Are you a dog lover? Maybe you have one or more furry friends in your household. Perhaps, you’re adept at training dogs or have a service dog that is specially trained to assist you in some way. On the other hand, maybe you’ve never really been an animal lover and do not have a pet of your own.
No matter what your personal opinions happen to be about dogs, there are no doubt people in your neighborhood who have one (or more than one). Even if you’re not a dog owner, it pays to learn as much as you can about these canines, especially regarding which breeds are known for being most aggressive. It’s also good to know about Minnesota laws that govern ownership of dogs, in case someone’s pet or guard dog attacks you.
Mighty things often come in small sizes
If you see a tiny dog, do you automatically think it is going to be playful and friendly? If so, you might be surprised to learn that the Chihuahua, which is one of the smallest breeds of dog in the world, happens to be one of the most aggressive types of dog as well. Chow chows are also on the smaller end of the scale but are known for their aggression.
Breeds that are more likely to attack
There’s no way to predict which dogs might bite and which won’t. They are animals, and humans do not know how a particular animal might react in a given situation. However, there are people who study dog behaviors, and such analysts have determined that certain breeds of dog are more aggressive than others.
If you were to do an online search of “aggressive breeds of dog,” you would likely discover that a few breeds rank at the top of most lists. Such breeds include Huskies, Pitbulls, Doberman Pinschers and Dalmations.
What prompts a dog to bite?
Dogs typically attack if they feel threatened, fearful or defensive. The thing is, how are you supposed to know if something is causing your neighbor’s or a stranger’s dog to feel such things? That’s why Minnesota has laws to protect you, and why it is a dog owner’s responsibility to keep you safe if you are on his or her property or encounter someone’s dog on a sidewalk, in a park or elsewhere.
Recovering from a dog bite
Even a small dog can do serious damage to your muscles, nerves or tendons if it bites you. In fact, some people have suffered dog attack injuries that have resulted in permanent bodily damage. Seeking medical treatment is always the top priority if someone’s dog has attacked you.
Beyond that, you might need stitches or other surgery, physical therapy, pain medication and, perhaps, time off work to fully recover. Medical treatment is expensive, and you shouldn’t have to bear full financial responsibility for injuries that a dog caused when the dog’s owner failed in his or her obligation to keep you safe. If you feel the need to take legal action, our Minneapolis dog bite lawyers may be able to help. Contact us today to get started.
