When most people think of dogs, they imagine a loving, loyal companion who would never hurt their owner. However, there are some dog breeds that have developed a reputation for being more likely to attack or even kill their owners under certain circumstances. While it’s important to remember that any dog is capable of aggression given the right conditions, some breeds do tend to display more guarding instincts and have higher incidences of owner-directed aggression.
Pit Bulls
Pit bulls are undoubtedly the breed most infamous for turning on their owners. They were originally bred for bull baiting and dog fighting, tasks that required them to be both tenacious and willing to act aggressively toward other animals. When raised responsibly and humanely, pit bulls can make excellent companions. However, some pit bulls that have been bred for aggression or trained to fight can potentially redirect that aggression toward people.
According to a 20-year review of dog bite fatalities, pit bulls were responsible for the highest number of owner-directed fatal attacks. However, it’s important to note that most pit bulls will never display unwarranted aggression. Environment, training, containment methods and owner responsibility all play a major role in a pit bull’s behavior. Still, their genetic propensity toward tenacity means owners should take extra precautions with socialization, training and supervision.
Rottweilers
Along with pit bulls, Rottweilers account for the majority of owner-directed attacks resulting in death. Bred to herd livestock and pull carts, Rottweilers are very powerful dogs with strong guarding instincts. These traits served them well as cattle herders and police dogs, but those same characteristics can pose risks in the wrong hands.
Although Rottweilers have mellow personalities towards their owners, some may react aggressively when threatened. With their size and strength, a Rottweiler attack can easily turn fatal. Proper training and socialization are essential to prevent owner-directed aggression. Rottweilers should be closely supervised around strangers and taught positive behaviors through reward-based training.
German Shepherds
German Shepherds are hugely popular dogs that typically form close bonds with their owners. However, they were originally bred as herding and guard dogs, and those tendencies remain strong in some lines. Their size, strength and protectiveness make them capable of seriously injuring or killing their owners in rare situations.
Poor breeding practices and lack of training can lead to fearful, unbalanced German Shepherds that may turn on owners. When trained using force-based methods, German Shepherds can become aggressive. With their intelligence and strong guarding instincts, German Shepherds require dedicated training and socialization from an early age. When properly raised, most German Shepherds are affectionate, loyal companions.
Siberian Huskies
Siberian Huskies were bred to live and work in packs, pulling sleds over long distances in the unforgiving Arctic environment. They can be challenging to keep as pets due to their strong prey drive, tendency to roam, and primitive pack behaviors. Huskies are known for being willful, independent and obstinate at times.
Though Huskies are not typically aggressive toward people, their high prey drive can sometimes cause them to turn on small pets or livestock. Their pack mentality may cause them to gang up and attack when more than one dog is present. Huskies should be supervised around small animals and need dedicated training and containment. With their strong will, they may challenge owners they perceive as weak or inconsistent.
Doberman Pinschers
Though Dobermans are intelligent and loyal, they were originally bred to be guard dogs and defend their owners. Traits like aggression and reactivity were encouraged through selective breeding. Though modern Dobermans have been bred to have a more even, docile temperament, some bloodlines retain more protective instincts.
Dobermans bond very closely with their owners and may perceive threats that aren’t actually present. Their size and power means an aggressive Doberman can easily injure someone. Owners need to establish themselves as calm, confident leaders. Dobermans should be trained and socialized extensively to prevent reactivity and encourage stability. With dedication, most Dobermans thrive as gentle family companions.
Chow Chows
Though fuzzy and bear-like in appearance, Chow Chows are considered one of the more dangerous dog breeds when it comes to owner-directed aggression. Originally bred to guard and hunt, Chows can be very territorial, aloof with strangers and inherently distrustful. They require extensive early socialization to curb their natural wariness around people.
Chows are stubborn and like to do things their own way. They will respect firm, consistent leadership but can become aggressive when treated harshly. Their thick fur and dense bones make their bites extremely painful. Chows must be trained patiently using positive methods and require dedicated socialization. When properly handled, most Chows bond closely with their families.
Saint Bernards
Saint Bernards are enormous, powerful dogs originally bred for alpine rescues. Most Saint Bernards are gentle giants thanks to years of selective breeding for docile dispositions. However, their immense size coupled with potential aggression can make Saint Bernards capable of inflicting severe injuries.
Poorly bred Saint Bernards may retain more aggression. Some have strong territorial instincts that can cause them to turn on strangers or attack other dogs. Saint Bernards must be taught basic obedience, be extensively socialized, and have firm leadership to prevent problematic behaviors. Most Saint Bernards thrive as mellow, affectionate pets with proper care and handling.
Wolfdogs
Wolfdogs are hybrids between domestic dogs and wild wolves. Though they may seem intriguing, wolfdogs are not suitable pets for most owners. Since they are part wild animal, wolfdogs retain many wolf traits and behaviors. They are aloof, timid, and prone to aggression when challenged or threatened.
Wolfdogs have strong prey drives and may turn on small household pets. Their natural wariness of people can lead to fearful, unpredictable behavior. They challenge owners and test boundaries continually. Most wolfdogs are not safe around children or strangers. Only experienced owners should even consider taking on the responsibility of a wolfdog.
Boxers
Boxers are energetic, goofy dogs who typically have friendly dispositions. However, they were originally bred to be guarding and hunting dogs. Some lines retain pugnacious tendencies that can become problematic.
