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Some dogs bark loudly but rarely bite. Others? They leave a lasting impression (yes, that’s a dental pun).
Table of Contents
When it comes to dog attacks by breed, the numbers can be misleading. Certain breeds appear more frequently in reports, but the data doesn’t always tell the whole story — misidentification, owner behavior, and environment all play a larger role than genetics alone.
We break down which breeds appear most in attack reports and which ones actually have the bite to back up their bark.
Top 3 Breeds Named Most Often In Attack Reports
Despite the challenges in breed identification, specific patterns persist across studies. Pit Bull–type dogs and Rottweilers are the breeds most often associated with severe or fatal attacks, followed by German Shepherds.
These findings don’t prove that specific breeds are inherently more dangerous. Instead, they reflect a mix of exposure, reporting practices, and owner factors.
- Owner influence: Certain breeds are disproportionately chosen for guarding, protection, or status, and poor management or neglect increases the risk of aggression.
- Popularity and exposure: The more dogs of a given breed there are, the more chances for bites. Pit bull–type dogs are common in many U.S. communities, so they show up frequently in reports.
- Misidentification: Dogs labeled as “pit bulls” are often mixed breeds with little or no actual connection, which inflates numbers.
1. Pit Bull–Type Dogs
Pit Bulls are the most frequently named dogs in fatal bite studies and dog attacks by breed. However, the label itself is broad, typically encompassing American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, and numerous mixed breeds.
- A CDC review of dog-bite fatalities between 1979 and 1996 reported 60 cases involving pit bull–type dogs, more than any other group. Rottweilers (29) and German Shepherds (19) followed behind.
- Another study analyzing 157 fatalities from 1979 to 1988 found Pit Bulls listed in 42% of cases where breed was reported.
- A review of nearly 15,000 paediatric dog bites (2007–2015) showed “Pit Bulls” accounted for 27% of reported bites, especially among teenagers.
- A 2017 single-institution trauma study of 1,616 dog bite injuries (over 4 years) found that Pit Bull bites were implicated in half of all the surgeries performed, and were 2.5 times more likely to involve multiple locations compared to other breeds.
Pit bulls also tend to cause more severe injuries when bites do occur. Their heavy heads, broad jaws, and muscular build often lead to complex wounds. A 2020 study in the Journal of Experimental Biology confirmed that large brachycephalic dogs — including pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Bulldogs — have a mechanical advantage in bite force.
Why “Pit Bull” Is A Moving Target
When you see “pit bull” in bite statistics, it’s essential to understand what’s included.
- The label often refers to several breeds plus mixes that “look similar.”
- Even professionals disagree on what constitutes a pit bull, and DNA tests often reveal no relation to the assumed breed.
- This inconsistency means pit bull numbers are less about genetics and more about how dogs are labeled.
Takeaway: Pit bull–type dogs are the most commonly reported in incidents, but inconsistent labeling, their popularity, and owner factors make the numbers murkier than they appear.
2. Rottweilers
The Rottweiler breed consistently appear just behind Pit Bulls in fatality data and dog attacks by breed.
- In a CDC review of 17 years of dog-bite fatalities in the U.S., 29 fatal cases involved Rottweilers — the second highest number for purebreds and 7% of dog-bite related fatalities overall.
- An AVMA literature review covering 20 years of fatalities found Pit Bulls and Rottweilers together made up over half of reported deaths, even though at least 25 breeds were represented overall.
Rottweilers’ robust build and guarding instincts explain why their attacks can be so dangerous. Like Pit Bull-type breeds, the shape of the upper and lower jaws contribute to a stronger bite force and thus more damage when these dogs to attack.
As with Pit Bulls, however, their presence in the data may reflect both owner preference and breed popularity during specific decades.
3. German Shepherds
German Shepherds are another large, intelligent, and protective breed that frequently appears in bite studies and dog attacks by breed.
- In the CDC’s fatality data, German Shepherds ranked third in breed-specific dog-bite fatalities with 19 cases between 1979 and 1996.
