There are no centralized dog bite statistics tracking the correlation between dog breeds and bite incidents. However, between 2010 and 2021, pit bulls were reportedly responsible for 65% of fatal and disfiguring attacks on humans.
66% of Fatal Dog Bite Deaths Caused by Pit Bulls
Dogsbite.org conducted a review of total deaths caused by dogs in the last 15 years. From their data collection, they found 346 of 521 deaths were from pit bull attacks.
Pitbulls are 2.5x more likely to bite in multiple anatomical locations than other breeds. Pitbulls are responsible for 60% of all injuries and 63% of ocular injuries. Pitbull attacks have higher morbidity rates, higher hospital charges, and a higher risk of death than attacks by other breeds.
What Breed of Dog Has the Most Attacks? Statistics show that the highest dog attacks by breed are from Pit Bulls. Their natural aggression and high provocation rate from humans cause Pit Bulls to have the highest attack rate in the United States when compared to other dog breeds.
Dog Bite Victim Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Humane Society of the United States, there are about 4.7 million dog bites every year in the U.S. These bites result in approximately 16 fatalities.
Some pit bulls were selected and bred for their fighting ability. That means that they may be more likely than other breeds to fight with dogs. It doesn't mean that they can't be around other dogs or that they're unpredictably aggressive. Other pit bulls were specifically bred for work and companionship.
The Australian Companion Animal Council has estimated more than 100,000 people in Australia are attacked by dogs each year, with around 12,000–14,000 of them requiring medical treatment for injuries, and around 10% of those hospitalised.
Yes – the wiener dog! The study found that “one in five dachshunds have bitten or tried to bite strangers, and a similar number have attacked other dogs; one in 12 have snapped at their owners.” Number two on the list is an even more diminutive breed – the Chihuahua, while Jack Russells came in third.
1. American Pit Bull Terrier. The American Pit Bull Terrier is considered one of the most dangerous dog breeds – both in the U.S. and internationally. They are a very aggressive breed and have been known to attack and kill people.
Pitbulls came in at number one for the breed responsible for the most dog bites, at 10.3 per cent. They're believed to have a predisposition to violent behaviour, thanks to their history of being used as fighting dogs.
Understand that a dog's “fear” is most often the trigger for aggressive behavior. If you fail to socialize these (or any other) dogs, and later expose them to other people, they may become fearful of strangers and behave aggressively.
What Demographic is Most Often Victim to Pit Bull Attacks? Young children undoubtedly suffer the most fatalities and serious injuries from pit bull attacks. Unfortunately, according to Dogsbite.org, children from the age of 0-4 are the age group that is often the victim.
In general, pit bulls aren't aggressive with people but are “less tolerant” of other dogs than many other breeds, says Pamela Reid, PhD, vice president of the ASPCA's Animal Behavior Center in New York. They also have “great tenacity. They put their mind to something, and they do it.
95% of the dogs will release a bite grip when flipped on the back. It is very important that this is done correctly so that the action is safe and effective. Firmly grab one back leg with your opposite hand, while positioning the other hand on his croup.
Pit Bulls are great with children.
Pit Bulls are a loyal, people-oriented breed that thrive as part of the family. They are affectionate with both adults and children. Note: All children should be taught how to interact with animals and should be supervised when playing with any animal.
Used for illegal activities: Some excellent breeds are unfortunately used for illegal activities like dogfighting and are, therefore, banned. Rare or unrecognized breeds or wolf hybrid dogs: In many countries, crossbreeds or mutts are banned because people believe they have unpredictable behavior.
Together, pit bulls and Rottweilers cause the vast majority of fatal dog attacks. Statistics show that no other breed of dog causes more than 5 percent of them – less than half the number that Rottweilers cause.
Proponents of breed-specific laws have long argued that pit bulls are more inherently aggressive and disproportionately responsible for fatal maulings and serious attacks.
Several breeds such as wolf hybrids, Rottweilers, Dobermans, pit bulls and pit bull mixes, German Shepherds, and Akitas often make the list.
Pit Bulls Killed 36 Americans in 2018
Studies confirmed that pit bulls were responsible for 72% of fatal dog attacks involving humans in 2018 in the US. Furthermore, 69% of those disfiguring and fatal attacks involved family members as opposed to strangers.
Are Australian shepherds aggressive? No. These dogs are not naturally aggressive and make excellent family pets in many homes — they're active, loyal, and loving dogs. So if you're looking for a new canine best friend, an Australian shepherd could be one of the best dogs for you and your family.
Pit bull terriers have been banned from importation into Australia for over 15 years but there are some living in Australia from before the ban. There are also many cross-breed dogs that look similar to pit bull terriers.
Even the dogs that aren't killed are kept in appalling conditions with no access to food, water or shelter, and many dogs suffer horrific injuries and are left to die. It's estimated there are at least 150 illegal dog fighting rings in Australia, and that number could be much higher.
Nationally, there have been at least 33 dog attack deaths in Australia since 1979, but apart from the dog that killed Ayen Chol, only one other dog has been described as a pit bull cross.