Boxers form extremely strong bonds with their owners. Their desire to protect can translate to mistrust of strangers. Without proper training and socialization, Boxers may become fearful or overly defensive. Boxers should never be encouraged to be aggressive. With their muscular jaws and tendency to “mouthing”, Boxers can inadvertently cause injury through playful behaviors.
What causes dogs to turn on their owners?
While certain breeds like pit bulls and Rottweilers are responsible for the majority of owner-directed attacks, any dog has the potential to turn on their owner given the right circumstances. Some of the most common causes that can lead to seemingly loyal dogs inflicting harm on owners include:
- Lack of proper socialization – Dogs that are undersocialized and unfamiliar with a variety of people, animals, places and stimuli are more likely to feel threatened and react defensively or aggressively.
- Abuse or neglect – Dogs that have been treated harshly, abused, or neglected are more likely to become fearful or aggressive toward any type of handling.
- Physical punishment – Dogs that are physically punished are more likely to react aggressively when handled or trained.
- Pain or illness – Dogs in pain from injury, arthritis or other medical issues may snap or bite reflexively when approached.
- Possessiveness over food, toys or other resources – Dogs aggressively guarding resources like food, beds, toys or attention may bite owners who approach.
- Predatory drive – Some dogs have intense instincts to chase and harm small fleeing animals or children which can inadvertently become directed toward owners.
- Territorial behavior – Dogs aggressively guarding their property may attack owners or family members who approach.
- Fear – Dogs react out of fear by biting or attacking in situations that make them feel threatened or insecure.
- Redirected aggression – Aroused, agitated dogs may bite whoever is nearest despite a different initial trigger.
- Predatory aggression – Some dogs have intense, genetically hardwired drives to attack unfamiliar people or animals when aroused which can become directed toward owners or family pets.
No dog breed is inherently dangerous, but some like pit bulls have been selectively bred for fighting and guarding behaviors. While genetics play a role, environment and training have the biggest influence on a dog’s propensity for unwarranted aggression. Dogs should be supervised, trained using positive reinforcement methods, and receive early socialization to minimize the risks of owner-directed bites and attacks.
Signs a dog may turn on its owner
In most cases, dogs don’t attack owners completely without warning. There are certain behaviors and body postures that may indicate heightened risk of aggression. Being able to recognize these early warning signs can help owners take steps to address issues through training, behavioral intervention or management before bites occur. Some signals to watch for include:
- Baring teeth
- Growling or snarling
- Raised hackles
- Hard staring
- Freezing and stilling
- Lowered body posture
- Tail held stiff and upright
- Lip licking, yawning, panting outside of context
- Avoiding eye contact
- Sudden behavioral changes
- Possessive behaviors around food, toys, beds
- Separation anxiety
- Reactivity to strangers, children, or other animals
Owners should immediately consult with a qualified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist if their dog exhibits any concerning signs like growling, baring teeth, or biting when approached. These behaviors should never be ignored or punished as that can worsen aggression. Professional help is imperative to keep owners and dogs safe.
Precautions owners can take
While even well-trained dogs may bite if provoked, there are measures owners can implement to minimize the risks of living with powerful canines. Some important precautions include:
- Thoroughly researching breeds to select an appropriate dog for your lifestyle
- Adopting from shelters and rescues to avoid irresponsible breeders
- Early and ongoing socialization to many types of people, animals, places and handling
- Humane, reward-based training using force-free methods
- Providing sufficient mental and physical exercise
- Careful supervision around children and monitoring all interactions
- Preventing access to potential guarding items like food bowls, beds and toys
- Consulting professionals promptly for help with any behavior issues
- Using secured enclosures, crates and gates when leaving dogs unattended
- Muzzle training to ensure safe handling at vet and grooming appointments
- Spaying/neutering to reduce undesirable behaviors associated with hormones
While even well-trained, socialized dogs may bite given high-risk circumstances like pain or extreme fear, following these precautions can greatly reduce the likelihood of owner-directed biting and aggression.
How to react if your dog becomes aggressive
If your dog is growling, lunging, snapping or biting when approached, here are some important dos and don’ts:
Do:
- Stay calm and avoid yelling or striking your dog, as this can worsen aggression
- Create space and slowly back away to give your dog a chance to decompress
- Call for help if safely possible
- Use treats, toys or other positive tools to redirect your dog’s attention if they remain supervised
- Take your dog to the vet to rule out medical issues that could be causing pain or discomfort
- Consult a credentialed behavior professional for guidance
- Work on desensitization and counterconditioning under the guidance of a trainer
- Be patient and allow time for behavior modification treatment plans to be effective
Don’t:
- Attempt to physically punish or discipline a growling, aggressive dog
- Try to touch a fearful, anxious dog showing warning signs
- Yell at or challenge your dog
- Reach toward your dog if they are hiding or backed into a corner
- Make prolonged, direct eye contact, which can seem threatening
- Attempt to correct the behavior without guidance from an experienced professional
Aggressive behavior warning signs should never be ignored. Consulting an experienced dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist as soon as possible is crucial to help keep everyone safe and start addressing the underlying issues.
Conclusion
While most dogs are profoundly devoted companions to their human families, certain breeds like pit bulls, Rottweilers and huskies do account for the majority of owner-directed attacks. However, any dog has the capacity to bite or harm people given the right circumstances. Proper socialization, humane training, vet care, containment and owner vigilance are vital to reducing risks. Being able to identify and respond appropriately to early warning signs like growling and stiffer body language is also essential. With compassion and precaution, owners can maintain fulfilling bonds with dogs, even breeds historically known for aggression.