- A pediatric bite study reviewing 14,956 dog bites found German Shepherds were second only to Pit Bulls in incidents involving children.
- In a study determining dog-specific factors associated with a dog biting a nonhousehold member, research found that children aged 12 years and younger were the victims in 51% of cases. Of those cases studied, German Shepherds and Chow Chows were identified as higher-risk dogs.
The German Shepherd’s strong guarding instincts make them invaluable for police and military work, but in a home setting, those same instincts require careful training and socialization.
Breed Attacks By Target (Strangers, Owners, Other Dogs)
A study on canine aggression published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that certain breeds are more likely to direct aggression toward specific targets — strangers, their own owners, or other dogs.
The researchers surveyed owners of more than 30 popular dog breeds to measure aggression in everyday situations. Because this was based on owner reports, and not all breeds were included, the results offer a comparative snapshot rather than a complete picture of breed aggression.
5 Breeds Most Aggressive Toward Strangers
In this section, we’ll look at the breeds that scored above average for stranger-directed aggression.
| Breed | Stranger Aggression Score | Notes on Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Dachshund | 20.6 | High stranger aggression, often fear-based |
| Chihuahua | 16.1 | Defensive snaps and nips, very reactive |
| Australian Cattle Dog | 9.6 | Protective herder with territorial instincts |
| Border Collie | 8.0 | Herding drive may translate into nipping at strangers |
| Beagle | 7.9 | Friendly but prone to barking/snapping when insecure |
5 Breeds Most Aggressive Toward Owners/Family
Aggression toward owners and family members was the least common form of aggression overall in the Duffy, Hsu & Serpell study. Still, some breeds were reported more often for snaps, bites, or attempts to bite directed at their own household.
| Breed | Owner Aggression Score | Notes on Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Beagle | 7.9 | Surprisingly high rates of owner-directed aggression; may snap when guarding food or toys. |
| Dachshund | 5.9 | Known for bold personalities; may bite if handled roughly or when feeling threatened. |
| Cocker Spaniel | 5.6 | Higher reports of aggression in certain show lines; may redirect frustration onto owners. |
| Chihuahua | 5.4 | Strong attachment to owners can lead to defensive nipping when stressed or startled. |
| Jack Russell Terrier | 3.8 | High-energy and reactive; can redirect aggression onto family members if overstimulated. |
5 Breeds Most Aggressive Toward Other Dogs
In the Duffy, Hsu & Serpell study, aggression toward other dogs was the most common form reported across all breeds. Some breeds, however, scored much higher than average in this category.
| Breed | Dog-Directed Aggression Score | Notes on Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Akita | 29.3 | Extremely high dog-directed aggression; often intolerant of unfamiliar dogs. |
| Pit Bull–Type Dogs | 22.0 | More prone to aggression toward other dogs than toward strangers; selective socialization is critical. |
| Jack Russell Terrier | 21.8 | Feisty, bold, and often reactive with other dogs despite small size. |
| Australian Cattle Dog | 20.6 | Strong herding and guarding instincts make them more likely to challenge other dogs. |
| Chihuahua | 17.9 | Frequently reactive toward other dogs, often out of fear or defensiveness. |
Quick Takeaway: Patterns in aggression depend more on context than breed. Research shows smaller dogs are more likely to bite their owners, larger dogs cause more severe injuries when they do bite, and most incidents involve familiar people or pets rather than strangers.
Top 3 Reasons Behind Dog Attacks
Dog attacks aren’t random. A dog’s history, size, and purpose often shape how it responds when threatened or excited.
1. Size Factor
It might come as a surprise, but oftentimes, the smaller the dog, the more aggressive the behavior.
To a tiny pup, the world looks huge and threatening, and snapping or growling becomes a natural defense strategy. Add in rough handling (people tend to pick up and handle small dogs more because they’re “cute”), and you get a recipe for fear-based aggression.
Breeds like Chihuahuas and Dachshunds are known for fear-reactivity, often lashing out when they feel unsafe. On the other hand, larger breeds may not exhibit aggression as frequently, but when they do, their physical strength can result in far more serious injuries.
