Animal Attacks & Dog Bite Strength: Understanding Risks in Louisiana & Texas

Dogs are generally loyal and sweet companions to millions of families nationwide, but what happens when they act erratically and bite someone? In many cases, dog bite injury victims can pursue legal compensation for any damages they experience from the bite, including economic damages like medical expenses and non-economic damages like scarring and disfigurement. Keep reading to learn more about dog bite attacks, why they can be so dangerous, and what to do if you’ve been bitten by a dog.

What Is Dog Bite Force?

Dog bite force measures the pressure a dog’s jaw can apply when biting an object or surface. This force is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), quantifying the pressure applied to a specific area. This metric is used across animal species to measure jaw strength. In dogs, bite force can vary tremendously between breeds, with some capable of exerting pressures that rival or even exceed those of wild animals.

How Dog Bite Force Is Measured

Measuring dog bite force accurately is a complicated process that involves several steps, devices, and methodologies:

Specialized equipment: Researchers use bite force transducers or bite force meters. These instruments are designed to withstand the pressure of a dog’s bite while accurately recording the force applied. The transducer is made of durable material that the dog bites down on and is connected to sensors that measure the pressure exerted.
Controlled environment: Taking measurements in a controlled setting provides consistency and safety for the dogs and the researchers. This might be a veterinary clinic, research facility, or testing area.
Multiple readings: Researchers take numerous readings from each dog to account for variations in individual bites. This helps establish an average bite force representative of the dog’s true capabilities.
Consideration of bite location: The bite’s position within the dog’s mouth can affect the force exerted. Bites closer to the back of the jaw, where the muscles are strongest, tend to produce higher PSI readings than those at the front of the mouth.
Factoring in dog cooperation: One challenge in measuring bite force is that dogs may not always bite with full strength during tests. Researchers must consider ways to encourage maximum effort without causing stress or discomfort to the dog.
Comparative analysis: To draw meaningful conclusions, researchers need to compare bite force measurements across different breeds, ages, and sizes of dogs. This helps them understand how factors like skull shape, body mass, and muscle structure influence bite strength.

Dog Bite Statistics

Dog bites are a serious concern in the United States, affecting millions yearly. According to recent data from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), more than 4.5 million people suffer from dog bites annually. While any dog can bite, certain breeds have been associated with more severe or fatal attacks.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Dog Bites in America

The 10 deadliest dog breeds by number of yearly fatalities are:

Pit Bulls: 284 deaths
Rottweiler: 45 deaths
German Shepherd: 20 deaths
Mixed breeds: 17 deaths
American Bulldog: 15 deaths
Mastiff: 14 deaths
Siberian Husky: 13 deaths
Labrador Retriever: 9 deaths
Boxer: 7 deaths
Doberman Pinscher: 6 deaths

It’s worth noting that pit bulls and rottweilers combined account for over three-quarters of fatal dog attacks. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that these breeds are inherently more aggressive. Factors like popularity, training, and owner responsibility play a big role in these statistics.

Why Does It Seem Like Pit Bulls Are the Most Dangerous Dog Breed?

Pit bulls have a bad reputation due to their strong bite force and frequent involvement in fatal attacks. Their average bite strength is about 235 PSI, which isn’t the highest of all dog breeds. Thus, the high number of pit bull incidents isn’t necessarily due to their strong bite or increased aggression but rather their popularity and use in illegal dog fighting rings.

Top 20 Dogs With the Strongest Bite Force

A dog’s bite force can give us insights into the potential severity of injuries in the case of a dog bite attack. However, it’s also important to note that a strong bite doesn’t necessarily mean a dog is more aggressive or more likely to bite. Many dogs with powerful bites are known for their gentle nature when properly trained and socialized.

With that said, here are the top 20 dogs with the strongest bite force:

Kangal – 743 PSI

Topping the list is the kangal, a Turkish breed raised in central Anatolia, famous for its impressive size and strength. These dogs were originally bred to protect livestock, specifically sheep, from predators like wolves and bears. Despite their power, kangals are known for their calm and gentle demeanor with family members, proving that bite strength doesn’t equate to aggression.

Bandog – 730 PSI

Coming in second is the bandog, a cross between a mastiff and a pit bull. These large, muscular dogs were bred for protection and guarding. Their strong bite is a testament to their powerful build and protective instincts, making them excellent guard dogs when properly trained.

Cane Corso – 700 PSI

Originating from Italy, cane corsos were historically used as guard dogs for hunting large game. These dogs combine strength with intelligence. Their powerful bite is complemented by their loyal and protective nature, making them devoted family guardians.

Dogue de Bordeaux – 556 PSI

Also known as the French mastiff, the dogue de Bordeaux is recognizable by its massive head and powerful body. Despite their strength, these dogs are generally calm and affectionate.

Tosa Inu – 556 PSI

The tosa inu is a rare Japanese breed. Originally bred for fighting, these dogs are now mostly kept as companion animals. Though they have one of the strongest bites of all dog breeds, they can be gentle companions when trained properly.

English Mastiff – 552 PSI

The English mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds in the world. These gentle giants are known for their massive size and strength, but their docile nature balances their powerful bite.

