Dangerous Dog Breeds and Owner Liability in Michigan

Dog attacks can cause life-changing injuries — and in many cases, these injuries involve breeds that are statistically more prone to aggression. While Michigan law does not discriminate by breed, many cities enforce local ordinances targeting specific breeds, creating confusion for victims and owners alike. At our Michigan personal injury firm, we help dog bite victims understand how state law, local rules, and homeowner negligence intersect when a dangerous dog breed causes harm. If you've been injured by a dog classified as “aggressive” or “dangerous,” you may have powerful legal options — even if the dog had never bitten anyone before.

Understanding Breed-Related Dog Bite Risk

Though any dog — regardless of size or breed — can bite, some breeds are more frequently associated with severe injuries or fatal attacks. This is often due to a combination of:

• Genetic predisposition
• Size and bite strength
• Protective or territorial instincts
• Owner behavior and neglect

Breeds Frequently Involved in Serious Attacks:

• Pit Bulls (American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier)
• Rottweilers
• German Shepherds
• Doberman Pinschers
• Presa Canarios
• Akitas
• Mastiffs
• Chow Chows

📊 According to national bite data and hospital records, Pit Bulls and Rottweilers account for the majority of fatal dog attacks in the U.S., despite making up a small percentage of the overall dog population.

Does the Dog’s Breed Matter Under Michigan Law?

Michigan’s dog bite statute, MCL 287.351, operates under a strict liability standard, meaning: “The owner of a dog is liable for damages if the dog bites someone, without provocation, while the person is on public property or lawfully on private property.” ✅ The breed of the dog does not impact the owner’s liability. ❌ Owners cannot use breed as a defense. ✅ Even if the dog has no history of aggression, liability still applies. This means that victims do not need to prove that the dog was a “dangerous breed” — only that the bite occurred without provocation and on lawful grounds.

What Are Breed-Specific Laws (BSL) in Michigan?

Some cities in Michigan have enacted Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL) — local ordinances that regulate or restrict the ownership of certain breeds considered dangerous.

Examples of Local Breed Ordinances in Michigan:

Waterford Township:

Requires additional registration and restraint requirements for Pit Bulls.

Harper Woods:

Bans ownership of Pit Bulls and similar breeds.

Ypsilanti Township:

Mandates muzzling and signage for certain aggressive breeds.

Detroit (formerly):

Had regulations on “vicious dogs” that have since been updated to focus on behavior, not breed. Our legal team is familiar with these ordinances, and we leverage them when proving owner negligence, violations of local law, or recklessness in dog bite claims.

Dangerous Dog Classification and Enhanced Liability

a dog may be labeled as “dangerous” or “potentially dangerous” if it has:

• Caused serious injury or death
• Been involved in repeated aggressive incidents
• Chased or threatened people or animals on multiple occasions

If a dog has already been designated “dangerous,” the owner may be required to:

• Register the dog with local authorities
• Carry special insurance
• Use a muzzle in public
• Post warning signs on their property
• Keep the dog in a secure enclosure

can be powerful evidence of negligence and increase the likelihood of a successful lawsuit for damages.

Injuries from Dangerous Dog Breeds Can Be Devastating

Victims of attacks by high-risk breeds often suffer more severe injuries due to the sheer force and intensity of the bite. We frequently see cases involving: Crushed bones and muscle tissue Animal control reports Infections and sepsis Partial or complete amputationsCrushed bones and muscle tissue Severe emotional trauma, especially in children These types of injuries often require multiple surgeries, long-term rehab, and psychological counseling, all of which may be recoverable through a legal claim.

How We Prove Owner Negligence in Dangerous Dog Cases

While strict liability makes a strong case on its own, we often go further by proving that the owner:

• Knew the dog had prior incidents of aggression
• Violated local breed-specific ordinances
• Failed to properly restrain, train, or supervise the dog
• Ignored leash laws or secure enclosure requirements

By building a comprehensive case, we help our clients recover maximum compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, disfigurement, emotional trauma, lost income, and future care needs.

We deal with: A client in Flint, Michigan was mauled by an unrestrained Pit Bull that had previously bitten two neighbors. Despite the owner’s denials, our investigation revealed multiple complaints to animal control and violations of township leash laws. We recovered $350,000 in damages — including compensation for reconstructive surgery and PTSD treatment.

Bitten by a “Dangerous” Breed in Michigan? We’re Here to Help.

If you or a loved one were bitten by a Pit Bull, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, or other aggressive breed, you may be entitled to significant compensation — even if the dog had no prior incidents. Call us now for a free consultation