Quick Stat: Of the 4.5 million annual dog bites in the U.S., only 0.01% require hospitalization. Most are minor, but larger dogs make up a greater share of severe injuries.
2. Breed Purpose & Instincts
Dogs were bred for specific purposes — guarding, herding, hunting, and companionship — and those instincts still shape their behavior today. A herding dog may nip at running kids; a guarding breed may react strongly to strangers at the door.
Instincts don’t guarantee aggression, but when misunderstood or unmanaged, they can increase risk.
When Police Dogs Attack
A January 2024 ACLU report reviewed data, policies, and records from 37 California police agencies and found that K-9 units often inflicted serious injuries on people who posed no danger to officers or others. The report also noted repeated cases where dogs were deployed against people in behavioral health crises and sometimes failed to disengage when recalled, resulting in bystander maulings and permanent injuries.
Another study found police dog bites were not only more frequent per victim but also more severe, often involving the head, neck, or torso — injuries far less common with pet bites.
A review of nearly 800 police dog bite cases in Los Angeles showed that half of victims required hospitalization, with high rates of vascular, nerve, and fracture complications. Changes in K-9 policy reduced incidents and severity, but injuries remained far more serious than typical domestic bites.
3. Human Influence (The Biggest Factor)
Most of the top risk factors for severe dog bites stem from human behavior, not the dogs themselves. A lack of socialization, neglect, or poor training increases the chance of aggression. Meanwhile, dogs raised in stable, well-managed homes typically show little to no dangerous behavior.
Dogs that lack socialization, experience neglect, or receive poor training are far more likely to lash out, while those raised in stable, well-managed homes often show little to no aggressive behavior.
A comprehensive nine-year study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) found consistent patterns in fatal dog attacks. The factors most often linked were:
- No able-bodied person nearby to intervene
- Intact (unneutered) male dogs
- Children or elderly victims unable to protect themselves
- Dogs left unsocialized or isolated
- Owners with a history of neglect or abuse
The good news? Every one of these risk factors is preventable with responsible ownership.
Dog Bites On The Job
The U.S. Postal Service reported more than 6,000 incidents of dog attacks on mail carriers in 2024. In its national release, USPS stressed that the best way to reduce bites is through owner responsibility — teaching dogs basic commands, managing introductions, and never allowing dogs to roam freely.
Why Breed Identification In Reports Is Often Wrong
When a dog bite makes the news, one of the first details reported is the breed of the dog. The assumption is that if we know the breed, we can identify the cause — and perhaps prevent future attacks.
But research shows that’s a shaky foundation. Most of the time, breed labels are based on a dog’s appearance, not its pedigree or DNA.
Even trained professionals often disagree on visual identification, and studies have shown that mislabeling is common. Despite this, breed IDs still get passed into official reports and headlines, where they can take on a life of their own.
The most comprehensive study to date, published in JAVMA, found that in 82% of fatal dog bite cases, the breed of the dog could not be reliably confirmed. In the minority of cases where breed was identified, more than 20 different breeds and mixes were involved.
In other words: the numbers we see online — or even in some older studies — are built on shaky data.
What researchers do agree on is this:
- Fatal attacks almost always involve preventable human factors, such as lack of supervision, intact males, or dogs kept in isolation.
- “Pit bull–type” dogs are especially prone to mislabeling, because the definition varies by state, shelter, and even individual observer.
- No single breed is inherently responsible for fatal dog attacks. The risk factors are broad, and they cut across all breeds and mixes.
Bottom Line: Breed identification in attack reports is unreliable at best. Focusing on breed alone doesn’t solve the problem, but prevention, training, and responsible ownership do.
The Real Numbers Behind Dog Attacks
Before diving into which breeds appear most frequently in reports, it is helpful to understand the broader context of dog bite data — who’s most at risk, where attacks occur, and how often they result in fatalities.
Dog Bites In The U.S.
- Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the U.S. each year.
- Around 334,000 people are treated in emergency departments annually for dog bite–related injuries.