Dogo Canario – 540 PSI

The dogo canario, or canary mastiff, was originally bred to work with cattle. These dogs have a powerful build and strong jaws. They are known for their loyalty and protective instincts, making them excellent guardians.

Leonberger – 399 PSI

The leonberger, a large German breed, is known for its gentle and friendly nature. Originally bred as companion dogs for European royalty, leonbergers combine strength with a sweet disposition.

Rottweiler – 328 PSI

Rottweilers are known for their strength and protective nature. They’re commonly used in police and military work thanks to their intelligence and strength. However, they can also make loyal and affectionate family pets when properly trained.

American Bulldog – 305 PSI

The American bulldog is one of the strongest dog breeds in the world. Originally used for farm work and hunting, these muscular dogs have strong jaws, although they are also known for their friendly nature when properly socialized.

Doberman Pinscher – 305 PSI

Doberman pinschers are known for their sleek appearance and intelligence — and their strong bite. They are popular guard dogs thanks to their protective nature and strength, showing that a strong bite can be an asset in certain “jobs” for dogs.

German Shepherd – 238 PSI

The German shepherd is a very popular breed, both as a family pet and as a working dog. Their intelligence and trainability make them ideal for police and military work, although they also work well as loyal family companions.

Great Dane – 238 PSI

The great Dane is one of the tallest dog breeds. Despite their impressive size, these dogs are famous for their calm nature, showing how size and force don’t necessarily correlate with temperament.

Pit Bull – 235 PSI

One of the most misunderstood dog breeds is the pit bull. Its bite force is significantly lower than many larger breeds, although pit bulls have a reputation for being dangerous and aggressive.

Labrador Retriever – 230 PSI

The friendly Labrador retrievers’ strength comes from their history as hunting dogs used to retrieve wild game. Labs are known for their gentle nature and popularity as family pets.

Boxer – 230 PSI

Boxers, with their muscular build and square jaws, were originally bred for bull-baiting. These playful and energetic dogs are now popular family pets, showing how breeds can evolve from working roles to companions.

Alano Español – 227 PSI

The alano Español is a rare Spanish breed. These dogs were traditionally used for hunting large game, but they are now more commonly kept as companion animals.

Dutch Shepherd – 224 PSI

Dutch shepherds are known for their intelligence and agility, which makes them popular choices for police and military roles.

Chow Chow – 220 PSI

The chow chow is known for its distinctive lion-like mane. These ancient Chinese breeds are known for their independent nature and loyalty to their families, combining strength with a distinctive appearance.

Malinois – 195 PSI

Belgian malinois dogs are commonly used in military work. Their agility and intelligence, combined with their strong bite, make them excellent working dogs.

Factors Affecting Dog Bite Severity

While a dog’s bite force is an important indicator in determining the potential severity of a bite, it’s not the only consideration. Several other factors can influence how serious a dog bite injury may be:

Size and weight of the dog: Larger dogs can cause more damage due to their size and strength, even if their bite force isn’t necessarily the highest.
Location of the bite: Bites to sensitive areas like the face, neck, or hands can be more severe than bites to other body parts.
Duration of the attack: A prolonged attack can cause more severe injuries than a quick bite and release.
Breed-specific traits: Some breeds have physical characteristics, like strong jaws or sharp teeth, that can cause more severe injuries.
Victim’s age and size: Children and smaller individuals are more vulnerable to severe injuries from dog bites.
Dog’s vaccination status: Unvaccinated dogs pose a higher risk of transmitting diseases like rabies.
Aggression level: A highly aggressive attack will likely cause more damage than a defensive bite.
Multiple bites: Attacks involving multiple bites are generally more severe than single-bite incidents.

Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can cause all kinds of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Some of the most common types of injuries from dog bites are:

Puncture wounds: A dog’s teeth can penetrate the skin, potentially causing deep tissue damage.
Lacerations: Dogs can tear the skin, resulting in jagged wounds that may require stitches.
Crushing injuries: A dog’s powerful jaw can cause damage to tissues, bones, and blood vessels.
Infections: Bacteria from the dog’s mouth can enter the wound, causing infections.
Nerve damage: Severe bites can damage nerves, potentially leading to paralysis or loss of sensation.
Scarring and disfigurement: Dog bites can cause permanent scarring, which could impact a person’s long-term quality of life and self-esteem, especially in facial bites.
Bone fractures: A powerful bite can break bones, especially in children.
Psychological trauma: Beyond physical injuries, dog bites can cause lasting emotional distress, including fear of dogs or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Rabies: Although rare, an unvaccinated dog could transmit rabies to the victim.
Tetanus: Deep puncture wounds from dog bites can cause a tetanus infection.

