While any dog can bite, some dogs are more frequently cited in these cases than others. This poses a complex question: Are certain breeds inherently aggressive due to genetics, or does a dog’s behavior depend more on training and environment?
In this blog, we’ll explore the commonly cited dangerous dog breeds, examine their correlation to personal injury cases, and discuss liability in dog bite cases. We’ll also address common questions (such as the eternal debate about pit bulls) and highlight which canines appear to be the least aggressive dog breeds.
Aggressive Dogs: The Big Picture
It’s clear that dog bites are a serious public health issue:
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of fatal dog attacks doubled between 2018 and 2021. Females were slightly deadlier (causing 40 deaths in 2021 as opposed to 37 fatalities caused by males).
- Per the Insurance Information Institute (III), liability claim filings related to dog-bite incidents rose 8.3% between 2022 (17,597 claims) and 2023 (19,062).
- Though the III noted that cost per claim for dog bites dropped 9.3% in the same period, that metric spiked severely (82.5%) between 2014 and 2023.
What are the Most Dangerous Dog Breeds?
For reasons we’ll delve into a little later, the somewhat subjective nature of this question (and shortage of breed-specific data from impartial sources) makes it hard to answer definitively.
However, Forbes’ list of the dog breeds most likely to be banned from home insurance policies gives us a window into what American adjusters consider the deadliest dog breed (and its runners-up):
Dogs Banned by All or Nearly All Insurers
- Doberman pinscher
- Pit bull (i.e., American pit bull terrier, Staffordshire and American bull terrier, American bully)
- Rottweiler
- Chow Chow
- Wolf dogs/hybrids
- Presa Canario
- Akita
The top three are banned from all US home insurance policies. Chow Chows have a 95% ban rate, while wolf dogs have 93%. There’s a drop-off for canary dogs, which are banned by 86% of American home policies, and a further one for Akitas (79%).
Less Frequently Banned Dogs
On the Forbes list after Akitas, it’s a much steeper decline (below 50%). But we’ll note some of these that often show on lists of dangerous dog breeds, along with their ban rates:
- German shepherd (45%)
- Husky (38%)
- Mastiff (29%)
- Alaskan Malamute (26%)
- Bullmastiff (24%)
Interestingly, some breeds sometimes cited as dangerous (and restricted or banned in some US and worldwide jurisdictions by breed-specific legislation) are banned from fewer than 20% of home policies. These include the Cane Corso, Great Dane, and Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Least Aggressive Dog Breeds
Per a selection of lists from dog trainers (including Service Dog Training International), these dogs are generally known for friendliness and calmness:
- Golden retriever
- Newfoundland
- Basset hound
- Bernese mountain dog
- Irish setter
- Greyhound
What Makes Dogs Aggressive?
While unneutered dogs are more likely to be aggressive, this is true across all breeds, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Large dogs dominate lists of frequent biters. But in addition to Rottweilers, German shepherds, and Doberman pinschers, Labrador retrievers sometimes make such lists. This hasn’t led to a perception of menace, as Labradors are often considered a good family dog.
Border collies rated as notably aggressive in a 2022 study: In some cases, the border collie scored as more aggressive than the BSL-restricted Rottweiler and Rhodesian ridgeback. Yet it’s not banned by insurers or BSL-regulated.
As for small dogs, beagles had higher aggression levels than the average for all breeds. Beagles, like collies, aren’t regulated. Nor are Jack Russell terriers or Springer spaniels, despite both being known for aggression, per AMVA research.
Ultimately, numerous studies (including the Evolutionary Applications research) find that breed alone doesn’t predetermine individual dogs’ behavior. Environment and an owner’s quality of treatment have much more of an effect on a dog’s level of aggression.
For example, regarding a recent rash of attacks by Cane Corso dogs in the UK, even an expert who said the dog’s aggression is innate clarified this was due to its breeding history over time.
Are Pit Bulls Really That Dangerous?
Any dog considered a pit bull has at some point been called “the meanest type of dog.” To be fair, the AMVA notes that pit bull bites can more often be fatal or very serious than those of other dogs, due to their size and strength.
But is this innate aggression? Pit bulls bite only slightly more often than the average bite rate for all dogs. If raised for illegal dogfighting, which involves experiencing constant violence from other dogs and humans (collecting scars along the way), pit bulls can become very aggression-prone.
But this, by definition, isn’t an innate quality. It’s a reaction to prolonged abuse. A study of abused dogs, which included stereotypically dangerous and non-aggressive canines, showed all of them had increased aggression or other abnormal behavior.
Ultimately, dogs under the pit bull umbrella can be dangerous – but far less likely that they will be if they’ve been well-raised and well-treated. The same goes for any of the other “most dangerous dog breeds.”
Preventing Dog Bites
Owners must dedicate the time, resources, and compassion necessary to fully domesticate any dog. It’s doable, as there are pit bulls, Rottweilers, and other “scary” breeds all over the world that have never bitten anyone. But it takes work.
Per California law, dog owners are always liable for damages suffered by anyone their dog bites. Purchasing additional pet liability insurance, which doesn’t exclude breeds, is wise for anyone with a dog perceived to be dangerous.
Also, owners should have a plan established in the event their dog is triggered so that guests or passersby aren’t endangered. Consulting a behavior specialist may be necessary.
Enlist the May Firm’s Reliable Lawyers
Victims of dog bites shouldn’t delay: Get the May Firm on the line.
Our 25+ years of experience across multiple personal injury practice areas includes a strong track record of success in dog-bite cases. Starting with a free consultation, we’ll work side-by-side with you to determine the damages and compensation you’re owed – and then fight to get them for you.
