It is frightening to hear news about dog bites, especially for a first-time owner. More so, death bite news can make a new dog owner wonder if owning a dog is a good idea. Unfortunately, these reports fail to provide statistics regarding the frequency of dog attacks, the intensity of the assault, and which breeds are more likely to cause problems.
But before you make conclusions based on media coverage of dog statistics, reading this article will give you a better understanding of dog bites.
Global Dog Attack Statistics
The dog population is increasing daily, so accidents will inevitably occur. It is frightening thinking of a dog attack, but fortunately, only a few of them lead to serious outcomes
1. Annually, tens of millions of dogs bite people worldwide.
(WHO)
Unfortunately, there are no estimates of dog breeds attack statistics worldwide
However, one thing is certain: children are likelier to be bitten than adults. In the middle- and low-income nations, dogs make up 76–94% of all animal bites.
2. In Canada, an average of 1-2 deaths result from dog bite-related injuries.
(ResearchGate, Chicobandido, Faunalytics)
Recent data on dog bites in Canada from 1990 to 2007 was published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal. The study indicates that only 28 fatalities from dog bite injuries occurred during this time.
The research did not clarify whether pit bulls were responsible for the attacks, but in 2005 Toronto outlawed the breed.
A 2010 study reveals that there were 28.25 fewer bites than in 2005. Also, since 2002, there have been 92% fewer bites from Pit Bulls.
3. As per the Australian dog attack by breed, 13,000 people require medical attention yearly for dog-related injuries.
(news.com.au)
Kids below the age of five are at a greater risk. They frequently get bitten on the face or neck.
Fighting breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro—a Brazillian fighting dog— report the highest attacks. As a result, the NSW government has outlawed all of these breeds.
The NSW government has outlawed all of these breeds. Nevertheless, according to breed-specific dog bite statistics from 2020, the other breeds are to blame for 75% of attacks.
4. Between 2015 and 2018, there was a 5% rise in dog bite-related hospital visits in the UK.
(Royal College of Surgeons)
The study also indicates that annually there are about 7,693 hospital admissions. Between 2015 and 2018, there were 23,078 admissions in total.
According to dog bite statistics by breed for the UK, one of the potential causes of this rise is that people may now be more informed that medical professionals should examine their injuries.
5. In the UK in 2020, the age group of individuals attacked the most frequently was 50 to 59.
(Statista)
Out of the total number of people in this age group bitten by a dog, 1,433 were admitted to hospitals.
The age group that followed was 40-49, with 1,181 admitted to hospitals, kids under the age of nine was third with 1,178 hospital admission.
People aged 80 and above had only 443 hospital admissions.
6. In 2020, over 700 American cities had outlawed specific breeds or have breed bans.
(ASPCA)
In 2020, over 700 American cities had outlawed specific breeds or have breed bans.
Breed-specific laws and breed bans were a result of skyrocketing dog bite statistics.
However, several experts like the AVMA and CDC have concluded that breed is not a determining factor in whether a dog is more prone to bite or not.
Nevertheless, some cities decided to ban Pitbulls due to their many numbers of attacks.
7. In 2007-2008, a study in Colorado revealed that Labrador Retrievers had caused the highest number of bites.
(Denver Post)
This data was released by a group of Veterinarians and animal care professionals who aim to ensure that dogs and humans live safely.
They also found that around 13% of the bites were from the Labs.
8. A dog weighing 66-100 pounds with short and broad heads is likelier to bite.
(AAHA, International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology (IJPO)
You might wonder how this study can be so specific, but we’ve got the answers.
For the conclusions to be made, the study was conducted for over 30 years with lots of scientific papers compiling reports that named the breed causing the dog bites.
Though they never targeted a specific breed, they used factors like weight and head shape to determine which dog was likely to bite.
9. 4% of dog bites were not from family pet dogs.
(Canine Research Council)
The Canine Research Council differentiates between family pets (those that live and interact with the family and resident dogs (those owned but do not bond well with people).
For instance, dogs that spend most of their time locked in kennels or chained show different behaviors around people and are more likely to cause dog bites than family pet dogs.
10. A rough estimate shows that 81% of dog bites do not require medical attention.
(Woof Dog)
Most dog bites cause minor or no injuries. Dog bite facts also reveal that most minor injuries require no medical attention.
Dog Bites And Deaths Statistics
11. In 2019/2020, there were over 90 million dogs in the US.
(HSUS, AVMA, The Washington Post)
According to data on recent dog attacks from 2020, there were 84.9 million households with pets. This indicates that dogs were kept as pets in 50% of all US households. This figure suggests that there is a higher possibility than usual.
