Recently the Government of India imposed a ban on the import, sale, and breeding of 23 breeds of dog, considered to be “ferocious”. Here are some of the banned dog breeds known for their ferocity:
Pitbull Terrier: On July 2, 2023 two Pit Bulls, named Big and Black, killed their 78 year old owner Pratheep while he was fast asleep in Thailand. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) Dog-related injuries resulted in 9,542 people being hospitalized in 2021-22. A separate report published by the Sydney Children’s Hospital found that 10.3 per cent injuries were caused by pet Pitbull Terrier dogs. One of the most dangerous and aggressive breed of dogs in the world, the Pit bull Terrier – is a cross breed of Terry and Bull Dogs with a strong jaw and muscular build. Pitbull Terriers were originally bred for bull-baiting, a cruel historical blood sport that involved pitting bulls against other animals. An average Pit bull Terrier typically weighs between 16 to 30 kg and has a life span of 8 to 15 years. It is hardly a surprise that keeping a domestic Pit-bull Terrier dog is banned in many countries around the world including North America to Spain and Singapore. It can kill any human due to its extreme force and aggression.
Rottweiler: The Rottweiler is a breed of German attack dog, with the most powerful teeth and body compared to other dogs. Rottweilers have a tendency to bite anyone whenever they feel threatened. If they catch someone it is not easy to make them release the victim from their powerful jaws. Rottweilers were responsible for 535 human fatalities in the U.S from 1982-2014. Rottweilers were involved in 29% of bite-related fatalities in children under the age of 10 years in the US. A study conducted by the CDC showed that Rottweilers were the second most dangerous dog breed on record. In the United Kingdom 20% of hospital admissions for dog bites were caused by Rottweilers, in 2019. Rottweilers were linked with 13% of all dog attacks in Australia from 2001-2013. Rottweiler attacks represent about 4.6% of all breeds involved-in dog bite-related fatalities in Europe. Rottweilers can be very ferocious and aggressive if not properly trained. The Rottweiler is on the list of banned dog breeds in India. Government of India directed states to ban the sale and breeding of Rottweiler in March 2024.
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Tosa Inu: The largest of all Japanese dog breeds Tosa Inu (inu means dog in Japanese) also known as the Tosa Ken, Tosa Dog, Tosa Token, or Japanese Mastiff is a powerful and potentially aggressive dog breed known for its strength and courage. The Tosa inu is sometimes called the “sumo wrestler of the dog world.” This nickname pertains to their origins in Japan and their history as fighting dogs, much like sumo wrestlers. Because of their ferocious nature owning a Tosa Inus is legally restricted or banned in many countries of the world including United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, France, Hong Kong, Romania, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, UAE, Israel, Turkey and India. The life span of Tosa Inu is short – about 10 years. Tosa inu requires daily exercise for about 45 minutes to an hour to maintain their physical and mental well-being. An alarming number of them are crippled by bone and joint diseases and/or succumb to cancer in middle age.
Dogo Argentinos: Dogo Argentinos, also known as Argentine Mastiffs, are large and muscular dog breed originating from Argentina. They were originally bred for big-game hunting, including mountain lions, wild boar, and pumas. Also used for dog fights in ancient times, these dogs are so dangerous that it is very difficult to domesticate them. They are known for their courage and athleticism, but they can also be stubborn and independent. Early socialization and training are essential for Dogo Argentinos. Dogo Argentinos are large dogs which require a lot of exercise. They have high-energy and need daily jogs and playtime. If they don’t get enough exercise they have a tendency to get bored and destructive. Male Dogo Argentinos typically stand 24-27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 88-100 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, standing 22-25 inches tall and weighing 75-90 pounds. Dogo Argentino is so powerful that it can hunt a wild boar alone. Their entire life span is 10 to 12 years. Dogo is banned in the UK, Argentina, and many other countries.
