Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998 Jeffrey

F 1979 through 1996, dog attacks resulted in more than 300 human dog bite-related fatalities (DBRF) in the United States. Most victims were children. Studies indicate that pit bull-type dogs were involved in approximately a third of human DBRF reported during the 12-year period from 1981 through 1992, and Rottweilers were responsible for about half of human DBRF reported during the 4 years from 1993 through 1996. These data have caused some individuals to infer that certain breeds of dogs are more likely to bite than others and should, therefore, be banned or regulated more stringently. The purposes of the study reported here were to summarize breeds associated with reported human DBRF during a 20-year period and assess policy implications.