- During 2011–2021, 468 deaths were recorded from dog bites or related injuries — an average of 43 deaths per year.
Where & How Attacks Happen
- 80% of bites happen at home, not in public spaces.
- 77% of biting dogs belong to the victim’s family or a friend.
- From 1989–1994, fatal incidents most often involved dogs unrestrained on their owner’s property (59%), compared to 22% off-property and 18% restrained on-property.
Who’s Involved
- Intact (unneutered) male dogs are responsible for 70–76% of reported bite incidents.
- Children under 12 years old account for nearly half of all emergency visits, with the highest incidence among kids aged 5–9.
Which Breeds Are Named Most Often
In multiple studies, breeds most frequently represented in serious biting incidents include German Shepherds, mixed breeds, Pit Bull–type dogs, Rottweilers, Jack Russell Terriers, Chow Chows, Spaniels, Collies, Saint Bernards, and Labrador Retrievers.
When looking only at cases involving severe or fatal injuries, Pit Bull–type dogs are more frequently identified, though the majority of fatal cases involve unknown breeds.
Prevention Matters More Than Breed
Any dog — no matter the breed — can bite under the wrong circumstances. The most significant predictors of aggression aren’t genetic; they’re environmental.
Lack of training, poor socialization, neglect, and leaving dogs unneutered all raise the risk. Even calm family pets may lash out if they feel scared, cornered, or provoked.
Responsible ownership is the single most effective way to prevent bites.
- Socialize early: Expose puppies to people, sounds, and environments so they learn what’s normal, not threatening.
- Train consistently: Use positive reinforcement to teach impulse control and trust.
- Manage wisely: Supervise interactions with children, maintain secure fencing, and avoid stressful settings, such as dog parks, for reactive dogs.
- Neuter when appropriate: Research consistently links unneutered males to a higher risk of biting.
Quick Takeaway: Breed may shape instincts, but training, care, and environment shape behavior. Prevention always matters more than labels.
Breed-Specific Laws & Bans
In response to dog bite concerns, many cities and counties have enacted breed-specific legislation (BSL) — laws that restrict or ban ownership of certain breeds, most often Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and other large guardian breeds.
More than 1,000 jurisdictions across the U.S. have some form of BSL in place. View breed-specific legislation by state at BSLCensus.com.
While these laws are well-intentioned, most experts agree they don’t work as intended.
Studies have found no measurable reduction in overall dog bites or fatalities in areas with breed bans. That’s because BSL focuses on appearance rather than behavior, and visual breed identification is often unreliable.
Organizations including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and Humane World For Animals all oppose breed-specific bans. Instead, they advocate for breed-neutral, behavior-based approaches that target the real causes of aggression: poor ownership, lack of training, and neglect.
Communities that have repealed BSL in favor of enforcement of leash laws, licensing, and education programs often see better long-term results. Responsible ownership — not breed bans — remains the proven path to safer neighborhoods.
Quick Takeaway: Laws that punish looks don’t prevent bites. Policies that promote responsible care and accountability do.
Our Personal Experience With A Dog Attack
My son was attacked by a Chow Chow when we were walking home from school. He was 7 years old at the time and very much liked dogs.
This was an animal that lived on the same block as us, and we would walk by it and the owner regularly. We often said hello and petted the pup, with permission and supervision from the owner.
On his walk home from school, the Chow was outside with his owner, as he was most days. We walked by and stopped to chat, my son asked to pet the dog, and the owner said it was ok. When the Chow got over to my son, he bit his hand as my son reached out to pet him.
It was a bite that punctured the skin and bruised quite a lot. We went for medical treatment and had to report the incident. After speaking to the owners, they made the heartbreaking choice to put the animal down.
A day prior, the Chow was overly aggressive with the mail carrier and had been exhibiting some odd behaviors. After speaking with their vet, they decided that was the best choice. The owners did not want to risk the Chow biting another child, especially since my son was familiar with him and, prior to that, had no issue.
