In Texas or elsewhere, there’s no way to predict with near certainty which dogs might bite and which won’t. Nevertheless, studies have documented that there are certain breeds of dogs with more bite incidents attributed to them than others. Awareness may be a key to safety. Many animal advocates believe statistics are higher among some breeds, not because of natural aggression tendencies but because more people own such breeds than others.
Breeds with the most dog bites
Data from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) shows higher rates of dog bites among these breeds:
- German Shepherd
- Rottweiler
- Pit Bull
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Mixed breed
Does this mean that if you own one of these dogs, it’s going to bite someone? No, not at all. Aggression in dogs has a lot to do with the owner, or more specifically, how a dog is trained and cared for, as well as its environment and health.
Injuries from dog bites can be severe
If a Rottweiler, Pit Bull or another dog attacks you, seeking medical attention is a top priority. Dog bites often require many stitches and follow-up care. Texas law operates on a “one bite” rule. This rule means that a dog owner should be aware of his or her pet’s tendency to bite after a single biting incident has occurred. If your dog bites someone, then you are expected to exercise due diligence in trying to prevent future bites.
Following a dog bite, you may have grounds to seek restitution if the dog’s owner was negligent. Under Texas law, proving negligence includes evidence showing the dog’s owner failed to act prudently and reasonably to keep you safe. Would the average person have been able to prevent the attack by exercising reasonable care in similar circumstances? If so, and if you have evidence to show that the owner of the dog who bit you failed to do so, you may be entitled to financial recovery for your losses.