You never expect to get bitten by a dog. You might have been out for your usual evening walk in your West Virginia neighborhood, passing a yard you’ve walked by a hundred times. In many cases, the dog did not look dangerous; it was just curious and even friendly. But in a flash, it lunged.
And now you’re left with a dog bite, maybe stitches, and a story you never wanted to tell. It’s the kind of experience that sticks with you. The physical pain might fade, but the questions don’t.
West Virginia law says dog owners are responsible when their animals bite someone who did nothing wrong.
But many people do not realize how often severe bites come from breeds we see daily: in parks, on sidewalks, and behind chain-link fences. Some breeds are more dangerous than others.
Here are some of the world’s most dangerous dog breeds, what makes them risky, and why breed alone does not tell the whole story about a serious dog bite.
Dangerous Dogs in the World
When people talk about “the most dangerous dogs in the world,” they refer to breeds that can cause the most serious harm. While not all of them are common in West Virginia neighborhoods, you may still encounter them through breeders, shelters, or irresponsible owners who ignore local safety concerns.
Here are some of the most dangerous dog breeds:
Cane Corso
This Italian mastiff was initially bred to hunt wild boar and guard property. It is a muscular, highly territorial breed with a bite force of over 700 PSI (pounds per square inch). Without firm training and constant socialization, Cane Corsos can become aggressive and challenging to manage.
Wolf-Dog Hybrid
These are crossbreeds between domestic dogs and wolves. While they may look exotic or beautiful, wolf hybrids are unpredictable. They retain much of their wild instinct and do not respond well to standard obedience training.
Tosa Inu
Originally from Japan and bred for dog fighting, the Tosa Inu is a powerful animal. Ownership is restricted in many places around the world due to their aggressive lineage. Though rare in the U.S., they do show up in some circles.
Dogo Argentino
This dog is bred for big game hunting. It is banned in the UK, Australia, and several other nations. It can legally be owned in the U.S., including parts of West Virginia, but its strength makes any bite a medical emergency.
While these dogs are dangerous, you might not encounter them in your neighborhood. Here are some other breeds that can cause serious injuries.
Pit Bull Terrier
You have probably heard of pit bulls being involved in dog attacks. These dogs are muscular and powerful, and they can latch on with incredible force when they bite. They are responsible for a large percentage of fatal and severe dog bites across the U.S. One study published in the National Library of Medicine stated that pit bulls accounted for one-third of attacks.
Keep in mind that not every pit bull is aggressive. Many are loving, loyal, and well-trained. The problem is that the consequences are far more serious when things go wrong due to the breed’s strength and persistence.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are large, strong dogs originally bred to drive cattle and guard property. They are protective by nature. Unfortunately, that protectiveness can quickly become aggressive if they perceive a threat.
Rottweiler attacks often involve severe injuries, especially when children are involved.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are intelligent and are frequently used in police and military work. But they are also powerful dogs with a high drive to protect their families. In the wrong hands, that protective instinct can lead to biting, especially toward strangers, children, or perceived intruders.
Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans are sleek, fast, and bred to protect. Their guarding instincts make them effective watchdogs, but they can also be dangerous if not properly socialized and trained. While they are less commonly involved in fatal attacks than pit bulls or Rottweilers, their bites can still cause serious trauma.
Chow Chow
They may look like fluffy teddy bears, but Chow Chows are notoriously unpredictable and territorial.
These dogs are known for bonding with their owners but can be standoffish and sometimes aggressive toward strangers.
What West Virginia Law Says About Dog Bites
Under West Virginia law (W. Va. Code § 19‑20‑13), a dog owner is strictly liable if their dog bites or attacks someone, even if the dog has never shown aggression, if it is running loose or roaming the streets. That means the owner is responsible for your injuries as long as:
- You weren’t trespassing
- You weren’t provoking the dog
- You were bitten in a public place or while lawfully on private property
It does not matter if it was a pit bull or a poodle. The law holds the owner responsible, not the dog.
Dangerous Dogs Can Be Found Anywhere
You might assume these breeds are only found in aggressive households or bad neighborhoods, but that is untrue. You can find pit bulls behind suburban picket fences, German Shepherds on quiet country roads, and Chows in upscale apartment buildings.
You might pass these dogs every day on your walk. They might live next door. Most of the time, nothing happens. However, when something does, it can instantly change your life.
There’s no such thing as a universally dangerous dog, but there are breeds that can cause more damage, faster, and with less warning than others. If you’ve been bitten, don’t let anyone tell you it was your fault or that the dog “is usually friendly.”
If you have been bitten by a dog in Charleston, DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC can help.
Reach out to our legal team to learn your options.
