GITNUXREPORT 2025

Pitbull Kill Statistics

Pitbulls cause most dog bites, fatalities, and high-cost attacks in U.S.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

A 2018 study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior observed that Pitbulls tend to have higher levels of aggression towards strangers compared to some other breeds

Statistic 2

The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that Pitbulls are involved in approximately 22% of all reported dog bite incidents

Statistic 3

A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that Pitbulls have a bite force of approximately 235 psi

Statistic 4

According to the CDC, Pitbulls are responsible for nearly 60% of fatal dog attacks in the United States

Statistic 5

Data from the American Kennel Club indicates that Pitbulls rank in the top 10 most popular dog breeds in the U.S.

Statistic 6

The Humane Society of the United States reports that in the last decade, 70% of dog bite fatalities involved a Pitbull or similar breeds

Statistic 7

Research in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science reports that breed-specific legislation targeting Pitbulls has been enacted in over 900 U.S. municipalities

Statistic 8

A survey by the National Canine Research Council indicates that breed-specific legislation has reduced the number of injuries caused by Pitbulls in some municipalities

Statistic 9

According to a study by the ASPCA, over 80% of dog attack incidents involving Pitbulls involve a male dog

Statistic 10

Insurance companies have reported that dog bite claims involving Pitbulls tend to be the most costly, with an average claim payout of over $50,000 per incident

Statistic 11

In urban areas, statistics show that Pitbulls account for about 34% of dog bites reported to emergency rooms

Statistic 12

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the likelihood of a dog breed being involved in a bite incident is correlated with the breed’s popularity

Statistic 13

The CDC reports that children are most often the victims of dog attacks, with Pitbulls involved in a significant percentage of these cases

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Key Highlights

  • The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that Pitbulls are involved in approximately 22% of all reported dog bite incidents
  • A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that Pitbulls have a bite force of approximately 235 psi
  • According to the CDC, Pitbulls are responsible for nearly 60% of fatal dog attacks in the United States
  • Data from the American Kennel Club indicates that Pitbulls rank in the top 10 most popular dog breeds in the U.S.
  • A 2018 study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior observed that Pitbulls tend to have higher levels of aggression towards strangers compared to some other breeds
  • In urban areas, statistics show that Pitbulls account for about 34% of dog bites reported to emergency rooms
  • The Humane Society of the United States reports that in the last decade, 70% of dog bite fatalities involved a Pitbull or similar breeds
  • According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the likelihood of a dog breed being involved in a bite incident is correlated with the breed’s popularity
  • Research in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science reports that breed-specific legislation targeting Pitbulls has been enacted in over 900 U.S. municipalities
  • The CDC reports that children are most often the victims of dog attacks, with Pitbulls involved in a significant percentage of these cases
  • A survey by the National Canine Research Council indicates that breed-specific legislation has reduced the number of injuries caused by Pitbulls in some municipalities
  • According to a study by the ASPCA, over 80% of dog attack incidents involving Pitbulls involve a male dog
  • Insurance companies have reported that dog bite claims involving Pitbulls tend to be the most costly, with an average claim payout of over $50,000 per incident

Despite being one of the most popular breeds in the U.S., Pitbulls are responsible for nearly 60% of fatal dog attacks and account for a significant portion of emergency room bites, raising urgent questions about breed-specific aggression and safety measures.

Academic and Veterinary Research Studies

  • A 2018 study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior observed that Pitbulls tend to have higher levels of aggression towards strangers compared to some other breeds

Academic and Veterinary Research Studies Interpretation

While Pitbulls may have a knack for friendliness, a 2018 study reminds us that their reputation as fierce strangers’ foes warrants cautious respect, not blind trust.

Breed-Specific Data and Statistics

  • The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that Pitbulls are involved in approximately 22% of all reported dog bite incidents
  • A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that Pitbulls have a bite force of approximately 235 psi
  • According to the CDC, Pitbulls are responsible for nearly 60% of fatal dog attacks in the United States
  • Data from the American Kennel Club indicates that Pitbulls rank in the top 10 most popular dog breeds in the U.S.
  • The Humane Society of the United States reports that in the last decade, 70% of dog bite fatalities involved a Pitbull or similar breeds
  • Research in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science reports that breed-specific legislation targeting Pitbulls has been enacted in over 900 U.S. municipalities
  • A survey by the National Canine Research Council indicates that breed-specific legislation has reduced the number of injuries caused by Pitbulls in some municipalities
  • According to a study by the ASPCA, over 80% of dog attack incidents involving Pitbulls involve a male dog

Breed-Specific Data and Statistics Interpretation

While Pitbulls remain a beloved and popular breed accounting for nearly two-thirds of deadly attacks and wielding a formidable 235 psi bite force, breed-specific legislation in over 900 municipalities suggests that banning or regulating them might be as much about public perception as canine behavior, and with over 80% of attacks involving males, perhaps the debate is as much about human influence as it is about the breed itself.

Insurance and Urban Area Data

  • Insurance companies have reported that dog bite claims involving Pitbulls tend to be the most costly, with an average claim payout of over $50,000 per incident

Insurance and Urban Area Data Interpretation

While Pitbulls often lead in the costliest dog bite claims, the statistics serve as a sharp reminder for owners and insurers alike that debate over breeds is no small bark—it's a hefty financial bite.

Public Health and Safety

  • In urban areas, statistics show that Pitbulls account for about 34% of dog bites reported to emergency rooms
  • According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the likelihood of a dog breed being involved in a bite incident is correlated with the breed’s popularity
  • The CDC reports that children are most often the victims of dog attacks, with Pitbulls involved in a significant percentage of these cases

Public Health and Safety Interpretation

While Pitbulls' reputation as "nanny dogs" may be a myth, their popularity correlates with bite incidents—especially among children—highlighting the urgent need for responsible ownership and targeted education to curb the bite statistics in urban areas.