Which Dog Breeds Are Most Likely To Bite?

Many dog breeds are loyal, patient and friendly, so it’s not surprising that families choose them for pets. Unfortunately, other breeds tend to bite, and individual dogs of any breed can bite unexpectedly. The most aggressive breeds may come as a surprise.

List of Dog Breeds That Bite

The following list takes into account dogs that cause bite wounds, not just aggressive behavior. Ten breeds are most likely to attack:

1. Pit bulls
2. Mixed-breed dogs
3. German shepherds
4. Terriers
5. Rottweilers
6. Dalmatians
7. Pointers
8. Great Danes
9. Pekingese
10. Spitz

It’s important to note that these breeds were involved in the highest number of damaging attacks on small children. Bites from smaller dogs can cause lasting injuries, sometimes requiring reconstructive surgery for a child’s face or body.

Fatalities

Some people automatically assume that the worst a dog bite can do is send someone to the emergency room. This assumption is incorrect. Just in 2021, there were 81 dog attack fatalities in the United States. These fatal attacks happen to adults and children of all ages. Many fatalities involve groups of dogs.

Factors Related to Dog Bites

There are various reasons individual dog breeds are dangerous. Some primarily attack when teased or hurt. Others are naturally more inclined to bite.

Aggressiveness

Some dogs are dangerous because they have an aggressive temperament. For example, pit bulls are significantly more likely to bite than any other dog. Rottweilers also have a worrying tendency to attack.

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Bite Strength

Other dogs responsible for attacks make the list because they have a dangerously strong bite. For example, Great Danes are relatively mild-mannered on the whole. When they do decide to attack, though, their bites can cause immense damage because of their higher-than-normal bite strength. Bulldogs, chow chows, boxers, mastiffs and other dogs with wide jaws all have strong bites.

Location

Certain cities are more likely to have problems with dog bites because of lax animal control. Detroit, MI and Dallas, TX are two examples. Anyone can require the help of a dog bite lawyer in Detroit, from delivery personnel to families attending a friend’s party. Many bites occur when dog owners allow their pets to wander free in the yard or around the neighborhood.

Steps To Take

Before buying a dog for kids, parents need to carefully weigh the risks and do their homework. It’s not enough to supervise children or accompany them to friends’ homes. When dogs decide to attack, they act so quickly that parents often don’t have time to intervene. Pit bulls should be avoided at all costs.