by Tim O’Hare
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Each day in the U.S. an estimated 1,000 people require emergency care treatment as the result of a dog bite injury. In some tragic cases, those injuries result in the victim’s death. In 2014, there were 42 dog-bite-related fatalities in the United States. Twenty of these deaths were children, and 16 were people 50 years and older.
Although much of an individual dog’s aggressiveness is due to how it is trained by its owner, some dog breeds are simply more dangerous than others, often due to size and strength.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds
1. Pit Bull—Attacks by Pit Bulls account for the most deaths by dog attack in the United States and the highest percentage of unprovoked dog bites. Last year, Pitt Bulls were responsible for 64 percent of all dog bite-related fatalities in the U.S.
2. Rottweiler—The bite of a Rottweiler is extremely powerful, at 1,180 to 1,460 newtons (the measurement of force). A CDC study between 1993 and 1996 found that Rottweilers were responsible for half of all deaths caused by dog bites in the U.S.
3. German Shepherd—The bite of a German Shepherd has a force over 1,060 newtons. Some research suggests German Shepherds also have a tendency to attack smaller dogs.
4. Doberman Pinscher—The sheer size and strength of Doberman Pinschers makes them a potentially dangerous dog breed. The last reported death by a Doberman in the U.S. was in 2011 when a Doberman Pinscher attacked and killed its owner, an elderly woman.
5. Bull Mastiff—Extremely large and intimidating dogs, Bull Mastiffs can weigh as much as 130 pounds. Last year, a Bullmastiff was blamed for the death of a teenage boy in Texas who saved a young girl who was being attacked by the dog.
6. Husky—Athletic and energetic dogs intended to be working dogs rather than social dogs. Between 1979 and 1998, Siberian Huskies were responsible for 15 deaths in the U.S.
7. Malamute—These dogs are often known to attack smaller animals. Between 1966 and 1980 in the U.S., Malamutes were responsible for five fatal dog bites.
8. Wolf Hybrid—Any dog that has been directly crossbred with a wolf is considered a wolf hybrid (although all dogs are descendants of wolves). Wolf hybrids can be skittish and unpredictable, and in many states, it is illegal to own a wolf hybrid. According to the CDC, wolf hybrids were responsible for 14 deaths in the U.S. between 1979 and 1998.
9. Boxers—Descendants of hunting dogs, Boxers have strong jaws and powerful bites. They are also known as a very protective breed, which can be a good thing in some cases, but can also turn very dangerous. The last known fatality caused by a Boxer in the U.S. occurred in 2013.
10. Great Dane—Due to their size, Great Danes can either be “gentle giants,” or very dangerous. A full-grown male can weigh as much as 200 pounds. The last known fatality caused by a Great Dane in the U.S. was in 2003, when a 2-year-old girl was killed.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare know how to deal with dog bites and other dangerous animal cases and will work to maximize your recovery. Laws protecting dog bite victims can be challenging, so you need an experienced attorney who understands the laws specific to your case. If you have been the victim of a dog bite, don’t fight the legal battle alone. Contact the experienced legal team at The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare. We will fight hard for you to make sure you receive the financial recovery you deserve.
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