20 Surprising Dog Bite Statistics By Breed (2024 Update)
Updated on
Click to Skip Ahead
Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.
Humans have had a relationship with dogs for an estimated 40,000 years. It hasn’t always been amicable. After all, we were competitors as hunters. That changed when some were less fearful and approached people, undoubtedly looking for food. Domestication followed, and humans selectively bred canids for tameness.
Nevertheless, aggression is normal canine behavior, although it’s unacceptable in our pets. Reducing aggression in a dog or preventing it from occurring in the first place requires thorough training and socialization. Unfortunately, some owners cannot provide the training their dogs need. The statistics below are alarming, but dog bite injuries occur less often than you would think.
The 20 Dog Bite Statistics
- The CDC reported 468 deaths due to dog encounters between 2011–2021, based on roughly 4.5 million bite injuries annually.
- Children under 9 years are at the greatest risk of hospitalization due to dog bites, with a prevalence of 17.6 per 100,000.
- Dogs cause about 70% of hospitalizations for animal bites.
- Liability claims related to dog incidents totaled $1.116 billion in 2023.
- Illinois topped the country with the highest cost per claim at a staggering $73,797.
- The value of dog claims has skyrocketed 44% between 2012 and 2021.
- Roughly 81% of dog bites are minor, requiring no medical treatment.
- Pit Bulls were involved in an estimated 65.6% of fatal dog attacks.
- Rottweilers caused 10.4% of fatal dog attacks.
- The Mastiff has a bite force of 552 PSI.
- About 3%–18% of dog bites become infected, with occasional lingering effects.
- Over 5,300 postal employees were bit by dogs in 2022.
- Your odds of dying from a dog attack are 1 in 43,882.
- Twenty-two states currently have enforceable breed-specific legislation.
- Genetics account for only 9% of a pup’s personality.
- More than 100 municipalities have repealed breed-specific legislation, citing its ineffectiveness in controlling the issue.
- Men are more likely to be bitten by dogs, with stats showing 52.6% for male victims and 47.4% for females.
- Intact males are 2.6 times more likely to attack than neutered animals.
- About 80.2% of dog bites happen at home.
- Laws for dog bite liability don’t exist in four states.
The Scope of the Problem
1. The CDC reported 468 deaths from dog encounters between 2011–2021, based on roughly 4.5 million bite injuries annually.
Dog bite statistics include this sobering figure. The cases average roughly less than 20 to over 40 annually. The disturbing trend has increased since 2011. The last three years coincided with the pandemic when pet ownership also rose. It’s a sad reality, given that many people turned to animal companions for comfort during these hard times.
(CDC)
2. Children under 9 years are at the greatest risk of hospitalization due to dog bites, with a prevalence of 17.6 per 100,000.
Children are at a disadvantage when reading a dog’s emotions. Adults are much more aware of a pup feeling fearful or uncomfortable. Kids often cross the line, causing conflict. Canines warn others with their body posture or vocalizations before an attack, and a physical altercation is the last resort when someone doesn’t heed the signs.
(UK Health & Social Care Information Centre)
3. Dogs cause about 70% of hospitalizations for animal bites.
Other animals can bite or cause injuries requiring hospitalization, but dogs are at the top of the list of offenders. However, cats aren’t innocent and can also injure someone. The takeaway is that any pet can bite, regardless of how friendly or docile they may seem. It behooves parents to supervise all interactions with their children and pets.
(BMJ Paediatrics Open)
Encounters that lead to injuries or hospitalization are expensive to treat. Follow-up care is imperative to prevent secondary infections. Homeowners insurance can protect all parties involved with these cases. It’s worth noting that some insurers will reject claims with specific breeds. Others consider the animal’s history before handling these issues.
(Insurance Information Institute)
5. Illinois topped the country with the highest cost per claim at a staggering $73,797.
California might have the highest number of claims in the country, at 2,104 in 2023. However, it cost the most in Illinois, where the average claim was $73,797 the same year. Interestingly, the total number was a fraction of California’s, at 837. The cost in the Golden State was $68,125.
(Insurance Information Institute)
6. The value of dog claims has skyrocketed 44% between 2012 and 2021.
Of course, other factors have influenced the value of total dog claims other than the increase. Inflation, rising costs, and the fallout from the pandemic also played a role. The number of dogs has also risen in recent years, contributing to skyrocketing costs.
(Insurance Information Institute)
The Details of the Issue
7. Pit Bulls were involved in an estimated 65.6% of fatal dog attacks.
Pit Bulls get the most press for the severe injuries and fatalities they can cause, and they are overrepresented in the statistics. Some inhumane owners selectively bred Pit Bulls to fight and encourage aggression, making them dangerous animals if not trained and handled properly.
(DogsBite.org)
8. Roughly 81% of dog bites are minor, requiring no medical treatment.
Social media and the news focus on the worst-case scenarios, which include the tragic stories of fatalities caused by dogs. The silver lining is that most cases aren’t serious, making up about 81%. Another 18.99% involved treatment and the release of the victim. Only 0.01% are deemed severe enough to require hospitalization or further treatment. Some people don’t report the bite injuries, either.
(National Canine Research Council)
9. Rottweilers caused 10.4% of fatal dog attacks.
The Rottweiler is one of several breeds descended from Roman drover dogs. Their intelligence and trainability make them excellent animals for military and police work. They are strong and fiercely loyal, which explains their role as guard dogs. Their strength and size make their bite worse than their bark. They are an example of another canine that requires experienced training and handling.
(DogsBite.org)
10. About 3–18% of dog bites become infected, with occasional lingering effects.
The caution exercised by some bite victims is warranted when you consider the complications from these injuries, including infections. They can prolong healing and set the stage for more serious issues, such as septic shock and meningitis. Cat bites are even more risky, with infection rates between 28% to 80%. The takeaway is to seek treatment for any animal bite.
