Every pet owner believes their dog would never hurt anyone. Most of the time, they’re right. Dogs provide companionship, loyalty, and protection to millions of families across South Carolina and the United States. However, the unfortunate reality is that certain breeds have documented histories of aggressive behavior, and analyses of incident data, including studies on the most bites by dog breed, show patterns that have resulted in severe injuries and fatalities.
Understanding which breeds pose elevated risks isn’t about demonizing animals; it’s about promoting public safety and helping victims recognize when they have valid legal claims after suffering a dog attack. At Stewart Law Offices, our dog bite attorneys have experience representing clients who have suffered life-altering injuries from dog bites. We understand the severe physical, emotional, and financial burdens that these attacks inflict.
Below, we will explore 12 dog breeds frequently involved in severe attacks, based on data from bite injury reports, severity records, and veterinary community observations.
Dog Bite Statistics in the United States
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year. Of these incidents, around 800,000 to 885,000 require medical attention. This means nearly 1,000 people visit emergency departments daily for dog bite injuries.
The American Veterinary Medical Association reports there are 89.7 million dogs in the United States as of 2024, representing nearly one in two American households. With dog ownership at record highs, understanding bite prevention becomes increasingly important.
However, context matters. With nearly 90 million dogs in American homes, fatal attacks remain statistically rare. The risk of being fatally attacked by a dog is approximately 0.00001%, significantly lower than many everyday risks. More than 80 different breeds and mixed breeds have been involved in fatal attacks since 2016, confirming that serious bite incidents are not exclusively a breed-specific issue.
What Research Reveals About Dog Bite Risk
The American Veterinary Medical Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and numerous peer-reviewed studies have reached consistent conclusions about dog bite risk. A comprehensive AVMA study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association examined 256 fatal dog attacks and identified the primary factors that contributed to these tragic incidents.
Key Findings:
- Neutering Status: 84.4% of fatal attacks involved intact (not neutered or spayed) dogs. Unneutered male dogs are 2.6 times more likely to bite than neutered dogs.
- Supervision: 87.1% of fatal attacks occurred when no able-bodied person was present to intervene.
- Dog’s Relationship to Victim: 85.2% of fatal attacks involved dogs with little or no familiarity with the victim.
- How Dogs Are Kept: 76.2 %of dogs involved in fatal attacks were kept isolated from regular positive human interaction rather than as family pets.
- Victim Vulnerability: 77.4 % of victims had a compromised ability to interact appropriately with dogs, often due to age or disability.
These findings demonstrate that dog bites result from complex, preventable factors related to irresponsible ownership rather than breed alone.
Breeds With Documented Attack Histories
While responsible ownership, proper training, and socialization play crucial roles in any dog’s behavior, certain breeds have genetic predispositions and physical characteristics that make their attacks more likely to result in serious harm. The following 12 breeds have been consistently identified in attack statistics and medical literature:
1. American Pit Bull Terrier and Related Breeds
Pit bull-type dogs, including American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and American Bullies, were originally bred for bull-baiting and later dogfighting. These activities required dogs with powerful jaws, high pain tolerance, and tenacious fighting instincts.
While many pit bulls are loving family pets when properly raised, the breed’s history and physical strength mean that when attacks occur, they often result in catastrophic injuries. Their bite strength and tendency to maintain their grip rather than releasing make these encounters particularly dangerous.
2. Rottweilers
Rottweilers have historically been the second most frequently identified breed in fatal attack statistics, accounting for approximately 10% of fatal dog bites. Originally bred as working dogs for herding and guarding, Rottweilers are large, powerful animals that require experienced owners who can provide proper training and socialization.
When properly trained and socialized, Rottweilers can be loyal family companions. Problems typically arise when they’re inadequately socialized, poorly trained, or kept primarily as guard dogs without appropriate human interaction.
3. German Shepherds
German Shepherds are intelligent, versatile working dogs commonly used in police and military operations. While they can be excellent family pets, their size, strength, and protective instincts mean bites can cause significant injuries when they occur.
Statistics on German Shepherds in bite incidents are mixed, with some studies showing higher involvement and others showing lower rates, suggesting that individual breeding lines and training approaches significantly impact behavior.
4. Boxers
Boxers were developed in Germany from Bullenbeisser ancestors, dogs used for bull-baiting and wild boar hunting. Modern Boxers retain strong prey drives, boundless energy, and powerful physiques. They are exuberant dogs who may not recognize their own strength, particularly around small children and elderly individuals.
