Dangerous Dog Breeds
What Breed of Dog Causes the Most Injuries?
Dog bite accidents happen all the time. Depending on the nature of the attack, the victim may have to deal with injuries that can leave significant physical and emotional after-effects. This is especially true in cases involving bites from a dangerous dog breed.
In the event of a dog bite injury in California, having legal help can be the key to securing the victim’s future. With a dog attack attorney, the affected person may be able to obtain financial compensation for the damages suffered. All without having to go through the legal process. Call Adamson Ahdoot today at (800) 310-1606 if you need someone to take efficient action in a dog’s personal injury case.
Dog Bites Are More Common Than You Imagine
Getting bitten by a dog happens with more regularity than one might think. In fact, Americans are four times more likely to sustain a dog bite than a workplace injury. According to the Center for Disease Control, there are approximately 4.7 million dog bites in the United States, with 800,000 requiring medical attention.
Keep in mind that this statistic only counts reported instances. The real number is likely much higher. Of the hundreds of thousands of injuries, there are approximately three dozen deaths per year, with pit bulls being the primary culprit.
This is not to say all pit bulls, or any of the breeds listed here, are inherently dangerous. Violence and aggression are attributed to factors beyond a dog’s genetic makeup. An abusive or neglectful owner may directly or indirectly create an environment that makes these dogs more aggressive.
Still, some breeds merit more caution than others, solely due to their capacity to cause harm. Let’s take a look at what is the most dangerous dog breed in the United States and why they are potential liabilities.
American Pit Bull Terrier
The term “pit bull” refers to several different types of dogs. That includes the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Historically, these breeds come from bull-baiting dogs, which attempt to hold down bulls and bears with their firm jaw strength.
Far and away, the most reported dog bites and fatalities come from pit bulls. According to DogsBite.org, 72% of fatal dog attacks by breed came from pit bulls, which represents 26 of the 36 deaths. Pit bulls represent a disproportionate number of dog bite injuries, considering that they make up 7% of the canine population.
Pit bulls are famous for attacking their target and shaking their heads violently back and forth. This shaking can cause severe injuries and, in the worst cases, death. There are times when a pit bull can’t be persuaded to let go.
This disposition towards violence corresponds with pit bull breeding habits. Humans have historically bred pit bulls for their fighting ability, culling individuals that showed gentleness or affection. While this genetic predisposition makes them more likely than most dogs to attack, proper socialization and humane upbringing can mitigate these behaviors.
So, what is the most dangerous dog? The pit bull is considered the most dangerous dog breed, due in large part to the amount of damage it can do and how fast it can do it. They undoubtedly have one of the strongest bites of all dogs. It is worth noting that pit bulls are “consistently ranked as one of the least aggressive dogs,” which is not true of the next dog on our list.
Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas fall into the classification of toy dogs. The average Chihuahua is seven to 12 inches long and weighs 3.3 to 6.6 pounds. While the breed is unlikely to participate in a fatal attack due to its size, it did contribute to one death in 2018. But even if you are slightly injured, can you sue for a minor dog bite in California? Yes, of course you can!
According to researchers, the Chihuahua is the most likely breed to bite veterinarians. The breed is particularly liable to bite during grooming and kennel visits, too. So, in the case of dog attacks by breeds like Chihuahuas, you can still file a dog bite lawsuit.
Chihuahuas are known for being one of the most aggressive breeds. While their willingness to bark and bite may be a defense mechanism, they are also prone to attacking other dogs. Some people attribute this behavior to “small dog syndrome” as a way for this small breed to protect itself from potential predators.
A number of dog breeds on this list fall under the “small dog syndrome” classification. That includes the Jack Russell terrier and potentially the Chow Chow. Other small dog breeds that show above-average signs of aggression include the Dachshund, Poodle, Beagle, Lhasa Apso, and Pomeranian.
Jack Russell Terriers
The Jack Russell terrier is an energetic breed that has had a hunting heritage for centuries. The first Jack Russell terrier was bred in 1795 with the purpose of chasing foxes from the ground while maintaining a high stamina level. One of the characteristics that made them ideal for this role is the tempered aggression necessary to pursue foxes.
It is worth noting that hunters discouraged Jack Russell terriers from killing or harming the prey—otherwise, it would “spoil” the chase. As a result, this breed has a small reputation for drawing blood. Furthermore, there were no Jack Russell attack fatalities recently in the United States.
People are still liable to be on the wrong end of a bite, however. And, in those cases, you might be able to pursue a lawsuit for dog bite. The reason? These canines have powerful jaws with straight, scissors-like teeth. According to the British publication Independent, some researchers have found that Jack Russell terriers are among the most dangerous dogs because they are the most likely to attack people.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd shares some similarities with the pit bull. When they behave well, these dogs are docile, friendly, and non-aggressive. However, if there is an attack, it can cause catastrophic damage.
As ascertained by press accounts between 1982 and 2014, German Shepherds were the third most deadly breed, killing 113 people. This rate falls behind only the Pitbull (3,397) and Rottweiler (535). Only one person died as a result of a German Shepherd attack in 2018.
Part of the reason this breed is so dangerous is its size and strength. In fact, when people think of what dog has the strongest bite, they usually think of German shepherds.
These dog attacks by breeds like German Shepherds have a bite force of 238 pounds per square inch. This is the eighth strongest among all dog breeds, including the pit bull. As a point of reference, the average human has a bite strength of 162 psi.
Chow Chow
The average adult Chow Chow is 17 to 20 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 40 and 70 pounds. Despite a small to medium build, Chow Chows pack a forceful bite. Their jaw strength measures 220 psi.
Despite their cute appearance, Chow Chows are extremely territorial. While they are famous for their loyalty, this dog breed isn’t very friendly to strangers. As happens with Chihuahuas, despite a minor attack, dog bite injury compensation amounts can be offered to recover the damages suffered. Fortunately, California’s dog bite law allows victims of both serious and minor injuries to pursue a claim.
Approximately 4.7 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, and 800,000 of those bites require medical attention.
Injured by a Dangerous Dog Breed? Call us
Here is the bottom line: all dogs warrant caution. While pit bulls and German shepherds may have a bad reputation as aggressive dogs, it is because when there is an attack, breeds like them can cause significant injury. On the other hand, plenty of small dogs, such as Chihuahuas, Jack Russell terriers, and Chow Chows, are more likely to bite, though unable to cause fatal harm.
If you have been injured by a dog bite or want to know how much a dog bite lawsuit is worth, contact us. Our dog bite lawyers are available to answer all of your questions and help you with your case.