In 2022, the cost of dog bite claims increased 28% compared with the year prior, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), which reported total cost of dog bite and dog-related injury claims reached $1.3 billion this past year. However, the growth in claims costs came at a time when the frequency of dog bite-related claims decreased by 2.2% Triple-I reported. According to Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communications at the Triple-I, the drop in the number of these claims shows that progress has been made in educating dog owners on responsible pet owners. The above slideshow of the most aggressive dog breeds is based on a review of American Temperament Test Society, Inc. (ATTS) data by Pethelpful.com. The ATTS test "focuses on and measures different aspects of temperament such as stability, shyness, aggressiveness, and friendliness as well as the dog's instinct for protectiveness towards its handler and/or self-preservation in the face of a threat," according to the organization. Breeds with lower passing scores more frequently show signs of aggression, panic or extreme shyness. While these claims have slowed, Triple-I noted that any dog might act aggressively under the right circumstances. To help owners reduce the chances of biting incidents or aggressive behavior, the organization recommends: |

• Know your dog's triggers of aggression.
• Keep your dog secured at home if the dog consistently overreacts to visitors.
• Begin your dog's training sessions early.

Related: |

• Insurance coverage Q&A: Does your dog bite?
• Tenants, dogs and dog bites: What's covered?
• 8 tips for preventing dog bites