Dangerous Dog Breeds

Dogs classified as potentially dangerous aren't necessarily aggressive — it's that, due to their physical traits, they can cause serious harm if they get into a fight with other animals or people.

Depending on the country, the list of dangerous dog breeds is longer or shorter. That's why we'll look at which breeds are PPP in different countries, along with the requirements for adopting them.

List of Potentially Dangerous Dog Breeds (PPP) in Spain

In Spain, the list of dog breeds considered potentially dangerous is set by the BOE, under Law 50/1999 on PPP breeds.

This means the breeds detailed below are classified as dangerous by the Spanish government. This means you'll need a license and mandatory insurance to adopt one.

Akita Inu

Akita Inu Breed Dog

The Akita Inu is a breed native to Japan, though today it's widespread around the world. With a cheerful, affectionate, fun-loving temperament, it's also a great guard dog that won't back down from danger.

American Pit Bull Terrier

American Pit Bull Terrier - Blue Rednose

Known worldwide for numerous attack cases on people and other dogs, widely spread and exaggerated by the media, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a dog with a lot of temperament and energy.

Not recommended for people with no experience in the canine world, given its impulsiveness and aggression if not firmly trained and socialized. Within the guide to dangerous breeds, the APBT is possibly the most widespread breed globally.

Tosa Inu

Tosa Inu Dog

Classified as a potentially dangerous dog for its large size and strength, the Tosa Inu is actually a fairly calm, family-oriented dog, loyal and even-tempered.

That said, if poorly trained, it can be a real danger, due to its great muscle mass and bite strength. It's also native to Japan, where it's known as the Japanese Mastiff.

Rottweiler

Adult Rottweiler

Among guard dog breeds, the Rottweiler is the champion, by far. Its temperament is very affectionate, loyal, and even playful within its family.

That said, with strangers or people who could pose a danger, its temperament is very different. It's an incredibly strong, powerful breed that holds the world record for bite force.

Fila Brasileiro

Brindle Fila Brasileiro

This is possibly the breed that shows the most canine aggression without needing to be provoked. It's a highly impulsive, aggressive breed, widely used for protection and watch duties due to its ferocity.

Not at all recommended for family settings or people with a weak character or lack of experience training or handling large dogs.

Dogo Argentino

Dogo Argentino Breed

Classified as a dangerous dog for its large size and strength, if properly socialized and trained, the Dogo Argentino can actually be an extraordinary dog.

Like every Dogo, affectionate, playful, and even cuddly. That said, somewhat wary of strangers, which combined with its protective temperament can be dangerous if not properly trained.

American Staffordshire Terrier

American Staffordshire Terrier Breed Dog

Despite having a calm, relaxed temperament, the American Staffordshire Terrier will always be alert and watchful. This is an extremely intelligent dog with great physical strength and bite force.

Colloquially known as the "American Stanford" due to a mispronunciation, it needs intense training to prevent it from becoming aggressive or dangerous.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

You could say that among all the breeds classified as dangerous, this is generally the most sociable and friendly. With good training and socialization, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier barely shows aggression, since it's a very self-assured dog.

If you have any doubts about which breeds are considered dangerous in Spain, you can check the BOE A-2002-6016 publication on dangerous breeds.

Potentially Dangerous Dog Breeds in Mexico

In Mexico, the number of breeds classified as dangerous is higher than in Spain, since many other breeds are included that, despite not having an aggressive temperament, have been added due to their size and strength.

Complete guide to dangerous dogs in Mexico:

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Majorca Mastiff (Presa Mallorquín)
• Fila Brasileiro
• Presa Canario
• Bullmastiff
• American Pit Bull Terrier
• Rottweiler
• Bull Terrier
• Dogue de Bordeaux
• Tosa Inu
• Dogo Argentino
• Doberman
• Neapolitan Mastiff

Potentially Dangerous Dog Breeds in Argentina

If we combine the breeds classified as PPP in Spain and Mexico, we get a very similar mix to Argentina's list.

Argentina classifies the following as highly dangerous dogs:

• Akita Inu
• American Staffordshire
• Bullmastiff
• Bull Terrier
• Doberman
• Dogo Argentino
• Dogue de Bordeaux
• Fila Brasileiro
• Great Japanese Dog
• Neapolitan Mastiff
• Pit Bull Terrier
• Presa Canario
• Rottweiler
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

What Documentation and Permits Do I Need to Have a Dog Classified as Dangerous (PPP)?

The documentation and permits required vary a lot depending on which country we live in.

We'll cover the documentation currently required in Spain and Argentina.

If you're going to get a dangerous dog, you're required to check with your country's government beforehand.

Spain:

• Be of legal age
• Have no criminal record
• Be physically and psychologically fit
• Have third-party liability insurance of €120,000
• Register the dog in the dangerous animal registry
• Always use a muzzle in public places, without exception
• Use a leash shorter than 2 meters that isn't retractable
• Never walk more than one dangerous dog per person
• On private property, like houses or plots of land, they must be tied up (except when the safety measures required by the authorities to allow them off-leash are met)

More information at: How to Get a PPP License in Spain

Argentina:

• Identify the dog with a microchip.
• Use a leash shorter than one meter, non-retractable
• Use a muzzle
• Take safety measures in the area or property where the dog lives
• Don't leave the dog in common areas
• Report the theft, death, or abandonment of the dog to the authorities

What Else Should I Know About Potentially Dangerous Dog Breeds?

• You should thoroughly research the breed of dog you want to buy or adopt — this will help you understand its temperament and needs, so you can figure out if it's the right dog for you.
• Once you know which breed you're going to buy or adopt, check with your country's authorities to find out what permits you need.
• You must be of legal age and responsible — never buy a dog and then leave someone else to take care of it; it's your moral and legal responsibility.
• Remember, it's not the dogs that are dangerous — it's the owners. Train and educate your dog properly, and if it's classified as a dangerous breed, let an expert trainer guide and advise you.
• A dog's breed doesn't say everything about it — don't obsess over buying this or that breed... Go to a shelter or pound and adopt. There are thousands of dogs waiting for a home, and they're just as good, or better, than purebred dogs.
• In many countries, crosses resulting from dogs classified as potentially dangerous are also considered dangerous — look into it.