Most Dog Attacks Happen in The Home
A study by the Hospital Nacional de Niños during the past five years shows that 70% of the children under the age of 12 attended for dog attacks, 70% of them were bitten by a dog in the home, home of family and friends and by dogs known to the victim.

The Children's hospital reports attending to an average of 20 to 25 cases a month of children being attacked by a dog, in many cases, the family pet and that in 20% of the case, the dog was not provoked.

The figures reveal that the "zaguates" - in Spanish a mutt or a dog without breed - had the highest number of attacks, compared to dogs of breed.

Of the bred dogs, pit bulls, rottweilers, dobermans, german shepherds and cocker spaniels led the list of most bites reported.

However, the bites by the zaguates are light or less serious that the bites of the breeds, which responsible for severe lesions and injuries.

Rottweilers, pit bulls and german shepherds were the breed responsible for most of the serious injuries reported at the hospital.

Carlos Sirias, a specialist at the hospital and who headed the study, said that up to 7% of the cases attended at the hospital required hospitalization due to the seriousness of the injury.

Sirias added that the Ministerio de Salud (Health Ministry) is studying the regulations for the reproduction and responsibilities of domestic animals.

The object of the Salud study is evaluate the possible forming of a list of breeds that are deemed aggressive and should not be in the country.

To avoid injuries from the family dog, it is recommended not to purchase an aggressive animal and consult a veterinarian before buying a pet, as some breeds are more aggressive than others. Avoid bringing into the home an adult dog as a pet, in preference of a pup.

But, most importantly, do not mistreat the animal, like physical abuse, tied up for long periods of time, without food or water and isolated. Pets, especially large dogs, need lots of room and physical activity.