Although domesticated dogs may seem quite friendly andapproachable, there are occasions when they can be dangerous. Therehave been a number of cases in the U.S. involving vicious dogattacks on both humans and other pets.

The breed of dog you own could make it more difficult to secureHomeowners insurance. Insurers are hesitant in offering coverage tohomeowners who own breeds and mixes that insurers believe are morelikely to bite and cause injuries. According to DogsBite.org, more than 700 cities in the U.S.have adopted breed-specific laws since the mid-1980s, following therise in popularity of pit bulls in the general population.

A report from the Centers for Disease Control(CDC) revealsthat between 1997 and 1998, dog-bite attacks were the reasonbehind the deaths of at least 27 people. Of that number, 19 (70%)were children, eight were adults, and approximately half (56%) weremale. Five (19%) of these deadly attacks involved unrestrained dogsoff the owners’ property, 18 (67%) involved unrestrained dogs onthe owners’ property, three (11%) involved restrained dogs on theowners’ property, and one (4%) involved a restrained dog off theowner’s property.