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You might think your beloved pup would never, ever bite someone, but the truth is, they could. There are many more dog bite attacks each year in the United States than one would think, and most of those receiving dog bites are children. Some of these attacks result in only minor injuries, but unfortunately, many others result in severe injuries and, occasionally, even death. That’s why it’s so vital that you’re aware of the statistics surrounding dog bites.
By being aware, you’re better informed and have a better chance of keeping your dog from biting anyone. Here’s a look at 15 dog bite statistics you should know, from how many people in the United States are bitten annually to what the aftermath of a dog bite attack can look like.
The 15 Dog Bite Statistics
- In the United States, canines bite approximately 4.5 million people a year.
- Roughly 50% of those 4.5 million people are children.
- Most dog bites (70%) come from males who aren’t neutered.
- In 2022, over 5,300 USPS employees delivering mail were attacked by canines.
- Dog pack attacks increased in 2023, accounting for 29% of all deadly dog bite attacks.
- Around 20% of all dog bites need medical attention.
- Approximately 50% of the dog bites adults receive are to the wrists and hands.
- In 2022, 18,917 people received dog bites severe enough to require reconstructive surgery.
- Between 2010 and 2023, 478 deadly canine bites were recorded.
- The average number of fatal dog bites in the United States each year is 30 to 50.
- There were 58 deaths from dog bites in 2023.
- From 2014 to 2023, the average cost of dog bite claims has increased by 82.5%.
- Dog bite claims saw a slight decrease (2.2%) from 2021.
- In 2022, insurance companies paid a total of $1.136 billion to settle dog bite claims.
- The average amount paid in 2023 for dog bite claims was $58,545.
General Dog Bite Statistics
1. In the United States, canines bite approximately 4.5 million people a year.
(AVMA 1)
You may not believe your beloved dog would ever bite anyone, but canines bite around 4.5 million people each year in the United States alone! Plus, dog bites are often underreported, so this number may be even higher. Canines of any size and breed can be responsible for biting someone, and these bites range from minor to severe.
2. Roughly 50% of those 4.5 million people are children.
(AVMA 2)
This is an upsetting statistic. It becomes even more upsetting because these children tend to be 12 years old or younger. Children are also more likely to be severely injured by dog bites, as dogs tend to bite them in the head and neck area. Boys tend to be bitten more often than girls.
3. Most dog bites (70%) come from males who aren’t neutered.
(ASPCA PRO)
Here’s one more reason to ensure you get your dog fixed! Male dogs who aren’t neutered bite people 2.6 times more often than dogs who are fixed. In fact, unneutered male dogs comprise 70–76% of dog bite incidents.
4. In 2022, over 5,300 USPS employees delivering mail were attacked by canines.
(USPS)
Postal workers who deliver mail in the United States receive training on preventing dog attacks, but 5,300 were still attacked in 2022. However, this was down from 2020, when almost 6,000 USPS workers were attacked. Dogs not properly restrained when the mail carrier arrives put these carriers at risk of dog bites that often necessitate emergency treatment.
5. Dog pack attacks increased in 2023, accounting for 29% of all deadly dog bite attacks.
(DogsBite.org 1)
While there are plenty of single dog bite attacks, in 2023, dog bite pack attacks rose 93% from 2019. These attacks made up 29% of deadly dog bite attacks, while off-property attacks made up 43%. That 43% was a 65% increase from 2019.
The Aftermath of Dog Bites
6. Around 20% of all dog bites need medical attention.
(Stovall)
Out of the 4.5 million people who are bitten by dogs in the United States each year, 20% of those end up needing medical treatment for their wounds. Some dog bites only require cleaning and a bandage, while others can result in surgery or worse. Kids are more likely than adults to need serious medical intervention.
7. Approximately 50% of the dog bites adults receive are to the wrists and hands.
(BMJ)
While kids tend to be bitten more in the head and neck area (likely due to their height), adults are mostly bitten on the wrists or hands. Why are these the areas where dogs bite adults? In some cases, it’s because someone was bitten as they tried to pet a dog, but in other cases, it could be due to a person holding up their arms and hands to protect themselves from attack.
8. In 2022, 18,917 people received dog bites severe enough to require reconstructive surgery.
(ASPS)
Even if a dog bite isn’t deadly, it can be incredibly serious. Just ask the 18,917 people who had to have reconstructive surgery in 2022 after being bitten by dogs. That may be a small percentage of the 4.5 million people bitten yearly in the United States, but the number is still extremely large.
9. Between 2010 and 2023, 478 deadly canine bites were recorded.
(Fuicelle & Lee)
Of those 478 dog bites, 196 came from Pit Bulls, while 49 came from Pit Bull mixes, for a total of 60% of dogs with Pit Bull bloodline. Seven percent of the dogs had Rottweilers, and 4% had German Shepherds.
10. The average number of fatal dog bites in the United States each year is 30 to 50.
(NCBI)
While most dog bites won’t be deadly, on average, 30 to 50 people in the United States die from them each year. It may not be a significant percentage of all dog bites, but it’s still too many people. Still, for most people who are bitten by canines, the prognosis won’t be fatal.
11. There were 58 deaths from dog bites in 2023.
(DogsBite.org 1)
There were 58 reported fatalities resulting from dog bites in 2023. Of the canines responsible for these deaths, 64% had their breed identified by a photo. 12% of these canines went unidentified, though, with no breed information available.
