Dogs, called man's best friend, are valued for their loyalty and obedience. But not all dogs display these characteristics. Many dogs can be aggressive or dangerous; in fact, over 3,000 dog bites were reported by mail carriers alone in 2003, and about 20 people per year die as a result of dog bites. Learning what causes dog attacks and how to protect yourself if a dog attacks can prevent serious injury to you and your family.

Why do dogs bite?

Dogs typically bite to protect their home or their family. If a dog feels like his space, food, puppies, or humans are at risk, he is likely to protect them. While it is unfair to label whole breeds of dogs as aggressive, some dog breeds have been developed and prized for their aggressiveness and are more likely to be the perpetrators of attacks on humans. Breeds most often involved in fatal attacks include:

• Pit bulls
• Rottweilers
• German Shepherds
• Huskies
• Malamutes
• Doberman Pinschers
• Chow Chows
• Great Danes
• Saint Bernards

It is important to note that breed alone does not put a dog at risk for fatally attacking a human. Other characteristics play a larger role. Unneutered male dogs are more likely to attack than females or neutered males. Socialization and training are also extremely important. Dogs who are trained using fear-based reinforcements are more likely to attack, as are dogs with a poor animal-human bond. Dogs whose owners allow or encourage them to act aggressively are also more likely to attack humans, as are dogs who are kept on chains or allowed to run loose.

Some dogs attack not out of aggression, but out of fear. These dogs were often poorly socialized as puppies, or have been abused and thus taught to fear humans. Dogs who attack out of fear can surprise their victims because they appear submissive and don't always look like they are about to attack.