Other Dangerous Animal Bites

While dog bites are by far the most common animal bites in the United States, other animals can also cause serious injuries:

Cat bites: Though smaller, cat bites have a high risk of infection due to their sharp teeth and the bacteria in their mouths. A cat’s bite force is estimated at around 40–50 PSI, much lower than that of most dogs. However, their needle-like teeth can cause deep puncture wounds, often introducing bacteria deep into tissues.
Wild animal bites: Bites from wild animals like raccoons, foxes, or bats carry a higher risk of rabies transmission because these animals, unlike most pets, are unvaccinated. These bites can cause lacerations, puncture wounds, and potentially fatal rabies infections if left untreated.
Snake bites: Venomous snakes can cause severe tissue damage, blood disorders, and even death if left untreated. While snakes don’t have a measurable PSI bite force, their venom is the primary concern. Pit vipers like rattlesnakes can cause severe pain, swelling, and tissue necrosis, while coral snakes deliver a neurotoxic venom that can cause respiratory failure.
Large predators: In some regions, bites from animals like bears, big cats, or wolves can cause catastrophic injuries. A grizzly bear’s bite force can reach up to 1200 PSI, while a mountain lion’s bite force is around 400 PSI. These powerful bites can crush bones and cause severe tissue damage or potentially fatal blood loss.
Primate bites: Bites from monkeys or apes can transmit serious diseases and cause severe tissue damage. A chimpanzee, for example, has a bite force of around 1,300 PSI, stronger than the strongest dog bite PSI and many large predators. Primate bites can cause deep lacerations and crush injuries. They also carry a risk of transmitting diseases like herpes B virus, which can be fatal to humans.
Marine animal bites: Sharks, seals, and some fish species can cause serious injuries. A great white shark has an estimated bite force of up to 4000 PSI, capable of severing limbs and causing massive tissue damage. Seal bites, while less powerful, can cause deep puncture wounds and carry a risk of seal finger, a potentially severe infection. Some fish, like barracudas, can deliver powerful bites that can cause lacerations.

Preventing Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Taking some precautions can help you prevent animal bites or minimize their effects. Here are some strategies to minimize the risks:

Educate yourself and others: Learn to recognize signs of aggression or fear in animals. Knowing when an animal is likely to bite or attack can potentially give you enough time to leave or react before it’s too late.
Proper socialization: For dog owners, early socialization and training can help prevent aggressive behavior when the dog is older.
Supervise children: Never leave young children alone with dogs, even familiar ones.
Respect an animal’s space: Don’t approach unfamiliar animals, especially when they’re eating, sleeping, or caring for their offspring.
Avoid startling animals: Make your presence known calmly and slowly when approaching an animal.
Be cautious of unfamiliar dogs: Always ask the owner’s permission before petting a dog.
Teach children safe interaction: Educate children on how to safely interact with animals.
Be aware of your surroundings: Take appropriate precautions whenever you’re in areas with wild animals, like making noise to avoid surprising them.

What To Do If You’re Bitten by a Dog

Being bitten by a dog can be shocking and extremely painful. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, here’s what you should do:

Get to safety: The first thing you should do is remove yourself from the immediate danger as soon as possible. Locking yourself in a room or vehicle could give you relief if the dog won’t stop attacking.
Wash the wound: Clean the bite thoroughly with soap and warm water for several minutes.
Control bleeding: Apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop any bleeding.
Assess the severity: Determine if immediate medical attention is necessary. Even if you don’t feel too much pain, some injuries take hours or days to manifest. It’s better to obtain a medical evaluation as this will document any injuries should you decide to pursue compensation in the future.
Gather information: If possible, get the dog owner’s contact information and details about the dog’s vaccination status.
Seek medical care: Even for minor bites, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider due to the risk of infections. A medical professional can help properly disinfect the wound and give you any necessary vaccinations.
Document the injury: Take photos of the wound and keep records of all medical treatments.
Consider legal advice: If the bite caused significant injury or expenses, then consulting with an experienced dog bite injury lawyer can help you recover compensation.

Legal Consequences of Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Dog bites and animal attacks can have serious legal consequences for pet owners. In most jurisdictions, owners are held liable for injuries caused by their animals, especially if they are aware of the animal’s aggressive tendencies. This concept is known as “strict liability,” meaning the owner can be held liable regardless of whether they were negligent in controlling their pet.

Louisiana follows a “one-bite rule” with a twist. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2321, the owner of a dog is strictly liable for damages caused by the dog. However, the owner can escape liability if they can prove they did not know and could not have known the risk of harm. This means that for a first-time incident, if the owner had no reason to believe their dog was dangerous, they might not be held liable.

Texas, on the other hand, follows a “negligence” rule for dog bite cases. Under Texas law, victims must prove that:

The dog’s owner knew the dog had bitten someone before or acted aggressively in the past, or
The owner was negligent in controlling the dog, and this negligence caused the injury.

Consequences for pet owners in both states can include:

Financial liability for the victim’s medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Potential criminal charges in cases of gross negligence or if the dog was used as a weapon
Fines and penalties imposed by local animal control authorities
Possible euthanasia of the dog in severe cases or for repeat offenders

Given the complexity behind proving negligence in a dog bite case and the potential for significant medical expenses and long-term damages, it’s always a good idea for dog bite victims to consult an experienced personal injury attorney. If you were bitten by a dog, a skilled dog bite injury lawyer can help you receive fair compensation for your injuries and suffering. They can negotiate with the negligent party and, if necessary, file a personal injury lawsuit to protect your rights.

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