Which Dog Breeds Are Most Linked to Bites in California

Dog bites are a serious public health issue. Every year, millions of people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs, with many needing medical care. In California, where both people and dogs live closely together, these incidents are especially concerning. Understanding which dog breeds are most often involved and what legal options are available can help victims protect themselves and seek full compensation.

Key Statistics to Know

• There are over 80 million dogs in the United States.
• More than 4.5 million people suffer dog bites each year in the U.S.
• Around 800,000 of those bites are serious enough to require medical attention.
• Each day more than 12,000 people are bitten by dogs.
• Over 2,200 people are hospitalized each day because of dog-bite injuries.

Breeds Most Frequently Involved and the Severity of Injuries

Researchers have reviewed multiple studies to see which breeds are more likely to cause serious bites, especially to the face and neck. Key findings include:

• Pit Bulls and mixed-breed dogs are the most frequent in both occurrence and severity of bites.
• Other breeds that show up often for more serious bites include Terriers, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers.
• Breeds with generally lower risk or less frequent involvement include Pointers, Dalmatians, Pekingese, Great Danes, and Spitz-type dogs.
• When looking at fatal attacks from 2005 through 2017, Pit Bulls lead by a large margin. Rottweilers, German Shepherds, mixed breeds, and American Bulldogs also appear on fatality statistics.

What You Should Do If You or a Loved One Is Bitten

• Clean the wound promptly and apply first aid. Even if the bite looks minor, infection risk is high.
• See a medical professional as soon as possible. Injuries can worsen over time, and early treatment reduces long-term harm.
• Report the incident to the dog’s owner, if possible. Also notify animal control or local authorities.
• Document what happened: take photos of your injury, the place, the dog (if you can safely do so), and get contact information from any witnesses.
• Keep track of all costs from the injury: doctor visits, prescriptions, lost work time, etc.
• Contact a qualified personal injury lawyer early. California has deadlines (statutes of limitations) for bringing dog bite claims, so waiting can jeopardize your ability to receive compensation.

Legal Rights and Remedies in California

• California law generally holds dog owners strictly liable for bites in many situations, meaning you do not always have to prove the owner was negligent, just that the dog bit you.
• You may be entitled to recover economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages, repair of damaged clothing or property) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement).
• If a serious bite causes long-term harm, nerve damage, scarring, or disability—those future needs should be included in any claim.
• Having documentation and prompt medical treatment strengthens your legal case.

How Hillstone Law Can Assist

At Hillstone Law we help victims of dog bites by:

• Investigating what breed of dog was involved and gathering evidence about the severity of the bite and medical outcomes
• Documenting all injuries (immediate and long-term), medical care, lost income, and ongoing treatment
• Negotiating with insurance companies to ensure full compensation, including future medical costs and damages for pain, disfigurement, and emotional harm
• Ensuring claims are filed in time under California’s legal deadlines

If you or a family member has been bitten by a dog, you deserve strong legal help. Contact Hillstone Law for a free case evaluation. Let us help you protect your rights and get the compensation you need.