The dog breeds most likely to bite as hospital admissions for attacks spike in Scotland

Scotland more often than not provides a perfect environment for dogs, like lush green parks, rolling fields, long walking trails, and mild weather.

Around 25 per cent of adults in Scotland own a dog, according to Statista, but the responsibility does not come without its challenges. In 2023–2024, 1,105 people in Scotland were admitted to hospital after being bitten by a dog, according to Public Health Scotland.

This is an increase of more than 17 per cent from 940 admissions in the previous year. Many people worry about which breeds are the most dangerous, particularly which breeds are most likely to bite.

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This week, a list of the longest living dogs was unveiled, but what about the dogs most likely to sink their teeth? Last month, Dogster, a bimonthly magazine and website, compiled a lost of the eight dog breeds most likely to bite humans.

The results may influence the breed of dog Scots opt for when they are looking to buy or adopt, or simply think twice about their own furry friend, or the pet pooches they encounter when out and about.

1. Pit Bull

Pit Bulls and Pit Bull-types are often the first breed people think of when it comes to biting humans. Pit Bulls are an umbrella term that refers to a group of breeds that share similar characteristics rather than one breed on its own.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bulldogs, and Bull Terriers are a few breeds that can fall into the Pit Bull category.

In the Italian study, nine out of the 87 dogs that showed aggression toward humans were Pit Bull types, while seven were American Staffordshire Terriers. Breed recognition and definition of Pit Bull breeds differs between countries.

Last year, the Scottish Government replicated the ban on the XL Bully already implemented in England and Wales. Under the legislation, owners must register their dog for an exemption certificate, sell, give away, or rehome an XL Bully. They must keep them on a lead and muzzled in public, and have them insured, spayed, and microchipped.

2. Mixed Breeds / Crossbreeds

In the Italian study, mixed breeds made up nearly 28 per cent of aggressive tendencies towards humans (24 dogs out of 87). Of course, a mixed-breed dog can be almost anything, including a combination of the aforementioned breeds on this list. Mixed-breeds had the second highest death rate in 2019 in the US, being involved in six deaths.

3. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are large, strong dogs bred to be cattle protection dogs. Over the years, they have become police dogs, personal protectors, search-and-rescue dogs, and more, due to their protective instincts.

Rottweilers killed 51 people over a 14-year period. In the Italian study, six of the dogs showed aggression towards humans. Rottweilers are pretty common family pets, but should be subject to consistent and proper training.

Interactions with children and other pets should be closely supervised. These precautions will reduce the chances of aggression or attacks against humans.

4. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are often used as police dogs, so it is not surprising to see them included in the top five. The Italian study showed that 11 German Shepherds showed aggression toward humans and killed two people.

5. Mastiff

There are several Mastiff varieties, such as Tibetan Mastiff, English Mastiff, South African Mastiff (Boerboel), Neapolitan Mastiffs, Bullmastiffs, and Mastiff mixes. But the Mastiff-type accounted for one death in the US in 2019.

6. American Bulldog

American Bulldogs were bred to fight, and caused one death in the US in 2019. The breed was not included in the Italian study, though. It comes after a family were left terrified to leave their home after their puppy was mauled to death by an American Bulldog in Tollcross, Glasgow.

Eight-month old French Bulldog Boss was attacked in early February after a neighbourhood dog entered their garden and tore into the pup, resulting in his heartbreaking death. Michaela Brennan, 35, said the shock attack had left her three children traumatised.

7. Husky

Siberian Huskies are striking-looking dogs, and can be playful and affectionate when properly trained and socialised. However, Huskies were behind one death in the US in 2019.

Meanwhile, one dog in the Italian study was found to be aggressive towards other dogs, but not humans. Horrifyingly, this week, a nine-year-old had his "face brutally torn off" in a horror dog attack in Russia.

Valya Korolev was mauled whilst taking a broom out to his dad to sweep snow from his car. It comes amid claims that regional governments are failing to control the animals after losing cash to fund Putin's war against Ukraine.

8. Boxer

Boxers' patient and protective nature have earned them a reputation as a great dog with children, according to American Kennel Club, but they are also deep-chested dogs that are usually well-muscled under their smooth coat.

In the study, two Boxers showed aggression towards humans, and two of them were involved in fatal attacks on humans in the US in 2019.