Which Dog Breeds Are Most Commonly Linked to Dog Bite Claims in Missouri?
Dogs have long been known as “man’s best friend.” In fact, a 2024 study by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) found that 45.5% of U.S. households own at least one dog, totaling nearly 89.7 million nationwide. For many Americans—and Missourians in particular—dogs provide companionship, comfort, and even health benefits.
Unfortunately, even beloved pets can cause serious harm. According to the public safety site DogsBite.org, nearly 1,000 people are treated in U.S. emergency rooms for dog bite injuries every day, with an estimated 4.5 million bites occurring annually. While any dog has the potential to bite, certain breeds appear more often in severe bite statistics and personal injury claims. These breeds are often labeled as “dangerous,” not because every dog of that breed is aggressive, but because their physical traits and tendencies can make their attacks especially damaging.
At Wallentine Injury Law, our experienced Missouri dog bite lawyers understand the lasting impact these incidents have on victims and the stigma attached to specific dog breeds. Our team is committed to fighting for your rights after a dog bite in Missouri, ensuring you receive the compensation and medical care you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog in Missouri, contact us today.
Why Are Certain Dog Breeds Considered More Dangerous?
If all dogs are capable of biting, why are certain breeds considered more dangerous? The answer often lies in a mix of physical traits, genetic tendencies, and other external factors that can influence aggression.
Size and Strength
Larger breeds naturally have more muscle and power, making it easier for them to overpower a person, especially children or older adults who may struggle to defend themselves. Their size also means that when they do bite, the injuries are often more serious, such as broken bones, deep lacerations, or knockdowns that lead to secondary injuries like concussions. While small dogs may bite frequently, the risk of life-threatening harm is far greater with large, strong breeds.
Jaw Strength
Because most dog-related attacks involve bites, jaw strength is an important factor. Bigger breeds typically exert higher bite pressure, but even the average dog’s bite force of about 235 pounds per square inch (PSI) is strong enough to cause severe damage. Breeds with especially powerful jaws can inflict catastrophic injuries in a single bite.
Purpose of Breeding/Temperament
Historically, many breeds were developed for specific functions such as guarding, herding, or hunting. Even though most dogs today are companions, they still carry instincts from their lineage, according to the American Kennel Club. Some breeds may be more territorial or protective, while others tend to be more easily trained. These inherited tendencies can influence how likely a breed is to show aggression.
History of Aggression
Beyond breed traits, a dog’s individual history matters. A dog that has bitten before is more likely to do so again, since it has learned that aggression can serve as a defense. Even a single prior incident can cause a dog to be labeled “dangerous,” regardless of its breed.
All of these factors—size, jaw strength, breeding, and history—contribute to whether a dog is perceived as dangerous. Understanding them helps explain why certain breeds appear more often in serious bite claims and why it’s important to be aware of those risks.
Which Dog Breeds Are Most Commonly Linked to Dog Bite Claims in Missouri?
With nearly 20 years of personal injury experience, Wallentine Injury Law is familiar with the dog breeds most often connected to bite-related injury claims in Missouri. The breeds our Missouri dog bite lawyers frequently encounter include:
Pit Bulls
The American Pit Bull Terrier has grown increasingly popular as a household pet in recent years. Despite efforts by advocacy groups to highlight their affectionate qualities, statistics tell another story. According to DogsBite.org, pit bulls account for more than 65% of all dog bite fatalities in the U.S. Their average bite force of 235 pounds per square inch (PSI) is not the strongest among breeds, but their frequent involvement in attacks underscores their potential danger.
Rottweilers
Rottweilers remain one of the most powerful breeds, historically bred for herding and guarding. Adults often exceed 100 pounds, and their bite force averages around 328 PSI. Over a 13-year study period, Rottweilers were responsible for 10.4% of U.S. dog bite fatalities. While they are involved in fewer attacks than pit bulls, the severity of their bites often leads to devastating injuries.
German Shepherds
German Shepherds are known for loyalty and protective instincts, which make them popular working and family dogs. However, those same instincts can also trigger aggression when they perceive a threat. DogsBite.org data shows German Shepherds were responsible for 4.6% of U.S. dog bite fatalities. Their bite force ranges from 175 to 238 PSI, strong enough to inflict serious harm.
Nationwide, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds are the breeds most consistently linked to serious bite injuries. While Missouri-specific statistics are less readily available, our firm’s experience confirms that these same breeds appear most often in the dog bite cases we handle.
