Mark Casto | May 28, 2025 | Dog Bite Lawyer Near Columbus, Georgia
Each year, approximately 4.5 million people in the United States experience a dog bite. These incidents can lead to painful and sometimes disfiguring injuries, especially among children, who are the most frequent victims. In severe cases, dog attacks can cause catastrophic harm or even death.
Below is a detailed overview of dog bite statistics, including insights based on dog breed and victim demographics.
How Common Are Dog Bites?
About 885,000 people a year need medical attention due to a dog bite. According to the CDC, there are more than 360,000 emergency room visits each year for dog bites. Children between five and nine years old have the highest rate of dog bite injuries.
About one-quarter of all fatal dog bites between 2005 and 2017 involved infants and children two years and younger.
Dog Bites By Breed
While any dog can bite under the right circumstances, certain breeds have been more frequently involved in fatal attacks. Understanding which breeds are most often associated with deadly incidents can help raise awareness and promote responsible pet ownership.
Here is a list of the most commonly involved dog breeds in fatal dog bite incidents in the U.S. from 2005 to 2017.
- Pit Bulls – 65.6%: Involved in the majority of fatal attacks. Their powerful bite and persistence contribute to the severity.
- Rottweilers – 10.4%: Consistently second in fatal bite statistics due to their strength and protective instincts.
- German Shepherds – 4.6%: Known for their loyalty and intelligence, but responsible for a notable portion of fatal bites.
- Mixed Breeds – 3.9%: Includes a variety of combinations, often difficult to classify but still significant.
- American Bulldogs – 3.5%: Less common, but capable of inflicting serious injury due to size and jaw strength.
- Mastiffs / Bullmastiffs – 3.2%: Large and protective dogs, especially when not properly trained or socialized.
- Huskies – 3.0%: Typically friendly, but can be unpredictable if under-exercised or poorly trained.
- Labrador Retrievers – 2.1%: Despite being family favorites, Labs are strong and energetic, leading to occasional severe incidents.
- Boxers – 1.6%: Energetic and protective, they contribute to a smaller number of fatal attacks.
- Doberman Pinschers – 1.4%: Known for guarding instincts, responsible for a few fatal incidents.
While breed can be one factor, it’s important to remember that training, socialization, environment, and responsible ownership play critical roles in a dog’s behavior.
Fatal Dog Attacks By Breed
Between 1979 and 1998, there were 238 fatal dog attacks in the U.S. Pitbull-type dogs and Rottweilers were involved in more than half of these attacks. Another study found pitbulls were responsible for 66% of fatal bites and Rottweilers accounted for 10% of fatal attacks between 2005 and 2019.
Keep in mind dog breeds are often misidentified, and most dog bites involve mixed breeds or unknown breeds. These dog breeds are more likely to cause fatalities given their size and strength; they aren’t necessarily the breeds most likely to bite.
Why Pitbulls Have the Most Dog Bites By Breed
“Pitbull” is a vague term that refers to three separate dog breeds, American pit bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, and mixes. A more accurate term is “pitbull-type.”
While pitbulls aren’t necessarily more likely to bite someone than another dog breed, a pitbull bite is more likely to be serious or fatal than most breeds. Pitbull-type dogs have the size, grip strength, and bite force to cause severe damage.
A four-year study examining over 1,600 dog bite injuries at one hospital found pitbull bites were responsible for more than half of the injuries that required surgery. They were 2.5 times more likely to bite in several places compared to other dog breeds.
Another study found that, of the 82 patients treated by Trauma and Emergency Surgery Services for dog bites with a known breed, 29 were bitten by pitbulls. Pitbull bites were associated with a higher Injury Severity Scale score and higher risk of death.
The Problem With Dog Breed Bite Statistics
Statistics on dog bites by breed are hard to come by without a standardized reporting system. Reports on dog bites tend to be inconsistent and incomplete, and the dog breed is not always known. When a breed is listed, it may be inaccurate.
One study found that even people familiar with dog breeds can’t reliably determine a mutt’s breed, and dogs are often classified incorrectly as a pitbull. The American Veterinary Medical Association also points out that bite statistics are misleading for other reasons. Multiple bites by the same dog are not considered and the number of dogs of a breed in a community is not known.
A dog’s breed is not the best indicator of whether it will bite. Socialization, neutering, and responsible ownership, including containment and using a leash in public, are much better risk factors.
Contact the Columbus Dog Bite Lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm Today
If you were bitten by a dog in Columbus, GA, you may be able to hold the dog owner liable for your damages. Dog owners can be held liable if they were negligent in controlling the dog, violated leash laws, or failed to take precautions with a dangerous dog. Contact a Georgia personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation. Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm is here to help.
Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm
233 12th St #808
Columbus, GA 31901
(706) 940-4030
