Are Pitbulls More Dangerous Than Other Dogs?

31st May 2023

The pitbull is an intimidating dog with a muscular body, broad head, and powerful jaws. It’s no wonder when some people are asked, “Are pitbulls more dangerous?” They say yes. Not only is this not fair, but it’s also flat-out wrong. Any dog that’s provoked or mistreated can attack. The following is a look at why the pit bull gets a bad rap and why that reputation is undeserved. 

Contact Sand Law immediately if you’ve suffered a severe injury due to a dog bite. We’ll help you find justice and get the money you deserve. Use our online form or call 701-609-1510 for a free consultation.

Bully Breeds Get a Bad Reputation: Are Pitbulls More Dangerous?

Pitbulls and other bully breeds, such as American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, often face a negative reputation perpetuated by media sensationalism and misconceptions. This reputation has led to various breed-specific legislation and discriminatory policies. But aggression in dogs is not solely determined by breed. 

Multiple factors influence how a dog will behave. Aggression in dogs can occur due to genetics, individual temperament, socialization, training, and the environment in which they are raised.

It is unfair to make sweeping generalizations about an entire breed based on the actions of a few individual dogs. While pit bulls are powerful dogs, they are not inherently more dangerous than other breeds when properly trained and cared for.

Dog Bite Statistics

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), dogs bite nearly 5 million people in the U.S. annually. Thankfully, the majority of those bites are relatively minor. About 800,000 dog attack victims require medical treatment. 

The AVMA states that no evidence supports the claim that certain breeds are more prone to biting than others. Dog bite incidents occur due to a combination of factors, including the dog’s behavior, the responsible actions of the owner, and the circumstances in which the interaction occurs.

Again, dog bites can occur with any breed or mixed breed. The severity of bites can vary depending on the size and strength of the dog involved, but this doesn’t necessarily correlate with the breed. Responsible ownership and proper socialization play significant roles in preventing dog bites regardless of the breed.

The Responsibility of a Pit Bull Owner

As with any dog, responsible ownership is crucial to ensure the safety of others and prevent potential incidents. Pitbull owners, like owners of any other breed, are responsible for properly training, socializing, and caring for their pets. This includes providing appropriate exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction to promote a well-rounded and balanced dog.

Responsible owners should also take measures to securely contain their dogs, using appropriate fencing or enclosures and properly restraining them in public places with leashes and muzzles when necessary. Consistent obedience training, positive reinforcement methods, and early socialization are key components of responsible pitbull ownership to help them become well-behaved and friendly members of society.

Other Dangerous Dog Breeds

While certain dog breeds have historically been associated with more reported bite incidents, it’s essential to approach the topic without generalizing the behavior of an entire breed. Many assume breeds such as Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and Chows are dangerous. However, it’s crucial to recognize that the behavior of an individual dog is not solely determined by its breed.

Dogs require consistent training, positive reinforcement, and early socialization to develop into well-behaved and friendly companions.

It’s worth noting that many dogs of these breeds live peacefully and harmoniously with responsible owners. These dogs can be gentle, loyal, and well-mannered when provided with a loving and responsible environment. Labeling an entire breed as dangerous solely based on their breed classification is unfair and inaccurate.

Who’s Liable if a Dog Bites Me?

Chances are excellent that the person who owns the dog will face liability if the animal attacks and bites someone. Owners must take the necessary steps to ensure their pets won’t cause harm. If, for example, an owner knows their dog is fearful around other people, they must secure the pet when anyone comes to their home. They’ll have to close the dog off in another room, keep them outside, or send them for boarding. 

In some instances, another person will be responsible for a dog attack. A pet sitter, for instance, could be held liable if they failed to follow the owner’s instructions to keep the dog away from any people entering the property. A hired dog walker who fails to control an animal properly could face liability for an attack, as could the company that hired the walker.

How to File a Dog Bite Accident Lawsuit

If a dog has bitten you and you wish to pursue legal action, here are some steps to take in filing a dog bite accident lawsuit:

• Seek immediate medical attention: The priority after a dog bite is to seek prompt medical attention for your injuries. Even seemingly minor bites can lead to complications, so have a medical professional assess and treat your wounds.
• Document the incident: Document the details of the dog bite incident. Take photographs of your injuries as soon as possible after the attack. These photos can serve as valuable evidence later on. Additionally, document the location of the incident and any relevant information about the dog. For example, note the appearance, behavior, and identifying features.
• Obtain information about the dog owner: If possible, gather information about the dog owner, including their name, contact details, and any relevant insurance information. This information will be necessary when pursuing a legal claim against the owner.
• Report the incident: Report the dog bite incident to local animal control or the appropriate authorities in your area. This will help create an official record of the incident. It will also ensure that authorities take appropriate action to address the dog’s potential risks.
• Speak with a personal injury attorney: Hire a personal injury attorney with experience in dog bite cases. They’ll evaluate the merits of your case, guide you through the legal process, and help you determine the best course of action. An attorney can provide crucial advice regarding the applicable laws, statutes of limitations, and potential damages you may be entitled to. They can also work to obtain footage from nearby surveillance cameras that might have caught the attack.

Contact Sand Law ASAP to Speak with a Dog Bite Accident Attorney

If you’ve experienced a dog bite accident, speak with a Sand Law attorney as soon as possible. We’ll help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Please call 701-609-1510 or contact us online as soon as you can for a free consultation.