Dangerous Dogs in Michigan
If you have been injured or bitten because of a dog’s aggressive behavior, it’s important to contact an experienced lawyer that has seen this situation before. At The Clark Law Office, we offer free consultations on all bite cases. Simply call us free at (517) 347-6900 or fill out our online contact form.
What Makes a Dog Dangerous Under Michigan Law?
Michigan dog laws defines a dangerous animal as one that bites or attacks an individual, or a dog that bites and attacks a person causing serious injury or death while under control of the owner or on the owner’s property. If a person is trespassing on your property or somehow provokes/torments that dog, then that does not fit the definition of a “dangerous animal”. Another exception is if the animal reacts in a manner that would protect the owner or person if someone is engaging in unlawful activity or being assaulted.
Top 7 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds
Our Michigan dog bite attorneys frequently see dog bite injuries and attacks from a variety of different breeds. It’s important to realize that any dog is capable of infliction serious injury or death regardless of the breed or temperament of the canine. It’s also critical to know how minimize the risk of a bite take measures that will prevent dog bites from occurring in the first place. The owner also plays a large role in determining how dangerous a particular is and how much of a risk it is to others. That being said, some breeds are naturally more aggressive and prone to afflicting injuries to others. The following 7 dog breeds are some of the most dangerous according to both annual attack and death statistics.
Pit Bull – Most people are aware that pit bulls are capable of being dangerous. There are some states and communities that simply ban ownership of this breed based on their poor reputation alone. Many pit bull owners state that they are treated unfairly and their bad reputation is unearned. Regardless of how you feel about pit bulls, it’s a fact that they possess incredible jaw strength that can make them potentially deadly to both adults and children.
Rottweiler – Much like pit bulls, rottweilers have a reputation as being a very dangerous dog. Opinions differ about the truth of their reputation and how aggressive they are naturally, but it’s undeniable that they are capable of inflicting serious damage quickly. The size and strength that they possess can be intimidation and potentially a major threat to kids or adults if they happen to attack or bite.
German Shepard – This type of dog is well known as being extremely intelligent and requiring lots of activity. This breed of canine is at it’s best when it has a job to do that keeps them occupied and social. Many police departments use German Shepherds for their extremely high intelligence and social features. The problem is when they aren’t trained properly or are owned by novice dog owners. They can pick up bad habits easily and this can lead them to be aggressive and territorial later in life.
Bullmastiff – Generally speaking, Bull-mastiffs have mild manners and are considered relatively gentle. Unfortunately, they can also be stubborn which can lead them being aggressive toward people and other dogs if they don’t get their way. Their natural large size can lead to excessive confidence. When they are challenged, they tend to not back down and become highly agitated in some cases. Just like any other dog breed, improper training can lead to injuries even if not on purpose.
Doberman Pinschers – This type of breed is an ideal guard dog and had been breed that way for generations. For this reason, they tend to be very protective of their owners and display aggression towards people acting suspiciously or simply just a stranger. Dobermans can be extremely friendly with the proper upbringing and training, but they are very capable of attacked when they become stressed or unhappy.
Caucasian Shepherd – This breed of dog can grow very large in size and usually live between 10-12 years old. They originated in Russia and is a popular choice as guard dogs for protecting livestock. Caucasian Shepherds are so formidable that even some predators such as wolves are fearful of them.
Alaskan Malamute – This form of husky was originally used for sled dogs in Alaska and carrying heavy loads over long distances. They are capable of growing to over 100 pounds in size and can survive extremely cold climates. Malamutes are hunters by nature and often kill predators including bears. Any dog that is this formidable presents a threat to humans if they decided to bite or attack.