Dogs may be nicknamed “man’s best friend,” but dog bites are a serious issue. Explore important dog attack statistics for insight into who is the most at risk and which breeds are prone to biting.
How Common Are Dog Bites?
Dog bites have decreased over the past 50 years, but they’re still more common than you might think. About 4.5 million people suffer from dog bites in the United States each year. Of these, about 885,000 require medical attention.
Dog Bite Statistics by Breed
Certain dog breeds are more frequently involved in biting incidents. It’s important to note that any dog can bite, regardless of breed. However, the following breeds are statistically more likely to be involved in attacks:
- Pit bulls attack most frequently and tend to cause more serious injuries or death when incidents occur. This breed is responsible for 22.5% of bites across all studies and causes 28% of dog bite deaths.
- Mixed breeds can be unpredictable because of their diverse ancestry. They come in second after pit bulls at 21.2% of bite incidents.
- German Shepherds are involved in 17.8% of bite incidents, often due to their use as guard dogs.
- Other breeds with a heightened risk of biting include Rottweilers, Huskies, Malamutes, Doberman Pinschers, Chow Chows, Great Danes, and St. Bernards.
Other Dog Attack Statistics
Dog attacks can happen to anyone, regardless of age or location. Still, here are some interesting statistics to consider:
- 77% of biting dogs are owned by the victim, their family, a relative, or a friend.
- The victim’s home is the most likely place for a dog attack, followed by a friend of the victim’s home.
- Each day in the US, about 1,000 people visit the emergency room to treat dog bite injuries.
- About 15% to 20% of dog bite wounds become infected, leading to serious problems like rabies, Pasteurella, MRSA, and tetanus.
- 30 to 50 people die from dog attacks each year in the US.
- Children account for over half of dog bite victims, with 56.7% of dog bite fatalities involving children.
- Over 19,000 homeowners insurance claims were filed in 2023 over dog bite incidents. The average cost per claim was $58,545, an increase of 82.5% since 2014.
Legal Implications of Dog Bites
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Texas, it’s important to understand this state’s dog bite rules. Texas is one of six states that assign owner liability for dog bites. Once notified that their dog has dangerous or aggressive tendencies, the owner is liable for any bites or other injuries that occur, even if they act responsibly and take precautions to protect people from their pet. Victims of dog bites may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Nava Law Group can put our 150+ years of combined legal experience to work for you. Our highly qualified dog bite attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights, whether inside or outside the courtroom. Contact us at 713.661.9900 to schedule a free consultation at one of our offices in Houston, McAllen, or Corpus Christi, TX.
