A new study has revealed the breeds most likely to land their owners in legal and medical trouble, as dog bite injuries and lawsuits surge across the US.
While some names on the list will come as no surprise, like Pit bulls and Rottweilers, one of America’s most beloved dogs, the Labrador retriever has made a shocking appearance in the top 10.
A recent analysis by Orlando-based Fighter Law examined dog bite data from 2021 to 2023 and ranked breeds by their ‘danger score,’ a measurement of bite incidents and their severity, fatalities, and vaccination rates.
Not surprisingly, Pit bulls topped the list with a danger score of 90.0, responsible for 26.74 percent of all bites and 61 fatalities during the study period.
What caught many by surprise was the appearance of the Labrador retriever on the list, ranked 10th with a danger score of 38.6.
Normally known for their docile nature, Labradors accounted for 6.28 percent of bites during the period studied, a notable figure given their reputation as family-friendly pets.
However, Labrador retrievers are consistently ranked as one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States.
Recent study shows an estimated 4.5 million Americans were bitten by dogs, with roughly 800,000 requiring medical treatment.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bite claims increased to 19,062 in 2023. That number rose further in 2024, with 22,658 claims reported nationwide.
More than half of the victims were children, and one in five bites required medical attention, according to the CDC. The financial consequences are staggering.
In addition to that, In a recent stats, Dog Bite Statistics reported about 30 to 50 deaths each year.
The Insurance Information Institute reports that insurance companies paid over $1.1billion in dog bite claims in 2023, with the average claim costing nearly $58,545.
Last year, that number ballooned to $1.57 billion, with the average claim rising to $69,272.
These aren’t just isolated bites either, some end in tragedy.
In Ohio, a mother and son were sentenced to more than 10 years in prison in February, after their two pit bulls fatally mauled a 73-year-old neighbor.
A jury found them guilty of felony involuntary manslaughter and violating Ohio’s dangerous dog laws.
Still, some breeds appear in headlines and courtrooms far more often. Fighter Law’s analysis reveals the 10 breeds most likely to send you to the hospital or the courthouse:
1. American Pit Bull Terrier
Pit bulls were the most reported breed with 579 bite incidents from 2021 to 2023, responsible for 75 percent of fatalities among the 10 most aggressive breeds.
They have a danger score of 90 out of 100, a severe bite rate of 21.6 percent, and a low vaccination rate.
Known for their muscular build and bite force, have been involved in publicized attacks, leading to Florida’s new liability insurance laws and scrutiny from lawmakers and insurers.
2. Shepherd
Shepherd breeds, excluding German shepherds, are second in bite incidents, with two fatalities and a danger score of 57.2, accounted for 227 bite incidents.
This family of canines includes over two dozen breeds, including Australian shepherd, Anatolian shepherd, Shetland sheepdog, Miniature American shepherd, and Dutch shepherd, Border Collie, and Old English sheepdog.
Highly intelligent and frequently employed in police and military work, shepherds are protective by nature. However, improper training or socialization can trigger aggressive behavior.
3. Boxer
Boxers have been involved in 39 bite incidents, including one fatality, giving them a severe bite rate of 25.6 percent and a danger score of 54.5.
Known for their athleticism and playful energy, boxers can still cause serious injuries when provoked or stressed. Their vaccination rate is just under 18 percent.
In several recent cases, boxers have bitten children or strangers during high-stress situations or perceived threats, underscoring the importance of responsible ownership, even with typically friendly breeds.
4. Rottweilers
Rottweilers were involved in 51 reported bite incidents, including seven fatalities, one of the highest death counts among dog breeds.
Known for their guarding instincts and protective nature, Rottweilers have been linked to several fatal attacks, including a 2021 case in California where a delivery driver was killed.
Experts say the breed requires consistent training and early socialization to reduce the risk of aggression.
5. German Shepherds
German shepherds were involved in 252 bite incidents and two fatalities, earning them a danger score of 48.8. Their severe bite rate of 13.1 percent.
Though commonly used as service and police dogs, German shepherds’ strong protective instincts can lead to aggression if not properly trained and managed.
In 2023, a German shepherd in Texas made headlines after mauling a toddler, illustrating the breed’s potential for danger if left unchecked.
6. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle dogs were involved in 43 bite incidents, though none were fatal. They carry a danger score of 44.9, with a vaccination rate of 23.3 percent and a severe bite rate of 16.3 percent.
Known for their intelligence and high energy, this herding breed requires experienced, active owners. Without proper training and regular exercise, Australian Cattle dogs may show aggression, especially toward strangers or other animals.
7. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso, a large Italian mastiff breed, was involved in 30 bite incidents and four fatalities. It has a severe bite rate of 23.3 percent and a danger score of 41.9, along with a relatively high vaccination rate of 46.7 percent.
Known for their strength, loyalty, and guarding instincts, Cane Corsos can pose serious risks if not properly trained and socialized.
The breed has been the focus of breed-specific legislation in parts of Europe and the US following several fatal attacks.
8. Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans were involved in 28 bite incidents with no reported fatalities, earning a danger score of 40.8. Their vaccination rate stands at 14.3 percent, and they have a severe bite rate of 7.1 percent.
Known for their loyalty and alertness, Dobermans are often used as personal protection dogs.
While typically trainable and devoted, they can show aggression if poorly socialized, especially when they sense a threat to their owners.
9. Mastiff
Mastiffs were linked to 19 bite incidents and three fatalities, earning a danger score of 39.4. Their vaccination rate was 15.8 percent, and they had a severe bite rate of 5.3 percent.
Their massive size and strength mean bites can be particularly harmful.
Several reported attacks involved mastiffs in residential settings where they escaped confinement.
10. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador retriever is a surprising entry on the list.
Despite their reputation as friendly family pets, Labs were involved in 136 bite incidents, more than six percent of all cases, though none were fatal.
Most incidents involving Labradors stemmed from unprovoked bites or lapses in supervision, underscoring that even the most beloved breeds are not exempt from situations that can lead to injury or legal consequences.
States are now taking legislative action. Florida’s ‘Paw Rock Act’ named after a mail carrier killed by a dog in 2022 requires owners of dogs that have attacked to carry a minimum of $100,000 in liability insurance.
New York took a different approach. Rather than banning specific breeds, its new law prevents insurers from discriminating based solely on breed, focusing instead on individual dog behavior.
In brief, while Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and shepherds grab headlines for severe and fatal bites, the Labrador Retriever’s unexpected spot in the top ten shows that no breed is risk-free without proper training and care.
Dog bite injuries and lawsuits demonstrate that responsible ownership and the dog’s bite are more important factors in ensuring the safety of both communities and dogs, regardless of the breed.
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