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April 26, 2023 - Dog Breeds

Are Pitbulls Dangerous?

Dogs are often called man’s best friend, and for good reason – they are loyal and loving companions that enrich our lives. While any breed can show aggression, people wonder, “Are pitbulls dangerous?” because they are statistically more likely to exhibit such behavior than others, highlighting the importance of strict safety measures.

If the bite of someone else’s pit bull – or any breed of dog – leaves you injured, an experienced New Jersey dog bite lawyer can help you obtain the compensation to which you are entitled and that you need to reach your fullest recovery. 

 

The Truth about Pit Bull Attacks: Analyzing the Statistics

The likelihood of a specific breed of a dog attacking another dog or person is predicated on how likely they are to become aggressive, and reports indicate that pit bulls have little competition when it comes to top billing for canine aggression. Consider the following statistics:

  • Pit bulls and rottweilers are statistically the most aggressive dog breeds in this country, but since 2005, the number of fatal pit bull attacks has been seven times higher than the number of fatal rottweiler attacks.
  • In the decades from the 1970s to the 2000s, the number of fatal dog bites doubled, and during this time, the percentage of these fatalities that were caused by pit bulls also increased. 
  • Of the 238 dog-attack fatalities included in a decades-long government study, almost half involved pit bulls and rottweilers – with pit bulls outpacing rottweilers significantly.
  • In a 15-year span that ended in the 2000s, more than 75 percent of the fatal dog attacks were caused by pit bulls and rottweilers. 

While not every pit bull exhibits dangerous aggression, the breed is far more likely to do so, according to the statistics. This means that owners of pit bulls need to be vigilant in relation to the safety of others.

 

Dissecting Pit Bull Behavior: Insights from Scientific Research

Are Pitbull Dangerous 1

Aggression is a top concern when it comes to any dog’s behaviors and the ASPCA shares that a wide range of pit bull behaviors fall into this classification. Humans, dogs, and many other species use aggression as a tool for maintaining social order and successfully negotiating social interactions.

Aggressive behaviors in pit bulls and other dogs tend to build as follows:

  • Barking at the victim in a threatening, guttural manner
  • Charging the victim without making direct contact
  • Punching the victim with their muzzles
  • Growling directly at the victim
  • Snarling at the victim by baring their teeth and growling
  • Snapping at the victim
  • Nipping at the victim
  • Attacking the victim outright

When a pit bull’s aggression isn’t checked, an attack can be imminent. Every dog – including every pit bull – has its own warning signs in relation to aggression, which makes it critical that dog owners get to know their pets’ tendencies and remain hyper alert in relation to escalating aggression. 

A very important point to make about pit bulls is that they are one of the rare dog breeds that may attack without displaying any of the escalating warning signs of aggression. In other words, a pit bull’s aggressive display can seemingly come out of nowhere.

Canine Aggression: Pit Bulls in Comparison to Other Breeds

As noted, pit bulls are leaders when it comes to aggression, but there are many other dog breeds that are worthy of attention. Consider the following statistics:

  • While rottweilers are a distant second to pit bulls when it comes to deadly attacks, this breed has a tight hold on its standing as the second-most dangerous breed. 
  • Of all the dog bites that required medical attention in a 40-year stretch, Akitas were responsible for 8 percent. 
  • In a 10-year stretch, American bulldogs were responsible for 1.1 percent of all fatal dog attacks.
  • In a 30-year stretch, chow chows were responsible for seven fatalities and 58 dangerous attacks.
  • Over 30 years, both German shepherds and Doberman pinschers were responsible for a significant number of fatalities and dangerous attacks. 
  • Wolf-dog hybrids have the potential to be exceptionally dangerous, and as a result, many states have strict regulations in place related to breeding and ownership. 

Small dogs that are less likely to cause life-threatening damage can be highly aggressive, and the Chihuahua is a prime example. 

 

The Human Factor: How Owner Behavior Affects Pit Bull Aggression

Are Pitbull Dangerous 2

 

Both nature and nurture can play a prime role in how aggressive a pit bull – or any other dog – is. Factors such as behavioral tendencies, personality, and temperament are not completely genetic. How the animal is socialized, trained, and raised all play a role in how likely the pit bull is to become dangerously aggressive. 

