Great Dane Attacks
Most Great Danes make great family pets. However, although many people regard Great Danes as gentle and loving giants, attacks can and do happen. For instance, research done by dogsbite.org states that in 2019, attacks by Great Danes resulted in only one death. Additionally, one study done by petolog.com reported that between September 1982 and December 2022, Great Danes were responsible for 37 attacks. Three of the attacks resulted in deaths, and 19 were maimings causing permanent harm. Moreover, of the 37 attacks, 12 of them were on children. This statistic reminds us that even gentle dog breeds can cause harm, especially to more vulnerable people. It is important to teach children how to safely interact with dogs.
If you or someone you love has been attacked or bitten by a dog, talk to a Houston dog bite lawyer about holding the negligent owner accountable. At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., we have been helping dog attack victims seek the compensation they deserve for their injuries since 1979. Call (713) 932-0777 for a free consultation.
Great Dane History
Great Danes are one of the largest and tallest dog breeds in the world, with males weighing up to 175 pounds and females weighing up to 140 pounds. Great Danes are distinguishable by their athletic build, big ears, long tails, and tall stature that can even be taller than a human when they stand on their hind legs. The breed is known for being sociable, devoted, reserved, and loving. Great Danes descend from mastiff-like dogs and date back to the 18th century, when German nobility bred them to protect country estates and hunt deer and boar. They were eventually brought over to the United States in the late 1880s.
Despite their initial purpose as hunting and protection dogs, most Great Danes are not generally aggressive. In fact, Great Danes have earned the nickname “gentle giants” for their friendly, loving nature. Owners describe the breed as playful, affectionate, and good with children. However, without proper training, or if abused or mistreated, any dog can become dangerous to owners and visitors alike. Moreover, because of the Great Danes’ massive stature, they can easily overpower people, making attacks difficult to stop, especially if they target a small child or other family pets. Additionally, Great Danes can be moderately playful. Sometimes, their playfulness can become a bit rough, which can lead to accidental injuries to small children that the dog does not mean to cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes a Great Dane to Bite?
Although Great Danes are often regarded as very friendly, they may bite for many reasons. A Great Dane may bite because of territorial aggression. If a person or an animal the dog does not recognize threatens their home or belongings, the Great Dane may attack. Additionally, a Great Dane may attack if it is in pain. When a dog is in pain, it may lash out at anyone who gets too close when it wants space. Moreover, a Great Dane may bite if humans mistreat it. If a dog is mistreated or abused by humans, it may attack or bite people because of its mistrust.
What Should I Do After a Dog Attack?
If a dog attacks you, separate yourself from the dog and seek medical attention if needed to prevent infection. Once you have treated your injuries, report the incident to animal control as soon as possible. Identify the correct animal control department for the location where the incident occurred. Animal control will investigate the dog’s history and medical records to determine whether the dog is a dangerous animal. After you contact animal control, consider contacting a Texas dog bite attorney who can help determine whether you are eligible for compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
When Do I Have to Report a Great Dane Bite?
The Texas Department of State Health requires reporting all dog bites immediately because of public health concerns. If a dog bites you, you may contract and spread rabies. Reporting the attack allows animal control to check the dog’s vaccination records to determine whether you could contract rabies from a bite. Additionally, reporting the incident to animal control creates a record of the bite and provides evidence of the injuries caused by the dog. A record of the incident will help if you wish to pursue legal action against the negligent dog owner.
Talk to an Experienced Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been attacked by a Great Dane, you need an experienced and knowledgeable attorney on your side. At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., our 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. Our firm has been representing dog bite victims for over four decades. Call us at (713) 932-0777 for a free consultation to discuss the next steps in your Great Dane case.
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