Smaller dogs are considered potentially less dangerous than the larger ones by many. But it is not so. Even friendly dogs like Beagles and Dachshunds can turn ferocious and inflict serious damage in certain unfortunate circumstances. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in excess of 4.5 million Americans suffer from dog bite annually. Together, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls and German Shephard are responsible for fifty percent of all dog bites.

Top 10 Dangerous Dogs
Here is the latest list of top 10 dangerous dogs:

• Pit Bulls: Pit bulls are known for their unpredictable and predatory behavior. They are accounted for nearly one in every three serious dog bite injury in America. The dog is known for his tendency to turn aggressive without prior warning; this has earned him the reputation of number one vicious dogs around. Moreover, when a Pit bull bites, it hangs on to the victim without releasing its hold.
• Rottweilers: Unlike Pit bulls, Rottweilers are calm and aloof, but they are also fearless and alert. Known as Butcher’s dogs, they can turn dangerous when they are neglected, abused or are given less training and socializing opportunities. Rottweilers are considered to possess the strongest bite force.
• German Shephard: This breed is mostly used by the military and police departments for their high intelligence and bomb-detection quality. German shephards are highly suspicious in nature. Some of the character traits displayed by German shephards when they are aggressive are growling, barking, lunging, biting and snapping.
• Husky: Though huskies are mild tempered and intelligent, they can be deadly dangerous if not properly trained. Because of their incredible energy, huskies are extremely persistent in whatever that they do. This unique character trait can work both ways – positive and negative.
• Alaskan Malamutes: Lovingly called ‘big teddy bears’, majority of Malamutes are quite in nature compared to other dogs. They are generally fond of people, but are not generally known to cope so well with smaller animals and children.
• Doberman Pinscher: This breed is truly majestic having a tall and lean body. Temperament wise, a Doberman is outstanding –aggressive without being vicious, determined without being stubborn. With proper training and care, a Doberman can be the best friend a man can have. The opposite is also equally true, if one tries to rub this magnificent animal in the wrong way!
• Chow Chow: Now here is a dog with a mind of his own! He does not feel the need to satisfy every need of his master like a Doberman or a Golden Retriever does. Chow Chow also does not feel the need to respond to run-of-the-mill dog training program. He believes in satisfying himself first. But try to inflict any physical punishment to him or his master, this magnificent animal can react with intimidating ferocity and aggressiveness. It is said that this highly intelligent dog is highly unlikely to allow a stranger to enter into his owner’s house unchallenged.
• Great Dane: Also known as ‘gentle giant’, a Great Dane is usually easy going and non-aggressive. But Great Dane can also display very stubborn and aggressive temperament. They are also known to display their dominant nature towards other (same sex) dogs. A Great Dane with a bad temperament can be very hard to control and severely destructive.
• Presa Canario: This large dog has a broad head and massive jaw power. This makes them attack their targets with a kind of viciousness that can bring down their victims with deep injury.
• Tibetan Terrier: In spite of being known as a gentle and family dog, one may want to avoid pestering this highly sensitive dog, because this gentle dog can turn ferocious. As a protector, Presa can be courageous, dominant and powerful. Early socialization and obedience training are essential.

Lastly, it is the care and training given by the owners that can largely influence how a particular dog will behave in a certain situation. The bottom line is every dog has to be understood and respected according to his or her own personality so as to enjoy a loving and lasting relationship.