Dog owners are obligated to maintain a safe environment when visitors come to their property or encounter their dog in public. Anyone who owns a dog must adhere to any local leash ordinances that might be in place in a particular community. If a person lets his or her dog off a leash in an area where one is required and the dog bites someone, the owner may be liable for injuries.
Canines often act instinctively. If they feel threatened or frightened, they may react defensively, which might include growling, lunging or biting. Statistics show that there are certain dog breeds that bite more often than others. However, this does not mean that someone who owns a dog that is not considered aggressive can disregard safety regulations or has immunity if the dog bites someone.
5 dog breeds that are known to be more aggressive than others
The following list includes five dog breeds that rank high on most lists for dogs that bite most often:
- Chihuahua
- Bulldog
- German Shepherd
- Pit Bull
- Lhasa Apso
Again, it does not mean that people who own dogs that are not shown on this list are not liable if their pets attack someone. It merely shows data from current statistics regarding which breeds tend to bite most often.
Can dog bites be prevented?
A person who avoids unfamiliar dogs may be less likely to suffer a dog bite than those who approach animals they do not know. To reduce the chance of being bitten, a person should never play aggressively with a dog, even if the dog belongs to a friend. It is also wise to keep a safe distance when a dog is eating, as some dogs suffer from food aggression. If a person has suffered injuries from a dog bite and believes that the owner may be liable, he or she may want to consider filing a personal injury claim in a civil court.
