How Many Pitbull Attack Per Year (2025)

Dog attacks are an unfortunate reality, and when pit bulls are involved, they tend to make headlines. While some owners and advocates claim that pit bulls are misunderstood, numerous reports and statistics seem to paint a different picture.

In the United States, attacks by pit bulls are frequently cited in news reports, and the statistics on these incidents raise concerns about public safety. But how common are these attacks?

Let’s check out the statistics surrounding pitbull attacks, compare them to other breeds, and uncover the key factors that contribute to these incidents.

Key takeaway

Approximately 14.8% of all dogs in the US shelters are Pitbulls
Pitbulls ranked first on the list of biting dogs
Pit bulls are linked to the highest number of fatal dog attacks in the United States, accounting for 380 deaths, or 66.9% of all fatal dog bites

Rottweilers are the second most dangerous breed, responsible for 9.0% of these fatalities
Pitbulls average bite strength is about 235 pounds per square inch (psi), and they make the top of the list for the highest number of fatal bites
Each year, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States

Over the 16 years from 2005 to 2020, pit bulls were responsible for 568 deaths in the United States due to dog attacks
A study conducted in Harris County, Texas, found that pit bull bites were 213% more likely to result in severe injuries compared to other breeds
There are more than 18 million pit bull mixes in the country, many of which serve as service dogs or guard dogs

Each year, around one million pit bulls are euthanized, and roughly 25% of Americans hold negative views about the breed

Pitbull Attack Statistics

Pitbulls are frequently cited in reports on dog bite fatalities, and they consistently account for a significant portion of dog attacks each year.

Pitbulls ranked first on the list of biting dogs

A Pitbull’s average bite strength is about 235 pounds per square inch (psi), and they make the top of the list for the highest number of fatal bites
Backyard breeding is a big problem with Pitbulls, which is why 4.8% of all advertised dogs in the US were pit bulls in 2021
A 2020 report by DogsBite.org found that pit bulls were responsible for 66% of fatal dog attacks in the U.S. from 2005 to 2019

The American Animal Hospital Association reports this breed was responsible for 22.5% of bites across all studies conducted in 2019
Approximately 14.8% of all dogs in the US shelters are Pitbulls

How many pitbull attacks per year

Pit bulls, which include breeds such as the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, have been linked to a large number of dog attacks in the United States.

Each year, pit bulls are involved in thousands of these incidents. A study by the University of California, which analyzed dog attacks over several years, found that pit bulls are responsible for over 3,000 serious attacks annually, including incidents that lead to hospitalizations, serious injuries, or even fatalities.

Between 2005 and 2019, pit bulls accounted for 66% of fatal dog attacks, resulting in 346 deaths during that period.

When looking at dog bite-related fatalities from 1979 to 1998, pit bulls, along with Rottweilers, were involved in 60% of these cases.

Breed identification is often based on a dog’s physical appearance; however, due to widespread crossbreeding, up to 75% of dogs that are labeled as pit bulls may be misidentified.

Pitbull Attack Over the years

Between 2015 and 2020, the number of fatalities caused by pit bulls showed slight fluctuations, but the breed consistently ranked as the leading cause of fatal dog attacks.

Over the 16 years from 2005 to 2020, pit bulls were responsible for 568 deaths in the United States due to dog attacks

In 2019, there were 48 fatal attacks, including 13 child victims and 32 adult victims. California had the highest number of fatalities that year, with nine deaths
From 2004 to 2011, pit bulls were involved in 140 American deaths, while during the final eight years of the CDC study (1991 to 1998), pit bulls and their mixes caused 23 fatalities
The average number of deaths per year for pit bulls during the 1991-1998 period was 2.8, whereas from 2004 to 2011, this rate jumped to 17.5 deaths annually, a rise of approximately 625%

During 20 years of the CDC study, pit bulls and their mixes were responsible for 76 fatalities, averaging 3.8 deaths per year
In the five years between 2007 and 2011 alone, pit bulls caused more than 90 deaths

Pitbull Attack vs Other Dog Breeds

According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), while pit bulls are responsible for a significant portion of dog attacks, other breeds also contribute to the overall statistics.

Pit bulls represent about 6-8% of the dog population in the U.S.
Pit bulls are linked to the highest number of fatal dog attacks in the United States, accounting for 380 deaths, or 66.9% of all fatal dog bites
Rottweilers are the second most dangerous breed, responsible for 9.0% of these fatalities

Since 2016, over 46 different dog breeds have been associated with fatal attacks, including Akitas, Boxers, Chow Chows, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Giant Schnauzers, Huskies, Labrador Retrievers, Mastiffs, and various types of pit bulls, Rottweilers, and other mixed breeds
A 2009 study on dog bite incidents involving children found that nearly two-thirds of the bites came from pit bulls (51%), with an additional 9% attributed to Rottweilers

Breeds most commonly associated with attacks

When looking at dog attacks by breed, pit bulls often rank among the top. Each year, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States, though only a small percentage of these result in serious injuries or fatalities.

