The dog breed involved in the most fatal incidents is not included in the UK's prohibited list
Vets have revealed the dog breeds involved in the most fatal incidents over a 28 year period, but some of them are not what you'd expect.
Despite the Pit bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero, and the American XL Bully being banned in the UK, the RSPCA confirmed there's "no robust research" pointing towards these being more aggressive than others.
In fact, a majority (53) of the 62 dogs involved in 48 dog related deaths in the UK from 1989 to 2017 are not on the UK's prohibited list.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers were the most dangerous linked with four incidents - the highest of any single breed - but are absent from the list.
American Bulldogs and Pit Bull Terriers, both on the prohibited list, were linked to three deaths, however German Shepherds were also linked to the same number of incidents.
French Mastiffs, Staffy types and Rottweilers were all linked with two incidents. The remaining incidents involved an Alapaha, a Bull Mastiff cross, a crossbreed, a German Shepherd-Doberman cross, a Neapolitan Mastiff, a Springer, a Springer or bull breed mix, a terrier type, and a Weimaraner.
Incidents involving children included several smaller breeds, including an Alaskan Malamute, a Lakeland Terrier, two Jack Russells, and one Terrier.
An RSPCA spokesperson told the MailOnline: "While some dogs are large and powerful, that doesn't mean they're more likely to show aggression than any other type of dog."
The Kennel Club echoed its sentiment, saying: "No breed of dog is inherently dangerous". Dog bites have increased by 154 percent over the past 20 years.
Last year in January, Natasha Johnston was tragically killed after suffering dog bites to her torso, neck and arms while walking eight dogs.
The inquest wasn't explicit in which dog caused the attack, but a labradoodle and XL Bully were put down at the request of Johnston's family.
Senior Coroner Richard Travers said that he will prepare a Prevention of Future Deaths Report about restrictions for dog-walkers in public place.
There are currently no national restrictions regarding the number and weight of dogs that can be walked in a public place.
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