This report compiles data on the number of dog attacks in the U.S. and Canada, broken down by breed, based on press reports from 1982-2006. The report presents results by dog breed, distinguishing for each breed the number of adult victims, number of child victims, number of deaths, and number of times people were mauled or maimed.

This study is intended to evaluate which specific breeds are involved in attacks by dogs. The researcher puts this within the context of the prevalence of these dogs in the larger population, as well as the nature of the attacks.

Select findings:

• • 73% of attacks were by pit bulls, Rottweilers, or wolf hybrids
  • German Shepherds bite at twice the rate than their population would predict. This is likely due to a certain type of bite they use called the “grab and drag” which is intended to remove puppies from harm. The author suggests people may misinterpret the bite and pull away in fear, causing injury.
  • Children are more likely to be injured by dogs than adults. However, pit bulls have an equal attack ratio for both children and adult.
  • Huskies are associated with life-threatening attacks mostly in Alaska and rural regions of Canada, though they are present throughout the contiguous 48 states and the rest of Canada. The author suggests this is due to the fact that in Alaska and the rural areas of Canada they are more likely to live in packs in semi-natural conditions.