Breeds of Dangerous Dogs

Methods for collecting and classifying records on dog bites show controversial findings. Breeds responsible for incidents ending in death are most often American pit bull terriers, rottweilers and German shepherds. German shepherds may be included because they are used as police dogs.

  1. History

    • A report released on Sept. 15, 2000, by the Center For Disease Control. lists the 10 most vicious breeds as pit bulls; rottweilers; German shepherds; huskies; Alaskan malamutes; Doberman pinschers; chow chows; Great Danes; St. Bernards and akitas, in that order.

    Pit Bulls

    • Brian C. Anderson's article in the City Journal titled "Scared of Pit Bulls? You'd Better Be!" lists traits that make this a potentially dangerous animal. Their jaws are strong, they are quick to anger and, due to a high endorphin level, are impervious to pain.

    Wolf-Dog Hybrid

    • Robert A. Willems, DVM, in an article, "The Wolf-Dog Hybrid: An Overview of a Controversial Animal," (Animal Welfare Information Center Newsletter, Winter 1994/1995, July 13, 2009. Vol. 5 No. 4.) pointed out that insurance companies deny coverage for a wolf hybrid bite in many states.

    Identification

    • The CDC stopped reporting bite statistics by breed because eyewitness reports may be inaccurate in many cases.

    Significance

    • Statistics collected by dogsbite.org states that "Pit bulls attack adults nearly as often as they attack children, a characteristic not found in any other breed."