Introduction
Dog bites and attacks are a serious public health issue. According to the CDC, dogs bite over 4.5 million people each year in the United States alone (U.S. Dog Bite Statistics). Though most bites are minor, nearly 1,000 citizens require emergency care for serious injuries daily. Dog bites can cause severe lacerations, infections, scarring, disfigurement, and even death in extreme cases.
Understanding which breeds are more prone to biting and not letting go can help owners take proper precautions. However, it’s important to note that any dog is capable of biting given the right circumstances. Proper training and socialization from an early age are key to reducing a dog’s risk of biting. This article will analyze bite statistics by breed, while emphasizing that responsible ownership and preventing aggression are ultimately more critical than breed when it comes to bite prevention.
Breed Traits
Certain physical and behavioral traits in dogs can increase their likelihood of biting and doing damage. Breeds developed for hunting, fighting, or guarding often have strong prey drives, gameness, and strength that can contribute to biting incidents.
For example, terriers were bred to hunt and kill small prey, so they often exhibit high prey drive that can lead them to bite, shake, and not let go of other animals or even people (Reisner, 2011). Pit bulls were originally bred for bull baiting and dog fighting, so they tend to be tenacious biters that grip and hold, sometimes refusing to let go even when being beaten or kicked (Worms and Germs Blog, 2008).
Larger breeds like German shepherds, Rottweilers, and mastiffs have more powerful jaws and muscular builds capable of inflicting severe injury through biting. However, small dogs can also bite frequently due to improperly socialization and training.
Individual Dogs vs Breeds
While some breeds like pit bulls or Rottweilers are often labeled as “aggressive,” it’s important to note that any individual dog of any breed can bite or attack under certain circumstances. A dog’s tendency toward aggression depends on many factors beyond just its breed. These include how the dog was raised, socialized, trained, health and genetics. Poor breeding practices, abuse, neglect, lack of socialization, lack of training, pain, fear and protective instincts over territory are just some factors that may lead dogs to bite, regardless of breed. So while breed traits and genetics play a role, so do life experiences and environment for each unique dog. Making assumptions that certain breeds are inherently dangerous can lead to a lot of dogs being unjustly misjudged. At the end of the day, responsible pet ownership, proper care and socialization are key to ensuring dogs of any breed remain friendly companions.
As one source notes, “There are numerous myths surrounding aggressive dog breeds that need to be debunked. One of the biggest is that some breeds are inherently vicious or dangerous. The truth is that any breed has the potential to be aggressive” (https://www.weloveallanimals.com/most-aggressive-dog-breeds/).
Most Damage from Large Breeds
While any dog is capable of biting, larger breeds often cause more damage when they do attack. This is due to their sheer size and muscular jaw strength. Studies show that breeds like pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German shepherds are most likely to be involved in fatal dog attacks. Though these breeds have a reputation for aggression, there are other reasons they inflict more damage when they bite compared to small dogs.
Larger dogs have much stronger jaws and necks, allowing them to apply greater bite force. For example, one study found that Rottweilers have a bite force around 328 pounds of pressure per square inch (PSI). German shepherds measured around 238 PSI. In contrast, smaller breeds like chihuahuas only have a bite force around 71 PSI.
In addition to jaw strength, bigger dogs have larger teeth and mouths that can reach further around a person’s limb or body part during an attack. This increases the risk of severe lacerations and puncture wounds. Their body size also makes them capable of knocking down and pinning victims more easily.
While larger dogs can potentially do more damage, proper training and socialization goes a long way in reducing the likelihood of bites regardless of breed. However, it’s important to supervise interactions, especially between children and large dogs. Taking precautions can help avoid traumatic injuries.
Bite Statistics by Breed
According to the CDC, approximately 39% of dog bites in 2018 were caused by unspecified breeds while Pit Bull-type dogs accounted for 22% of dog bites. Other commonly implicated breeds included German Shepherds (17%), Rottweilers (3%), as well as mixed breed dogs and many other dog breeds.
However, researchers emphasize that genetics do not exist in a vacuum. Factors like socialization, training, health, and overall care have a significant influence over any dog’s personality and behavior. Furthermore, no breed operates in genetic isolation, and most experts assert that rather than targeting specific breeds, we should reinforce responsible ownership and focus on each individual dog’s actions.
While the CDC gathers dog bite statistics, they do not encourage using these data to gauge or regulate breeds. The chances of getting bitten depend on many situational factors, not just the breed. Ultimately, any dog is capable of biting if provoked, threatened, or poorly supervised.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6803a2.htm
Reducing Risk
There are several steps owners can take to reduce the risk of their dog biting and minimize aggressive behaviors:
- Properly socialize dogs from a young age so they become comfortable around people, other animals, and new environments (Understand dog’s body language for a safer interaction) https://www.asianage.com/life/more-features/241218/understand-dogs-body-language-for-a-safer-interaction.html.
