The “Dunbar Dog Bite Scale” is one of the most widely accredited methods for understanding dog behavior and analyzing dog bites. Created by Animal Behaviorist and Veterinarian Dr. Ian Dunbar, the Dunbar Dog Bite Scale is an evaluation tool used in scientific analysis and clinical review for dog bite cases. The Dunbar Dog Bite Scale spans six levels, with each level corresponding with a higher degree of bite severity than the previous one.
What Is a Level 1 Dog Bite?
A Level 1 Bite involves aggressive behavior but no skin contact. Under the Dunbar Scale, a Level 1 Bite is considered a dog trying to scare the victim so that person will leave the immediate area.
What is a Level 2 Dog Bite?
A Level 2 Dog Bite is when a dog bites the skin but does not puncture the outer layer. This is considered aggressive dog behavior. The dog is likely agitated.
What is a Level 3 Dog Bite?
Level 3 Dog Bites are the initial level for wound treatment. A Level 3 Dog Bite involves one to four tooth punctures in the skin from a single bite with punctures less than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth. Most dog bite cases meet this level. At Level 3, a dog presents a significant potential danger to people.
What is a Level 4 Dog Bite?
A Level 4 Dog Bite under the Dunbar Dog Bite Scale is one to four skin punctures from a single bite, with at least one puncture deeper than half the length of a dog’s canine teeth. If you suffer a Level 4 Dog Bite, you’ll likely experience deep bruising around the wound. Dogs that inflict this level of bite should be separated from people and other animals until their behavior and the bite case are analyzed.
What is a Level 5 Dog Bite?
A Level 5 Dog Bite involves multiple Level 4 bites over several attacks. If a dog has inflicted multiple Level 4 Dog Bites with multiple bites that have a puncture wound deeper than half of the dog’s canine teeth, dog behavioral experts recommend the dog be euthanized due to its potential danger.
What is a Level 6 Dog Bite?
A Level 6 on the Dunbar Bite Scale is when a dog kills a victim in an attack. Although this level of dog bite and attack is rare, there were 62 deaths in 2022 due to dog attacks in the United States. The 62 deaths represent a new record for documented fatal attacks throughout the country.
Dog Bite Levels Under the Dog Bite Scale – a Summary
| Level | Description | Typical Injuries Sustained | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Aggressive behavior but no skin contact by teeth. May include growling, snapping, or lunging. | No physical injury. Possible emotional distress or minor startle reaction. | Very Low |
| Level 2 | Teeth make contact but no puncture. May cause small scratches or slight red marks from tooth pressure. | Superficial skin abrasions or bruising. No bleeding. | Low |
| Level 3 | Single bite with shallow punctures (less than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth). | One to four shallow puncture wounds; may include light bruising or lacerations. | Moderate |
| Level 4 | One to four deep punctures from a single bite; possible tearing as dog holds or shakes. | Deep puncture wounds, tissue damage, bruising, and possible need for stitches. | Serious |
| Level 5 | Multiple bites with deep punctures in multiple areas, often from repeated attacks. | Severe punctures, lacerations, torn skin or muscle tissue; risk of infection or nerve damage. | Severe |
| Level 6 | Fatal attack; victim dies from injuries or related complications. | Fatal wounds, extensive tissue trauma, or catastrophic injury. | Extreme |
When Should I See a Doctor After a Dog Bite?
If you’re the victim of a recent dog bite, the severity of the attack and the type of bite you suffered is only one element to consider when evaluating whether you need to see a doctor. Visit your local emergency room or urgent care center if:
- Your dog bite pain is getting worse with time
- You’re having trouble moving the impacted area of your body
- You have swelling around the dog bite
- There are red streaks on the skin coming away from your dog bite wound
- The skin around the bite changes color
- If you’re unable to obtain the dog’s rabies immunization records
Pay close attention to how you’re feeling in the days after you are attacked. If you have questions about the bite wound, visit your local doctor, emergency room, or urgent care clinic. Our recent post regarding dog bite injury care explains more about the progression of dog bite injuries and why you should book an assessment at the early stages.
Book a Consultation with the PA Dog Bite Lawyer to Discuss Your Dog Bite Claim
Dog bite attorney Jeffrey Penneys has over 30 years of experience helping dog bite victims – from young children bitten at family events to postal workers attacked while on duty – file successful dog bite claims. His experience, expertise, and tireless work for justice can help you secure a fair dog bite settlement. Start today with a free, no-obligation consultation by calling The Law Offices of Jeffrey Penneys at 215-259-3703.
FAQs on the Dunbar Dog Bite Scale
How does the Dunbar Scale differ from other bite assessment tools?
While other models exist, the Dunbar Scale is one of the most widely adopted because it links physical injury to behavioral meaning, helping professionals balance public safety with fair treatment of dogs.
What are the medical implications of higher-level bites?
Higher-level bites (Levels 4–6) can cause deep punctures, torn tissue, nerve damage, or infection, often requiring stitches, surgery, or hospitalization. These injuries also increase the risk of scarring or permanent disability.
How do professionals use the Dunbar Scale after a bite incident?
Animal control officers, veterinarians, and lawyers use the scale to determine the severity of the attack, whether the dog should be quarantined, and if retraining, rehoming, or euthanasia is appropriate
How does the Dunbar Scale help determine a dog’s future risk?
The scale evaluates how much control a dog shows during a bite. Lower-level bites (1–2) suggest the dog can inhibit its bite and may improve with training. Higher levels (4–6) indicate dangerous behavior and a higher risk of repeated aggression.