13 Dog Bite Statistics in 2026: Breeds, Incidences & Deaths

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

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 about half 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 13 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 13 Dog Bite Statistics

1. In the United States, canines bite approximately 4.5 million people a year.

2. Roughly 50% of those 4.5 million people are children.

3. Most dog bites (70%) come from males who aren’t neutered.

4. In 2025, over 5,200 USPS employees delivering mail were attacked by canines.

5. Around 20% of all dog bites need medical attention.

6. Approximately 50% of the dog bites adults receive in the UK are to the wrists and hands.

7. More than 19,000 reconstructive procedures were performed for dog bites in 2024.

8. Between 2010 and 2023, 478 deadly canine bites were recorded.

9. The average number of fatal dog bites in the United States each year is 43.

10. There were 63 deaths from dog bites in 2023.

11. From 2016 to 2025, the average cost of dog bite claims has increased by 97%.

12. Dog bite claims increased by more than 25% in 2025.

13. In 2025, insurance companies paid a total of $1.86 billion to settle dog bite claims.

General Dog Bite Statistics

1. In the United States, canines bite approximately 4.5 million people a year.

(III Spotlight)

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 2025, over 5,200 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 5,200 were still attacked in 2025. 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.

The Aftermath of Dog Bites

5. 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.

6. Approximately 50% of the dog bites adults receive in the UK 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.

7. More Than 19,000 Reconstructive Procedures Were Performed For Dog Bites In 2024

(ASPS)

Dog bites can cause serious injuries that require reconstructive surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 19,202 reconstructive procedures were performed for dog bites in 2024 by ASPS member surgeons. That was virtually unchanged from the 19,201 procedures recorded in 2023.

8. Between 2010 and 2023, 478 deadly canine bites were recorded.

(Fuicelli & Lee)

Of those 478 dog bites, 196 came from Pit Bulls, while 49 came from Pit Bull mixes, for a total of 51% of dogs with Pit Bull bloodline. Seven percent of the dogs had Rottweilers, and 4% had German Shepherds.

9. The average number of fatal dog bites in the United States each year is 43.

(NCBI)

While most dog bites won’t be deadly, an average of 43 people in the United States died from them each year between 2011 and 2021, and deaths have risen sharply since. 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.

10. There were 63 deaths from dog bites in 2023.

(DogsBite.org 1)

There were 63 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

11. From 2016 to 2025, the average cost of dog bite claims has increased by 97%.

(III Spotlight)

When it comes to insurance claims arising from dog bites, the average cost per claim in the United States increased 97% between 2016 and 2025. The reason for such a significant rise? The cost has gone up because of higher medical costs and larger judgments and settlements for victims.

12. Dog Bite Claims Increased By More Than 25% In 2025

(III)

Dog bite and related injury claims increased significantly in 2025. U.S. insurers recorded 28,450 claims, up more than 25% from 2024. Insurers paid $1.86 billion in dog-related injury claims, while the average cost per claim was $65,450.

13. Insurance Companies Paid $1.86 Billion For Dog-Related Injury Claims In 2025

(III)

The cost of dog-related injuries continues to add up for U.S. insurers. In 2025, insurance companies paid $1.86 billion to settle 28,450 dog-related injury claims.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites

How many people get rabies from dogs each year?

Dogs cause 99% of human rabies cases, and rabies kills tens of thousands of people a year. 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 one hospital study, Pit Bull terriers were the breed most likely to bite someone they didn’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 specialist care and surgery. (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 states were California, Texas, Florida, and Georgia, followed by Arizona, North Carolina, and Ohio. California had a total of 63 fatal dog bite attacks, while Arizona, North Carolina, and Ohio each had 25. (DogsBite.org 2)

What makes a dog more likely to bite people?

Though Pit Bulls are often involved in severe 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:

• 14 Surprising UK Dog Bite Statistics to Know