According to the AVMA’s dog bite statistics from 2020, the dogs’ life experiences and dispositions are the main causes of their attacks. Animal shelter dogs who were mistreated or abused may become traumatized and turn on their adopters.
12. Data from CDC shows that roughly 4.5million people in the US report dog bites annually.
(AVMA, CDC)
Most of the dog bites data depend on the attacks that were made known to the authorities through reporting or those that seek medical attention. This implies that other attacks were not reported and didn’t require medical attention.
There are about 90 million pets in the US (this excludes stray dogs); therefore, the number of dogs causing dog bites is few.
A report from CDC shows that the population in America was more than 328 million in 2019, which means that there are reported dog bites in 1 in 73 people.
13. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of kids suffering from dog bite injuries skyrocketed.
(PubMed, Journal of Pediatrics)
Research from Colorado indicated that there was almost a 300% INCREASE IN dog bites in children while the country was under the stay-home rule.
The possibilities that could have brought about the increase are children spending long hours with dogs without adult supervision, and the psychological distress as many dogs couldn’t be taken for their normal exercise walks.
14. The number of people that require medical attention from dog bites exceeds 800,000
(CDC, AVMA)
These figures are inclusive of outpatients and hospitalized patients. Generally, in every five people bitten by a dog, one requires medical care.
15. The chances of a dog bite leading to death are 1 in 112,400.
(Canine Journal)
I have a surprise for you if the above numbers do not erase your fears. In a study conducted in 2019, there is a higher chance of dying from the incidents below.
One in 66,335- Cataclysmic storm
One in 63,225- bee, wasp, or hornet sting
One in 9,821 – transportation incident
One in 6,905- firearm discharge
The other surprise is that you are at a high risk of dying from heart disease (one in 3461) or cancer (1one in 7) than a dog bite
16. More than 70% of the total dog bites are from unneutered dog
(ASPCA Pro)
Earlier in 2006, the numbers were higher, with 97% of dog bites caused by intact dogs. Unfortunately, many people were not aware that neutering helps in reducing aggression.
US dog bite statistics show that an intact dog is 2.6 times more likely to bite than a neutered one.
Other factors determining whether a dog will be aggressive are family line, sex, environment, and trauma, among others.
17. Around 78% of dogs are owned for guarding, fighting, breeding, or image enhancement purposes.
(ASPCA Pro)
Unfortunately, many people own dogs for security, breeding, or business. A CDC dog bite statistics showed that chained and tethered dogs have a 2.8 higher chance of attacking or biting.
Also, dogs bred in puppy mills live in bad conditions and are regularly neglected. This contributes to them being physiologically tortured, leading to aggression.
Additionally, Pitbulls are lead in the most highly abused breed in the world. In the whole of the US, it is illegal to organize or spectate a dogfight.
Dog fighting is cruel and makes a dog’s life sorrowful. Dogs that are raised to engage in fights normally have their ears cropped and tails cut. They are raised in harsh environments and end up being hostile to people.
Dog fighting is not legalized in many countries. However, there are places where this ugly culture thrives.
Reporting this unlawful act is important to bring it to an end.
18. A total of 5,803 postal employees were attacked by dogs in 2019
(MKP Law Group)
A statistic by dog bite statistics confirms that the attacks were not from a specific breed. It also reveals that Houston and Los Angeles were the most affected, with 85 and 74 attacks yearly, respectively.
Fortunately, the numbers have decreased in the past two years, meaning more safety precautions are being implemented.
19. For over 20 years, More than twenty-five dog breeds have caused fatal attacks leading to death
(CDC)
The various breeds included the number one suspect, Pitbulls, followed by Rottweilers, retrievers, hounds, and Cocker spaniel. Unfortunately, some deaths were also caused by the wolf-dog breeds.
20. For over 13 years, most dog bite deaths were children aged 2 and below.
(DogsBite.org)
Some breeds can bite young toddlers because they have a strong prey drive; also, kids are known for their annoying behaviors, which can irritate the dog. This is why it is advisable to be around when your kid is playing with a dog.
21. People under the age of 16 accounted for 45.9% of dog bite deaths between 2000 and 2018.
(AVMA)
The risk of deadly dog bite injuries is by far greatest in children and teenagers. So teaching kids how to behave around dogs is a key element of the effort to avoid dog bites and attacks.