Setting the Stage for Safety

Dog owners with pets that are identified as being aggressive breeds – like pit bulls – must implement more care when their dogs are around other animals and other people. The basics when it comes to preventing pit bull aggression include all the following:

  • Owners should socialize their pit bulls from early on to help ensure they are as comfortable as possible in a wide range of circumstances.
  • Owners must prioritize the safety of others by remaining in control of their pit bulls when out in public and by knowing the circumstances that are likely to trigger their pets’ aggression.
  • Owners are responsible for ensuring that their pit bulls get the exercise they need without putting others at risk.  
  • Pit bulls should be kept on short leashes that afford their owners maximum control.
  • A pit bull owner who is physically incapable of controlling their pet on a leash should not own a pit bull. 
  • A pit bull that has identified someone in the household to menace will remain a risk to that person, which means the dog is a dangerous pet for the family.
  • Spaying and neutering pit bulls helps to reduce the risk that they will attract other dogs to them and the risk that they will run. 
  • Consistently training a pit bull with a reward-based system is a good mechanism for teaching basic commands and ensuring greater manageability. 
  • Owners should keep their pit bulls back from other dogs and from other people, which includes not allowing strangers to pet their dogs. 
  • Because pit bulls are not good candidates for dog parks, owners must have the space and fencing in place to afford them the opportunities they need to run.
  • Owners who focus on never giving their pit bulls a chance to harm other people or animals are the most successful at ensuring that others aren’t endangered by their pets. 

Safety precautions can help prevent dog bites, but not always. You might still suffer a dog bite injury even if you are as safe as possible. If this happens, learn about your rights from a dog bite attorney. 

 

Identifying the Varying Forms of Aggression

Are Pitbull Dangerous 1

A pit bull’s aggression serves a purpose for the animal, and a better understanding of the roles the pet’s aggression plays can help the owner gain a better understanding of when aggression is likely to be a concern. Consider the following common purposes of a pit bull’s aggression:

 

  • Pit bulls are territorial, which means a perceived intruder can trigger aggression. 
  • Pit bulls tend to be protective of their owners – or those they bond with – which means any perceived threat in relation to the pet owner’s safety can inspire aggression.
  • A pit bull with a litter of puppies can exhibit immense aggression that is related to protection.
  • When a pit bull feels cornered or trapped, the fear it experiences can lead to dangerous aggression. 
  • Pit bulls can become aggressive in relation to the possession of their food, their beds, their chew toys, their bones, or anything else, and a perceived threat can incite serious aggression.
  • A pit bull’s perception of hierarchical order, its level of frustration, or the pain it experiences can all lead to dangerous aggression.

Attempting to stop a pit bull from reacting aggressively can lead to a refocusing of the animal’s aggression toward the person attempting to exert control. When it comes to pit bulls, the best policy is always severely limiting the circumstances in which these dogs have the opportunity to harm others. 

 

Turn to an Experienced New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer for the Help You Need

If you or someone you love has been injured by a pit bull attack, the physical, financial, and emotional losses you experience can be immense. Dog owners in New Jersey are responsible for taking the reasonable precautions necessary to protect others, and failure to do so can prove exceptionally dangerous. 

David J. Cowhey is a seasoned dog bite liability attorney at the New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer whose impressive practice is focused on helping clients like you prevail with favorable claim resolutions that support their most complete recoveries. We are here for you, too, so please reach out to us through our online form or call us at (866) 259-4377 today.

 

  • The Truth about Pit Bull Attacks: Analyzing the Statistics
  • Dissecting Pit Bull Behavior: Insights from Scientific Research
  • Canine Aggression: Pit Bulls in Comparison to Other Breeds
  • The Human Factor: How Owner Behavior Affects Pit Bull Aggression
  • Turn to an Experienced New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer for the Help You Need

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Dave was awesome helping me through the nightmare world of insurance claims after my daughter was attacked by a neighbors dog. Dave is very friendly, always available and extremally knowledgeable and connected to this process. I highly recommend you call him about your case,

John L.

David Cowhey, Esq. did a great job for my daughter, who had been bit by a dog and left with a scar on her leg. He is an extremely competent and responsive attorney. The whole process was very easy and he negotiated a great settlement! We are very happy. Highly recommend his professional services!!

J S

My experience with David Cowhey was amazing, he is a very knowledgeable and helpful lawyer. I got bit by a dog and it left a very noticeable scar on my leg and David was great to have on my side. He’s very easy to work with, would definitely recommend if you’re going through the same thing!

Michaela S.

Dave is so professional. My daughter was 6 when she was attacked by a friend of the family dog. I contacted Dave’s office and spoke with his secretary. She was so friendly and asked questions that made me feel comfortable. I was amazed by how fast the service was and everything was easy to understand. Dave made sure my daughter was compensated for her injuries and along with pain & suffering. There couldn’t be a more perfect choice but that’s because God helped me choose this great lawyer! He did an excellent job!!! She is 7 now and We are now able to move on better because of the help of Dave. Pick this lawyer!! I PROMISE YOU WONT REGRET ANYTHING AT ALL‼️ Thank you Dave!

