Despite restrictions, many argue the Doberman’s reputation is misunderstood and with responsible ownership and training, the breed isn’t dangerous. In fact, a Doberman’s protective instinct can be a lifesaver. In 2017, a Doberman named Khan heroically saved 17-month-old Charlotte Svilicic from a deadly king brown snake in Australia.

Charlotte’s mother was initially horrified to see Khan grab her daughter and fling her aside, until she realized he was moving Charlotte out of harm’s way. Khan was even bitten during the altercation, though he fully recovered after receiving anti-venom. Who’s a good boy? According to the Svilicics, it’s definitely Khan, though clearly, many jurisdictions still think otherwise.

German Shepherd

While many canine enthusiasts have been fighting for the reputation of many banned dogs on this list, our next breed has been on the frontline from the beginning.

The German Shepherd’s story began with Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer who sought to create the ideal working dog in the late 19th century, by inter-breeding various types of traditional German herding dogs. The breed gained fame during World War I, serving as messengers, and mine detectors for the German Army. Fascination with their intelligence spread as returning American GIs shared stories of these remarkable dogs.

By World War II, German Shepherds were staples for both Allied and Axis forces, solidifying their status as the ultimate working dog. Today, however, German Shepherds are controversially banned in places like Fairfield, Iowa, Monticello, Mississippi and breed-specific legislation in other areas label them as dangerous. So, what went wrong?

After the war, German Shepherds became popular as pets and guard dogs, but their protective instincts became a double-edged sword. Overbreeding for profit led to unstable temperaments, and mishandling by inexperienced owners caused behavioral issues. Their use in law enforcement, notably during the U.S. Civil Rights Movement where they were unleashed on peaceful protesters, further tarnished their image.

German Shepherds are involved in around 5% of fatal dog attacks in the US and are often ranked as the third most dangerous dog breed. Outside the US, they face restrictions in countries like Ireland, Ukraine, and Romania, where muzzles are mandatory in public. While they’re frequently seen at airports and train stations as police sniffer dogs, some think their powers make them better suited for work than family pets.

Interestingly, other police favorites, like Dutch Shepherds, rarely face the same restrictions. While both breeds are highly intelligent, German Shepherds are generally larger and more powerful, posing a greater potential risk. Combined with their higher popularity and more frequent reported incidents, this sets them apart from the less common Dutch Shepherd, which has largely avoided similar scrutiny.

Not many people have seen the terrifying photo below then, have they? Just look at those menacing gnashers that totally aren’t just a pinecone creating the perfect toothy illusion!

All jokes aside, other less common Shepherd dogs, such as the Caucasian Shepherd and Central Asian Shepherd, do frequently appear on ban lists. Ultimately, the German Shepherd’s reputation as either hero or threat hinges largely on how they’re handled. So hopefully, if you ever encounter one, the person on the other end of the leash knows what they’re doing.

Rottweiler

There are two dogs ahead of the German Shepherd when it comes to attack statistics. We’re going for the number 2 spot right now which is held by none other than the Rottweiler. Originally bred in the German town of Rottweil for herding livestock and pulling carts of butchered meat to market, Rottweilers developed strong protective instincts and stronger muscles.

However, in more recent times there have been a number of reports of this breed turning on their owners, which sometimes ends in tragedy. In 2018, 57-year-old Anthony Riggs was fatally attacked by a formerly stray rottweiler he’d adopted from a Tennessee dog shelter just three hours prior.

But even lifelong bonds can't prevent a Rottweiler attack. In December 2024, a 5-year-old girl tragically lost her life after being attacked in the backyard of her California home by her family's two Rottweilers she’d had known her entire life. With such powerful jaws, a slight misunderstanding over food or territory, or even a playfight can prove fatal.

Rottweilers are the second-most prone to attacks in the US, but aside from some being poorly-trained by bad owners seeking an intimidating pet, there may be another explanation as to why this breed can be so dangerous. Like many large breeds with heavyset builds, Rottweilers are predisposed to dysplasia, a genetic condition where joints don’t develop properly, causing chronic pain.

This kind of pain can lead to all sorts of behavioral issues, including sudden, unprompted bursts of aggression. In some extreme cases, even towards their human companions. Shockingly, it’s thought that up to 20% of Rottweilers are affected by hip dysplasia, which some believe could be a direct link to their bad-to-the-bone reputation. Thankfully, responsible breeding practices and early screening during a puppy's growth phase can help reduce the risks associated with the condition.

Rottweilers have been banned in Portugal, Israel, and several US cities have restrictions and bans on the breed. However, when raised in a stable environment with consistent training, Rottweilers can be loyal, loving companions, to the right owner. But for those raised poorly, they have the natural equipment to carry out some serious carnage.

Pugs

When you think of banned dog breeds, it’s easy to picture imposing beasts like Wendy, the whippet born with a rare genetic mutation that caused her muscles to grow dramatically.

Despite her intimidating appearance, whippets aren’t banned anywhere, being typically gentle and docile. Yet, in one particular country, it’s not only the muscular or aggressive breeds they’ve decided to ban, but the adorably flat-faced pug.

You’re surely thinking how could these pocket-sized pooches possibly pose a threat? While there have been a handful of reports of this breed attacking humans, it’s not their temperament that lands them in the doghouse. The Netherlands has officially declared war on flat-faced dog breeds like pugs, French bulldogs, and others, because their squishy faces come with a not-so-cute price: serious health problems.

These breeds are victims of selective breeding that prioritizes their cutesy flat noses and pint-sized skulls, features that define a condition known as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. This condition severely limits their ability to breathe, making their cutesy appearance a lifelong struggle.