22. In the United States in 2018, there were 38 dog bite-related fatalities.
(National Canine Research Council)
Based on the CDC’s statistics on fatal dog attacks, 38 people died in the US in 2018 due to dog bites. In history, there have been 62,399 fatalities from accidental poisoning.
37,991- Unintentional fatalities in motor vehicle traffic
37,455- Unintentional falls-related accidental deaths
Dog Bite Statistics By Breed
23. Out of 43 dog attack fatalities in 2019, pit Bulls caused 33 of them
(Forbes, Animals 24-7)
The CDC has been doing a study since the mid-90s. They try to understand the temperaments and reasons that make different dog breeds attack.
The CDC dog bite statistics also confirmed that Pit Bulls were to blame for most accidents and injuries.
It is also crucial to mention that this is a result of them being a common breed coached by their owners to be aggressive but not the breed with an aggressive temperament.
24. The breed with the strongest bite force is Kangal, with 743 PSI
(Inside Dogs World)
It is followed by Kangal with a bite force of 730 PSI, Cane Corso with 700 PSI, and Dogue de Bordeaux with 556PSI.
For comparison purposes, an average person has a force bite of 120-140 PSI, and a Rottweiler has a bite force of 328 PSI.
25. Dogs cause 99% of infections of rabies.
(WHO)
Antarctica is the only continent rabies-free, while Asia and Africa account for 95% of all rabies-related fatalities. Children aged between 5 and 14 are the most regular victims.
Fortunately, a post-bite vaccination was given to over 29 million people worldwide, preventing millions of fatalities.
26. Annually 59,000 people pass away from rabies worldwide
(WHO)
Only eight countries in Latin America and the Caribbean reported dog-related rabies between 2013 and 2016, according to rabies statistics by state and country.
Approximately 35% of rabies-related deaths worldwide and 59.9% worldwide occur in Asia and India, respectively. In addition, rabies causes 21,476 fatalities annually in Africa, 1,875 in Central Asia, and 229 in the Middle East.
According to the Center for Disease Control’s data on dog bites, the disease has been eradicated from the USA.
Australia and several Pacific islands have always been rabies-free. Additionally, rabies has been wiped out in Canada, Western Europe, Japan, and some Latin American nations.
27. In places with a vaccination rate of 70% for dogs, rabies is not an issue.
(CDC)
Research has shown that rabies can be effectively managed to prevent fatalities. However, even if an appropriate level of dog vaccination is achieved, rabies control activities must be maintained.
Cost Of Dog Bite Attack Statistics
28. In 2020, insurance companies paid $854 million for dog bite-related injuries.
(AVMA)
This represents a 7% increase above the sum paid in 2019. In addition, state Farm paid approximately $1.26 billion in dog-related damage claims in 2010 and 2020.
29. In 2020, the average cost of an insurance claim for a dog bite was $50,245.
(AVMA)
In contrast to 2019, this number is up 12%. So once more, dog bites affect more than just the human victim and the dog. This is why dog bite prevention is a matter of public health.
30. Dog bite injuries account for more than 900 ER visits per day.
(Journal of Pediatrics)
Visiting the ER is expensive, particularly without insurance. In addition to the financial cost of the dog bite, patients experience physical pain and potential mental and emotional costs.
31. Dog bite and dog injury-related liability claims cost homeowners’ insurers $797 million in 2019.
(III)
The frequency of dog bite liability claims soared by 2.9% in just one year, from 17,297 in 2018 to 17,802 in 2019, according to data from homeowners’ insurance.
In contrast, dog bite insurance data shows that a claim’s average cost rose by 14.7% in only a year. In other words, it was $44.760 in 2019, but it was $39,017 in 2018.
FAQs
32. What Dog Breed Is The Most Likely To Bite?
Research cannot be used to clarify the answer to this question. This is because the research has many flaws, making it hard to conclude.
We need to establish both the number of biting dogs And the overall number of dogs in that breed to accurately compare the likelihood of one breed biting to another.
For instance, a Colorado study revealed that 268 Labradors had bitten someone. However, it is hard to say for sure, “This percentage of Labradors bite, and this is how probable they are to bite based on other breeds,” because they are unsure of the actual number of Labradors in the state.
We won’t know for sure which breed is more likely to bite until dogs are subjected to a census every ten years as we people do.
33. Are Pitbull Attack Statistics Misleading?
According to the CDC, about 1% of the 20% of dog bites that are severe enough to need medical attention is attributed to Pitbulls. Unfortunately, this very low figure is often used as evidence that Pitbulls are not aggressive dogs.
