Minnesota's Favorite Canine: Now on the 'Most Dangerous' List?

According to data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 4.5 million dog bites each year in America, with nearly 1 million of those bites requiring medical attention.

With 202 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), some are known to be more aggressive than others. This top 10 list highlights the "most dangerous dogs" you might encounter in the U.S.

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I'd be willing to bet you could name seven of the ten most dangerous dog breeds on the list without even thinking about it, but one breed on the list might surprise you, especially if you're in Minnesota, as it's one of the most popular breeds here.

The Top 10 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds in the U.S.

Fighter Law in Florida compiled data from between 2021 and 2023, and the results aren't all that surprising. Coming in at number one is the Pit Bull, followed by Shepherd, Boxer, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog, Cane Corso, Doberman, and Mastiff. However, it's the number 10 on the list that might truly catch you off guard.

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The Surprising Entry: Labrador Retrievers

With over 130 recorded incidents, accounting for over 6% of all reported incidents, the Labrador Retriever came in at number 10 on the list. While this may seem surprising, it's crucial to consider the total number of Labrador Retrievers in America.

Labs consistently rank as one of, if not the most popular dog breed in America, and for good reason. They are often excellent family dogs and are known for being incredibly friendly animals, some might even say too friendly, especially when food is involved!

The data also shows that no deaths have occurred due to an attack from a Labrador Retriever. Compare that to Pit Bulls, which were responsible for a whopping 61 recorded deaths, with the second closest being Rottweilers at 7.

LOOK: The most popular dog breeds in America

Using the American Kennel Club's 2023 rankings, released on April 9, 2024, Stacker compiled a ranking of the 100 most popular dog breeds in the U.S.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

RANKED: Here Are the 63 Smartest Dog Breeds

Does your loyal pup's breed make the list? Read on to see if you'll be bragging to the neighbors about your dog's intellectual prowess the next time you take your fur baby out for a walk. Don't worry: Even if your dog's breed doesn't land on the list, that doesn't mean he's not a good boy--some traits simply can't be measured.

Gallery Credit: Sabienna Bowman