Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 prohibits four types of dog:

The Pit Bull Terrier
the Japanese tosa
the Dogo Argentino
the Fila Brasileiro

It is an offence to own or keep any of these types of dog. In addition it is an offence to breed from, sell or exchange (even as a gift) such a dog.

It is important to note that, in the UK, dangerous dogs are classified by “type”, not by breed label. This means that whether a dog is considered dangerous, and therefore prohibited, will depend on a judgment about its physical characteristics, and whether they match the description of a prohibited 'type'. The assessment of the physical characteristics is made by a court.

But just because these four dogs have been officially declared 'Dangerous Dogs' it doesn't necessarily mean they are the most dangerous.

Here is the up to date Top 10 Dangerous dogs, based on the overall number of reported attacks in the UK in 2006.

1) Staffordshire Terrier - 279
2) Cattle Dog - 208
3) Rottweiler - 173
4) German Shepherd - 166
5) Pit Bull - 133
6) Kelpie - 100
7) Bullmastiff - 90
8) Labrador - 83
9) Bull Terrier - 74
10) Terrier - 66

So what is that makes a dog dangerous?

Every year over 3000 people in the UK are attacked by a dog, what is it that turns a dog from a loving family pet into a violent, bloodthirsty animal?

If we were talking about humans here we would probably say it's in the genes and blame the parents.

This theory is backed up by The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and is why four specific named breeds are prohibited under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act.

They are implying that these dogs are violent by nature and nothing is going to change them. Rottweilers are not banned, but they have a bad reputation, which hasn't been helped by recent spates of attacks.

Are they right? Is a dog born bad? The Kennel Club thinks otherwise. "Blame the deed, not the breed," says a spokesman.

"The responsibility lies with the dog owner and the circumstances they allow their dog to be in." No dog, for instance, should be left alone with a child.

The Kennel Club stresses the importance of training and education (for both dogs and owners), and has launched a scheme to promote safe interaction between children and dogs. This includes advice such as "keep away from busy dogs, bored dogs, dogs that are ill, or dogs that are tied up" and "never eat when close to a dog".

The debate about who or what is to blame for dog attacks will rumble on for a long time, but one thing is for sure, one way or another the parents are to blame, whether it is the human ones or the genetic ones is very much a matter of opinion.

If you have been attacked by a dog we would strongly suggesting you call us and speak to one of our Personal Injury Solicitors for free legal advice, call us now on Freephone: 0800 316 4434 or click here to make an online enquiry.