- Use positive reinforcement training techniques to teach dogs manners and discourage biting or aggression (Make Positive Changes).
- Provide dogs with adequate physical and mental stimulation to prevent frustration and boredom.
- Supervise dogs closely when interacting with children or strangers.
- Learn to recognize signs of fear, anxiety, or aggression in dogs so you can intervene before any biting occurs.
- Consider working with an experienced dog trainer or behaviorist if your dog exhibits problematic behaviors.
With proper socialization, training, and supervision from an early age, most dogs can learn to control their impulses and interact safely with people.
Dealing with Aggression
If your dog displays aggressive behavior, especially if it’s sudden or unlike their normal temperament, it’s important to seek professional help from a certified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist. Some signs of aggression like lunging, snarling, growling, snapping, chasing, and biting require immediate intervention from an expert.
According to PetCareRx (source), you should never attempt to punish or correct an aggressive dog on your own. This can make the situation worse and put you in danger of getting bitten. The underlying cause of the aggression needs to be properly identified and addressed through customized training and behavior modification techniques.
A trainer can help determine what triggers your dog’s aggressive responses and provide safe, humane, positive reinforcement-based methods for counter-conditioning their behavior. This type of expert guidance is crucial for effectively managing aggression long-term and avoiding escalation or injury.
In extreme cases of aggression that pose serious risk even with training, your veterinarian may recommend medication combined with behavior modification. You should never try to medicate an aggressive dog without veterinary supervision.
Dealing with an aggressive dog requires patience, consistency and professional support. Don’t hesitate to seek help from certified experts to get your dog back on a calm, friendly footing.
Bite Prevention
There are steps both dog owners and non-owners can take to help prevent dog bites. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, it’s important for dog owners to properly socialize and train their dogs from a young age. Owners should teach dogs non-aggressive responses to things that could otherwise trigger aggression, like interacting with strangers. Dogs should be slowly exposed to new people, animals, and situations in a controlled, positive environment.
The KidsHealth article advises several tips for people meeting a new dog. Let the dog see and sniff you before petting so you don’t startle it. Pet the dog gently and avoid hugging, squeezing, or picking it up. Don’t make direct eye contact, which can be seen as threatening. If the dog growls or cowers, stop petting it immediately. And never pet a dog that’s eating, sleeping, sick, injured, or nursing puppies.
According to the MedVet article, it’s also wise not to approach an unknown dog if it’s roaming freely. Avoid reaching through fences to pet dogs. Don’t run or scream around dogs, which can trigger a chasing/biting instinct. And don’t attempt to separate fighting dogs, as this is a common cause of bites.
First Aid
If you are bitten by a dog, the first priority is to stop bleeding and prevent infection of the wound. Here are some steps you can take for first aid (Texas Specialty Clinic; Vaziri Law; First Aid for Life):
Stop the bleeding. Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage for at least 10 minutes. If bleeding persists, continue applying pressure and raise the injured area above heart level if possible.
Wash the wound. Gently clean around the wound with soap and water to remove dirt and debris. Do not scrub the wound. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Apply antibiotic ointment. After cleaning, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment like neosporin to help prevent infection. Do not use ointment if the person has an allergy.
Wrap the wound. Use a sterile gauze bandage or clean cloth to lightly wrap the wound. Wrap snugly enough to protect the wound, but not tight enough to cut off circulation.
Elevate the injured area. If possible, keep the wound area elevated above the level of the heart to help reduce swelling and throbbing.
Get medical help. Even if the bite looks minor, see a doctor to determine if stitches, antibiotics, or a tetanus shot are needed. Monitor for signs of infection like redness, swelling, pus, red streaks, or fever.
Conclusion
All dogs have the potential to bite when provoked or feeling threatened. However, some breeds may be more prone to aggressive biting due to factors like breeding history, size, and temperament.
Larger, muscular breeds often cause the most damage in a bite due to their strength and size. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and some Mastiff breeds top the list for reported bite severity.
Proper socialization, training, and responsible ownership can significantly reduce a dog’s risk of biting. Supervising interactions, especially with children, and avoiding escalating fear or pain can also lower chances of biting.
Muzzle training allows for continued positive interactions while managing serious bite risk factors. Learning canine body language helps owners understand a dog’s state of mind and respond appropriately.
While genetics influence tendencies, ultimately any individual dog may bite given the right circumstances. Staying vigilant to signs of fear, pain, or aggression can help prevent bites.