Root Causes of Dog Aggression
Just as important as recognizing which breeds tend to appear in bite statistics is understanding the common causes of dog aggression—causes that can affect any breed. Knowing what triggers aggression and the warning signs can help you and your family take proactive steps to avoid a serious injury.
Dogs may act aggressively for reasons such as:
- Fearfulness- When a dog feels afraid, it reacts much like humans do. A scared dog will usually try to escape the situation, but if it cannot, aggression is common as a defense. Fearful dogs may growl or bare their teeth, but warning signs are not always present, so caution is important.
- Pain- Because dogs cannot communicate pain the way humans can, they may become aggressive when suffering from an injury or medical condition. Even a trusted pet may bite its owner if the pain is severe enough. If a dog shows signs of pain, extra precautions should be taken.
- Possessiveness- Many dogs display possessive behaviors, also called “resource guarding.” While domestic dogs no longer need to protect food or shelter for survival, the instinct remains from their ancestors. A dog that feels its territory or possessions are threatened may respond with aggression.
- Poor Socialization/Training- As noted earlier, dogs maintain a genetic link to their wild ancestors. Without proper training and exposure to people and other animals, they may struggle to behave appropriately and may resort to aggression.
A dog may act aggressively because of these factors or others not listed. To stay safe, it is important to watch for warning signs from both pets and unfamiliar dogs. When a dog bite does occur, pursuing a dog bite injury claim is often the best course of action. An experienced Missouri dog bite lawyer can guide you through the legal process, including the state’s specific dog bite laws and your recovery options.
Missouri Dog Bite Legislation
In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one is the victim of a dog bite injury, Missouri law has several key rulings in place to protect you. Being aware of these laws is important; however, our Missouri dog bite lawyers can guide you through each one and help you understand how they may apply to your case.
Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL)
Certain breeds, such as the ones mentioned earlier, are often classified as dangerous or vicious. Breed-specific legislation was created in an effort to reduce dog attacks. BSLs can exist at the city, county, or state level, but in Missouri, they are most often local. The state itself does not have one unified BSL, but many Missouri municipalities and counties have restrictions or outright bans on specific breeds. For a complete list of Missouri BSLs, visit the BSL Census.
Strict Liability Statute
Missouri law (RSMo § 273.036) codifies the state’s strict liability rule for dog bite injuries. Under this statute, dog owners are automatically at fault for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggression before. This is in contrast to the general rule for recovery of injuries, where the plaintiff must be able to demonstrate that the person who harmed them was negligent in their actions.
Furthermore, the same statute imposes a fine of $1,000 on dog owners when their dog bites another person. It is important to note that this fine does not replace civil remedies that dog bite victims can pursue.
Finally, the same statute does allow for dog owners to defend themselves by claiming that the person bitten was at fault for the dog bite, reducing their liability under comparative fault.
Both of these laws can significantly affect a dog bite injury claim in Missouri. Most importantly, the strict liability statute ensures that victims have a clear legal path to compensation, even when the dog had no prior history of aggression.
How Can Our Missouri Dog Bite Lawyers Help?
As a dog owner or bystander, it is important to understand how breed-specific traits can influence aggression. While any dog may become aggressive, statistics show that certain breeds are more often involved in serious dog bite injury claims.
Protect yourself and your loved ones by staying alert to warning signs and breed tendencies. If you are the victim of a dog attack, reach out to our experienced Missouri dog bite lawyers. Our team will guide you through the legal process, explain the Missouri laws that apply to your case, connect you with medical providers, pursue full compensation, and help you move toward closure.
Call 816-934-6333 or contact us online today to begin your free consultation.
References
- Aggression – ASPCA
- Digging deeper into dog aggression – Cierra Howe; Pet Resource Center of Kansas City
- Does Dog Breed Affect Behavior? In a Word, Yes. – American Kennel Club
- Dog Bite Statistics – DogsBite.org
- Finding the Strongest Dog Bite in 10 Breeds – Sascha Bos; How Stuff Works
- Missouri Breed Specific Legislation – BSL Census
- Once a Dog Bites, Will It Bite Again? – USA Dog Behavior
- Rottweiler History: From Working Dog to Sporting, Therapy Dog – Elaine Waldorf Gewirtz; American Kennel Club
- RSMo § 273.036 – Missouri Revisor of Statutes
- The Ten Most Dangerous Dog Breeds – Dog Academy
- U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities: Breeds of Dogs Involved, Age Groups and Other Factors Over a 13-Year Period (2005 to 2017) – DogsBite.org
- U.S. pet ownership statistics – American Veterinary Medical Association