This very low figure is often used as evidence that Pitbulls are not aggressive dogs.
Nonetheless, there are a variety of reasons why this statistic is false. First, it’s crucial to remember that the CDC only keeps track of hospitalizations brought on by dog bites, not less serious wounds. The actual number of individuals who Pitbulls bite is probably far higher than 1%, as many dog bite instances go unreported.
In addition, “Pitbull” refers to any dog that mixes different breeds, not specifically the American Pitbull Terrier. As a result, this statistic does not accurately reflect the rate at which Pitbulls bite people.
34. How often do dogs attack children?
Kids account for 50% of all reported incidents of dog bites, making them the most frequent victims, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In the summer, when children are more inclined to spend time outside, there is an increased chance of getting bitten by a dog. It’s important to remember that most dog bites happen close to home;
In reality, 60% of dog bites occur on the dog’s farmstead. This means that Parents should take the initiative to teach their kids how to interact with dogs responsibly. Children can significantly lower their chance of being bitten by a dog by adhering to a few basic safety precautions.
35. What breed of dog has killed the most humans?
The breed of dog typically frequently involved in attacks in the United States is the Pit Bull. For 13 years, pit bulls have accounted for the deaths of 248 individuals, with 45 Rottweilers taking second place in the same duration.
Additionally, the German shepherd is too accountable for 20 fatal injuries. It is good to note that even certain breeds not thought to be aggressive have been liable for fatalities. For instance, nine deaths were committed by Labrador Retrievers.
36. How do you handle a dog that bites?
Dogs bite for a reason, like protecting themselves, their territory, a fellow pack member, or their pups. Dogs that are frightened, hurt, unwell, molested, or mistreated might bite.
Training and socialization, or allowing the dog to socialize with humans, kids, and other dogs, are two remedies to this issue. Maintaining the dog’s health and giving it routine vaccinations may also be beneficial.
37. How Do I Avoid A Dog Bite?
The AVMA applies the following methods to lessen the likelihood of dog bites:
Education: Educating people on the reasons for dog bites and instructing kids on how to interact with dogs properly
Responsible Pet Ownership: advocating for family pets instead of resident dogs and urging people to spay/neuter their dogs.
Avoiding Risky Scenarios: Being aware of the situations that could result in bites and knowing how to stay out of them, such as not stealing treats or toys from dogs or climbing over fences to pet them.
38. How Do I Keep My Dog From Biting Anyone?
Before anything else, never e so be so sure that your dog cant bite. The AVMA makes it quite clear that any dog can bite in the appropriate situations.
You can, however, take some steps to lessen your dog’s likelihood of biting. First, ensure your dog has been neutered or spayed. Next, early training and socialization will help your dog become well-mannered and able to interact with people.
Keep your dog leashed at all times. Most dog bites occur while dogs are free. Maintain a barrier around your dog or limit leash walks. It’s critical that responsible owners do their part to minimize dog bites.
39. Can an aggressive dog be cured?
Dog aggression is treatable. But you’ll need a lot of commitment, energy, consistency, and possibly some guidance from a specialist who can identify the underlying reason for the habit and develop a strategy for controlling it.
Additionally, your veterinarian could perform certain tests to determine whether there is a medical problem. It’s essential to avoid punishing because it might lead to more aggression.
40. So If Not Breed, What Determines Whether A Dog Is Likely To Bite?
The AVMA does not agree that a dog’s breed can accurately determine whether or not it will bite.
There are other factors they consider more important like;
- Training
- Sex
- Neuter/spaying
- Owner conduct
The dog’s residence; either rural or urban
Trends in breed ownership over time.
41. Why Do Pit Bulls Seem To Be The Most Dangerous Dog Breeds?
Again, when examining the data without regard for context, it seems like Pit Bulls and dogs resembling them are the breeds most prone to attack and murder people. But the explanations for those figures are more complicated.
Like other dogs, pit bulls are mostly a product of their upbringing and training. Sadly, many Pit Bulls are purposefully bred or trained to be aggressive. Many of these Pit Bulls are also maintained as resident dogs, which prevents them from learning acceptable human behavior.
Conclusion
It is wrong to judge a certain dog breed as aggressive or assume that owning a dog is risky due to the partial information you overheard. Dog bites and attacks affect the public differently and should be controlled better than just banning a certain breed.
Dogs are loving creatures, and a dog’s temperament differs from one dog to another. Also, a dog can be aggressive if he was mistreated in the past as a way of defending himself.
Source;