17 Dog Breeds Known For Turning Against Their Owners

Most of us think of dogs as loyal companions—tail-wagging, tongue-lolling bundles of joy who’d never dream of turning on their beloved humans.

And in most cases, that’s true. Dogs are fiercely loyal. But like people, they each come with their own personalities, past experiences, and instincts. And sometimes, those instincts don’t always play nice.

There are breeds out there with a strong sense of independence, high prey drives, or deep-rooted protective streaks.

If those traits aren’t properly managed through training, boundaries, and socialization, they can spiral into disobedience, dominance issues—or even aggression.

That doesn’t mean these dogs are “bad.” But it does mean they require experienced, confident owners who understand their unique needs and behavioral cues. Without that leadership, things can get dicey—even dangerous.

In this article, we’re diving into 17 dog breeds that are known for turning against their owners in certain circumstances.

These aren’t necessarily the most aggressive breeds—but they are ones that have a reputation for snapping, biting, or challenging their humans when things go wrong.

Maybe they weren’t socialized. Maybe they were treated poorly. Maybe they sensed weakness and stepped into the power vacuum.

Whatever the cause, the result is the same: a dog that no longer listens, respects, or trusts their person—and may act out in very scary ways.

If you’re thinking about bringing one of these breeds into your home, don’t worry—we’re not here to scare you off. We’re here to help you make informed choices.

Because with the right preparation and respect, even the most strong-willed dogs can become loyal, loving family members.

1. Chow Chow

Dignified but distant, Chow Chows are notoriously aloof—even with their own family. These dogs often carry an air of self-importance and prefer to do things on their terms.

If not raised with firm leadership, they can become aggressive and territorial, viewing even familiar faces with suspicion.

Their majestic appearance can be misleading, as their temperament requires a confident owner who understands their unique needs.

2. Akita

Powerful and prideful, Akitas are extremely loyal—but only to one person. This breed is known for its intense bond with its chosen human, often leading to jealousy or aggression if they feel slighted or challenged.

Akitas are not for the inexperienced owner; they require firm, consistent training and socialization from an early age. They thrive in environments where they feel respected and understood.

Though their protective nature can be endearing, it also necessitates careful handling. These dogs are as complex as they are beautiful, making them both a joy and a challenge to own.

3. Cane Corso

A formidable guard dog with strong territorial instincts, the Cane Corso commands respect. These powerful dogs are known for their protective nature but require a confident, experienced owner to manage their strong will.

Without clear leadership, they can misinterpret commands—or ignore them completely, becoming a potential risk to unfamiliar faces.

Despite their intimidating stature, Cane Corsos can be affectionate with their families, providing unmatched loyalty and companionship when well-trained.

4. Doberman Pinscher

Highly intelligent and protective, the Doberman Pinscher is a breed that demands attention and respect.

Known for their keen instincts, these dogs need early socialization to prevent their loyalty from warping into suspicion—even toward their own humans.

Dobermans thrive on structure and thrive in environments where they feel secure and understood. Their sharp minds and elegant appearance make them a favorite among dog enthusiasts.

However, without proper guidance, their protective nature can turn into a challenge, requiring experienced handling to ensure a harmonious relationship.

5. Rottweiler

Deeply loyal but dominant, the Rottweiler is a breed that commands respect and attention. When properly trained, these dogs are known for their unwavering loyalty and protective nature.

However, a poorly trained Rottie may try to assert control over household members, especially during adolescence, making consistent training crucial.

Their intelligence and strength are matched by their affectionate side, offering a unique blend of traits that can be both rewarding and challenging for owners.

6. Belgian Malinois

Brilliant but built for combat, the Belgian Malinois is a breed that thrives on mental and physical activity. These dogs need constant stimulation or they get neurotic, reactive, and sometimes dangerous.

Their sharp minds and boundless energy make them ideal candidates for police and military work, but they can be challenging pets for inexperienced owners.

With proper training and engagement, Belgian Malinois can be loyal and devoted companions, offering unparalleled dedication to their human partners.

