Large Dogs vs. Small Dogs: Who Has the Bigger Bite?

 Posted on April 19, 2022 in Dog Bite Injuries

Whether on a public sidewalk, at a local park, or on someone else’s property, dog bites can be frightening and dangerous. All breeds of dogs are capable of biting and causing injuries to people. While larger breeds typically inflict the most severe injuries, small dogs have a reputation for frequent nipping. Even if they do not always have the reputation of some of the larger breeds, small breeds can still pack a big bite. Smaller breeds do not appear on the list of dogs most likely to cause significant injury or deaths, but they are counted among the highest for frequency of bites.

The likelihood for a dog to bite can depend on the breed. Some larger breeds like golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers are not statistically frequent biters. At the same time, some smaller breeds, like chihuahuas and miniature poodles, are among the more aggressive breeds when it comes to the number of dog bites. That is not to say that breeds with lower biting frequencies will never bite.

Why Any Dog Can Bite

Dogs bite for a variety of reasons, including feeling threatened or stressed, which can happen to any dog. Studies have shown that aggressive behavior in canines is affected by demographic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Older dogs are more likely to bite than younger dogs. Dogs that live in a single-dog household are more likely to be aggressive than those living in a multi-dog home. The dog’s experience with the owner also plays a role. Children are more likely than adults to get bitten since they may be less accustomed to knowing the proper ways to interact with dogs.

Bites from small dogs may not cause serious injuries initially, and you may not have to seek medical attention right after the incident. However, each bite, whether by a big dog or a small dog, runs the risk of an infection since all dogs carry bacteria in their mouths that the bite may transmit. If you have been bitten and had to seek medical care, it is essential that you contact an attorney who can learn the facts of your case and help you seek the compensation you may be entitled to.

Call a Lombard Dog Bite Lawyer

Whether you were bitten by a big dog or a small dog, do not hesitate to seek medical attention, then contact Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices. We may be able to help you recover compensation. To speak with a DuPage County dog bite injury attorney, call 630-552-6860 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-88793-5