Nieja M,

My entire experience with Dave and his team was 5 stars. They specialize in one thing, and this experience taught me why you want an attorney who specializes. Dave's knowledge, experience, and confidence is what made things go smoothly and quickly. Professional and quick responses always. If someone was bitten by a dog I recommend this guy, he will get you what you deserve.

Morgan K.

My wife got bit by a dog last spring; she immediately received medical care and we made a police report- all within 2 hours. Shortly thereafter, we decided to choose Attorney David to represent her. He walked us through the process. It is much more comfortable knowing that his practice only involves dog bites. He knows his stuff! We have just received notice that a fair settlement has been reached. If you have been bitten by a dog, my wife and I would highly recommend David Cowhey for an attorney. Thank you to David and his professional staff!

David D.

My 8 year old son was bitten by a neighborhood dog, leaving permanent scars on his abdomen. I immediately contacted David Cowhey. He explained the process very clearly and made it very easy for us to come to a fair settlement for my son. He was a perfect advocate for us, and he is very compassionate for the victim. We are very pleased with the hard work David has done for our son.

Stephanie D.

Lawyer Dave Cowhey (& his office) helped my wife, son and me immensely over the past 15 months. He is tremendously professional, responsive and proactive, as well as being, a great attorney. Thanks to Dave, we are now able to put our 'incident' behind us. I highly recommend his services - he will work hard and long for you to get you the settlement you deserve.

Seth K G

My experience with Dave and his law firm was wonderful. While I was nervous to start the process of something that I knew nothing about, he was extremely helpful and explained everything clearly and concisely. He answered all of my questions - day or night, weekday or weekend, and made sure I was comfortable at each step. I would highly recommend Dave and his firm!

Ariella L.

I absolutely loved my entire time of working with with Dave. He always kept my best interest in mind and made sure that I was taking care of. He was amazing at communicating all steps in the process with me, and never hesitated to answer any of my questions. Would highly recommend!

Amanda G.

Dave was extremely responsive and guided me thru the process with compassion. His specialization in dog bites really helped facilitate the process. He knows all the insurance issues and, despite the backlog of cases due to Covid, was able to settle my claim for more than we anticipated as well as earlier. I would definitely recommend Dave as I felt comfortable that I was getting the best advice every step of the way!

Kristen J.

Dave did extremely well by me and my family. He was nothing short of professional and assisted us through the entire process. I called him the day of the dog bite, and I followed his instructions to the "T". Him, and his staff, were knowledgeable on every step of the process. From medical advise, to advise on setting up our structured settlement for our child. If you need help right away, don't wait.... call him asap!!!

William W.

Dave was amazing, he handled my case with care , answered every question , email and helped me to understand the steps we needed to take. I had never dealt with a lawsuit before so of course I was nervous and thought I was going to get ripped off but nope. He was very professional and attentive. Hope I never need him again but should I ever need a lawyer for a dog bite i'm calling him first!

Neyia W.

Dave Cowhey was amazing during our case which was very personal in the sense that involved family members. He was candid and professional and always gave us his honest opinion to all our questions and concerns. He's a family man and understands how upsetting the situations are at hand. I wish he was a lawyer for everything honestly, he was fantastic! Highly recommended Dave and his team.

Courtney R.

My one year old dog and I were viciously attacked by a pit bull. I didn’t want to file a law suit initially until I realized the severity of the injuries both mentally and physically. Most lawyers are all about the money not for the justice and compassion of the victim. I am blessed to have found David. He was our hero who understood our situation was efficient knowledgeable and above all sincerely compassionate

Karol M.

Dave was hands on and always available. Steered me through the entire process and helped cover my medical costs and compensation for my scar and injury. Went over and Beyond and made me feel at ease and confident in a positive outcome. Would recommend to all.

COACH B

Honest, fast, responsive and professional. Great experience working with Mr. Cowhey and I highly recommend to handle any dog bite case.

Lilian P.

We contacted Dave when our 5 year old son was attacked by our neighbor's dog, resulting in deep wounds (and now scars) on his face and arm. Dave was extremely knowledgeable/helpful from the start, explaining how everything would work, and he was always available via phone/text if we had questions come up throughout the process. He always gave us all of the options/routes we could take and let us decide what was the best move for our family. He advocated for the best outcome for our son and always kept us in the loop. We were able to settle in a friendly hearing with the homeowner-insurance company, which was simple and straightforward, thanks to all of Dave's hard work behind-the-scenes. We definitely could not have navigated this process ourselves and we are very thankful for the help of Dave and his team!

Elisa H.

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