Terriers come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They can be as small like a Miniature Fox Terrier that weighs a few pounds, or they can be as large as an Airedale Terrier and weigh 120 pounds or more. Terriers are diggers. People breed Terries to dig for prey like rats, foxes, badgers or moles. Some of them are also good swimmers. These dogs are smart and energetic. They can also be very strong. They instinctively bite and shake their prey. That instinct can carry over to biting humans, especially children who might tease or provoke them. Terriers are trainable dogs though, but it takes time and patience. They’re typically fearless dogs that pack great power in their jaws and teeth.
Why Terrier Attacks Might Happen?
Most Terriers are intensely loyal to their masters and the families that they live with. Keep in mind though that they’re predators. So without proper training or socialization, they can chase and bite smaller animals or even children. Any Terrier might also bite if it’s antagonized, or it feels that its territory is being invaded, or its food is being stolen. Given their loyalty to their masters and families, a person who seems like a threat to those people can also expect to be bitten. Given the variety of sizes Terriers, the breed’s jaw strength will vary widely. It’s safe to say that larger Terriers will pack a bite of more than 220 pounds per square inch.
Terrier Attacks
Pit Bulls are of Terrier lineage, but to their exclusion, the American Staffordshire Terrier is the most dangerous dog of the Terrier breed. In Australia, American Staffordshire Terriers killed four people in attacks over six months. In neighboring New Zealand, an American Staffordshire Terrier attacked and killed a five-week-old baby. This shows how often Terrier attacks occur.
Breed Specific Laws for Terriers
The State of California hasn’t enacted any breed specific legislation relative to any particular dog breeds. Various counties and municipalities in the state have done so though. Most breed specific ordinances target Pit Bulls though. Given the wide variety in types of Terriers, one must review a county or city’s ordinances to determine whether any breed specific legislation has been enacted regarding the type of Terrier that they have. Anybody with a Terrier who is contemplating a move to another area in California should also contact the city that they might be moving to regarding any breed specific legislation.
Contact a California Dog Bite Lawyer
California is a strict liability state where dogs don’t get one free bite. A dog’s owner is strictly liable for any injuries and damages that his or her dog causes to another person. There are very few defenses to this rule. If a Terrier attacks you or a family member anywhere in the state, get medical attention at an urgent care center or emergency room right away. After that, contact the California dog bite lawyer at Maison Law for a free consultation and case review. We’ll listened to you carefully, and we’ll answer any questions you might have.
After that, we’ll advise you on all of your legal options. Upon being retained to represent you or your family member, a dedicated and aggressive dog bite lawyer from our law firm will work toward obtaining the highest settlement or award that you deserve. Contact Maison Law right away after being bitten by an dog anywhere in California.