Boxers can display territorial aggression and may become protective of family members. Without proper training and exercise, their energy can manifest as destructive or aggressive behavior.
5. American Bulldog
American Bulldogs are powerful, muscular dogs originally bred for farm work and guarding. While less commonly involved in attacks than pit bull-type dogs or Rottweilers, American Bulldogs do appear in serious bite incident statistics with some regularity.
These dogs require confident owners who can provide consistent training and adequate exercise to manage their strength and energy levels appropriately.
6. Mastiff-Type Breeds
Mastiff-type breeds, including English Mastiffs, Bullmastiffs, and Cane Corsos, are among the largest dog breeds. While generally gentle and loyal to their families, their massive size means even defensive or playful behavior can cause significant harm.
Mastiffs were historically bred as guard dogs, and some retain strong protective instincts that require proper management through training and socialization.
7. Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes
Huskies and Malamutes are northern breeds with strong prey drives and pack instincts. They appear in bite statistics more frequently than many people expect, particularly in incidents involving multiple dogs.
These breeds were developed to work in teams pulling sleds in harsh conditions, giving them high energy levels and strong independence. Without adequate exercise, mental stimulation, and training, they can develop problematic behaviors.
8. Labrador Retrievers
This inclusion may surprise many, as Labs are America’s most popular family dog. However, their sheer population numbers mean they also appear in bite statistics. When examining bites per capita of the breed population, Labs actually have relatively low bite rates.
Most Lab bites are related to food guarding, territorial behavior, or poor socialization rather than inherent aggression. Their popularity also means more Labs are kept by inexperienced owners who may not provide adequate training.
9. German Shorthaired Pointers
German Shorthaired Pointers are energetic hunting dogs that require substantial exercise and mental stimulation. While not typically aggressive, inadequate exercise and stimulation can lead to anxiety-driven behaviors, including fear-based aggression.
These dogs need active owners who can meet their considerable exercise requirements and provide appropriate outlets for their hunting instincts.
10. Doberman Pinschers
Dobermans were bred as guard dogs and retain strong protective instincts. While modern breeding has focused on temperament, producing dogs that can be excellent family companions, Dobermans still require experienced owners who can provide firm, consistent training.
Properly socialized Dobermans from reputable breeders typically have stable temperaments, but those from questionable breeding operations or raised without adequate socialization may be more prone to fear-based or territorial aggression.
11. Chow Chows
In surveys of veterinarians, Chow Chows were perceived as having the highest bite risk among common breeds. These dogs are naturally aloof with strangers and have strong territorial instincts.
Chow Chows require extensive socialization from puppyhood and are generally not recommended for first-time dog owners. Their tendency toward one-person or one-family bonding means they may be less tolerant of strangers than more social breeds.
12. Akitas
Akitas are large Japanese dogs originally bred for guarding and hunting. They have strong protective instincts and tend to be reserved with strangers. Like Chow Chows, Akitas are not naturally social with unfamiliar people or dogs.
These dogs require experienced owners who understand their independent nature and can provide appropriate socialization while respecting their temperament. Akitas are often not suitable for homes with small children or other pets.
What to Do If You’re Bitten
If a dog bites you:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor bites, as dog mouths harbor bacteria that can cause serious infections
- Document the incident with photographs of injuries and the scene
- Get information about the dog and owner, including vaccination records
- Report the bite to animal control authorities
- Consult with a personal injury attorney about your legal options
Legal Rights After a Dog Bite
Both North Carolina and South Carolina impose liability on dog owners for injuries their animals cause, though the specific legal standards differ.
North Carolina Law
North Carolina applies strict liability when dogs classified as “dangerous” cause injury. For other dogs, victims can pursue compensation through negligence claims if the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s aggressive tendencies.
South Carolina Law
South Carolina holds dog owners strictly liable for bites or attacks if the victim is in a public place or lawfully on private property (including the owner’s). No proof of negligence or prior knowledge is required.
Victims of dog bites in either state may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses and future treatment costs
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Psychological trauma
- Property damage
Contact A Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Dog bite victims should seek legal counsel when injuries require medical treatment, result in scarring or disfigurement, cause missed work, involve a child, or when the dog’s owner refuses responsibility, and insurance companies offer inadequate settlements.
If you or a family member suffered injuries in a dog attack, contact a dog bite lawyer at Stewart Law Offices immediately. Our dog bite attorneys are available 24/7 to discuss your case and explain your legal options.
Call 866‑783‑9278 or contact us online today to schedule your free and confidential consultation.
