Dangerous Dog Breeds in Michigan

Our Michigan dangerous dog breeds attorneys represent victims of dog bites and animal attacks in cases throughout Michigan. Victims who often seek our expertise are: families of children who have been attacked, postal workers, and utility workers.

Certain breeds of dogs are thought to be more dangerous than others, more aggressive and more adapt to attack an individual compared to other breeds. Some of this may be due to design; other reasons may include learned behavior passed on dog owners. Whatever the reason, if you or someone you know suffers injuries in a Michigan dangerous dog attack, you do have legal rights and may be able to pursue a dog bite injury lawsuit against the negligent dog owner.

Dangerous Dog Breeds

A breed of dog is defined as: a group of dogs that have similar or almost identical characteristics in their aspect or behavior, or generally both. Statistics show that some breeds of dogs are often more violent than others. According to a Vet Med Special Report the top five breeds responsible for 64.9% of all dog bite fatalities in the recent years are:

1.) Pit bull (26.95% of dog bite fatalities)

2.) Rottweiler (15.6% of all dog bite fatalities)

3.) German Shepherd

4.) Husky

5.) Malamute

Pit bulls are considered one of the most dangerous dog breeds to own. According to the National Canine Research Council, in 2010, 33 fatalities occurred within a human population of more than 308 million and a canine population estimated at over 78 million. Although pit bulls remain a small part of the dog population they contribute to the majority of fatalities and injuries each year.

More recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that from 2006-2008 pit bulls were found responsible for nearly 60% of deaths and violent injuries in the United States. Other dangerous breeds include:

• Dalmatian
• Pres Canario
• Doberman Pinschers
• Boxer
• Chow

Even though studies have shown that certain breeds of dogs are more dangerous than others, that does not mean that every dog of that breed is violent. A Dog’s disposition depends on two things, their breed and their owner. A dog is more likely to be dangerous if the dog’s owner encourages aggressive behavior.

Risks Of A Dangerous Dog

Dogs do provide a sense of security for people and property. If you own a dog, there are precautions you should take to make sure others do not get attacked or injured by your dog and to make dog ownership safe for you.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest the following items:

• Owners should carefully choose their pet dog by evaluating the environment and lifestyle
• Potential owners should speak with a professional to determine the appropriate type of pet
• Dogs should be neutered to reduce aggressive tendencies
• Never leave infants or young children alone with a dog
• Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog
• Children should be taught basic safety around dogs and reviewed regularly
• Dogs with histories of aggression are inappropriate for families with children
• Owners should not play aggressive games with their dogs
• If bitten, the bite should be reported immediately

Contact a Michigan Dangerous Dog Breeds Attorney

If you or a family member has been injured by a dangerous dog in Michigan, you should contact our Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. dangerous dog breeds attorneys. Our experienced Michigan law firm will hire specialized investigators to document the incident, supplementing any evidence you have been able to collect.  For more information about your legal rights, call us now to speak with one of our Michigan dangerous dog breeds lawyers. We will discuss your case with you and explain your legal rights.