High-risk dogs, such as Bull and Stafford types and their crosses, are disproportionately involved in bite incidents with other dogs and humans, according to research from Utrecht University. These breeds are more likely to inflict serious injuries on fellow canines and often feature in human bite cases.
This pattern emerges from an analysis of over 400 police reports from 2016 and 2017. While high-risk dogs commonly harm other dogs and people, sheepdogs are more frequently linked to fatal attacks on animals like cats and sheep.
“People often call for more data without specifying the type of bite incidents,” notes a spokesperson for the Royal Dutch Kennel Club, which commissioned the study. “To make information actionable, we must differentiate by incident type. Dog owners need greater awareness of their pet's genetic predispositions—sheepdogs may chase livestock, while high-risk breeds exhibit stronger aggression toward other dogs.” This conspecific aggression likely stems from their historical use in dogfighting, which persists illegally in the Netherlands. Perpetrators are not only fight organizers but also tied to crimes like drug offenses.
The study highlights that high-risk dog owners tend to be younger on average, raising alarms about boys aged 14-25 who view these dogs as status symbols. Many overlook the breed's demanding needs for safe socialization.
“Mandatory owner training and youth education are essential,” the spokesperson emphasizes. “We're creating targeted programs to help young people see dogs as sentient companions, not accessories. Alongside prevention, early interventions—like Rotterdam's low-threshold reporting service for concerned residents—are key. Together, they reduce harmful bites and reinforce dogs' positive societal role.”
