People in New Jersey love their dogs. When the American Kennel Club released its list of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., New Jersey’s selection was right in line with the rest of the country. In fact, New Jersey’s top five most popular dog breeds are almost an exact match for AKC’s. The 15 most popular dog breeds in the Garden State, as compiled by the NJ Advanced Media, are:

  • Cavalier King Charles spaniel
  • Doberman pinscher
  • Boxer
  • German shorthaired pointer
  • Siberian husky
  • Beagle
  • Havanese
  • Yorkshire terrier
  • Poodle
  • Rottweiler
  • Bulldog
  • French bulldog
  • Golden retriever
  • German shepherd
  • Labrador retriever

Which Dog Breeds Cause the Most Damaging Bites?

Despite our love for dogs, not all dogs are well-trained or behaved. When a dog gets loose or is agitated, they can lash out at anyone around them. While no one wishes to demonize our furry friends, it is important to pay attention to which dogs are most at risk to bite an innocent victim to learn how to avoid further incidents.

A new study has identified the breeds that cause the most damaging dog bites, as reported by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). To assess bite severity of different breeds, researchers in this study reviewed 15 years of dog-bite facial trauma cases, involving 240 patients, who were treated at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio and the University of Virginia Health System. In evaluating the severity of these bites, researchers focused on:

  • Wound size
  • Tissue tearing
  • Bone fractures
  • Injuries severe enough to require a facial trauma and reconstructive surgeon

Researchers looked for data regarding the frequency of dog bites, as well as severity. “Unknown” is at the top of the list for the most damaging dog bite breeds in this study. Below that, ranked in descending order, are the following breeds:

  • Pitbull
  • Mixed breed
  • German shepherd
  • Terrier
  • Rottweiler

Popularity vs Risks of Dog Bites in New Jersey

Some of the dogs most likely to cause severe dog-bite injuries are ranked among the 15 most popular dogs in New Jersey. German shepherds and Rottweilers are specifically named in the damaging dog bite list and New Jersey’s list of most popular dogs. Terrier is one of the top six dog breeds for causing severe dog-bite injuries, and Yorkshire terriers are among the most popular dogs in the Garden State. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to this connection between popularity and dog bites, such as the number of dogs in New Jersey, bias in how specific breeds are raised and treated, and others. But within the state of New Jersey, one of the most important is negligent owners.

New Jersey imposes strict liability on dog owners, especially when injuries are involved. This is true regardless of whether the dog had shown any aggressive behavior previously, or whether the dog owner knew it would bite. Strict liability applies when a person is bitten by a dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the dog owner. If you or your child has been bitten and injured by a dog, it is likely you have a valid claim for compensation against the owner.

Holding owners accountable for their dog’s actions can help mitigate further attacks and ensure you are not buried under a pile of medical bills because of a negligent or inattentive owner. Once you have had your dog bite injuries reviewed by a medical professional, reach out to the New Jersey personal injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. by calling (609) 240-0040.

The firm’s principals, Gabriel R. Lependorf and David E. Silverstein, have each been representing injured victims in the State of New Jersey for over thirty years.

Call Our Office At (609) 240-0040 Today for Help