Breeds of Dogs Involved in Fatal Human Attacks in the United States Between 1979 and 1998

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Study highlights

• At least 25 breeds of dogs were involved in 238 human dog bite related fatalities during this time span. Pit bulls and rottweilers were involved in over half of these fatalities and from 1997-1998, over 60%.
• Researchers note that it is extremely unlikely that pit bulls and rottweilers accounted for 60% of dogs in US households during this period thus, there appeared to be a breed-specific problem with fatalities.
• Of 227 reports with relevant data, 75% of deaths occurred on owner property (58% involved unrestrained dogs, 17% restrained dogs) and 25% of deaths occurred off owner property (24% involved unrestrained dogs, 1% involved a restrained dog).
• During 1997-1998, fatal attacks were reported from 17 states; California 4; Georgia and North Carolina 3 each; Kansas, Texas, and Wisconsin 2 each; and Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, South Dakota, and Tennessee 1 each.