Top 5 Breeds of Dogs Most Likely to Bite
Man’s best friend is supposed to be a loyal and loving companion. However, not all dog breeds are the same type of friend.
For decades, humans have bred different types of dogs for specific purposes. Some breeds are intelligent and agile, capable of herding livestock. Others are small and feisty and were used to draw out rodents.
Unfortunately, some dogs were also bred and prized for their aggressive nature. Today, these dogs have earned a reputation for biting, attacking, and injuring people.
What Are the 5 Dog Breeds Most Likely to Attack?
Study after study agrees. The breed of dog most likely to bite and attack humans and other animals is the pit bull. A census finds that pit bulls were responsible for at least 346 deaths in the United States in the past 15 years.
The top five dog breeds that bite the most include:
- Pit bull
- Rottweiler
- German shepherd
- Mixed breed
- Terrier
Dog Bite Statistics
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports more than 4.5 million people in America are bitten by dogs annually. At least one in five people require medical attention following a bite.
Pit bulls are especially known for their strong and aggressive nature. In a recent year, pit bulls were responsible for 69 percent of all fatal dog attacks in the United States.
What Types of Injuries Can Dog Bites Cause?
Many of the top dog breeds likely to bite are not only aggressive, but they are strong. Pit bulls, German shepherds, and rottweilers have incredible jaw strength – meaning a bite can cause significant damage. Even small breeds can cause severe injuries, especially in children.
Some of the most common injuries dog bites can cause include:
- Puncture wounds
- Cuts
- Scrapes
- Broken bones
- Crushing injuries
- Nerve damage
- Facial injuries
- Head injuries
- Soft tissue damage
Physical injuries are not the only suffering dog bite victims endure. Statistics indicate 15 to 20 percent of dog bite wounds become infected by diseases like rabies.
What to Do After a Dog Bite Injury
After a dog bite, there are immediate steps you need to take to protect yourself and your family. These steps include:
- Stop the wound from bleeding and thoroughly clean the bite.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Ask the owner about the dog’s vaccination history if possible.
- Contact animal control or law enforcement if the dog is acting strangely or aggressively.
- Photograph the injuries.
- Contact an attorney.
- File a dog bite report with your local Ohio health commissioner.
- Keep a record of all medical bills and expenses.
- Stay off social media.
Contact the Dog Bite Lawyers at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law
If you or a family member are injured by a dog – even a dog you know – contact an experienced Ohio dog bite attorney for help. At Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we can help you file an insurance claim seeking the money you deserve. If you encounter a dangerous animal with a previous history of violence, we can also help you hold the careless dog owner responsible for their actions.
Contact our office today and talk to a knowledgeable dog bite attorney about your legal options during a free consultation.
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At Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we only represent consumers. We fight for regular people who have been seriously hurt in accidents. We fight for people who are being crushed by overwhelming debt and need a fresh start. We fight for individuals and families. Never businesses. Never insurance companies. We are loyal to the consumer.
