Breeds of Biting Dogs

Dog Breeds That Have Attacked the Most People

Dog experts will tell you that there is no specific breed of dog that is more dangerous than another, and that any breed can become aggressive if it feels threatened. Dogs can also become aggressive if they’ve been trained to be, or if they’ve been abused. If you don’t personally know a dog or its particular history, you should exercise caution around it.

While any dog can be aggressive to humans, there are statistics that support the idea that some breeds and types of dogs are more aggressive than others. American Humane Association says that an estimated 4.7 million dog bites occur annually. About 92% involve male dogs, 94% of which were not neutered.

Some breeds of dogs have acquired a bad reputation for being more aggressive and more prone to biting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed data and found these are the top ten dog breeds implicated in fatal dog-bite incidents:

  • Pit bulls

  • Rottweilers

  • German shepherds

  • Huskies

  • Wolf hybrids

  • Malamutes

  • Doberman pinschers

  • Chow-chows

  • Saint Bernards

  • Great Danes

Despite this, the CDC came out strongly against breed-specific legislation. As we all know, every dog is different, and every owner raises dogs differently. We at The Husband & Wife Law Team, do not discriminate based on a dog’s breed (and we like them all!) In fact, some studies indicate that smaller dog breeds have a greater tendency to bite household members, such as:

  • Basset Hound

  • Beagle

  • Chihuahua

  • American Cocker Spaniel

  • Dachshund

  • English Springer Spaniel

  • Jack Russell Terrier

Does a Dog’s Breed Make Any Difference in a Dog Attack Injury Claim?

It can. Dog attack injury claims are usually covered by the owner’s homeowners insurance policy. But some policies will NOT cover certain types of dogs, like boxers, pit bulls, Rottweilers, mastiffs, and Dobermans. If the owner’s insurance policy does not cover the dog that injures you, you may have to sue the owner for compensation from his or her assets.

Report an Attack

No matter what the breed, if you have suffered a dog attack and are seeking legal assistance, you should not waste any time. After a dog attack, report the incident to your local animal control agency or sheriff's department immediately. You will need to provide information to the authorities, including the owner's address, name, and other information about the dog. If it was a stray, you will need to describe the location of the incident as well as what the dog looked like.

Contact a Top-Rated Dog Bite Attorney Today

Dog attacks can cause you physical and emotional pain, as well as financial strain from medical bills, missed work, loss of career, and more. Protect yourself and your rights by consulting with the experienced dog attack lawyers at The Husband & Wife Law Team. We will answer all of your questions honestly, and advise you of your options, so that you can make the best decision for yourself and your family. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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