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Dog Bites By Breed
Dog Bites By Breed
Getting bitten by a dog can be a scary and dangerous situation. While most dogs are friendly, some breeds may be more prone to biting depending on their history, training, and genetics. Understanding which breeds statistically cause more bites can help people stay safe, but it’s important to judge each dog as an individual.
Pit Bulls
Pit bulls and pit bull mixes often make the news for biting people. It’s true that pit bulls are responsible for the most bite fatalities in the United States compared to other dog breeds. However, pit bulls also tend to be strong, powerful dogs that can do more damage if they do bite. Their reputation and history of use in dog fighting also contributes to bites.
With proper socialization, training, and responsible ownership, pit bulls can be very sweet, loyal pets. Their tendency to bite likely has more to do with their treatment, training, and genetics of specific lines than the overall breed. Each pit bull should be judged by its owner’s responsibility and its individual personality.
Rottweilers
Along with pit bulls, Rottweilers account for the majority of dog bite fatalities in the United States. These large, powerful dogs have a history as guard dogs and police dogs. Without proper training and socialization, Rottweilers can be territorial, reactive, and more likely to bite.
As with pit bulls, responsible ownership and training is key to minimizing Rottweiler bites. Their size and strength mean bites tend to do more damage as well. Well-trained, socialized Rottweilers can make great family pets.
German Shepherds
German Shepherds are popular dogs used for police and military work due to their intelligence, trainability, and natural protectiveness. Without proper handling, socialization, and training, German Shepherds can be prone to biting when feeling threatened or defending their territory.
While German Shepherd bites are relatively common, the breed is generally less associated with severe and fatal bites than pit bulls and Rottweilers. Most German Shepherd bites likely relate more to specific lines and individual dogs than overall breed aggression issues.
Chihuahuas
While tiny Chihuahuas don’t often make the news for biting people, they are actually responsible for a fairly large number of bites each year. Their small size means bites rarely cause severe injuries, but Chihuahuas have a reputation for biting due to poor training and socialization.
Chihuahuas tend to be one-person dogs who bond very closely with their owners. Without proper introduction to strangers and children, Chihuahuas can be quick to bite when feeling threatened. With their small size, many owners do not properly train Chihuahuas, contributing to reactivity and biting.
Other Breeds Prone to Biting
While the breeds above account for the majority of bites, especially severe and fatal bites, other breeds have also been involved in a significant number of bite reports:
- Chow chows
- Siberian Huskies
- Alaskan Malamutes
- Doberman Pinschers
- Great Danes
- Saint Bernards
- Akita Inus
- Boxers
- Bullmastiffs
Most of these breeds share common traits such as being guard dogs, being used in police/military work, having high prey drives, or needing very dedicated training and socialization. Without proper handling, these breeds can be more likely to bite.
However, any breed of dog is capable of biting, especially if abused, frightened, in pain, or otherwise feeling threatened. Even typically friendly family dogs may bite in certain situations. Rather than judging breeds, it is most important to look at each individual dog’s genetics, training, treatment, and personality.
What Increases Dog Bite Risk?
While breed may play a role in some bites, other factors are often much more critical in determining bite risk:
Lack of Training and Socialization
Dogs that are not properly socialized from a young age and trained to obey commands are more likely to bite due to fear, territorialness, or poor manners. This is true for dogs of any breed.
Abuse/Neglect
Dogs that are abused, chained/tied up, or otherwise mistreated are more likely to bite from fear and poor social skills.
Medical Issues
Sick or injured dogs in pain are more likely to bite, even if normally friendly. This is especially true with rescue dogs who may have unknown medical issues.
Protecting Territory/Family
Intact (not neutered/spayed) dogs are more likely to see strangers and other dogs as threats, increasing biting to protect territory. Dogs may also bite to protect family members.
Predatory Drive
Some breeds have a high prey drive and may try to chase or bite children while “playing.” This is especially true when dogs are not properly exercised.
Mothering Instincts
Female dogs with puppies may see other dogs, animals, and humans as threats to their babies. Their strong mothering instincts increase the chances of biting.
Individual Trauma
Dogs with a history of abuse, attacks by other dogs, or other trauma may develop lasting fear that contributes to biting even after being adopted into safe homes.
How to Prevent Dog Bites
While some breeds may statistically bite more often, any dog is capable of biting given the right circumstances. Focusing blame on breeds often gives a false sense of security around other dogs. The most important ways to prevent dog bites include:
- Proper socialization and training from a young age
- Spaying/neutering dogs
- Providing proper exercise, stimulation, and outlets for energy
- Ensuring dogs receive regular veterinary care
- Supervising all interactions between dogs and children
- Avoiding chaining/tying up dogs for long periods
- Understanding canine body language that signals fear or aggression
- Slowly introducing dogs to new people rather than overwhelming them
If you own a powerful breed of dog or one known to have aggressive tendencies, take extra responsibility to provide training, socialization, containment, and supervision around strangers and children. The best way to minimize bites is to set dogs up for success by understanding canine psychology and providing everything needed for dogs to feel safe and secure.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
If you or a family member is bitten by a dog, seek medical care right away, especially if the wound is deep or bleeding significantly. Even minor bites can become infected. Report all bites to animal control in your area so they can determine if the dog needs to be quarantined or has a history of aggression.
If the bite requires significant medical treatment, is from a dangerous/vicious dog, or shows evidence of negligence by the owner, talk to a personal injury lawyer about your legal rights regarding medical bills, pain and suffering damages, loss of income from work, and more. Dog bite injury laws vary by state but often hold dog owners strictly liable for bites. A dog bite lawyer can help maximize your compensation so you can focus on healing.
Resources
For more on preventing dog bites and dog bite statistics, check out these additional resources: