It’s a huge misconception that pit bulls are aggressive, dangerous dogs–while many other breeds of dog are perfectly safe family pets. While pit bulls are among the most dangerous breeds when it comes to serious injuries and dog attack fatalities, it’s extremely important to understand that any breed of dog can inflict serious injury on a human (especially a child) regardless of their size, weight, or breed.
Although a few breeds of dog have bad reputations–sometimes due to their history or the appearance–you should know that all dogs can be dangerous and that even small dogs can land you or your child in the hospital.
Dog Bites Are Common–And Have Consequences
According to statistics, every year in the United States, approximately 5 million people are bitten by dogs, and about one million of those need to seek professional medical attention. At the same time, around 10-20 people sustain fatal dog attack injuries, mostly small children and the elderly.
While some dog bites are minor and heal quickly, others can be painful and expensive, with long-term consequences. Dog bites to the hands and face can require reparative surgery, while any sort of deep dog bite requires a trip to the doctor, a careful cleaning, and possible infection.
If you or a loved one have been bitten by a dog, speak to a Washington State dog bite attorney today.
The Most Aggressive Dog Breeds?
You can probably guess most of the most dangerous dog breeds when it comes to serious injuries: pit bulls, German shepherds, rottweilers, wolf hybrids, dobermanns, and chow chows. But when it comes to aggression, there are some other surprising dogs on the list:
- Jack Russell terriers
- Chihuahuas
- Dachshunds
In fact, when it comes to bite frequency, these three types of dog are more aggressive than the bigger, more powerful dogs that are often associated with dog attacks.
Even though smaller dogs may not often be responsible for fatalities, these dogs can badly injure a human, especially if they bite the hands or face, and especially if they attack a child or baby. In addition, dog bites from smaller dogs can also lead to infection because a dog’s mouth (and paws) are teeming with bacteria.
In addition to small dogs, even dogs from “gentler” dog breeds can bite or attack, including dogs like Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. While these dogs often make ideal family pets and have gentle dispositions, they can attack for any number of reasons, including:
- Because of a history of abuse.
- Because they are scared.
- Because they are protecting their puppies.
- Because they are protecting their food or another possession.
- Because they feel territorial.
- Because they are surprised.
It’s also imperative to remember: all dogs are animals, and animals have instincts. On top of that, a dog’s owner is responsible for that dog’s behavior if the dog wasn’t provoked.
Speak To A Federal Way Dog Bite Attorney Today
Whether your dog bite was caused by a pit bull or a chihuahua, you could be facing scarring, emotional trauma, and a pile of medical bills. And either way, you deserve justice and compensation under Washington State dog bite law.
To learn more about your possible dog bite personal injury case, or simply to get your questions answered by a dog bite attorney, call the Ye Law Firm today. We offer free, private consultations to injury victims and their families. Fill out our online form or call (253) 946-0577 today.
