What Type of Dogs Attack People the Most Often?

Dogs bite an estimated 4.5 million people each year, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. The type of dog that most often bites a person is an intact or unneutered male.

  1. Identification

    • The AVMA reports most dogs treated for dominance aggression are intact or unneutered male dogs. Three of four reported dog bites involve intact males. These dogs are various breeds.

    Effects

    • Insurance companies estimate they annually pay over $1 billion in dog bite liability claims. Hospital expenses are estimated at over $100 million per year.

    Misconceptions

    • Specific dog breeds are often blamed for most dog attacks. The AVMA found that breed statistics are unreliable because the breed may not be accurately reported and mixed breed dogs are often misidentified.

    Factors

    • Dogs bite, according to the AVMA, not because of their breed but because of heredity, past experience, socialization and training, health and victim behavior.

    Solution

    • Dog attack incidents are reduced through community efforts to restrain, license and vaccinate dogs. Educating the public, community officials, dog owners and animal professionals helps minimize dog attack risks.