More than 90 million households throughout the United States are composed of dog owners. However, with ownership comes certain risks. While certain canine breeds have a higher propensity to attack people, any breed can bite a friend, neighbor, owner, or family member where the pet resides. While many will cite irresponsible or neglectful owners, the growing problem is far more complex.
Far too many owners do not accept that their pet is remotely prone to biting. Yet, 4.5 million dogs are likely to bite. The vast majority of attacks are underreported, yet over 800,000 bites need medical treatment.
Solutions are complex. Legislators have proposed laws that bar certain breeds. Even more challenging, those bitten by little dogs are least likely to report the attack.
Breeds most and least likely to attack
More significant breed attacks that lead to severe damage mandate immediate care from a physician. Pounds by square inch (PSI) play a role in the power and severity of dog bites. Pit bulls represent a class of dogs that are at the top when it comes to aggression, accounting for nearly two-thirds of bites. However, their PSI of 241 placed them low on the spectrum.
Other canine PSI includes:
- Bull Mastiff – 556 PSI
- Wolf Hybrids – 406 PSI
- Rottweilers – 328 PSI
- Malamutes – 328 PSI
- Husky dogs – 320 PSI
- Great Danes – 238 PSI
- German Shepherd – 238 PSI
- Boxers – 230 PSI
- Doberman Pinschers – 228 PSI
Worldwide, dogs are in the top three of the most dangerous animals due to their population ranging from 700 million to one billion, whether they are pets or do not have an owner.
In the United States, approximately 1,000 people require trips to the ER for dog bites on a daily basis. Annually 12,480 US citizens have to be hospitalized.
Dog bites are anything but minor injuries. Injuries can take many forms. While the most responsible owner can find themselves in a situation where their canine attacked someone, they still need to be held accountable for their dangerous negligence.