10 Dangerous Dog Breeds: U.S. Dog Attacks and Bite Statistics

This list that I have compiled is based on dog bite and attack statistics from 1982 to 2013. It should be mentioned that such statistics come with some inaccuracies. For instance, bites and attacks from small dog breeds are often underreported because the injuries these breeds can cause are often minor due to size. I am NOT stating that these dog breeds are bad or evil in any way.

All Dog Breeds Can Make Great Companions

I had a Boxer as a child and I have family members who own Dobermans and German Shepherds—they are wonderful dogs! This article is simply a statistical analysis of attacks per dog breed and subsequent deaths that have been reported.

The Responsibility of the Owner

We have all heard it before: It's not the breed that causes the problems, it's the owner. In some cases that is completely true. Owners must be sure to raise their dogs properly, to socialize them, and to offer them love. NEVER hit your dog ever, and do not teach your dog to act aggressively in any type of way.

Selective Breeding Influences Breed Traits

However, even the best owners cannot change a dog's innate desires. Some breeds are more prone to attack simply because they were bred for a specific purpose. This doesn't mean that every dog of that breed will attack, it simply means that certain breeds have more of a chance of attacking than others.

Any Breed Can Attack

In reality, any dog breed can attack just as any dog breed can be wonderful with people and children. However, statistics show that certain types of dogs do attack more than others and large-dog attacks are often reported more because they simply cause more damage.

1. Pit Bull Breeds

The term "pit bull" refers to a group of breeds, many of which were originally bred in England and brought to the United States for blood sports such as cockfighting, bull-baiting, bear-baiting, and dogfighting. Unfortunately, from the very beginning, these breeds (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Bulldog) were bred to fight, attack, and kill.

These breeds have strong, muscular bodies and are known to be highly protective of their owners and their owner's property. This is why it's important to socialize pit bulls from a very young age and to expose them to strangers, adults, other dogs, and children.

Characteristics

• Height: 14–24 inches
• Weight: 22–78 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12 years

Attack and Bite Statistics From 1982 to 2013:

• Bodily Harm: 2,792 attacks
• Child Victims: 1,114 attacks
• Adult Victims: 1,047 attacks
• Deaths: 263
• Maimings: 1,677

2. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a large-size dog that is very smart, agile, athletic, and strong. They originated as a herding dog. They do tend to have a pack mentality, so it is important for owners to serve as good leaders. Rottweilers can be very docile and calm if socialized and raised correctly, however, they are very protective of their families and tend to be wary of strangers.

Characteristics

• Height: 22–27 inches
• Weight: 85–30 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 10–12 years

Attack and Bite Statistics From 1982 to 2013:

• Bodily Harm: 514 attacks
• Child Victims: 290 attacks
• Adult Victims: 136 attacks
• Deaths: 81
• Maimings: 294

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3. Husky

The Husky is a strong sled-pulling dog from the Arctic. Huskies are known to be very energetic and playful. They have thick, furry coats that can vary in color. In general, they are known to be very intelligent, docile, gentle, relaxed, and friendly dogs. Huskies can, however, be very difficult to train and can be stubborn. A bored or lonely Husky can very destructive and ill-behaved.

Even though this breed has a lot of positive characteristics, it is powerful and strong enough to harm or kill its victims if it attacks.

Characteristics

• Height: 21–23 inches
• Weight: 35–60 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12–15 years

Attack and Bite Statistics From 1982 to 2013:

• Bodily Harm: 79 attacks
• Child Victims: 49 attacks
• Adults Victims: 5 attacks
• Deaths: 25
• Maimings: 24

4. Wolf Hybrid

A wolf hybrid is exactly what it sounds like—it is the combination of a Gray Wolf and a dog. Wolf hybrids are very skittish animals and dislike loud noises, fast-moving objects, strangers, and new people. They require a lot of patience and consistent training from owners.

Hybrids are not recommended for homes with children or for inexperienced pet owners. This type of dog needs a lot of space to run and roam and will not do well in small houses or apartments.

Characteristics

• Height: around 26 inches
• Weight: about 100 pounds
• Life Expectancy: Can live up to 17 years

Attack and Bite Statistics From 1982 to 2013:

• Bodily Harm: 85 attacks
• Child Victims: 70 attacks
• Adult Victims: 5 attacks
• Deaths: 19
• Maimings: 49

5. Bull Mastiff (Presna Canario)

The Presna Canario originates from Spain and was originally raised to work with livestock. This large breed makes for a very good guard dog and is wary of strangers. It is very important that everyone in the family feels comfortable around this breed or it may act aggressively towards some people.

Again, early socialization is very important in the development of a healthy and affectionate dog, and this breed must see humans as the leader of the pack. Presna Canarios have short and coarse coats; they come in all colors of fawn and brindle.

Characteristics

• Height: 21–25 inches
• Weight: 80–100 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 9–11 years

Attack and Bite Statistics From 1982 to 2013:

• Bodily Harm: 105 attacks
• Child Victims: 42 attacks
• Adult Victims: 39 attacks
• Deaths: 15
• Maimings: 61

6. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are very popular in the United States. They are strong, intelligent, agile, muscular, and fearless. It's important that these dogs are habituated to people, and for this reason, they should never be isolated or kept in a cage.

German Shepherds require a lot of socialization when they are young, and it's important for owners to establish themselves as the leader early on. German Shepherds are used as police dogs, guard dogs, and service dogs because they are very intelligent and well-behaved if properly trained.

Characteristics

• Height: 22–26 inches
• Weight: 77–85 pounds
• Life Expectancy: About 13 years

Attack and Bite Statistics From 1982 to 2013:

• Bodily Harm: 102 attacks
• Child Victims: 63 attacks
• Adult Victims: 30 attacks
• Deaths: 15
• Maimings: 63

7. Akita

The Akita originates from Japan and is a large working dog. The Akita is known to be affectionate with its owners but very aloof towards strangers or new people. They are docile and gentle with members of the family and people they see regularly, but they can be very difficult to socialize with other pets and strangers.

The Akita has a thick fur coat which it sheds very heavily. The breed is powerful, hardy, and athletic and tends to get bored easily. Children should learn to be authoritative and respectful when interacting with this breed, and owners should be patient when training the Akita.

Characteristics

• Height: 24–28 inches
• Weight: 75–20 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 10–12 years

Attack and Bite Statistics From 1982 to 2013:

• Bodily Harm: 68 attacks
• Child Victims: 43 attacks
• Adult Victims: 21 attacks
• Deaths: 8
• Maimings: 50

8. Boxer

Boxers are compact and very powerful dogs. Originating from Germany, the Boxer has short hair and varies in color from brindle to fawn. Boxers are very energetic and playful dogs. They are known to be naturally protective of their owners and act like guardians.

These dogs are affectionate towards humans, especially children. This has made them a very popular choice for families. But like all dogs, the Boxer needs early socialization when young as it can be distrustful of strangers.

Characteristics

• Height: 21–25 inches
• Weight: 50–70 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 11–14 years