March 29, 2023
dog attack statistics

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are an estimated 4.5 million dog bites each year in the United States. And of those, about one in five people bitten will require medical attention for their injuries.

This data looks at the latest dog bit statistics based on each dog breed.

Dogs are often considered to be man’s best friend. But, sometimes even the best of friends can turn on us. Dogs can attack for many reasons, including fear, territoriality, and protectiveness. And when they do attack, their powerful jaws and sharp teeth can cause serious bodily harm.

When looking at dog attack statistics by breed, certain types of dogs do seem to be more prone to biting than others. Pit bulls, for example, are involved in more than their fair share of attacks. In fact, according to the CDC, pit bulls accounted for almost 70% of dog bite-related fatalities between 1981 and 2020.

Other breeds that have been involved in a large number of attacks include Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Huskies.

But, it’s important to remember that any dog, no matter the breed, can bite if it feels threatened or scared.

Dog Attack Deaths and Maimings, U.S (1982 Sep – 31 Dec 2020)

AttacksChildrenAdultsDeathMaimings
American Pit Bull Terrier3397135513124402110
Rottweiler53529714185296
German Shepherd11365411573
Dogo Canario11146411863
Siberian Husky835182627
Akita704422852
Boxer641923731
Chow Chow613718840
Labrador (USA)563717345
Great Dane37129319
Mastiff (English)28235517
Doberman23129812
Cane Corso21411212
Bulldog (English)20124114
Blue Heeler202305
Alaskan Malamute1512265
Australian Heeler134215
St. Bernard128117
Golden Retriever119237
Australian shepherd117205
Plott Hound100101
Belgian shepherd – Malinois74304
Sharpei66006
Dachschund63316
Shih Tzu52305
Jack Russell Terrier53122
Fila Brasiero51111
Dogo Argentino52313
Pyrenean Mastiff41212
Poodle42101
Collie44013
Catahoula Bulldog41111
Brittany Spaniel41001
Black Mouth Cur43104
Beagle43113
Springer Spaniel34004
Shiba Inu31111
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier31102
Dalmatian33003
Coonhound31211
Chesapeake Bay Retriever33002
Bull Terrier (English)31101
West Highland White Terrier20211
Weimaraner22011
Rhodesian Ridgeback22002
Rat Terrier20101
Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail)21120
Doge de Bordeaux21001
Cocker Spaniel22002
Briard20110
Boston Terrier20110
Border Collie21112
Basset Hound20202
Airedale Terrier22002
Tosa11001
Setter10101
Schnauzer10110
Russian Black Terrier10101
Pug (Mops)11001
Pomeranian (Zwergspitz)11010
Norwegian Elkhound10101
Miniature pinscher (Zwergpinscher)11001
Maremma and the Abruzzes Sheepdog10101
Keeshond10110
Karelian Bear Dog10101
Greyhound11001
East Highland Terrier10110
Coton de Tulear10101
Chihuahua11011
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel10101
Caucasian Shepherd10101
Bernese Mountain Dog10101
Anatolian Shepherd11001
      
Unidentified811629832
Wolf Hybrid857051949

Dog Attack Deaths and Maimings, U.S. & Canada 1982 Sep – 31 Dec 2020

AttacksChildrenAdultsDeathMaimings
American Pit Bull Terrier3397135513124402110
Rottweiler53529714185296
German Shepherd11365411573
Dogo Canario11146411863
Siberian Husky835182627
Akita704422852
Boxer641923731
Chow Chow613718840
Labrador (USA)563717345
Great Dane37129319
Mastiff (English)28235517
Doberman23129812
Cane Corso21411212
Bulldog (English)20124114
Blue Heeler202305
Alaskan Malamute1512265
Australian Heeler134215
St. Bernard128117
Golden Retriever119237
Australian shepherd117205
Plott Hound100101
Belgian shepherd – Malinois74304
Sharpei66006
Dachschund63316
Shih Tzu52305
Jack Russell Terrier53122
Fila Brasiero51111
Dogo Argentino52313
Pyrenean Mastiff41212
Poodle42101
Collie44013
Catahoula Bulldog41111
Brittany Spaniel41001
Black Mouth Cur43104
Beagle43113
Springer Spaniel34004
Shiba Inu31111
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier31102
Dalmatian33003
Coonhound31211
Chesapeake Bay Retriever33002
Bull Terrier (English)31101
West Highland White Terrier20211
Weimaraner22011
Rhodesian Ridgeback22002
Rat Terrier20101
Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail)21120
Doge de Bordeaux21001
Cocker Spaniel22002
Briard20110
Boston Terrier20110
Border Collie21112
Basset Hound20202
Airedale Terrier22002
Tosa11001
Setter10101
Schnauzer10110
Russian Black Terrier10101
Pug (Mops)11001
Pomeranian (Zwergspitz)11010
Norwegian Elkhound10101
Miniature pinscher (Zwergpinscher)11001
Maremma and the Abruzzes Sheepdog10101
Keeshond10110
Karelian Bear Dog10101
Greyhound11001
East Highland Terrier10110
Coton de Tulear10101
Chihuahua11011
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel10101
Caucasian Shepherd10101
Bernese Mountain Dog10101
Anatolian Shepherd11001
      
