Pit bulls are one of the most dangerous dogs. They pose a danger because of their selective breeding for dog fighting. Their powerful jaws and aggressive behavior make them more dangerous than any other dog breed. Other dangerous dog breeds include the following:

• Rottweilers
• Bull Mastiffs
• German Shepherds
• Huskies
• Chow Chow
• Malamutes
• Boxers
• Wolf-dog hybrids
• Dobermans
• Saint Bernards
• Great Danes

Knowing why dogs bite can help prevent them from happening. Some common reasons a dog attacks include:

• Fear – When someone or a stranger approaches a dog, he can be startled and bite suddenly without warning if he feels threatened.
• Possessiveness – A dog can bite when protecting his property, such as a bone, food, or toy.
• Maternal Instincts – Mother dogs naturally want to protect their puppies. If someone gets too close to their puppies, they may bite to protect their litter.
• Pain – If a dog is in pain, he likely wants to be left alone. Even friendly dogs can bite if they are in pain.
• Prey-Driven Instincts – Prey dogs typically act on their urges, including chasing, pulling, pouncing, and shaking. This type of aggression typically gets triggered when the dog sees someone running, cycling, or jogging.

Children are most at risk of severe dog bites. Because children are smaller and more vulnerable, they cannot defend themselves against aggressive dogs. The elderly are also likely to suffer severe injuries from a dog bite because of their fragility.

Those with dogs in their homes have a higher risk of someone getting bitten. Nearly 50 percent of all bites involve a dog owned by a family member or neighbor.

Dog bites can cause serious injuries, such as disfigurement, facial scarring, emotional trauma, and death. After a dog bite incident, you must take these essential steps to protect yourself:

• Get medical treatment – Since a dog bite can cause infections, it is crucial to get medical care immediately.
• Identify the dog owner – Locate the owner to see whether the dog’s immunization shots are current. This information is critical if you want to file an injury claim.
• Report the incident – Even if your injuries are minor, you must file a report with your local city or county animal control to ensure the dog doesn’t bite someone else.
• Document your injuries – Take photos of your wounds, bruises, and injuries.
• Contact a personal injury lawyer – Talk to an experienced injury attorney to discuss your legal options.