– Danielle DeGroot, Dog Owner & Writer For Canine Journal
What People Really Mean By “Most Likely To Attack”
Every year, millions of people are bitten by dogs, and in most cases, the culprit is a familiar family pet. Headlines love to point fingers at “dangerous breeds,” but the truth isn’t so black and white.
Yes, certain breeds show up more often in bite reports, but those numbers come with a lot of fine print: misidentified dogs, incomplete data, and the simple math of popularity (the more of a breed there are, the more chances for bites).
This article unpacks which dogs get named most often, why those reports can be misleading, and the human-controlled factors that actually drive risk.
Aggression vs Attack: What’s The Difference?
Not every display of aggression counts as an attack. Understanding the difference helps explain why small breeds often rank high in aggression surveys but rarely appear in statistics of severe attacks.
Signs Of Aggression
- Growling or snarling
- Snapping without contact
- Barking or lunging as a warning
What Counts As An Attack
- A bite that makes contact
- Breaking skin or causing injury
- Incidents requiring defensive action or medical treatment
In short, a Yorkie may snap far more often than a Rottweiler, but the Rottweiler is far more likely to cause serious harm if aggression escalates into an actual attack. To learn more, view our guide to the most aggressive dog breeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about dog attacks by breed, bite statistics, and prevention. Don’t see your question? Ask us in the comments.
What Dog Breeds Bite The Most?
When looking at dog attacks by breed, Pit bull–type dogs and Rottweilers are most frequently named in reports of severe or fatal attacks. However, experts caution that these numbers can be misleading. Breed identification is often based on appearance, not verified lineage, and mixed-breed dogs are frequently mislabeled as “Pit Bulls.”
Smaller breeds — including Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and Jack Russell Terriers — also rank high for aggressive behaviors toward owners and strangers. Because their bites usually cause minor injuries, they’re underreported in national data, making large breeds seem disproportionately responsible.
Are Family Breeds Like Labradors and Golden Retrievers Dangerous?
Labradors and Golden Retrievers appear in many databases tracking dog attacks by breed, but mainly because they’re among the most common household pets in the U.S. High ownership naturally increases reported incidents, even when aggression rates per dog are low.
These breeds are generally gentle and sociable, yet any dog can bite if startled, provoked, or poorly supervised — especially around food or toys.
Do Smaller Breeds Bite Too?
Yes. Smaller breeds like Lhasa Apsos, Jack Russell Terriers, and Chihuahuas are known for fear-based reactivity. They contribute to many dog attacks by breed statistics, but their smaller size means injuries are usually minor and underreported.
While their bites rarely result in severe injury, they can still cause pain and infection. These incidents often go unreported, creating a gap between behavior and statistics.
What Are the Main Causes of Dog Attacks?
Research on dog attacks by breed consistently shows that human factors drive most incidents. The most common include:
- Lack of early socialization or training
- Neglect or isolation from regular human contact
- Leaving dogs unneutered (especially males)
- Children interacting unsupervised with dogs
- Poor understanding of canine body language (ignoring growls, stiff posture, or avoidance cues)
Can Dog Bites Be Prevented?
Yes. Nearly all dog attacks by breed and age group share one thing in common: preventable circumstances. Studies show that most severe bites occur when dogs are left unsupervised, untrained, or unneutered.
Practical prevention steps include:
- Socializing puppies during their first 16 weeks
- Neutering when appropriate
- Supervising kids around dogs
- Avoiding rough play or teasing
- Recognizing and respecting warning signs of fear or stress
If every dog owner practiced these habits, experts estimate that serious bites could drop dramatically nationwide.
Do Not Fear Breeds, Be Aware Of Them
If you plan to adopt a dog, it’s wise to research breeds, spend time with the animal first, and invest in early socialization and training. Spaying and neutering can help reduce aggressive tendencies. If you bring home a breed labeled as “dangerous,” check with your insurance carrier about dog liability insurance coverage.
Remember, even popular family pets like Golden Retrievers and Labradors can bite, so every owner should focus on responsible care, vaccinations, a healthy diet, and positive behavior training. For additional guidance, explore our expert dog training tips and advice on how to prevent a dog from biting.
