Stephen Schultz | April 23, 2026 | Dog Bites
Studies show that approximately 4.5 million people suffer a dog bite each year, with nearly 1 million of those victims requiring medical attention. Among these cases, a significant number require emergency care or treatment for serious injuries.
While any dog has the ability to bite, certain breeds are more frequently involved in reported bite incidents, particularly when factors like training, environment, and handling are involved.
Which Dog Breeds Bite and Injure Most Often?
While any dog can bite, certain breeds are more commonly involved in reported bite incidents. Factors such as size, strength, training, and environment can all influence a dog’s behavior. When bites do occur, larger and more powerful dogs are more likely to cause serious injuries.
Some breeds that are frequently cited in dog bite reports include:
- Pit bulls: Pit bulls are often mentioned in studies involving dog bite injuries. They are powerful dogs, and when incidents occur, the injuries can be severe. However, factors such as training, ownership, and environment play a significant role in their behavior.
- Rottweilers: Rottweilers are commonly used as guard dogs due to their protective nature. They may be more likely to bite in situations where they feel threatened or are guarding their territory, particularly around unfamiliar people.
- German shepherds: Known for their intelligence and use in law enforcement, German Shepherds are highly trainable. Without proper training and socialization, however, they may react defensively in certain situations.
- Doberman pinschers: Dobermans are also known for their guarding instincts. While many are well-trained and not aggressive, they can be involved in bite incidents under certain circumstances.
Ultimately, a dog’s behavior is influenced by many factors beyond breed alone. Proper training, supervision, and responsible ownership play a critical role in preventing dog bites and injuries.
Missouri Dog Bite Laws
Missouri follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bites. This means that an owner can be held responsible for any injuries resulting from the bite, even if the dog had no history of biting or aggression. As long as the victim did not provoke the dog, they can seek compensation from the owner for their damages.
Common Injuries Resulting from Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause serious injuries, and many victims are left with permanent scarring, nerve damage, or disfigurement. Some of the most common types of injuries caused by dog bites are:
- Severe lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Facial injuries
- Eye injuries
- Bacterial infections
- Disfigurement
- Wrongful death
It is important to seek medical treatment immediately after a dog bite. Quick treatment can help keep your injuries from getting worse, and it can also help preserve your legal rights if you need to file a personal injury claim.
Types of Damages Available to Dog Bite Victims
Dog bite victims are entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. This includes payments for your financial losses as well as your physical and emotional trauma.
Some common types of damages available after a dog bite are:
- Medical bills and expenses
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- PTSD
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent scarring
- Permanent fear of dogs
The impact of a dog bite can go far beyond the initial injury, affecting a victim physically, emotionally, and financially.
Contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Ladue Dog Bite Lawyer
If you have been bitten by someone else’s dog in Missouri, you may need the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer to get the compensation you are owed. Contact the team at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Ladue dog bite lawyer and let us help you get the justice you deserve.
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
