Dogs may be man’s best friend, but they can also be very dangerous. Most American dog owners raise them to interact with humans amicably, but this is not always the case. Additionally, in some situations, even the most docile dog may bite.
Statistically, some dog breeds are much more dangerous than others. According to Forbes Magazine, the most dangerous breed of dog in 2017, measured in how many fatalities the breed is responsible for, was the pit bull.
Is there a reason pit bulls are so dangerous?
Pit bulls are usually characterized as a more aggressive dog breed, but there is an interesting correlation between pitbulls and humans who are most likely to own them. Statistics show that individuals who own vicious dogs are far more likely to have a criminal background. It is likely that pitbulls are more apt to be present in violent environments as compared to other breeds of dogs.
It is also important to remember that pitbulls are more likely to appear in illegal dog fighting rings than many other breeds of dog. This could explain why the pit bull is responsible for nearly 284 human deaths spanning 13 years. The next most dangerous dog breed is the Rottweiler, and the Rottweiler only is responsible for 45 deaths over the same time span. Coming in third place is the German shepherd with 20 deaths.
Should I avoid pit bulls?
A pitbull in a stable environment with loving owners is relatively unlikely to have a violent temperament. However, it is important to remember that all dogs are still animals and you should approach them with care. This applies whether the dog in question is a pitbull or a golden retriever.
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