Chow Chow Attacks
If you or someone you love suffers a Chow Chow bite, call a Texas dog bite attorney about seeking compensation for your injuries from the negligent dog owner. At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., we have been helping dog bite victims fight for the recovery they deserve since 1979. Call (713) 932-0777 for a free consultation.
Chow Chow Statistics
To their owners, Chow Chows are often devoted, loyal, and loving companions. However, when untrained, Chow Chows can become extremely aggressive towards strangers, other pets, and children. Although regarded as an aggressive breed, serious Chow Chow attacks on humans are uncommon. One study states that from 2005 to 2017, Chow Chows were involved in 3 dog attack-related deaths or 0.7% of the total dog bite deaths in that period. Additionally, statistics from PETolog.com show that between 1982 and 2022, Chow Chows were responsible for 61 attacks, 8 of which resulted in death. However, of the 61 attacks, 37 of them were children.
Chow Chow Background
Chow Chows are medium-sized dogs that can range from 17 to 20 inches tall. They are recognized for their thick double coat with fur resembling the mane of a lion and their deep-set eyes that give them a scowling expression. The breed is known to be independent, stubborn, and incredibly loyal to its owners. While there is much debate about when Chow Chows were bred, they are believed to date back to 206 B.C. to 220 A.D., when they were bred in China during the reign of the Han Dynasty. They were eventually brought over to the United States in the 1890s. The breed was initially developed as working dogs for hunting, herding, and guarding their owner’s homes and livestock. Chow Chows were even used by Ancient Chinese armies in times of war to guard bases and assist in combat. Today, many Chow Chows are kept as house pets; however, they still retain their protectiveness and extreme loyalty to their owner, which can lead them to become aggressive towards strangers when untrained.
Although typecast as aggressive, Chow Chows have become popular household pets due to their independence, intelligence, protectiveness, and loyalty to their owners. Chow Chows tend to have low-maintenance personalities and do not demand as much attention or affection as other dog breeds. Although they do not require as much affection, Chow Chows often form special bonds and become eternally loyal to their owners. However, when not properly trained, a Chow Chow’s extreme loyalty can turn into aggression with strangers they feel pose a threat to their home or their owner. Additionally, Chow Chows tend to be very territorial, which can lead to attacks on other household pets to show dominance. Their territorial nature can also lead them to bite small children or infants the dog feels the need to express dominance over. Thus, it is important to always monitor kids around dogs and dogs around kids. It is equally as important to train and properly socialize a Chow Chow with children and other pets as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Chow Chows Vicious by Nature?
Chow Chows are often regarded as aggressive by nature because they were bred for hunting and protection purposes. They can become aggressive towards strangers and sometimes little kids and other household pets. However, with proper training, Chow Chows can be docile and make great family pets. Additionally, if a Chow Chow is socialized with young children and strangers or people they do not see very often at an early age, they may be less prone to attack when they see new people or children.
How Long do I have to File a Claim?
In Texas, adults who have been attacked by a dog have 2 years from the date of the attack to file a claim. Children have until their 20th birthday to file a claim for their pain and suffering. However, you need to know that the right to recover medical bills belongs to the parent, not the child. It is therefore governed by the parent’s 2-year statute of limitations in Texas.
Additionally, although you have up to 2 years to file the claim you should not wait until the end of the 2 years to pursue legal action. Bite records can sometimes be purged from state systems, and witnesses or negligent owners can relocate and disappear. Evidence is best preserved right after a dog bite incident, so it is best to file a claim as soon as possible.
What Makes an Owner Liable if Their Chow Chow Bites?
In Texas, we follow the One Free Bite Rule when it comes to proving liability in a dog bite case. Under the One Bite Rule, an owner is liable for the attack if the owner knows that the dog has vicious tendencies towards humans. The only way for an owner to know if their dog has vicious tendencies is for the dog to have attacked a human before your incident. If an owner’s dog has bitten a human before, there will be bite reports or witness testimony about the first incident. If there is a bite report about a previous incident with the dog that bit you, the owner can be held liable for the dog’s vicious actions.
An attorney who handles dog bite cases can help you understand what types of damages you may be entitled to claim and can assist you in taking steps to protect your rights.
Can A Recovery Always Be Made For a Chow Chow Bite?
No. You need to be aware that in Texas, dog bite laws favor the dog owner. You, the victim must prove that the owner was aware of prior actions by the dog that put them on notice that the dog was aggressive toward human beings. This can be difficult evidence to uncover if you do not know the dog owner personally. Additionally, there are insurance issues in dog bite cases. Many insurance policies do not provide canine liability insurance coverage. But, the policies are often written so confusing that the owner’s are tricked into believing they have coverage when they do not. Most people are considered judgment proof in Texas and thus, without coverage, it often does not make financial sense to pursue a civil case for damages. A dog bite lawyer can help you determine what steps to take after a dog bite and whether it is worth pursuing.
Protect Your Rights After a Chow Chow Bite
At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., our lawyers are here to help seek compensation for people who have been seriously injured as a result of a dog bite. Our Houston dog bite attorneys understand that dog bites can cause serious harm, and we will do everything we can to fight for your right to a proper recovery. Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. has been representing dog bite victims for over four decades. Call us at (713) 932-0777 for a free consultation today. Our lawyers work on a contingency fee, meaning that you do not reimburse us for our expenses nor pay us an attorney fee unless we make a recovery for you.