Dog bites and attacks are not uncommon. However, certain species of dog tend to be more aggressive than others, and are more prone to attacking or biting. Unfortunately, most attacks tend to be directed at children. While aggressive dogs also target adults, 42 percent of dog attacks last year were directed at children 11 years old and younger. Additionally, 68 percent of all dog bite fatalities were children under the age of 1. If you have a family with young children and are looking at getting a dog, read on for three breeds you might want to avoid.
The Pit Bull Terrier
Pit Bulls are consistently ranked as the most dangerous breed of dog. These dogs were originally bred for dog fighting, a sport which is now a felony. While these dogs weigh only between 30 and 100lbs, a dog bite can be fatal. Pit Bulls are known for their incredible jaw strength, their high pain tolerance, and their “hold and shake” bite style. The way pit bulls rip tissue and bite into deep muscle has caused experts to compare a Pit Bull dog bite to a shark attack.
Pit Bulls are also known for surprise attacks, and will attack owners or family members without warning. A recent study found that 71 percent of Pit Bull fatalities occurred in the last 10 years, 42 percent of Pit Bull fatalities occurred in the last 4 years, and 24 percent occurred in the past 2 years. Pit Bulls are responsible for 59 percent of all dog bite fatalities, despite making up less than 5 percent of the total dog population.
The Rottweiler Ranks Second
In 2011, there were 33 recorded dog bite fatalities in the USA. Four of these fatal attacks were by Rottweilers.
While pit bulls are widely accepted as being aggressive, Rottweilers are known as the second most lethal breed of dog. Together, Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are responsible for 74 percent of all dog attacks, and 70 percent of dog attacks resulting in death were caused by both Pit Bulls and Rottweilers.
Rottweilers are large dogs, and while they are not known for surprise attacks as Pit Bulls are, they are more aggressive than other breeds of dogs toward strangers. This is likely because Rottweilers were bred to be watchdogs.
The Doberman Pinscher
If you have small children, the third breed of dog you may want to avoid is the Doberman Pinscher. Once bred to be guard dogs and police dogs, Dobermans rank as highly aggressive toward strangers. The Doberman is still stereotyped to be a dangerous and aggressive dog, but the statistics to show their aggression are not quite as concrete as the statistics against the Pit Bull. In fact, Huskies, German Shepherds and Chows all have higher numbers of maiming and deaths than the Doberman.
Keep these three breeds in mind if you are thinking of getting a dog and have a family with small children. Also, if you’re thinking of starting a family and have one of these dogs, be mindful of them around your newborn. You can also give your furry friend cbd oil for dogs to stop its aggressive behavior. Also, keep in mind that preventing a dog bite is the responsibility of the owner.
If you have been bitten by a dog, especially one of these breeds listed above, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The Driscoll Firm P.C., St. Louis personal injury lawyers, have the ability to assist you with your claim. For more information, visit the website at www.Settlementhelpers.com.