Proposed progressive dog bite assessment (adapted from Dr. Ian Dunbar).

Level 1- Dog growls, lunges, snarls-no teeth touch skin. Mostly intimidation behavior.

Level 2- Teeth touch skin but no puncture. May have red mark/minor bruise from dog’s head or snout, may have minor scratches from paws/nails. Minor surface abrasions acceptable.

Level 3- Punctures ½ the length of a canine tooth, one to four holes, single bite. No tearing or slashes. Victim not shaken side to side. Bruising.

Level 4- One to four holes from a single bite, one hole deeper than ½ the length of a canine tooth, typically contact/punctures from more than canines only. Black bruising, tears and/or slashing wounds. Dog clamped down and shook or slashed victim.

Level 5- Multiple bites at Level 4 or above. A concerted, repeated attack.

Level 6- Any bite resulting in death of a human.

In multiple dog attacks, different animals involved in the same attack may inflict differing levels of damage. Bite measurements and geometry must be compared to the wounds to properly assess the extent of each dog’s involvement. In fatal attacks it must be established exactly which dog/wound was the ultimate cause of death. DNA samples taken from the dogs’ jaws and from the bite sites, before medical cleanup or treatment, coupled with measurements and dental comparison, can establish this.

Adapted bite assessment scale copyright James W. Crosby 2004