Most Dangerous Dog Breeds in Nebraska

At The Advocates, we love our dogs as much as anyone–they can be great running partners, cuddle buddies, and companions. However, it’s important to remember that man’s best friend descended from wolves, and many of them still have instincts that can make them dangerous.

Using a 13-year study completed by dogsbite.org, we’ve compiled a list of the breeds of dogs that have caused the highest number of human fatalities over the last several years. 

It’s important to recognize that this article does not necessarily list the most aggressive dog breeds. Smaller dogs, like Chihuahuas and Jack Russell terriers often growl, lunge, and bite, but their size prevents them from being as dangerous as other breeds.

It’s also crucial to understand that any dog can display aggressive behavior if they are not given proper training. Some breeds have less aggressive tendencies than others, but any dog who is abused or lacks socialization may be more likely to attack than those who are trained well from a young age.

Pit Bulls

“Pit bull” is actually a catch-all term for a number of bully breed dogs. In many cases, people using the term are referring to either the American pit bull terrier or the American Staffordshire terrier.

For many years, pit bulls were bred as hunting and fighting dogs. While some people advocate for the breed as good family pets, those fierce instincts still exist within many of these dogs. Many apartment buildings, boarding facilities, and dog parks ban pit bulls because of this.

Because pit bulls are large and muscular, with powerful jaws, they present a distinct danger that other breeds don’t. If a pit bull decides to attack, even an adult human can be killed. In 2022, at least 11 pit bulls were involved in dog attacks that killed a human.

Rottweilers

Rottweilers are another bully dog that have a reputation for aggressive behavior. Like pit bulls, they are large dogs, often weighing more than 100 pounds. Rottweilers are often used as guard dogs. They can be incredibly loyal to their own families, but may attack other humans who they view as a threat.

According to dogsbite.org, Rottweilers killed 125 people in a 43-year period (1978-2021). In the 13 years from 2005-2017, pit bulls and Rottweilers were responsible for 76% of fatal dog attacks.

German Shepherds

The German Shepherd Dog is a working dog, often employed in police, military, and search and rescue work. They have an excellent sense of smell, are highly intelligent, and can reach a top speed of 30 miles per hour when running. They are also skilled herding dogs.

Because of their intelligence and loyalty, German Shepherds are often very trainable dogs. However, they are also powerful and large–sometimes more than two feet tall at their shoulders.

German Shepherds were involved in 20 fatal dog attacks between the years of 2005-2017.

Siberian Huskies

Huskies are another breed of working dogs. They are high-energy, intelligent dogs with a high prey drive. They are often friendly and can be well-trained, but some people find them difficult to work with due to their stubbornness.

The husky’s prey drive makes it more likely to display aggression toward animals and people that are smaller than them. They may not be good with small dogs or small children.

Huskies are responsible for about 1 fatality each year.

American Bulldogs

The American Bulldog is another bully breed dog. They can weigh up to 100 pounds and have very muscular builds. They were bred as farm guardians and stock dogs. American settlers used them to deal with feral pigs who terrorized their farms. These protective instincts remain in the bulldogs today.

In the years from 2005-2017, American Bulldogs were responsible for 3.5% of dog attack fatalities.

Mastiffs and Bullmastiffs

Mastiffs are some of the most massive types of dogs alive today–in fact, the largest dog on record was an English Mastiff, weighing 343 pounds and measuring more than 8 feet from nose to tail. Generally, mastiffs are known for being gentle and loving dogs, but their size can pose a risk if they do choose to attack.

Bullmastiffs are similar to mastiffs, except that they tend to be quicker and more agile.

It’s possible that mastiffs and bullmastiffs are descended from the dogs used to bait animals in ancient Rome. They are loyal, which has led to an increase in popularity of mastiffs kept as family dogs.

Mastiffs and bullmastiffs killed 14 people in a 13-year period.

Doberman Pinschers

Doberman pinschers have been kept as guard dogs for many years. They have a high prey drive and have been recognized as one of the most intelligent breeds of dog.

For a long time, Dobermans were kept almost exclusively as working dogs–for personal protection, in police work, and by the military. They did not make good family pets until recent years, as modern breeders have begun breeding them for gentler temperaments.

Doberman pinschers killed 6 people from 2005-2017.

Labrador Retrievers

Labrador retrievers are one of the most desired family dogs in the United States. This is for good reason–they are often friendly, good-natured, loving, and loyal. They are highly trainable and are not usually known for being aggressive.

Unfortunately, because they are so prevalent in homes throughout the country, they may be more likely to be involved in an attack than other, less common breeds. Labradors are often food- and toy-motivated, so they may become aggressive if they feel like they must guard their resources.

Labrador retrievers killed 9 people in the 13-year time period.

Boxers

Boxers are not nearly the largest dogs on this list, but they have strong jaws and a powerful bite, which can make them a danger to humans. Boxers are descended from hunting dogs, and in modern times they have been used as service dogs, police dogs, and herding dogs.

Boxers were responsible for 7 deaths from 2005-2017.

Alaskan Malamutes

Alaskan Malamutes look like wild animals–to the untrained eye, they may even resemble a wolf or wolfdog. Malamutes were bred for hauling sleds through frozen tundras. Thus, they are energetic, strong, and have high levels of endurance.

Alaskan Malamutes killed 4 people during the span of the study.

How a Nebraska Dog Bite Attorney Can Help

Dog bite injuries can be life-threatening and expensive. Medical bills from dog bite injuries account for around one-third of all homeowner’s insurance liability claims paid out each year.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Nebraska, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Unfortunately, the dog owner’s insurance company will likely not make it easy for you to get the money you are owed.

A personal injury attorney with The Nebraska Advocates can help. Your Advocate will help you understand your rights, build your injury claim, negotiate with insurance providers, and represent you in court if necessary.

You don’t have to recover from your dog bite injury alone. You deserve to have an attorney who truly cares about you on your side. You deserve an Advocate.