Do Breed Specific Laws Prevent Dog Bites?

The Most Dangerous Dog Breeds

When it comes to dog attacks, some breeds are more frequently associated with aggression and serious injuries than others. This has led to a controversial area of legislation known as breed-specific legislation (BSL), which seeks to ban or regulate certain breeds that are deemed more likely to harm people. However, the debate over whether some breeds are inherently more dangerous continues, with advocates for and against such laws presenting conflicting data.

This blog explores the statistics and factors influencing dog bites, the breeds most commonly associated with attacks, and how breed-specific legislation impacts both dog owners and victims of dog attacks.

Breed-Specific Legislation and Dog Attacks

Breed-specific legislation (BSL) refers to laws that restrict or ban certain breeds of dogs based on the idea that they are inherently more aggressive or dangerous. These laws are often enacted after high-profile dog attacks, where a particular breed may be perceived as responsible for a disproportionate number of injuries or fatalities. The breeds most commonly targeted by BSL include:

• Pit Bulls
• Rottweilers
• Doberman Pinschers
• German Shepherds
• Mastiffs
• American Bulldogs
• Chow Chows

BSL is controversial because while it aims to reduce the risk of dog attacks, critics argue that it unfairly targets specific breeds rather than focusing on the behavior of individual dogs and the responsibility of their owners. Still, for municipalities that have seen repeated incidents involving certain breeds, BSL is viewed as a necessary tool to protect the public.

Breeds Commonly Associated with Dog Attacks

Studies and reports on dog attacks often highlight certain breeds as being more prone to cause serious harm. However, it’s important to remember that breed alone does not determine whether a dog will be aggressive. Other factors, including training, socialization, and environment, all contribute to a dog’s behavior.

1. Pit Bulls

Pit Bulls are one of the most frequently mentioned breeds in dog bite statistics and are often the focus of breed-specific legislation.

• According to a study by DogsBite.org, Pit Bulls were responsible for 66% of fatal dog attacks in the United States between 2005 and 2019, despite making up only about 6% of the dog population.
• The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) also published a study that analyzed 20 years of fatal dog attacks and found that Pit Bulls were disproportionately involved.

Pit Bulls are known for their strength and tenacity, and these traits can make them particularly dangerous if they are not properly trained or socialized. As attorney John J. Malm explains, “The most devastating injuries we see in our dog bite cases are from Pit Bull attacks. Their strength and tenacity can result in severe and life-altering injuries, especially for children.”

2. Rottweilers

Rottweilers are another breed frequently linked to serious dog attacks.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that Rottweilers were responsible for 10% of fatal dog attacks between 1979 and 1998.
• According to DogsBite.org, Rottweilers accounted for 10% of fatal attacks between 2005 and 2019.

Rottweilers are large, strong dogs with a natural guarding instinct, which makes them a popular choice for protection work. However, this same instinct can make them more aggressive if not properly managed. Like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers require experienced, responsible owners, socialization, and training, to prevent aggressive behavior.

3. German Shepherds

German Shepherds are widely used as working dogs in law enforcement and the military, and their intelligence and loyalty are highly regarded. However, they can also be involved in dog bite incidents due to their size and strength.

• Studies have shown that German Shepherds accounted for about 4% of fatal dog attacks over a 20-year period in the U.S.

While not as commonly involved in fatal attacks as Pit Bulls or Rottweilers, German Shepherds are often included in breed-specific legislation due to their protective nature, which can sometimes translate into aggression if not properly controlled.

4. Doberman Pinschers

Doberman Pinschers are known for their loyalty and protective instincts, but they are less frequently involved in serious dog bite incidents compared to other breeds on this list.

• A study published in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association found that Doberman Pinschers accounted for less than 2% of recorded dog bites over a 10-year period.

Despite their lower involvement in attacks, Dobermans are often subject to breed-specific regulations due to their size and reputation for aggression.

5. Chow Chows

Chow Chows may not be as large as some of the other breeds on this list, but they are known for their territorial and protective behavior, which can sometimes lead to aggression.

• A study showed that Chow Chows were responsible for about 3% of fatal dog attacks between 1979 and 1998.

Chow Chows are often included in breed-specific legislation due to their reputation for being less tolerant of strangers and other dogs. Proper socialization is key to preventing aggressive behavior in this breed.

Factors Influencing Dog Bites

While breed-specific data can provide some insight into the types of dogs most frequently involved in attacks, it is essential to recognize that dog behavior is influenced by several factors beyond breed. According to the CDC and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the following factors are critical in determining a dog’s likelihood of biting:

• Lack of proper training and socialization: Dogs that are not adequately trained or socialized are more likely to exhibit aggression.
• Owner behavior: Dogs whose owners encourage aggressive behavior or fail to control their pets are more likely to bite.
• Spaying or neutering: Dogs that are not spayed or neutered, particularly males, are more prone to aggression.
• Abuse or neglect: Dogs that have been abused or mistreated may be more fearful and reactive, increasing the risk of an attack.
• Previous incidents: Dogs with a history of aggression or previous attacks are more likely to bite again.

These factors highlight that responsible ownership plays a significant role in preventing dog attacks. While certain breeds may have traits that can make them more dangerous in certain situations, environmental factors and training are often more critical in determining whether a dog becomes aggressive.

Breed-Specific Legislation: Does It Work?

The effectiveness of breed-specific legislation is a topic of ongoing debate. Proponents of BSL argue that banning or restricting certain breeds can reduce the number of serious dog attacks, while critics claim that these laws are ineffective and unfair.

Arguments in Favor of BSL:

• Public safety: Advocates for breed-specific bans argue that restricting ownership of breeds associated with higher rates of attacks can reduce the risk of dog bites and protect the public.
• Preventative measure: Proponents believe that BSL can prevent dangerous incidents by limiting the presence of high-risk breeds in communities.
• Risk management: By banning certain breeds, municipalities aim to reduce liability and manage the perceived risk of dog attacks.

Arguments Against BSL:

• Focus on behavior, not breed: Many experts, argue that breed alone does not determine whether a dog will bite. Instead, they recommend focusing on the behavior of individual dogs and their owners.
• Unfair targeting of responsible owners: Critics of BSL point out that responsible owners of restricted breeds are unfairly penalized, while irresponsible owners of other breeds are not addressed.
• Ineffectiveness: Research shows that breed-specific legislation does not significantly reduce dog bite incidents. Instead, they advocate for policies that focus on responsible ownership, training, and socialization.

Dog bites and attacks can have severe consequences for victims, and certain breeds are often overrepresented in bite statistics. While breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds are more frequently involved in serious incidents, it is essential to recognize that breed alone does not determine a dog’s likelihood of becoming aggressive. Training, socialization, and responsible ownership are critical factors in preventing dog bites.

Breed-specific legislation remains a contentious issue, with strong arguments both for and against its use. As we continue to learn more about dog behavior, it’s important to focus on education, responsible ownership, and effective public policies that address the root causes of aggression in dogs.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, it’s crucial to seek legal advice. At John J. Malm & Associates, our top-rated Illinois dog bite attorneys have extensive experience handling dog bite cases and can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. We do not charge a fee until we secure compensation for you.