10 Most Dangerous Breeds of Dogs

BCSnob wrote:
There are glaring flaws in these breed statistics, they do not take into account the population of each breed. In many human statistics the data are equated on a per capita basis. This is not done with breed statistics because breed populations are not determined. Additionally, there is no good way to deal with mixed breed dogs.


I'll bet you'll find the bite and fatality statistics indicate that the most dangerous breed of dog is "mixed breed" since it is the most populous "breed" of dog. Those compiling the data often add bite data of mixed breeds dogs to the breed they most resemble.

Glaring problems with dog bite statistics exist to the point that they are just about useless when trying to really evaluate the problem of dog bites.

First, a huge percentage of bites are never reported. If the dog in your family bites but doesn't severely injure, it's not reported but is an important statistical event when trying to solve the dog bite problem.

Second, the dog breed involved in the reported events are notoriously mis-identified. After all, we all know that the dog that bites must be one of those breeds on the list.

Mark's point about mix breed dogs being the most dangerous statistically is REALLY valid.

So often the events surrounding a bite center on the dog while there are several other factors, probably most notable the lack of proper control, supervision and training by the owner of the dog involved.

Doug, DVM