Alaskan Malamute: Originally bred by the Mahlemut people of Alaska for hauling heavy freight, the Alaskan Malamute are strong dogs with incredible stamina essential for survival in the harsh Alaskan climate. The Alaskan Malamutes, are large and strong dogs that require proper training and socialization from an early age. Malamutes are bred to pull sleds and are highly energetic. Without enough exercise and mental stimulation, they can become bored and may exhibit destructive behaviors. They do not get along well with small animals, such as cats. Their thick fur coat makes them suited for cold climates. They may not be comfortable in very warm areas.
Chow Chow: The Chow Chow is an ancient dog breed originating from Northern China. They are known for their distinctive lion-like appearance and unique blue-black tongue. Chow Chows are medium-sized, sturdy dogs with a thick double coat that comes in a variety of colors, including red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream. They have a short, broad muzzle, small, triangular ears, and deep-set almond-shaped eyes. Their most distinctive feature is their blue-black tongue, which is not found in any other dog breed. Chow Chows can be stubborn and independent, which can make them a challenge to train. They can be aggressive towards strangers and other animals. It can be extremely dangerous if it feels provoked, scared, or threatened. Chow Chow was responsible for over 238 attacks between 1979 and 1998. Of these 40 incidents led to fatalities, and 37 of the victims were children. Hence they are not the ideal choice for the first-time dog owners.
Boerboel: The Boerboel is a large, powerful breed of dog that originates from South Africa. They were bred by Dutch settlers in South Africa as guard dogs to protect their farms and homes against predators, like lions, leopards, and baboons. Boerboels are large dogs. Males typically stand 27-28 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 150-200 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, standing 24-26 inches tall and weighing 100-130 pounds. They require early socialization with other dogs and people to prevent any aggressive tendencies. Also because of their size and strength, they need consistent training from an early age. Boerboels require a moderate amount of exercise as well as a daily walk or jog and some playtime. Boerboels are best suited for a home with a garden. They are not well-suited for apartment living.
Boxer: The Boxer is a medium-sized, short-haired mastiff type German dog breed. The Boxer was bred from the Old English Bulldog and the now extinct Bullenbeisser (also known as the German Bulldog) — a breed of dog known for its strength and agility. Boxers probably got their name from the German word boxl or Boxerl meaning “short trousers” or “underwear”. Another theory suggests that the Boxer got its name from its tendency to play by standing on its hind legs and “boxing” with its front paws. Boxers were imported to the United States until after World War I and soon become the most popular dogs in America. The boxer is now the 11th-most popular dog breed in the United States. They can be protective and exhibit aggression if provoked. The boxer have high energy and need lot of exercise. If these needs are not met, boxers can be destructive if left alone in the house. Their life expectancy ranges from about seven to 10 years. About 22% of puppies die before reaching seven weeks of age.
Akita: The Akita is a large breed of dog originating from the mountainous regions of northern Japan. Originally bred as hunting dogs for large game like bears and boars, and are known for their strength, courage, and independence. They are very aggressive toward strangers as well as other dogs and animals. What makes the dog extremely dangerous is its exceptionally powerful scissor-shaped jaw. So, if the dog bites someone or something it is virtually impossible to open the jaw unless the dog opens his mouth and himself decides to release it. Akita is banned in Singapore and other countries of the world because of their large size and strength which can make them potentially dangerous if not properly trained and socialized. The idea behind this is to prevent incidents that may pose a risk to public safety.
German Shepherds: German Shepherds are large, and strong dogs with a lot of energy. They can be very aggressive and quite violent if not properly trained and socialized. German Shepherds are quite possessive and territorial, and can attack anyone they feel is invading their space. Their bite carries with a pressure of 108 kg, which makes it difficult for anyone to escape. Raising German Shepherds is banned in many countries of the world such as Ukraine, Bermuda, Belarus and the US where they are considered a dangerous breed of dogs. German Shepherds are the third most dangerous breed, involved in 17.8% of bite incidents in USA.