7. Presa Canario

Known for strength and fearlessness, the Presa Canario is a breed that demands respect and skilled handling. These dogs need expert guidance to prevent their powerful nature from becoming a liability.

Insecure or harsh owners often trigger rebellion, making consistent, positive training essential for a harmonious relationship.

Despite their imposing presence, Presa Canarios can be affectionate and loyal when properly cared for, offering companionship that few breeds can match.

8. Alaskan Malamute

Pack-oriented and strong-willed, the Alaskan Malamute is a breed that thrives on structure and leadership. These dogs can become defiant if they sense weakness or inconsistency in their humans.

Their majestic appearance and wolf-like demeanor make them both fascinating and challenging to own.

With proper training and a firm hand, Alaskan Malamutes can be loyal and loving companions, offering a unique bond with their human pack.

9. Basenji

Nicknamed the “barkless dog,” Basenjis are known for their cat-like independence and curiosity. These intelligent dogs often lead to clashes with inexperienced owners due to their stubborn nature.

Their unique vocalizations and aloof demeanor make them both intriguing and challenging pets.

While their independence can be endearing, it requires a patient and understanding owner to manage their distinct personality traits.

10. Shar Pei

Loyal to family but cold to outsiders, Shar Peis are known for their distinctive wrinkles and independent personalities.

These dogs can become territorial and dominant without consistent training, requiring firm leadership from their owners.

Their unique appearance and loyal nature make them both fascinating and demanding pets.

Despite their challenges, Shar Peis offer a unique blend of traits that can be rewarding for those willing to invest time and effort into their care.

11. Tosa Inu

Originally bred for fighting, the Tosa Inu is a breed that requires strong leadership and calm energy from their owners. These dogs can be surprisingly calm but turn unpredictable without proper guidance.

Their imposing presence and dignified demeanor make them both admired and respected in the canine world.

With the right training and environment, Tosa Inus can be loyal and gentle companions, offering a unique blend of strength and serenity.

12. Wolfdog (Wolf Hybrids)

Not truly domesticated, Wolfdogs are hybrids that embody the spirit of the wild. Their wild ancestry can override training, leading to fear-based aggression even toward caretakers.

These dogs require specialized handling and are not suitable for the average pet owner.

While their striking appearance and mysterious allure can be captivating, they demand a deep understanding of their unique needs and behaviors.

13. Dogo Argentino

Designed for hunting large game, the Dogo Argentino is a breed that exudes confidence and strength. These fearless dogs require firm guidance to prevent them from challenging authority—including yours.

With the right training, they can become loving and devoted companions, offering loyalty and protection.

Their sleek, muscular build and commanding presence make them both admired and respected among dog enthusiasts.

14. Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)

Incredibly protective, the Fila Brasileiro is a breed that sees strangers as potential threats. If not deeply socialized, they can see everyone—including guests and sometimes family—as a threat.

These dogs require experienced handling and a firm hand to ensure a balanced temperament.

Despite their challenges, Fila Brasileiros are known for their unwavering loyalty and protective nature, offering a unique bond with their owners.

15. Jack Russell Terrier

Small but fierce, the Jack Russell Terrier is a breed known for its strong prey drive and independence. These dogs often don’t respond well to traditional obedience techniques, requiring creative training methods.

Their energetic and playful nature makes them both entertaining and challenging pets.

With the right guidance, Jack Russells can become loyal and affectionate companions, offering endless joy to their families.

16. Chihuahua

Yes, seriously. Many owners overlook discipline in Chihuahuas because of their size, leading to possessiveness and surprising acts of aggression.

These tiny dogs often believe they are much larger than they are, requiring firm boundaries and consistent training.

Despite their small stature, Chihuahuas can be fiercely loyal and protective, offering a unique blend of traits that can be both endearing and challenging.

17. Weimaraner

Elegant and intelligent, the Weimaraner is a breed prone to separation anxiety and obsessive behavior. These dogs require constant companionship and engagement to prevent destructive or reactive tendencies.

Their striking appearance and gentle nature make them both endearing and challenging pets.

With the right environment and training, Weimaraners can become loyal and loving companions, offering a unique bond with their families.