In an effort to address ethical concerns around these dogs, the Netherlands banned pug breeding back in 2014. However, illegal trading and importing pugs from abroad persisted. So, in 2023, the Dutch government announced their intention to ban citizens from owning pugs outright, along with other brachycephalic pets.

These bans aim to prioritize animal welfare over aesthetics, sparking debates about selective breeding. The Shar-pei, known for its extreme wrinkles, has also faced scrutiny as these traits can lead also to breathing difficulties and skin issues.

Unlike pugs, the Shar-pei is also associated with aggressive behavior, contributing to its ban from public spaces in Qatar and Dubai. Shar-Pei attacks on humans are rare, but in 2014, a man in Liverpool was attacked by his sister's dog during an evening walk. The Shar-Pei targeted his arms and shins before bystanders intervened, helping him escape. With growing concerns over the health and temperament of such genetically altered breeds, their future remains uncertain.

Pitbull

Now we’ve reached the pinnacle of banned dog breeds. Banned in a total of at least 30 countries and restricted in a further 17, it is, of course, the Pitbull. But what’s the deal with these demon doggies? And why are they banned above all the rest?

The Pitbull's origins date back to the early 1800s in the UK, where they were bred from strong-jawed, stocky Old English Bulldogs used for archaic sports like bull-baiting. After these "sports" were outlawed in 1835, another activity known as ratting became the preferred source of entertainment.

In this new sport, crossbreeds of Bulldogs and Terriers were pitted against rats and timed to see how many they could catch, being specifically bred for maximized aggression and prey drive. So named for the pits ratting took place in and their Bulldog ancestors, the Pitbull was born.

Pitbulls are often considered dangerous pets because of their incredibly strong jaws and razor-sharp teeth. It’s their jaws that have linked the Pitbull to more fatal attacks than any other dog breed, totaling at around 346 fatalities in the last couple of decades across the United States. That’s more than many other feared creatures including spiders, and even the infamous great white shark.

Pitbulls come in a range of sizes, with some reaching extraordinary proportions. One standout example is Hulk, a US-based Pitbull standing six feet tall on his hind legs and weighing 175 pounds. Gaining fame on Instagram, Hulk can often be seen showing off his crazy stunts, from donning paint to look like some crazy jaguar cross-breed, to playfighting with his human companions, all safely and professionally, of course.

Hulk’s owner and trainer, Marlon Greenan, lives in an area of New Hampshire where Pitties are allowed, but, in reality, illegal import of Pitbulls to banned locations is common. According to Greenan, importers often forge paperwork and claim the dogs are unbanned breeds resembling Pit Bulls, such as Staffordshire Terriers.

Some statistics claim Pitbulls account for approximately 65% of fatal dog attacks, fueling arguments in favor of banning them. However, supporters of the breed challenge the accuracy of these figures. They contend that if illegal importers can easily mislabel Pitbulls as other breeds, the same misidentification could occur when bystanders report the breed as being involved in a dog attack.

In fact, some studies have concluded that up to 60% of dogs visually identified as Pitbulls are misidentified, meaning it’s more than possible many Pitbull attack statistics are unreliable.

One notable attack that most certainly did happen took place on Halloween night 2024, when four pit bulls ran loose on a Pennsylvania street full of trick-or-treating children. Fortunately, no kids were harmed, thanks to Mike Schuteck, who heroically intervened to protect them, sustaining injuries himself.

However, there are also instances of Pitbulls protecting humans, as demonstrated by Hurley, a Pit Bull-Labrador mix who reportedly saved a young boy from a venomous copperhead snake in 2017. When the boy accidentally came across the snake, Hurley immediately intervened, using his jaws to fling the snake away and protect the child.

Despite the breed’s positive loyal traits, many Pitbull crossbreeds including the infamous American XL Bully are outlawed in a number of countries including Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. The UK formally banned the buying, selling and rehoming of XL Bullies in England and Wales in February 2024 after the breed was involved in a slew of high-profile attacks in the country, and sadly, many of those attacks don’t involve bullies saving children if you catch my drift.

The fact that several of those attacks, disturbingly, involved the XL Bullies turning on their owners unexpectedly has raised alarm bells about their inherent nature.

Cane Corso

In the weeks that followed the UK government’s announcement that they’d be banning XL Bullies, online search data in the country revealed a significant uptick in people seeking out information on a different breed. The Cane Corso is an ancient Italian breed descended from the Roman Molossian dogs, used as war dogs and livestock guardians.

In Roman times, Molossian war dogs patrolled and fought fiercely, wearing spiked collars and sometimes carrying pots of incendiary liquid, transforming into living weapons on the frontlines as they leapt at enemies and set foes, and themselves, ablaze.

Given their history fighting against and alongside humans, Cane Corsos have developed a strong sense of guarding and protection, making them more prone to aggression in certain situations. Currently, Cane Corsos aren’t widely banned or restricted with a few exceptions.

India and Bermuda have placed an outright ban on the breed while countries including Ukraine severely restrict the breed. Cane Corsos are also banned in some US cities in Washington and Colorado, among other states. For now, it seems the legality of the Cane Corso at large, is skating on thin ice.

While dog breed bans are enacted in the interest of public safety, it seems that interest in riskier breeds remains strong. And, given that folks who seek out a super-strong pet for protection or otherwise, don’t always have the know-how or willingness to train it safely, it wouldn’t be surprising if more bans come into place in coming years. Who knows what other breeds we’ll see pop up on ban lists in the future?

If you were amazed at the most banned dog breeds, you might want to read about the most aggressive dog breeds in the world. Thanks for reading!