To be very clear, any dog can bite. Any dog will bite under a set of circumstances specific to that animal. Whether out of true aggression, fear or health maladies, an animal will do what it deems appropriate to defend itself or others.
Dogs are one of the most popular, if not the most popular, pets in the country. Millions of dogs enjoy lavish lifestyles in homes with their humans. People choose the dog they will bring into their home for a variety of reasons. Some people choose a dog based on looks, others choose their dog based on size. What many people fail to consider is a breed’s propensity to use its teeth in a manner that can cause injury.
On that note, here are five dog breeds most likely to bite. Take it under advisement if you are considering any of these breeds as your new pet.
5. Akita
Akitas are beautiful animals but do have a tendency to bite when irritated, annoyed or afraid. Using the latest released statistics, there were 70 people injured by Akitas and 8 people killed.
4. Husky
Like Akitas, Huskies are popular because of their fluffy good looks. They are a breed that requires a good deal of training and an owner who is familiar with dog behavior. There were more than 80 people injured by huskies during a single year, and 26 people were killed by the breed.
3. German Shepherd
The German shepherd is a dog frequently used in law enforcement and military work. As herding dogs, they tend to use their teeth to guide and nip. Unfortunately, they also use their teeth to bite and harm. Over 100 people were injured by German shepherds in 2013, not counting those bitten by police K9s.
2. Rottweiler
Just over 530 people were bitten by this breed in 2014. They are not necessarily an aggressive breed by nature. It is thought that the high number of dog bites is at least partly due to the high number of Rotties in households across the country. It makes sense that the greater the number of a breed kept, the higher the instance of bite when compared to dogs that are rarer.
1. Pit Bulls
No matter how you feel about this breed, statistics don’t lie. Over 3,000 people reported bites by pit bulls in a single year, and close to 300 people were killed. If you are considering bringing this breed home, purchase from a responsible breeder and be prepared to do plenty of work socializing and training your new pet.
Dog bites in South Carolina are not to be taken lightly. If you are bitten by a dog, call our offices for a free case evaluation. You need an experienced attorney on your side in order to receive the compensation you deserve under current law. Call now.