Unidentified811629832
Wolf Hybrid8570519

What Are Dog Bite Statistics in the United States?

1: Total number of people bitted by dogs: 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year in the U.S.
2: Almost 1 in 5 people bitten by dogs require medical attention.
3: Children are the most common victims of dog bites and are far more likely to be severely injured.
4: Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs.

Breakdown:

1: Pit Bull: 65.6%
2: Rottweiler: 45%
3: German Shepard: 20%
4: Mixed Breed: 17%
5: American Bulldog: 15%
6: Mastiff/bullmastiff: 14%
7: Husky: 3%

Number of Dealth Caused by Dogs:

  • Pit bulls – 284 deaths
  • Rottweiler – 45 deaths
  • German Shepherd – 20 deaths
  • Mixed Breeds – 17 deaths
  • American Bulldog – 15 deaths
  • Mastiff – 14 deaths
  • Siberian Husky – 13 deaths

Are Pitbulls More Dangerous Than Other Dogs?

Pitbulls have a reputation for being aggressive and dangerous dogs. But is this reputation deserved? Are they really more likely to attack people than other breeds of dogs?

What Are the Safest Dog Breeds?

So, which dog breeds are the safest? According to the data, the breeds with the lowest number of attacks per capita are:

– Chihuahuas

– Jack Russell Terriers

– Poodles

– Yorkshire Terriers

These small breeds are all generally considered to be good family pets. They are usually friendly

How Can I Make Sure My Dog Doesn’t Bite or Attack?

Of course, even the safest breeds of dogs can bite or attack if they are not properly trained and socialized. If you are concerned about your dog biting or attacking someone, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk:

– Get your dog spayed or neutered. Dogs that have been spayed or neutered are less likely to bite or attack.

– Get your dog trained. A well-trained dog is less likely to bite or attack than one who has not been trained.

– Socialize your dog. Dogs that are socialized from a young age are less likely to be aggressive.

How Often Do Dogs Attack Their Owners and Why?

Dogs usually attack their owners for one of two reasons: either they are feeling threatened or they are not properly trained and socialized. Here are some statistics on dog attacks on owners:

– 2% of dog bites occur when the owner is trying to break up a fight between two dogs.

– 8% of dog bites occur when the owner is trying to stop the dog from doing something it shouldn’t be doing, such as getting on the furniture or chewing on a shoe.

– 10% of dog bites occur when the owner is attempting to restrain the dog, such as during grooming or vet visits.

– 80% of dog bites occur when the owner is doing something that the dog perceives as threatening, such as approaching a strange dog or trying to take away its food.

As you can see, most dog bites occur when the owner is doing something that the dog perceives as threatening. This is why it’s so important to socialize your dog and to make sure it is properly trained.

What Should You Do With an Aggressive Dog in Your Neighborhood?

If you have an aggressive dog in your neighborhood, there are some things you can do to make sure it doesn’t pose a threat to your safety or the safety of others:

– Keep your distance. Don’t approach the dog or try to pet it.

– Call animal control. If the dog is acting aggressively, you should call your local animal control office and report the incident.

– Be a good witness. If the dog does attack someone, try to get as much information about the incident as possible so that the authorities can track down the dog and its owner.

What dog breed has the highest attack rate?

The data on dog attacks is inconclusive when it comes to determining which breed has the highest attack rate. However, some studies have suggested that certain breeds, such as Pitbulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds, are more likely to attack than other breeds.