All dogs bite. Dogs bite when they are scared, protecting their litter and/or owners, because they are being abused or taunted, and when there are no other options available to them but to bite. Animals in the wild and domesticated animals that have turned feral, unless in a pack, tend to avoid humans. There are no such things as dangerous dog breeds specifically, many people erroneously assume that there is some form of canine madness, but most often dog become dangerous when subjected to poor owner skills.
Many dog bites are avoidable if owners are taking proper care of their pets, and when parents of small children pay better attention to their children when in an area with animals, and by teaching those rules about proper treatment of animals.
Many people take on the ownership of dogs and other pets without realizing all of the ramifications surrounding pet ownership. They don’t understand that dogs need attention and training. It is not a part-time commitment. They don’t have the time or inclination to properly care for a dog and, without meaning to, create a dangerous situation for themselves and those around them.
Many of these pet parents are also ignorant of the laws regarding dogs in their towns and cities. Leash laws are often ignored, either do to ignorance to the laws or, more frequently, because owners believe that their dogs are well trained and equally well mannered. The laws are in place not only for the public’s safety, but for the pets and their owners’ safety as well.
Owners Should Take Responsibility
- There are a few tried and true rules when it comes to raising a dog, especially if that pet is going to be around people outside of the family unit.
- Avoiding the teaching of aggression is also a necessary precaution for owners to take into consideration.
- Leaving dogs unsupervised when around infants and children should be avoided.
- Teach dogs socialization skills early on in their training, as well as proper behavior.
- Know the laws regarding dogs in your area. Forewarned is truly forearmed when it comes to avoiding insurance claims. Many towns, cities, states and countries have laws restricting the breeds they will allow in their area, be sure to know those in your home area and those of any places you may intend to visit.
- Don’t let your dog run freely.
- Spend plenty of time with your pet.
- Don’t take the dog into a situation you are unsure of without using extreme caution.
- If the dog exhibits aggressive behavior, take it to a trainer or vet to have it looked over thoroughly.
- Do carry insurance.
Top 10
There are many sites with lists of dangerous dogs. The list below is just one of many.
- Pit Bull
- Rottweiler
- German Shepherd
- Husky
- Alaskan Malamute
- Doberman Pinscher
- Chow Chow
- Presa Canario
- Boxer
- Dalmatian
Owners and Insurance
On the Dog Bite Legal Center’s website due to the ever escalating costs incurred in dealing with dog bite claims, some insurance companies are now blacklisting certain breeds and not allowing owners of these dogs to get homeowners’ insurance. They point out that the Insurance Information Institute claims that dog related liability claims are on the rise, in 1996 $250 million was spent on these claims with a marked increase in 2001 amounting to $310 million in claims. Insurance companies include breeds in their blacklists not on most dangerous dog lists. Additional breeds considered dangerous include wolf-hybrids, Great Danes and Akitas.
In addition to insurance blacklisting, more and more apartment, condo, Mobile Home Park and RV camp sites owners and managers have rules regarding the animals they will allow in their rentals and camp areas. Many parks and public recreation areas have rules as well, so always be straight forward and honest when looking for a rental or vacation spot.
Final Advice
Keep all of these facts and suggestions in mind when considering adopting a dog who is of a breed considered “dangerous”, as it may be in the dog and your best interests to know where you stand legally and politically.
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