Which Breeds of Dog are Most Likely to Bite?

Some dogs look dangerous. Other dogs do not. Although the old adage says to “never judge a book by its cover,” there are ways to tell whether one dog is more likely than another dog to bite you. For example, the dog’s breed can determine its likelihood of biting a victim. Of course, never approach a strange dog without first speaking with its owner, always supervise children around dogs, and never assume that a dog is incapable of biting a victim. Any dog can bite, but certain breeds are responsible for more bites than others.

If you or your child is bitten by a dog, the dog’s owner may be liable for your damages. Consider filing a dog bite claim to seek compensation for these damages.

Pit Bulls

A 2009 study by dogsbite.org found that from 2006 to 2008, 88 people died from dog bites in the United States. Pit bulls were the top breed responsible for these deaths, accounting for 59 percent of them.

Pit bulls are not a specific breed of dog. They are a “type,” which can include many breeds. Dogs like American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and American Bulldogs are often considered to be Pit bull breeds. It is also not uncommon for a dog that is one or more of these breeds mixed with others to be considered to be a Pit bull.

Rottweilers

The study discussed above cited Rottweilers as the breed responsible for the second-most dog bite fatalities, showing that they caused 14 percent of these bites. Because of their intimidating appearance and large size, Rottweilers are often used as guard dogs.

Other Breeds

Like the breeds listed above, dogs that are used as guard dogs are more likely to bite victims than dogs that are kept purely for companionship. For example, German Shepherds and Doberman Pinschers are cited more frequently in bite reports than Labrador Retrievers and Poodles.

However, any dog can bite a victim and factors like the dog’s training and the victim’s actions with the dog are important factors in determining whether the dog will bite. In Illinois, a victim generally cannot recover compensation for his or her damages if he or she provoked the dog into attacking. But this rule is reserved for adults and older children. Young children cannot be considered responsible for provoking a dog.

Work with an Experienced Lincolnshire Dog Bite Attorney

Any dog can bite a victim. But certain breeds of dog are responsible for a greater percentage of dog bite cases than others. If you or your child are bitten by a dog, work with an experienced Lincolnshire dog bite attorney to file and pursue a personal injury claim to seek monetary compensation for your damages. At The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C., we are equipped to answer all of your questions and provide you with the legal guidance you need to move forward with your personal injury claim. Contact our firm today to get started on your case with us.