How and when did dogs become humans’ close companions?
And how many times they attacked?
This topic has been long debated by scientists, and recent searches come with the suggestion that wolves were the ones taking the first steps and becoming friendly to humans who offered them food. This would be the foundation of the strong bond we share with dogs today. However, this beautiful relationship doesn’t come with any challenges. Each year, over 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs, and more than 800,000 require medical attention.
Particularly stronger and larger breeds seem to be the ones causing more severe injuries. Tracking serious attacks from 1982 to these days by using data from ANIMALS 24-7, there are noted the most severe incidents by breed. There are purebred dogs with 10 or more recorded attacks causing body harm and some fatalities.
Dogs may often be misidentified by their appearance, and this makes the accuracy of the attack statistics by breed more complicated. The purpose is to be able to see what breeds can be labeled as dangerous and create specific legislation for them, even with the opposition from animal welfare groups. Our knowledge grows, and we understand that a dog’s behavior is anyway more influenced by its training and upbringing than by its breed.
Let’s take a look at the top dog breeds involved in the most serious attacks.
7. Chows
Chow Chows are easily recognizable with their blue, black tongues, an expression that could be described as an ad frown, and a strong sense of independence. Usually, they immediately show loyalty to their families, and they are known to be wary or aggressive towards strangers.
They do have a territorial nature, and even if they offer a protection sense, they may not be the best choice for families with young children or frequent visitors. 67 reported attacks caused bodily harm between 1982 and today, so an average of 1,9 attacks per year, and 8 of these incidents ended in a fatality.
They can be devoted and affectionate with the ones close to them, but their temperament needs proper training, and this is why they can be a challenging breed for dog owners with no experience.
6. Labrador
America’s most beloved purebred since the 90s, and they are known to be easygoing and family-friendly by nature. They were originally bred to retrieve ducks in hunting and assist fishermen. Labradors are famous for their calm demeanor, low tendency to be territorial, and eagerness to please. They are always chosen by families and individuals alike.
However, with their reputation as gentle and loyal pets, Labradors have been involved in time in 78 reported attacks, with an average of 2.2 attacks per year. Unfortunately, seven of these attacks were fatal. A notable case involved a victim who was attacked by 23 Labradors owned by the same person, and each dog’s attack counted individually in the overall statistics.
Even if Labradors are known for their friendly disposition, these reports remind us that it’s possible even for non-aggressive breeds to become a risk under certain situations, and it counts even more if they are poorly managed and raised in unsuitable environments. It’s crucial to offer your dogs proper training and socialization and raise them responsibly to ensure they remain the loving companions they are supposed to be.
5. Akita
Among the largest dog breeds, Akita can reach up to 130 pounds, and they can use their size to look threatening towards unfamiliar dogs. They are known to be extremely loyal dogs, and we have the famous example of the dog who waited at the train station every day for nine years after his owner passed away, a story that inspired a movie.
However, since 1982, there have been 86 reported attacks by Akitas, and 9 of them resulted in fatalities. These dogs are fiercely loyal to their families, but their size and sometimes aggressive tendencies mean they are suited for dog owners with experience who can provide the guidance they need.
4. Wolf hybrid
It’s challenging to track the number of attacks caused by wolf hybrids due to their shared characteristics, which makes it difficult to verify how much wolf ancestry a dog has. They reportedly harmed 98 persons, and 20 of them didn’t survive.
The fact about wolf hybrids is that when they mature, they display unpredictable behavior, and it may be hard to manage to raise them successfully, and most owners find themselves unprepared to face the unique challenges they present. These statistics highlight the risk that involves owning animals with such wild instincts in a domestic setting, and it’s important to bond with a person who understands their needs and the responsibility that comes with taking care of a wolf hybrid.
3. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are the second most popular purebred dog, and they evolved from working herders to family pets. This is thought to be thanks to their early Hollywood fame with stars such as Strongheart and Rin Tin Tin. They are intelligent and loyal animals with a versatility that allows them to be a top choice when it comes to police or military work.
They are high-energy dogs, and they need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Lacking these two important things, they can become high-strung or even aggressive.
Since 1982, 191 attacks have been reported that caused bodily harm; 21 of them resulted in fatalities.
They are known for their protective instincts, and they even have a strong work ethic. These traditions can be a double-edged sword, and they need proper management. German Shepherds require consistent training, socialization, and engagement to use their energy in a positive way and keep their reputation as loyal and good companions.
2. Rottweilers
The American Kennel Club recognizes Rottweilers for their intelligence and confidence. They have been among the first dogs helping the blind and serving as police or search-and-rescue dogs. Their territorial instincts make them excellent watchdogs, and with proper supervision and training, they can be wonderful family pets.
615 attacks were reportedly caused by Rottweilers since 1982, an average of 17.1 incidents per year. 103 of these attacks resulted in deaths.
The key to ensuring a Rottweiler remains well-behaved and balanced is to offer them proper training and socialization. Despite their size and strength, they can be very affectionate and gentle with their families. Offering them both a working role and a family member role is amazing for these dogs.
1. Pitt Bulls
With a fearsome reputation, these dogs are not inherently aggressive fighters, as some people may believe. The pit bull term encompasses more breeds, which makes the breed misidentified most of the time by media and even by shelters. This issue makes it difficult to know the clear attack statistics of this breed.
However, on their name have been reported since 1982 5,994 attacks causing bodily harm, 421 resulting in deaths. This makes an average of 166.5 attacks per year.
Some pit bulls may show aggressive behavior, and this is due to various factors such as genetics or lack of training. Many of these dogs are affectionate and intelligent, and they make a loving companion in the presence of a knowledgeable owner.
Responsible ownership is crucial, and it involves providing proper training for them, socialization, and managing their energetic nature to keep them loyal and well-behaved companions.
If you want to find out more about breeds; what would be suitable for you and the breeds to, maybe, stay away from, this is a guide that you can find on Amazon, The Complete Book of Dogs: Breeds, Training, Health Care: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia Of Dogs
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