Many people are wary of certain breeds of dog. Some people fear Rottweilers or Dobermans because of their reputation as guard dogs, while others give every pit bull mix they see a wide berth after reading news accounts of them attacking people.
Yet, focusing too much on breeds can leave you more vulnerable to a dog bite. The harsh truth is that any dog can bite and – especially in the case of small children – any dog could cause serious injury.
Even lap dogs can do harm
Chihuahuas are some of the most aggressive dogs around. Fortunately, their size generally limits the harm that comes from their aggressiveness. However, even these tiny lap dogs can cause serious injury if a bite were to get infected or if they bite a child on the face.
Bigger dogs are associated with more serious injuries, however, largely because their jaws are stronger and they are harder to fend off if they attack.
A dog’s history of aggression matters
Some breeds are considered far less likely to attack someone than others – but all dogs are individuals. If a particular dog has been mistreated or feels threatened, it might attack regardless of its inherent nature.
A dog that was beaten by an owner who often wore a red hoodie might have developed a deep fear of people in red hoodies, for example. If you get too close while dressed in one, it might bite to defend itself from the harm it assumes is coming. Or, a family pet that has recently returned from surgery might snap at the toddler who rushes to cuddle it and touches the sore part.
Ultimately, you have to treat every dog as a potential danger and take precautions accordingly. Dog owners are often genuinely surprised when their dog attacks someone. Unlike some states, California does not allow dogs one free bite. If someone’s dog bites you unprovoked, you generally have the right to seek compensation from them.
