Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. There are massive breeds, like Saint Bernards, developed to assist humans or protect livestock. There are tiny companion dogs that may have lineages developed to hunt rats or simply be as small and cute as possible.
Some canine owners are very specific about breed. They always acquire companion animals from the same breed. Others adopt animals in need or change what kind of dogs they keep based on their circumstances. They might have hunting dogs when they are young and single and then golden retrievers once they have children, followed by smaller dogs in their golden years.
Regardless of breed, any canine has the potential to inflict serious injuries on humans. Dog bite attacks can cause devastating injuries and psychological trauma. Can the breed of a dog have any bearing on a person’s rights after it attacks a human?
Some breeds are more likely to bite
When looking at dog bite statistics, particularly regarding fatal dog bite attacks, there are certain clear trends. Specific breeds are more likely to seriously injure or kill humans than others. Pitbulls, also known as American pit bull terriers, top the list of deadliest dog breeds. They bear responsibility for approximately 60% of fatal dog bite incidents every year.
Other breeds may not be as likely to kill, but they can still be aggressive and cause serious injuries. Rottweilers, Chow Chows, Boxers and even Huskies are known for having an increased likelihood of attacking and injuring people. Owners who keep dogs that belong to aggressive breeds generally need to make appropriate investments in training the dogs and keeping them away from the public.
While there is a one-bite rule that applies in many dog bite instances, keeping particularly dangerous breeds can undermine an owner’s protection from liability, especially if the animal has shown aggressive tendencies in the past.
A dog breed doesn’t just affect their likelihood of attacking a human. It can also impact insurance coverage after an incident. Some breeds are subject to insurance restrictions. Certain companies don’t cover those breeds at all or require that owners pay higher insurance premiums due to the risk that their dogs represent.
Documenting the details of a dog bite incident, including an owner’s acknowledgement of the animal’s aggression (if applicable) and information about its appearance, could come into play in dog bite litigation later. People hoping to hold animal owners accountable for dangerous dogs need proof of what happened and to learn more about the law to see if they have any rights under the circumstances.