(NEJM)
11. The Mastiff has a bite force of 552 PSI.
One of the features enthusiasts selectively bred dogs like the Mastiff for was powerful biting force. This is evident in the animal’s large head and jawbones, which provide attachments for the necessary musculature. This pup has an incredible bite force. In comparison, a human’s is a mere 160 PSI. The Nile Crocodile tops them all at a staggering 5,000 PSI.
(Psychology Today, Science Focus)
12. Over 5,300 postal employees were bit by dogs in 2022.
It’s a sad twist of fate that someone gets injured just for doing their job. However, that’s the case with many USPS employees. California, Texas, and Ohio are the worst states to be mail carriers. The cities with the most attacks on mail carriers are Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago. Although USPS employees are trained on how to approach a canine, it’s still up to pet owners to manage a potentially dangerous animal.
(USPS)
13. Your odds of dying from a dog attack are 1 in 43,882.
We included this stat to put dog bite figures into perspective. You’re more likely to get injured from a fall or choking incident than get hurt by a canine. The most dangerous animal is the lowly mosquito, responsible for roughly 725,000 deaths annually. However, remembering that any dog can bite is still a wise policy.
(National Safety Council)
Preventing Dog Bites
14. Twenty-two states currently have enforceable breed-specific legislation.
One of the consequences of dog bite injuries is the rise in breed-specific legislation (BSL). It aims to keep people out of harm’s way by banning specific dog breeds. Twenty-two states have followed suit, but the problem is the BSL doesn’t address the real issue: responsible pet ownership.
(BSL Census)
15. Genetics account for only 9% of a pup’s personality.
Sadly, people assume specific breeds are always mean. The environment and owner are the significant shapers of a dog’s personality, and the owner is responsible for training and socialization. Genetics may determine how an animal looks, but it’s up to the pet parent to ensure the pup behaves appropriately and doesn’t pose a threat to anyone.
(NLM)
16. More than 100 municipalities have repealed breed-specific legislation, citing its ineffectiveness in controlling the issue.
Many cities and states are slowly realizing the ineffectiveness of BSL. The statistics tell the story of increasing incidents despite laws and regulations attempting to curb the issue. Dog bites are a people problem. Legislation must target the responsible individuals who fail in their duties to the pet and society.
(PitBullInfo.org)
17. Men are more likely to be bitten by dogs, with stats showing 52.6% for male victims and 47.4% for females.
The stats also provide insights on ways to prevent dog bites. People who engage in roughhousing or other aggressive behavior may be more likely to get bitten. Interestingly, the average age of dog bite victims is 28.9 years. Therefore, education efforts must also target caregivers and parents in addition to children. Often, these incidents are preventable.
(NLM)
18. Intact males are 2.6 times more likely to attack than neutered animals.
Intact males are more territorial and, consequently, aggressive in their defense. They are responsible for 76% of dog bite cases. Some owners are hesitant to get their dogs neutered or spayed, but it can reduce aggression and the rising number of animals entering shelters.
(ASPCA, Clinician’s Brief)
19. About 80.2% of dog bites happen at home.
Surprisingly, most dog bite incidents happen in familiar places and are caused by pets. They’re more likely to occur on weekends during the summer when energy levels are high in the household. Adults get bit on the upper extremities more than children who get head and neck injuries due to their smaller size. Most incidents are reactionary actions by the animal.
(NLM)
20. Laws for dog bite liability don’t exist in four states.
Perhaps a better alternative to BSL, which punishes responsible pet owners, is to place the onus on the irresponsible ones. Four states don’t have any dog liability laws on the books, including North Dakota, Mississippi, Kansas, and Arkansas. However, 29 states do, except in situations where the animal was provoked.
(Insurance Information Institute)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites
What are some causes of dog bites?
A bite is an extreme response to provocation. A dog may bite out of fear or if they feel threatened when resource guarding. Puppies are often mouthy when young and may nip during play with no aggression behind the action. However, roughhousing can encourage unwanted behavior. Remember that a pup may also bite if they’re in pain or sick.
(NLM)
What can I do to prevent dog bites?
The USPS provides excellent advice on avoiding bite injuries. You should never startle a dog, disturb them when sleeping or eating, or assume that the animal won’t attack. Keep your eye on the pet, especially when encountering an unknown pup. Parents should also teach their children to respect the dog’s space.
(USPS)
Are purebred dogs more likely to bite than mongrels?
Therein lies another problem with dog bite statistics. The numbers are skewed for several reasons. For example, incidents by small dogs are underreported because the injuries are often less severe. However, several studies have identified breeds like Chihuahuas as biters. Misidentification also exists. Remember that mixed-breed canines far outnumber the number of purebred dogs.
(Applied Animal Behaviour Science)
What else should I know about breed-specific legislation?
The CDC no longer tracks breed information for dog bites. One problem is the lack of proper identification, even among those working in the industry. That makes efforts to reduce attacks challenging. Enforcing existing animal cruelty and leash laws can help control dog bite incidents and put the focus back on responsible pet ownership.
(Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science)
Conclusion
Dog bite statistics provide important data for pet owners. They underscore the owner’s responsibility to the animal and society to train and socialize their dogs. Furthermore, they should maintain control of their pets to protect others. However, canines are living creatures and are, thus, sometimes unpredictable. That makes training and reinforcement of lessons critical.
Education is essential at all levels. People need to understand the risk of dog bites and their role in their occurrence, and parents must always supervise their children’s interactions with pets. Pet owners must accept the responsibility having a dog entails.
Related Reads:
Featured Image Credit: MVolodymyr, Shutterstock
