There are a number of reasons why dogs bite people. A dog bite attack could be a result of fear, territorial guardianship, or to assert sheer power or dominance over their prey. Some dog owners make the mistake of allowing their dogs to bite at a young age, giving them the illusion that biting is a tolerable form of playful behavior. In the end, it is the master's responsibility to provide the dog with the essential supervision, socialization skills, humane training, vaccinations, and confinement to prevent them from attacking.

Just like people, a dog is conscious of its personal space. Depending on the breed, this space can be just a few inches away or as broad as a territory that it roams. Regardless of the dog's possessiveness, even a dog that is typically passive and mild-mannered could go after a human. Dogs that are domineering or forceful by nature are much more unstable and may protect a large boundary surrounding their physical location. Anyone that infiltrates this marked region could be attacked immediately. Every year, there are cases of infants and toddlers who are killed when dogs mistake them for prey and bite.

In the US, the list of dog breeds most commonly involved in bite related injury and death is constantly changing on a yearly basis. Genetics can play a role in a dog's aggression, but factors that can be dictated by a dog's owner are even more significant (e.g., spaying or neutering). Conscientious ownership is the first step against dog attacks.

We all know dogs have the potential to pose a threat, but particular kinds can do much more damage to their victims. Certain breeds can even be bigger and stronger than the average person. Various aspects of their upbringing such as training, socialization, and suitable care can have an effect on the dog's demeanor, but some dogs are inherently more aggressive due to years upon years of being bred that way. Based on research conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association, Centers for Disease Control, and the Humane Society of the United States, here is a list of the top ten most dangerous dog breeds:

Some vicious dogs may even be classified as dangerous under breed specific laws. Certain states have dog bite laws stating that certain breeds, such as pit bulls and rottweilers, are dangerous by nature and are likely to bite someone. These laws make the owner more likely to be liable for dog bites. Many states also have dog bite statutes that make the owners liable for the actions of their pet. Some states also have a one-bite rule or first bite rule meaning if an owner has reason to believe the dog is dangerous and is likely to cause a bite injury, he or she will be held liable. Types of liability in dog bite cases may include owner liability, landlord liability and police liability. Dog bite liability has also been placed on the homeowner's association, humane society and adoption organizations. Dog bite injury lawyers know the details of each of these liabilities and can help you with your dog bite case.

States have designed dog bite laws to protect those injured, bitten and attacked by dogs. Dog bite victims can experience both physical pain and emotional distress after a dog bite injury or attack. Do not hesitate to contact a dog bite lawyer if you or a loved is a dog bite victim. A good dog bite attorney can aggressively litigate your dog bite lawsuit and help you receive the compensation you deserve.