Dog Bite Statistics by Breed

By Yosi Yahoudai Founder and Managing Partner

August 20, 2024

Dog Bites

Dog bites are a major cause of preventable injuries and deaths in the United States each year. Here is a quick rundown on the severity of the the problem related to dog bites:

• There are over 83 million dogs in the United States
• More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States
• More than 800,000 people require medical attention for serious dog bites each year
• More than 12,000 people are bitten by dogs each day
• More than 2,200 people are hospitalized for dog bites each day
• It is one of the leading causes of injury in the United States, trailing just behind car accidents
• Studies have revealed that a large percentage of injuries come from a limited number of breeds and 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. If you have been injured due to a dog bite, hiring a Los Angeles dog bite lawyer can help you to file a claim seeking compensation for your medical bills, as well as pain and suffering and other damages.

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 for having caused the most deaths of any breed:

• 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 and the damages can often 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 injury.