Stephen Schultz | January 7, 2026 | Dog Bites
Every year, approximately 4.5 million Americans are injured by a dog bite, and more than 800,000 of those injuries require medical attention. While certain breeds appear more frequently in bite statistics, these numbers rarely tell the complete story.
For St. Louis residents who encounter unfamiliar dogs at parks, in neighborhoods, or even at friends’ homes, understanding what actually drives aggressive behavior matters. Training, socialization, and owner responsibility often influence a dog’s actions far more than genetics alone.
Knowing these factors can help you protect yourself and your family and understand your legal options if an attack occurs.
National Dog Bite Statistics Overview
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), roughly 334,000 people are treated in emergency departments each year for dog-bite injuries. Additionally, about 466,000 people are treated for dog bites in other medical settings. Some people who are injured by dogs may not seek medical treatment.
About half of dog bite victims are children under 12 years old. Individuals over 70 years old make up about 20% of fatal dog attacks. Dog bites are common in St. Louis and throughout Missouri. The USPS reported in May 2025 that St. Louis ranks 4th in the nation in dog attacks on Postal Service workers.
Breeds Most Frequently Reported in Bite Incidents
While all breeds of dogs can bite or attack a person or another animal, some breeds are involved in more bite incidents than others.
The World Animal Foundation reports the breeds of dogs involved in the most human fatalities as:
- Pit bull 66%
- Rottweiler 9%
- Mixed-breed 6%
- German Shepherd 4.2%
- Mastiff/Bullmastiff 3.5%
- American Bulldog 3.2%
- Husky 2.5%
Historically, Pit Bulls top the list of dogs responsible for bite incidents and fatal dog attacks. Together with Rottweilers, they are responsible for about three-fourths of fatal dog attacks.
Factors Beyond Breed That Influence Bite Risk
Breed alone is not a reliable predictor of whether a dog will attack or bite someone. A dog’s behavior is influenced by a range of environmental, physical, and human-controlled factors that play a significant role in bite risk, including:
- Socialization: Early socialization is a major factor in reducing aggression. Puppies exposed to a wide variety of people during the critical development period—generally between three and twelve weeks of age—are less likely to develop fear-based or aggressive behaviors later in life.
- Training: Training methods matter. Positive reinforcement techniques are associated with reduced aggression toward people and other animals, while training that relies on punishment is more likely to increase aggressive responses.
- Medical and behavioral health: Pain from injury or illness can make dogs more prone to biting, especially when sensitive areas are touched. Fear and anxiety disorders also increase the risk of aggressive behavior.
- Owner responsibility and supervision: Owners play a key role in bite prevention by properly securing and supervising their dogs. Regular veterinary care and attention to a dog’s health and behavior are essential.
- Environment and roaming: Many dog bites occur on a dog’s own property, but dogs that are allowed to roam freely pose a significant risk to public safety.
Dog bite risk is shaped by factors far beyond breed, including socialization, training, health, owner behavior, and environment.
Missouri Dog Bite Laws and Owner Liability
Missouri dog bite laws provide for strict liability for damages in some situations. An owner may be strictly liable if:
- The dog bites and injures someone
- The person was lawfully on public or private property
- The person did not provoke the dog
If you can prove the above elements, you do not need to prove the dog was previously aggressive or the owner was negligent to recover damages. Negligence is also a cause of action in some dog bite cases.
For example, the dog owner may be negligent if they violate leash laws or allow their dog to roam unsupervised. You may be able to sue for a dog bite injury.
What To Do After a Dog Bite in St. Louis
The steps you take after a dog bite in St. Louis can help protect your rights in a personal injury claim. Steps to take include:
- Seek immediate medical treatment and follow your doctor’s treatment plan
- Report the incident to the dog’s owner, the property owner, animal control, and other responsible parties
- Take photographs of your injuries throughout your recovery
- Ask witnesses for their names and contact details
- Keep detailed records and documents
Dog bites can cause painful conditions, disfigurement, and permanent impairments. Victims may be entitled to compensation for past and future economic and non-economic damages. Working with an experienced injury lawyer can help you seek a fair settlement for your dog bite injury claim.
Get Help After a St. Louis Dog Bite
If you or a loved one suffered injury from a dog bite in St. Louis, Missouri, Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand your legal options and pursue fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call us today for a free consultation with a St. Louis dog bite injury lawyer.
Dog bites can change your life in an instant. If you’ve been hurt by a dog bite, call Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers now to schedule a free consultation with a St. Louis dog bite attorney. We’ll review your case for free and help you take the next steps toward justice and recovery.
Contact the attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation, we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County and Boone County and we have offices in St. Louis, Ladue, Columbia, Creve Coeur.
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
319 N 4th Street, Suite 835, St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 444-4444
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Columbia Office
28 N 8th St # 502, Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 702-3285
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Ladue Office
9807 S 40 Dr, St. Louis, MO 63124
(314) 912-3302
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205, Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 350-4021