The following breeds are most commonly linked to fatal dog attacks based on 2005 – 2027 data:

Pit Bulls: 284 deaths
Rottweilers: 45 deaths

German Shepherds: 20 deaths
Mixed Breeds: 17 deaths
American Bulldogs: 15 deaths

Mastiffs: 14 deaths
Siberian Huskies: 13 deaths
Labrador Retrievers: 9 deaths

Boxers: 7 deaths
Doberman Pinschers: 6 deaths

Factors contributing to breed-specific attack

Several factors play a role in dog attacks, including:

1. Training and Ownership: Like all breeds, pit bulls can be trained to be aggressive. Irresponsible ownership, such as neglect, abuse, or inadequate training, is a major contributor to aggressive behavior in dogs.

2. Popularity: One significant factor in pit bulls’ involvement in attacks is their popularity. As one of the most common breeds in the U.S., the higher number of pit bulls directly increases the likelihood of attacks.

3. Misidentification: Many dogs involved in attacks are mistakenly identified as pit bulls. Due to the broad definition of “pit bull,” dogs of other breeds or mixed breeds are often wrongly labeled.

Demographics of Pitbull Attack Victims

Pit bull attacks are not evenly distributed across the United States; certain states report a much higher number of incidents and the victims vary in both age and gender.

In 2019, there were 48 fatal dog attacks, with 13 children and 32 adults among the victims
In several states, pit bulls are responsible for nearly half of all dog bite injuries. A study conducted in Harris County, Texas, found that pit bull bites were 213% more likely to result in severe injuries compared to other breeds

The breed still represents 14.8% of the total shelter dog population in the U.S.
Each year, around one million pit bulls are euthanized, and roughly 25% of Americans hold negative views about the breed
A study of over 200,000 veterinary visits revealed that pit bulls are the most popular breed in at least 21 states, and overall, they are the most common breed in the U.S.

Moreover, there are more than 18 million pit bull mixes in the country, many of which serve as service dogs or guard dogs

Common Cause of Pitbull Attacks

Several key factors contribute to pit bull attacks:

1. Fear: Any dog, regardless of breed, may react aggressively if frightened. Pit bulls that have not been properly socialized or have suffered trauma may be more susceptible to fear-driven aggression.

2. Poor Training: Pit bulls that are not properly trained or socialized from a young age may develop aggressive behaviors. A lack of positive reinforcement or exposure to various situations can contribute to these issues.

3. Irresponsible Ownership: Some owners may intentionally train their pit bulls to be aggressive or use them in fighting, leading to violent behavior. Irresponsible ownership is often a major factor in dangerous dog behavior.

4. Provocation: Like all dogs, pit bulls may become aggressive if provoked. This could occur in response to a perceived threat, such as another dog, a person, or a new environment.

Pitbull Aggressions (Myths and Misconception)

Let’s address and clarify some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding pit bulls:

1. All pit bulls are aggressive: In reality, pit bulls are no more aggressive than any other breed. Like all dogs, their behavior is influenced by genetics, training, and environment. In fact, pit bulls have better temperaments than most dogs.

2. Pit bulls lock their jaws: The idea that pit bulls have a unique ability to “lock” their jaws is false. All dogs have similar jaw structures, and the strength of their bite is more closely related to their size and muscle mass.

3. Pit bulls are inherently dangerous: Like any breed, pit bulls can show aggression if they are not properly raised or treated. However, many pit bulls are gentle and affectionate companions.

Preventing Pitbull Attacks

Here are some of the ways to prevent pitbull attacks:

1. Proper Training and Socialization: Early training and socialization are essential for minimizing aggressive tendencies in pit bulls.

2. Spaying and Neutering: Unneutered dogs, especially males, are more prone to aggression. Spaying and neutering can help reduce these behaviors.

3. Breed-Specific Legislation: In regions where pit bulls are banned or restricted, the number of attacks tends to be lower, though this approach remains controversial and widely debated.

4. Public Awareness: Educating the public on how to safely interact with dogs and recognize signs of aggression can help decrease the occurrence of dog attacks.

Conclusion

It’s important to understand that the behavior of any dog, regardless of breed, is influenced by a combination of genetics, training, and environment.

By focusing on responsible ownership, proper training, and public awareness, we can reduce the number of dog attacks and ensure safer communities for everyone.

Interested in understanding more about pit bulls and how to responsibly care for them? Visit The Pitbull Center for expert resources and guidance on training, health, and breed-specific information.