which breed of dog is more likely to bite than others?

Did you say "mean dog"? Well, the risk of being bitten does not totally depend on your race, according to the conclusions of an ANSES study. What to counter the received ideas.

One more prejudice to be put out of service once and for all. This Monday, February 8, 2021, a study, conducted by the National Health Security Agency (Anses) at the request of the Ministry of Agriculture, indicates that the breed of a dog is not sufficient to predict the risk of bite. "At the end of an expertise carried out on the subject, ANSES considers that this basis alone does not allow a reliable prediction of the risk of bites", shares ANSES. These conclusions are part "public health issues associated with dog bites."

In France, each year, thousands of people are bitten by dogs, but these figures "are most certainly inferior to reality", reveals Matthieu Schuler, Deputy Director General of the ANSES science division. The consequences of these accidents can have repercussions physical, infectious and psychological. Note that some dog breeds are cataloged as "dangerous" : american staffordshire terrier, pit bull, mastiff or even tosa, so-called categories 1 and 2. Their owners are required to have a detention permit and must keep their animals on a leash, as well as make them wear a muzzle in public space.

To counter bites, "combine several means of prevention"

We can't repeat it enough, but dog training is the key to having a good dog in his head and on his paws. The Agency recommends "to strengthen the behavioral assessment of dogs." In its press release, ANSES insists on making children and adults aware of the well-being, needs and expectations of a dog, as well as understanding the stress signals in animals: licking the nose, yawning repetitive, looking away, etc. It is also important, "Regardless of their size or breed, never leave a child alone with a dog without active adult supervision." The role of veterinarians is also brought to the fore.

At the time of a first visit concerning a vaccination or an annual check-up, the animal health expert should make the owners aware of the risk factors of bite and stress the importance of the animal's education and positive reinforcement ("animal education methods favoring rewards during learning").

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A "bite observatory"

Responsibility level, dog breeders are required to do "to coincide the needs of the dog related to its size, its breed, its character… with the living conditions it may have: small apartment or large house, possibility of regular outings or not, presence of young children, etc. . " ANSES recommends, throughout its analysis, the creation of a "observatory" bites in order to "reinforce behavioral assessment" during a bite, at the request of the mayor or a prefect andincrease the number of veterinarians who can give it (…) In the event of a bite or at the specific request of the mayor or the prefect, must be reinforced, by increasing the number of veterinarians registered to carry out these evaluations and by harmonizing training, practices and tools used. Indeed, the behavioral assessment of dogs is a privileged tool to better understand the risks for a dog to bite ", Explain study.
At present, no scientific study has in fact demonstrated a higher risk of bites by dogs of categories 1 and 2, those known as "dangerous". Although their size and strength will affect the extent of damage in the event of an attack.