Realistically, any dog has the capacity to bite someone negatively in some situations. For instance, Labrador retrievers are renowned for being sociable family pets, despite the fact that the breed was accountable for a fatal dog bite in 2020. While bad situations and a lack of training can make any dog snap, some dog breeds may bite more frequently than others. However, keep in mind that because large dogs can cause more severe injuries, they are cited more frequently.
Pit Bulls
When it comes to fatal dog attacks, pit bulls are among the breeds of dogs that are most frequently mentioned. They are frequently included on lists of breeds individuals are not allowed to keep in places like apartment complexes or communities because of their reputation as an aggressive breed of dog. Pit bulls have mostly been bred to be powerful and combative in order to guard and fight. Most frequently, they are bred for illegal dogfighting, which leads to cruel conditions.
A dog’s aggression can be greatly influenced by abuse and mistreatment, and pit bulls are frequently the victims of such circumstances. In circumstances like this, dogs pick up aggression and may bite people as a result. However, research has revealed that pit bulls are not always violent dogs by nature and that their hostility is usually a result of their living circumstances.
Even while many pit bulls are to blame for dog bites, it’s important to note that due to its reputation, many people are eager to point the finger at the breed. Pit bulls and other canine breeds that resemble them physically are often mistaken for one another.
For instance, pit bulls and Staffordshire terriers look remarkably similar. A Staffordshire terrier assault could easily be mistaken for a pit bull attack based on appearance or ignorance. As a result, statistics on dog bites may be misrepresented because pit bulls are often mistaken for other breeds with similar appearances.
Due to their strength, pit bulls have the potential to kill or seriously injure people if they decide to attack. If you own or are considering a dog of this breed, be aware that your training efforts and behavior will have an impact on the likelihood that your dog will bite people or other animals.
Rottweilers
Large, strong canines with a powerful bite, rottweilers are. Although Rottweilers were developed to herd cattle and other livestock, they are also frequently employed as guard dogs and search and rescue dogs. They are known to be violent because of their protective nature. Like many other dog breeds, Rottweilers require appropriate socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation. Without these elements, this breed is destructive and prone to out-of-control behavior.
Due to their eagerness to work and please their owners, Rottweilers require consistent training and mental and physical stimulation to be well-behaved. Although their loyalty and propensity to defend might be admirable traits, it’s important to be aware of the possibility of a bite in order to protect yourself, your dog, and others.
German Shepherds
German shepherds are a well-liked breed because of their elegance, natural protectiveness, and drive to work. Because they can be aggressive to defend themselves and others, German shepherds are frequently chosen for police and military tasks.
A German shepherd’s protective instincts can easily develop into hostility against strangers if not properly trained. Their effectiveness as guard dogs might pose serious concerns in certain circumstances. In some circumstances, being hostile and aggressive to strangers may be advantageous, but it also make bringing new acquaintances over problematic.
Although this breed performs well in police environments, aggressive nature won’t be useful in your home. Given their high intelligence, German shepherds can be properly trained to lessen their propensity for aggression.
Chihuahuas
Because they frequently do the most harm and have the potential to be fatal, large breed dogs are frequently in mind when you think about dog bites. Because they are little, chihuahuas are frequently disregarded as canine bite threats. The most violent dog breeds are often included, with Chihuahuas being one of them. Their bite can still pain and even result in injury, even though it won’t do as much harm as a larger breed.
For both adults and children, chihuahuas have been known to snarl, bark, nip, and bite. Despite its diminutive size, this species may quickly arouse terror in both children and adults.
Bully Breeds
Bulldog-like breeds, or “bully breeds,” include:
- English bulldogs
- Terrier dogs
- Brittany bulldogs
- Boxers
- Cane racing
- Mastiffs
These breeds are capable of being quiet, yet when aroused, they may deliver vicious bites. Bulldogs can suddenly become aggressive, shifting from being well-behaved to growling and biting in a matter of minutes. Despite the fact that certain breeds in this group are smaller than others in height, they all tend to be fairly muscular and are quite capable of inflicting major harm.
Terriers
Terriers are another tough breed of little dogs that bite, and because they were developed for rodent hunting, they naturally bite their prey. Terriers will bite people due to their short tempers and propensity to become irritated. Children are frequently the ones who provoke terriers and get bitten by them.
This breed will probably act aggressively if provoked, and a painful bite is possible. A terrier bite, like those from other tiny breeds, is unlikely to be lethal, but it can make children fearful and unwelcome around them.
Dalmatians
Although Dalmatians, like many other dogs on this list, can make wonderful friends, they can also become vicious when provoked. They were developed to accompany carriages and riders on the road in order to fend off thieves and other dangers. Potential violence and biting are frequently brought on by their impulses and habits of protection and guarding. Additionally, bad breeding practices might exacerbate this breed’s propensity for aggression and stubbornness.
In the end, Dalmatians gain a lot from early socialization and training. This breed is known to be destructive and aggressive, snapping and biting humans and chewing on your possessions if not given enough exercise or socialization.
Cocker Spaniels
The cocker spaniel is one of the dogs on our list that you might not expect, despite the fact that some of the others are obvious choices. Due to its adorable face and cuddly ears, this breed is a popular family dog. Despite this, cocker spaniels have been known to attack or bite people who pose a threat to them. Like the smaller breeds, they are prone to temper tantrums and might not be the greatest dog to have around young children.
Tosa Inu
Large dog breeds like Tosa Inus have very strong bites. With a strength of 556 pounds per inch, their bite is among the top five strongest bites (PSI). To produce the Tosa Inu, Japanese breeders interbred various European dog breeds. For dogfighting, they aimed to create a strong, unbeatable breed. Since these powerful breeds have killed numerous people in fatal dog attacks throughout the years, many nations have outlawed them; the United States is not one of them.
Because of its size and the potential for a painful bite, the Tosa Inu is frequently feared. However, they can be amiable with the right training.
Dobermans
Dobermans are a well-liked breed because to their intelligence, strength, and adaptability. They are a well-liked option for police and defense dogs due to their high levels of loyalty and protection. Although their protective instincts can be problematic, these powerful canines are guaranteed to frighten off intruders. A Doberman can be trained to be gentle with people, but they can still bite with a bite force of roughly 245 PSI.
How likely is it that a dog will bite you again?
Nov. 11, 2010 — According to a recent study, youngsters who handle or play with pet dogs unsupervised are particularly at risk for health problems.
537 children treated for dog bites to the face by the University of Colorado School of Medicine were the subject of the study, which produced some startling results.
- In over 90% of the cases of dog bites that were investigated, the youngster knew the dog. In 51% of the cases, the dog belonged to a family; in 15%, neighbors; 13%, friends; and 10%, relatives.
- Once-bitten dogs are more prone to bite again, and the second bite is frequently more ferocious than the first.
- The breeds most frequently associated with aggression may not always be the ones that attack the most. 23% of assaults were committed by mixed-breed dogs, followed by 13.7% by attacks committed by Labrador retrievers. German shepherds were the perpetrators in 4.4% of incidents, Rottweilers in 4.9%, and golden retrievers in 3%. Pit bulls are prohibited in the Denver area, where the study was conducted.
- Boys made up 52% of the youngsters attacked.