Insurance and Dog Bites
12. From 2014 to 2023, the average cost of dog bite claims has increased by 82.5%.
(III Spotlight)
When it comes to insurance claims arising from dog bites, the average cost per claim in the United States increased 82.5% between 2014 and 2023. The reason for such a significant rise? The cost has gone up because of higher medical costs and larger judgments and settlements for victims.
13. Dog bite claims saw a slight decrease (2.2%) from 2021.
(III)
2022 saw a minute decrease in dog bite claims. While there were 17,989 bite claims in 2021, there were only 17,597 in 2022. Most likely, this decrease came about because of increased efforts to educate dog owners about dog bites and how to prevent them.
14. In 2022, insurance companies paid a total of $1.136 billion to settle dog bite claims.
(III)
Though the number of claims slightly decreased, the amount insurance companies paid out for dog bite claims rose by 28%. All in all, insurance companies shelled out $1.136 billion to settle dog bite claims. That amount could increase even more in the future.
15. The average amount paid in 2023 for dog bite claims was $58,545.
(III Spotlight)
Although the cost per claim has risen drastically in the past decade, there was a decrease in the cost between 2022 and 2023. While the average cost per in 2022 was $64,555, this cost was only $58,545 in 2023. This is a 9.3% decrease!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites
How many people get rabies from dogs each year?
99% of all rabies cases come from canines, and about 59,000 people a year die from rabies. Most of these cases are in Asia and Africa; there are relatively few cases of rabies in the United States. (CDC)
What is the one-bite rule?
A total of 16 states have what is known as the “one-bite rule”. But what exactly does that mean? This rule says that dog owners are only responsible for injuries their dogs cause if they are aware that the canine has aggressive tendencies before the bite occurs. As such, this rule is sometimes also known as the “one-free-bite rule.” (LawInfo)
Are some dog breeds more likely to attack strangers than other breeds?
Yes. In fact, Pit Bull terriers are the most likely dog breed to attack someone they don’t know. This breed is 31% more likely to attack a stranger and 48% more likely to attack without provocation. Attacks from Pit Bull terriers are also more likely to result in a hospital visit or death. (NCBI)
Which states have the most fatal dog bite attacks?
In a study that looked at 16 years of fatal dog bite attacks, it was found that the top five states to have these were California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. California had a total of 63 fatal dog bite attacks, while North Carolina had a total of 25. (DogBites.org 2)
What makes a dog more likely to bite people?
Though Pit Bulls are responsible for a large majority of dog bite attacks, breed itself isn’t considered an indicator of whether a dog will bite someone or not. While the dog breed can factor in, the more relevant factors include the owner’s behavior, how well the dog is trained, and whether the dog is neutered. As such, breed-specific legislation doesn’t necessarily prevent dog bite attacks. (AVMA)
Conclusion
Dog bite attacks are a serious matter that, unfortunately, harm several millions of people each year. While some of the dog bites received are minor, plenty are not and require hospitalization. Some even result in death. The best way to prevent your pet from becoming a dog who has bitten someone is to ensure they have been properly trained and socialized.
See also:
- Are Pig Ears Good for Dogs? Vet-Verified Facts & Guide
- How Do Dogs Know How to Swim? Vet-Verified Facts & Explanation
- 18 Surprising UK Dog Bite Statistics to Know
5 Responses
Those statistics on dog bites are pretty alarming—millions of people, especially kids, get bitten each year, and many of those injuries are serious. Reading that made me think how important it is to respect animals and teach proper behavior early. It also had me reflecting on how life can change in an instant—not just from dog incidents but from medical emergencies too. For example, I recently read about brain aneurysm repair and how recognizing signs like sudden severe headache or vision problems can be the difference between life and death. It’s scary but knowing both prevention and symptoms can really save lives.
Hello Emily,
thank you for your message. We agree that dog biting can be a serious issue, which however can be prevented by proper socialization and training. It is sad to see some breeds to have a bad reputation, just because they haven't been treated right. Also your thoughts are very enlightening – we should indeed enjoy every day!
Best wishes
I've been bitten by two dogs, one when I was a child. They were both little dogs with little teeth and I've seen children taunting a dog that eventually bit one of them. We had a pit bull mix that would literally shake hands with people coming into our house, but I also looked at the statistics and pit bulls bite far more people that any other breed. German shepherds are second but I wonder if police dog bites are in that statistic.
Hi Joyce. Thank you for sharing that! I'm sorry to hear that you were bitten in the past, even little dogs can cause damage and it's never a nice feeling. That's adorable that your Pitbull mix would shake hands with visitors to your house, they truly are a kind-natured breed, so it's unfortunate they have the reputation that they do. While it’s true that Pitbulls are involved in more bites, a lot of that is due to the breed being more common in certain situations, and unfortunately, they're often misunderstood or mistreated. You make a good point regarding German Shepherds, their role in the police force would definitely increase those numbers. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this! 🙂
Please thank Ms Gray for her article. I like how she provided concrete statistics about the frequency of dog bites, and different variables such as the breeds with the highest bite incidents, and the victims of such bites. Ms Gray's article is written with out any bias towards any breed as she explained the correlation between the breed and the breed's ownership. Well written, informative, easy to read/understand article. Thanks again to Ms Gray for thoroughly researching and sharing her findings in such an excellent, verifiable manner.