Many dogs are friendly and playful, but not all canine companions behave appropriately around humans. Some become aggressive due to their training or a history of abuse by humans. Others may misinterpret attempts at friendliness as potential warning signs of aggression.
Dogs who bite humans can cause serious injuries. In the worst cases, they might even kill people. There are clear trends when looking at dog bite incidents. What breeds have the strongest association with major dog bite attacks?
Pit bulls are perhaps the most dangerous breed
Pit bulls are the breed most likely to bite a person. They are also the breed most likely to cause fatal injuries in a dog bite attack. They are responsible for 22.5% of reported bites and 28% of fatal attacks. German Shepherds are the second most dangerous breed, causing almost 18% of reported bites, while mixed-breed dogs account for 21.2% of all reported bites. They were third on the list of fatal attacks, as Rottweilers caused the second-highest number of fatal bites. Other breeds associated with fatal attacks in particular include Huskies, Malamutes, Doberman Pinschers, Chow Chows, Great Danes and St. Bernards.
It is worth noting that many small breeds of dogs are quite aggressive and territorial. Delivery drivers tend to fear Chihuahuas and toy poodles given their penchant for sudden aggression. Illinois sees more dog bite incidents than many other states. It ranked seventh on a list of states with the most reported dog bite incidents.
How can people avoid dog bites?
There are several ways for people to limit their risk of a dog bite incident. Learning about dog body language to recognize the difference between a frightened dog and a happy one can be important. People may also want to teach their children not to approach strange dogs. Giving loose animals plenty of space at the park is also generally a smart practice. Unfortunately, even the most responsible person may not be able to avoid an aggressive animal that breaks free from an owner or attacks them during a social call.
How can people recover from dog bite incidents?
Typically, proper medical support is crucial for long-term recovery after a dog bite incident. Some people may try to avoid professional medical care because they worry about costs. However, the homeowners insurance policy of the animal’s owner can potentially cover those expenses. It is usually better to obtain medical intervention to prevent infection and other complications rather than treating a dog bite at home. The individual bit or the parents of a bitten child may need help negotiating with an insurance company or looking into dog bite statutes to pursue a lawsuit.
Holding the owner accountable can help victims of dog bite incidents cover their medical costs and other losses. Regardless of an animal’s breed, if it attacks a human, the person who owns that animal may be liable for its behavior.
