Top 20 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds in America
Boesen Law helps victims of personal injury in Colorado so sometimes ranking dog breeds can be controversial and misleading, as behavior in dogs is heavily influenced by training, environment, and the treatment they receive rather than breed alone. However, this list is just to be aware since we have helped clients who were victims of dog attacks and are coming from a legal angle.
Lists like this are based on statistics like bite reports, fatal attacks, and insurance claims. Below is a general ranking based on commonly cited sources like the American Veterinary Medical Association, CDC reports, and other studies on dog attacks:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Rottweiler
- German Shepherd
- American Bulldog
- Bullmastiff
- Siberian Husky
- Doberman Pinscher
- Alaskan Malamute
- Chow Chow
- Great Dane
- Saint Bernard
- Akita
- Boxer
- Presa Canario
- Cane Corso
- Dogo Argentino
- Tosa Inu
- Fila Brasileiro
- Wolfdog Hybrid
- Mastiff
Dog Breed Ranking Considerations
- Pit Bulls and Rottweilers often top these lists due to their strength and the frequency of attacks, but it’s important to note that any breed can be dangerous if not properly trained or treated.
- The lists are often criticized for not taking into account the total population of each breed, meaning that more common breeds may appear more dangerous simply because there are more of them.
- Some experts will argue that focusing on specific breeds oversimplifies the complex issue of dog aggression, which is more related to individual behavior, training, and environment. This is true, but again, we’re coming from a legal standpoint for victims of dog attack injuries.
Recent studies and reports on dog bite incidents in the U.S. provide insights into which breeds are most commonly involved in attacks and fatalities. Here’s a summary of findings from various sources:
- Pit Bulls remain the most frequently involved breed in fatal attacks. They are responsible for 66% of all fatal dog attacks between 2005 and 2019, with approximately 284 deaths reported in this period. This breed is followed by Rottweilers, which were involved in 45 fatal attacks during the same period.
- Mixed Breeds also account for a significant number of attacks, contributing to 27 human deaths from 2005 to 2019. Wolf Hybrids and American Bulldogs are other breeds noted for their involvement in fatal incidents.
- Siberian Huskies, Akitas, and Chow Chows have also been reported in several attacks, including fatalities. For example, Siberian Huskies were responsible for 26 deaths between 2014 and 2020.
- Not all dangerous dog incidents result in fatalities, but many breeds with strong bite forces, such as Doberman Pinschers and Mastiffs, can cause severe injuries. The bite force of these breeds can range from 328 PSI (Rottweilers) to over 550 PSI (Mastiffs).
- It’s also worth noting that children are disproportionately affected by dog bites, often experiencing severe injuries due to their smaller size and proximity to dogs. Approximately 45% of dog bite injuries occur on the extremities, such as legs, hands, and arms, and about 50% of child victims are bitten on the head and neck. In cases of dogs attacking children, the severity of the injuries can be even more profound, highlighting the importance of swift legal action.
For more detailed statistics, you can refer to sources like the Canine Journal, Hepper, and other related studies.
Seek Medical Attention
Immediately after a dog bite, you should get medical treatment to address the injury and reduce the risk of infection. This also ensures you have medical records documenting the injury, which are crucial for any legal claims.
Report the Incident
Report the dog bite to your local animal control or law enforcement. They will often create a report, investigate the incident, and may take action against the dog owner if necessary. This report can serve as evidence if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
Identify the Dog and Owner
Identify the dog that bit you and its owner. This information is essential for any legal claim. If the dog is a stray, you may still report the incident to animal control, who might help track down the dog and its owner.
Document the Incident
Collect evidence, including photographs of the injury, the location of the incident, witness statements, and any communication with the dog owner. Keeping detailed records will help support your case.
Consult with an Attorney
You will want to consult with a dog bite lawyer in Denver who has experience with specific dog bite cases. Boesen Law has years of experience with personal injury-related cases, so we’ll help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and guide you through the legal process in order to file a claim for compensation or sue the owner for damages if necessary.
We are proud to serve clients throughout the entire state, including:
Pursue a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If the owners insurance company does not cover your damages or the settlement offer is insufficient, you may consider filing a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner. The dog owner may be held liable for:
- Strict Liability: In some states, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of the dog’s past behavior.
- Negligence: If the owner’s negligence led to the bite (e.g., failing to restrain a known dangerous dog), you might be able to sue for damages.
- One-Bite Rule: In states that follow the one-bite rule, the owner may only be liable if they knew or should have known that the dog had a tendency to bite.
Settlement Negotiations
Often, dog bite cases are settled out of court because 90% of cases are resolved via mediation. Boesen Law can negotiate a settlement with the dog owner’s insurance company or legal representatives to ensure you receive fair compensation.
If you are considering legal action, it is crucial to act promptly, as you may be coming up on statutes of limitations – that limit the time you have to file a lawsuit.
Under Colorado law, specifically C.R.S. § 13-21-124, dog owners are strictly liable for economic damages (such as medical bills) if their dog bites someone who was lawfully on public or private property, regardless of the dog’s history. However, for non-economic damages (like pain and suffering), the victim must prove that the dog owner was negligent or that the dog had a known history of aggressive behavior.
There are exceptions to this rule, such as if the victim was trespassing, provoking the dog, or if the dog was working as a law enforcement animal at the time of the incident.
For more information, you can refer to the specific legal statute in Colorado or consult with a local Denver personal injury lawyer who specializes in dog bites and understands the laws.
Has Boesen Law helped dog bite victims?
Yes, we have helped victims claim compensation and ensure their legal rights are met. Below is a real client of Boesen Law who was a victim and how we helped him out.