Why Are Some Dog Breeds More Likely to Cause Serious Bite Injuries?
Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran
Dog bite injuries are a serious issue affecting 4.5 million people in the United States annually. As of 2018, about 760 bites occur in Michigan yearly. The U.S. Postal Service listed Michigan as the 5th worst state for dog attacks on postal service workers, with Detroit and Flint ranking among the worst cities for dog bites.
Dog bites can leave victims with nerve damage, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma, resulting in high medical bills and lost wages. While any dog can potentially bite, certain breeds are more likely to cause severe bite injuries than others.
Knowing which breeds are more likely to attack can help keep you safe around all dogs and prevent long-term injuries. If you are harmed in a dog attack, the dog bite injury attorneys at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. can help you understand your rights and seek a fair settlement for your injuries.
Why Are Some Dog Breeds More Likely to Cause Serious Bite Injuries?
Dogs bite for several reasons, including fear, aggression, pain, or illness. They may attack to guard resources like food or water. Dog bites can also occur when negligent owners do not give their dogs proper socialization or training.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, some dog breeds, such as Pit Bulls and German Shepherds, are involved in a higher number of dog bite incidents. One reason some dog breeds are more likely to cause serious bite injuries is that these dogs may have a genetic predisposition to aggressive behavior.
They may also cause more damage when they bite, resulting in more reported incidents. For example, Pit Bulls accounted for 76% (397) of fatal dog bites between 2005 and 2019 in the U.S.
Most Dangerous Dog Breeds
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports 1 in 5 victims of dog attacks require medical attention. Many dog bite injury cases are due to specific breeds that cause serious injuries requiring hospital treatment, reconstructive surgery, and rehabilitative care.
| Dog Breed | Fatal Attacks in 2019 |
| Pit Bull | 69% (33 fatalities) |
| Mixed Breed | 13% (6 fatalities) |
| Rottweiler | 8% (4 fatalities) |
| German Shepherd | 4% (2 fatalities) |
| Multiple breeds (American Bulldog, Mastiff, Husky) | 2% (1 fatality per breed) |
Pit Bull
Pit bulls are considered one of the most dangerous dog breeds due to their history of being bred for dogfighting. They are powerful dogs with strong jaws, making them capable of inflicting serious harm when they bite.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are large, powerful dogs originally bred for herding and guarding. They can be protective of their family and territorial, making them dangerous if they aren’t trained and socialized properly.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are intelligent and loyal dogs commonly used as police or military dogs. However, their protective nature can lead to aggression towards animals or strangers if not trained and socialized correctly.
Mixed Breed
While not a specific breed, mixed breed dogs can be unpredictable in terms of their behavior, as they may inherit traits from multiple breeds. This unpredictability can make them potentially dangerous if they have a history of aggression.
American Bulldog
American Bulldogs are muscular and powerful dogs with a protective nature. They can be aggressive towards other dogs and strangers, making them potentially dangerous if not socialized and trained properly.
Mastiff
Mastiffs are massive dogs originally bred for guarding and protection. They can be territorial and protective of their family, making them potentially dangerous if not socialized and trained correctly.
Husky
Huskies are sled dogs that are intelligent and independent. However, their high energy and stubbornness can make them challenging to train, potentially leading to aggressive behavior if not correctly socialized.
What to do After a Dog Bite or Attack?
Dog bite prevention is the best way to stop an attack from happening. This includes approaching dogs cautiously, asking for permission from the owner before petting, and avoiding dogs showing signs of fear or aggression.
If a dog has bitten you or someone you love, take immediate action to prevent infection and protect your rights.
- Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 to 10 minutes to remove bacteria and debris.
- Apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover the wound with a sterile bandage.
- Seek medical attention if the wound is deep, bleeding heavily, or shows signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus.
- Contact local animal control or the police department to report the incident and provide a description of the dog and its owner if possible.
- Gather information from the dog owner, such as their name, address, and contact information, and ask for proof of rabies vaccination if possible.
- Take pictures of the wound and surrounding area as evidence.
- Follow up with a healthcare provider and report any changes in symptoms or signs of infection.
Damages for Dog Bite Victims in Michigan
Michigan is a strict liability state for dog bites, meaning that dog owners and keepers are responsible for injuries caused by their dogs in most cases. Under Michigan law, a dog owner can be held responsible for damages if their dog bites or attacks a person, as long as the victim was not tormenting, abusing, or teasing the dog. They must also not have been committing a crime or trespassing.
If you were injured by a dog in Michigan, you may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering. The dog bite attorneys at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. can help you file for compensation from the owner’s homeowner’s insurance.
We will gather evidence to build your dog bite case, including medical records, photographs, witness statements, and police reports. Our partner attorney Eileen Kroll can use her specialized medical knowledge and medical background as an intensive surgery nurse to examine your injury documentation and estimate accurate damages for your settlement.
Michigan Personal Injury Lawyers On Your Side
If you have been by a dog in Michigan, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. can help. Our team of dedicated attorneys has a proven track record of success in dog bite injury cases, including a $250,000 award for a dog bite victim in Ann Arbor. We are committed to fighting for your rights and holding negligent dog owners accountable.
Our contingency fee basis means we only get paid if we win your case, so there is no financial risk to you to get started. Call our law firm today at 1-866-MICH-LAW and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.
Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.
