Having a family dog is a proud, lovable tradition in America. As much as you would like to think that all dogs are man’s best friend, the reality is that they’re still animals with natural instincts and may at times be unpredictable in their behavior toward humans or other animals. The way that dogs behave can be shaped by how their owners treat them, and no owner can be sure of whether or not their dog has a troublesome past.
Beware of These Dogs
It’s an unpopular opinion with some, but we know that there are certain dog breeds that are more often associated with aggressive, dangerous behavior. If these pets injure another person in Massachusetts, their owners can be held liable, and the victim or victim’s family may be able to collect compensation in the aftermath of an attack. While you can’t predict how an aggressive breed of dog will act every time, you can be on the lookout and extra cautious when you encounter certain ones. At least seven dogs you’ll want watch out for include:
There is no single breed universally deemed the most dangerous; however, some breeds are more frequently associated with severe dog bites and fatalities due to their size, strength, and temperament:
- Pit Bulls
Pit Bulls account for 66% of fatal dog attacks recorded between 2005 and 2019. Known for their strength and determination, they can be aggressive if improperly trained or mistreated, often leading to fatal encounters. - Rottweilers
This powerful breed is known for being protective and loyal to its family. However, they can be wary of strangers, which sometimes leads to aggressive behavior if they feel their family is threatened. - German Shepherds
Naturally territorial and often used in police and military roles, German Shepherds have a history of deadly attacks when they feel a need to protect their space or family. They are highly intelligent but require proper training to avoid aggressive incidents. - Wolf-Dog Hybrids
These are a cross between domestic dogs and wild wolves. Due to their unpredictable nature and strong predatory instincts, they are known to be dangerous, with a history of fatal attacks. - Chow Chows
Although medium-sized, Chow Chows have a powerful bite and a strong jaw. They are typically very loyal but can be stubborn and territorial, leading to defensive aggression if they feel threatened. - Cane Corsos
An Italian Mastiff breed, Cane Corsos are muscular and often reserved or wary with strangers. Their protective instincts and natural strength can make them difficult to handle without proper socialization. - Terriers
Despite their smaller size, some Terrier breeds have a reputation for being quick to bite if provoked. They are tenacious and fearless, often displaying a short temper that can lead to biting incidents.
Other breeds often considered potentially dangerous include
- American Bulldogs
- Bullmastiffs
- Siberian Huskies
- Labrador Retrievers
- Boxers
- Doberman Pinschers
- Alaskan Malamutes
- Akitas
- Presa Canarios
- Japanese Tosas
While bite statistics offer insight into which breeds may be more prone to aggression, behavioral traits like temperament, socialization, and training are also critical factors in assessing a dog’s potential risk. Proper training, owner responsibility, and early socialization can significantly reduce the likelihood of dangerous incidents.
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Signs of Aggression in Dogs
There is a common misconception that aggression from a dog begins at the point of an attack, but there are warning signs to look out for. For the sake of safety, it is important for both owners and bystanders to recognize when a dog is becoming aggressive so that corrective or self-protective actions can be taken. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), a wide range of behaviors for aggression can include:
- Stiffness in a dog’s body language
- Low-sounding, threatening barks or louder growls
- Leaping towards another person or animal
- Mouthing that might intensify
- Baring teeth
- Various kinds of bites that may be quick, repeated, and prolonged
There are many different reasons behind the aggressive behavior of dogs, as pointed out by the ASPCA. These include guarding territory, protecting their owners, guarding belongings or food, fear of being trapped in a tight space, frustration from being restrained, physical pain, competition for a mate during reproductive seasons, and instinctive predatory behavior.
An Owner’s Responsibility in Preventing Dog Attacks
Taking steps towards responsible dog ownership begins early in the process of owning a pet. It includes being mindful of the timing of bringing one home, healthy socialization, training, not putting the pet in situations where it can be provoked and antagonized. This also means properly securing it, at home in a fenced area and on a leash when walking it in a neighborhood. This does not guarantee that an already aggressive breed of dog will not attack, but they may reduce the likelihood of that happening.
Under the Dog Bite Statute in Massachusetts, a dog owner can be held responsible for injuries their animal causes another person or property. The injured person must not be found to be provoking the pet at the time of the attack, and the victim must also not be discovered to be trespassing or other laws. Furthermore, according to “strict liability” in the state, the owner of a dog can be held responsible for injuries even if he or she can make the case that the dog was properly secured.
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Protect Yourself
When you find yourself in an attack, you need to know what to do in the moment. Public health officials in Boston have highlighted how to respond, and they include:
- Putting an object like a purse or jacket between yourself and the dog.
- Curling into a ball and protecting sensitive areas like your head, ears, and neck with your hands.
- Cleaning wounds with soap and water as soon as you are safe.
- Seeking medical attention immediately to prevent serious infection.
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Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a dog attack and its owner was responsible, then you need a Boston dog bite attorney who has handled similar cases in Massachusetts to pursue all rightful compensation on your behalf. You could be entitled to having medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other costs covered. Your injuries can be severe and the length of your recovery time may be uncertain, so make sure not to delay in getting the help you need.
Call us at (617) 870-0907 to schedule a free consultation. We can evaluate your case and tell you what damages you may be entitled to claim.
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