Significant dog bites affect tens of millions of people globally each year.

[9] Between 2011 and 2021 approximately 468 people were killed by dog bites in the United States, averaging 43 deaths per year.

[11] Animal bites, most of which are from dogs, are the reason for 1% of visits to emergency departments in the United States.

[12] In the US pit bull-type and Rottweilers most frequently are identified breeds in cases of severe bites.

[13][non sequitur] A 2000 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of human fatalities from dog bites during the twenty years 1979–1998, reported that pit bull-type dogs and Rottweilers were involved in more than half of the deaths.

[9] Published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the AVMA's opinion was that the study could not be used to infer any breed-specific risk for dog bite fatalities without also noting the numbers of each breed residing in the US.

Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL) has been enacted in some areas limiting the ownership and activities of dogs perceived to be more likely to bite and attack.

[19][20][21][22] Dog breeds targeted by breed-specific regulations include Rottweilers, American Staffordshire Bull Terriers ("Pit Bulls"), Chow Chows, German Shepherd Dogs, and Doberman Pinschers.

Dogs can rival bears and big cats in ferocity when confronting burglars, even if they are ordinarily docile.

In addition to causing pain, injury, or nerve damage, almost one out of five bites becomes infected.

[23] Identifying the risk of being bitten by a dog can prevent an attack and subsequent injury or death.

[26] Rabies results in the death of approximately 55,000 people per year, with most of the causes due to dog bites.

[29] When a person receives a dog bite where the skin is broken, the risk of a serious infection can be reduced by cleaning the wound and getting appropriate health care treatment.

[31] Significant dog bites affect tens of millions of people globally each year.

[34] Information on the extent of traumatic injuries from dog attacks is incomplete, and the number of bites is thought to be underreported.

[41][42][43] Animal bites, most of which are from dogs, are the reason for 1% of visits to an emergency department in the United States.

[48] On average 2,061 people received treatment for dog bite injuries each year between 2001 and 2013.

Depending upon the state, the rules for when a dog owner may be liable for a bite will vary.

[61] States that have enacted legislation that assigns liability include Michigan,[62] Rhode Island,[63] Florida,[64] California,[65][66] and Texas.