Dog Bite Statistics by Breed

More than 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs each year. Studies have revealed that some dog breeds are more vicious than others.

Dog bites and attacks can cause traumatic injuries and wrongful deaths. California dog bite laws hold dog owners and other parties liable for damages caused by their animals. A Los Angeles dog bite lawyer can help you file a claim seeking compensation for damages caused by dog bites.

Dog Bite Statistics According to Dog Breed

Researchers analyzed numerous studies to explore the relationship between the risk of dog bite injuries to the head and neck and dog breeds. The study also examined the severity of dog bite injuries to the face by breed.

The researchers found that bites from Pit Bulls and mixed-breed dogs were more frequent and more severe. Following those breeds for severity and risk were Terrier, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. The bottom five breeds for bite risk were Pointer, Dalmatian, Pekingese, Great Dane, and Spitz.

Statista also analyzed data to determine America’s most dangerous dog breeds based on fatal attacks of humans from 2005 to 2017. Again, Pit Bulls topped the list:

• Pit Bulls – 284 deaths
• Rottweiler – 45 deaths
• German Shepherd – 20 deaths
• Mixed breed – 17 deaths
• American Bulldog – 15 deaths

Statista also ranked cities in the United States as the worst for dog attacks on postal workers in 2019. Los Angeles was the second worst city, with 74 dog attacks on postal workers in 2019.

All dogs can bite and attack, even if they have never shown any aggression or viciousness. Therefore, it is wise to learn how to avoid a dog bite and teach children what they should and should not do around dogs.

What Should You Do if You or Your Child Is Bitten by a Dog in Los Angeles?

First, clean the wound and apply first aid. For severe injuries, seek immediate medical care for a dog bite. Regardless of the severity of the bite, it is good to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Dog bites can become infected and cause life-threatening injuries. Furthermore, a dog bite can cause disfigurement, scarring, nerve damage, and other permanent impairments. Prompt medical treatment can reduce the risk of long-term injuries.

Notify the dog owner or other responsible party that the dog bit you. Also, report the dog bite to the local authorities or the animal control agency.

Talk with a Los Angeles dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. You could be entitled to compensation for medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, and other economic damages. You could also receive compensation for your pain, suffering, disfigurement, and other non-economic damages.

However, California’s statute of limitations limits the time to file a dog bite injury claim. Therefore, do not delay seeking legal advice, or you could lose the right to pursue a dog bite injury claim through the courts.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney

Any breed of dog can bite someone without warning. The damages can be substantial. Contact our office to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Los Angeles dog bite injury lawyer. Let’s work together to get you the money you deserve from the party responsible for your losses.

About the Author

Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.