People are often far more afraid of large dogs than small ones, especially when they do not know the dogs and they are worried about being bitten. For instance, if someone is walking their own dog in their neighborhood and a large, off-leash dog approaches them, they may be very concerned about a confrontation. They may view these dogs as aggressive and even violent animals.
Is this actually true? While it can be on a case-by-case basis, studies do find that large breeds are not automatically more aggressive. In fact, signs of aggression are often found more often in small dogs. These dogs may react much more aggressively to people or animals around them, perhaps in part because they feel they need to protect themselves due to their small size.
Serious attack statistics
The concern about large breeds likely stems from statistics relating to serious dog attacks. For instance, most fatal dog attacks involve pit bulls or Rottweilers. These are both very large and powerful breeds, and statistics show that they do pose a significant degree of danger, especially to children.
However, this does not mean that pit bulls or Rottweilers are inherently more aggressive than many other breeds. The difference is that they are larger and stronger. They may be aggressive less often than a smaller breed, but if they do attack, the injuries they can inflict on their victim are far more serious.
If you or a loved one has suffered significant injuries after being bitten by a dog, you may be facing high medical bills and many related damages. It is important to understand exactly how to seek the financial compensation you deserve. Getting experienced legal guidance can be worthwhile.