Have you ever been bitten by a dog or know someone who has? When we think of dangerous dog bites, there are certain breeds we are typically afraid of and associate with these attacks. Perhaps pitbulls, rottweilers or bulldogs spring to mind, with these types of breeds banned in various places due to their strength and safety concerns. But are tiny dogs really that much less harmless or are there smaller dog breeds that also pose a threat? University of Helsinki’s 2021 study looking at dog aggression, discovered that little dogs actually have higher levels of aggression compared to medium or large breeds.
To this end, Bisnar Chase, a leading personal injury law firm, reveals that they have seen an increase in claims relating to dog bites from smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and Jack Russell Terriers. While of course the physical damage that these little dogs could cause might be less severe, the consequences for you as an owner are the same.
“People tend to dismiss smaller dogs as less dangerous,” says Brian Chase from Bisnar Chase. “But in the eyes of the law, a bite is a bite. Whether the dog weighs 10 pounds or 100 pounds, the owner is equally liable for any injuries caused.”
Victims More Likely To Claim
There’s a general assumption that its safer to have small dogs, with these breeds typically seen as being friendlier but according to Bisnar Chase, reported cases of bites from small dogs are rising. The increase in incidents has been gradual but consistent and while the damages may have been minor, legal action is still possible. Whether that means that there has been an increase in dog bite activity by these breeds or simply whether people are now more inclined to claim is unclear.
“In a world where more people are struggling financially, especially post-pandemic, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in dog bite claims,” Mr Chase continues. “People are more likely to seek compensation, even for minor injuries, especially when medical costs are high and stress levels are elevated.”
It could be that in the past small dog bites may have been dismissed as the injuries were not that severe, but now with victims seeing the potential financial benefits and needing to cover expenses, they are more likely to seek legal action, even if the dogs involved were smaller.
Your Liability As An Owner
Bisnar Chase says that, “We want to remind dog owners, especially those with smaller breeds, that the legal system treats all dog bites seriously. It’s crucial to take precautions and be aware of the risks, even if your dog has never shown signs of aggression.”
One thing that many pet owners fail to understand is that their liability in an attack remains the same, regardless of the damage caused. The law doesn’t differentiate between a small dog that nips at an ankle, or a bigger dog takes a stronger bite that causes more damage. There are no allowances for breeds based on their specific site and no matter the size of your dog, you as an owner assume the same responsibility. As a pet owner you are liable for any injury caused by your pet and there isn’t any leniency given based on if you were present or not and if it was your dog’s first offence.
“People often assume that because a dog is small, the injuries will be minor and not lead to litigation,” says . “Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Even a seemingly harmless nip can result in infection, emotional distress, and in some cases, legal action.”
Americans More Likely To Claim
“Even if the injury seems minor, people are often advised to pursue compensation, particularly if the bite leads to complications like infections or scarring,” says Mr Chase.
And it seems that many victims are following this advice, taking legal action against pet owners, no matter the size of the pooch. What many dog owners don’t take into account however is just how much these bites can end up costing them.
“Many of our clients are shocked by the potential financial repercussions of a dog bite case,” the firm notes. “In addition to medical bills, there are often legal fees, compensation for pain and suffering, and in some cases, even punitive damages.”
Preventing Expensive Legal Costs
“Ultimately, it’s about being a responsible pet owner,” he concludes. “Don’t assume that just because your dog is small, you’re immune to legal consequences. Properly restrain your dog, be mindful of their environment, and take every step to prevent an incident before it happens.”
Of course no one wants their dog to be the perpetrator in a dog attack but when it comes to little dogs it’s about being aware to take preventative measures. Keep your dog on a lead and be sure to remove them from situations that cause stress. Small dogs do tend to be easier to provoke and so pet owners need to be aware to keep them away from potential stressors, such as children or other small, yappy dogs that could get in their face.
“A lot of these bites are preventable,” says Mr Chase. “One of the best steps an owner can take is to always keep their dog properly restrained, whether that means using a leash, a muzzle, or ensuring that their dog isn’t roaming freely. We see cases where people underestimate how stressed or anxious their small dog can get, leading to an unexpected bite. Owners need to recognize these signals and take appropriate action before an incident occurs,” he explains.