Jones Injury Attorneys | August 19, 2026 | Dog Bites
Not every dog bite causes the same type of injury. Some incidents involve threatening behavior without broken skin, while severe attacks can cause deep wounds, permanent injuries, or death.
The dog bite levels explained below are based on the widely used Dunbar Dog Bite Scale, which divides dog attacks into six levels according to the type and severity of contact. Understanding these levels can help victims describe what happened and recognize when medical or legal help may be needed.
What Is the Dunbar Dog Bite Scale?
Animal behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar developed his scale to provide a more objective way to describe dog bites. Instead of simply calling an attack mild or severe, the scale looks at factors such as whether the skin was punctured, how deep the wounds were, and whether the dog bit the victim more than once.
The scale ranges from Level 1, which includes aggressive behavior without skin contact, to Level 6, which describes a fatal attack.
Level 1: Aggressive Behavior Without Skin Contact
A Level 1 incident does not involve actual contact between the dog’s teeth and the person’s skin.
The dog may snap, growl, lunge, or display other threatening behavior. Although there is no physical bite injury, this behavior may be important if the dog later attacks someone.
Level 2: Skin Contact Without Punctures
At Level 2, the dog’s teeth make contact with the skin but do not create puncture wounds.
The victim may have redness, scratches, or shallow marks caused by the teeth. This type of incident can still be frightening and may provide evidence that the dog previously displayed aggressive behavior.
Level 3: Shallow Puncture Wounds
A Level 3 bite involves one to four punctures from a single bite. None of the punctures is deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth.
The skin is broken at this level. Victims may need medical treatment to clean the wound, prevent infection, and determine whether additional care is needed.
Level 4: Deep Puncture Wounds
A Level 4 bite also involves one to four punctures from a single bite, but at least one wound is deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth.
The bite may also cause deep bruising or tearing if the dog holds on or shakes its head. These attacks can cause significant tissue damage, scarring, nerve injuries, and other lasting harm.
Level 5: Multiple Serious Bites
Level 5 involves multiple bites, including at least two Level 4 bites, or multiple attacks involving serious bites.
These attacks can cause severe injuries and may require emergency treatment, surgery, or hospitalization. Multiple deep bites may also indicate a much greater danger of future attacks.
Level 6: A Fatal Dog Attack
Level 6 is the most severe category. It applies when a dog attack causes the victim’s death.
These cases may lead to a wrongful death claim as well as action by animal control or law enforcement.
New Mexico Dog Bite Liability
New Mexico does not impose automatic liability on every dog owner simply because their dog bites someone. Under New Mexico case law, an owner may be held responsible when the owner knew or should have known that the dog had vicious or dangerous tendencies.
Evidence of earlier bites, attacks, or aggressive behavior can therefore be important. Albuquerque also has local rules for potentially dangerous and dangerous dogs, which may affect how an animal is classified and controlled after an incident.
What Should You Do After a Dog Bite?
Taking action soon after an attack can protect both your health and any future injury claim.
Important steps include:
- Seek medical attention for the wound.
- Report the attack to animal control or another appropriate authority.
- Photograph your injuries as they heal.
- Get the dog owner’s contact information.
- Ask witnesses for their contact information.
- Keep medical bills and treatment records.
These records can help show how the attack occurred and the extent of the injuries it caused.
Contact the Albuquerque Dog Bite Lawyers at Jones Injury Attorneys for a Free Consultation
The six dog bite levels range from aggressive behavior without skin contact to fatal attacks, but the bite level alone does not determine whether a victim has a legal claim in New Mexico. The circumstances of the attack, the dog’s history, the owner’s knowledge, and the resulting injuries can all affect whether compensation may be available.
For more information, contact the experienced Albuquerque dog bite lawyers at Jones Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation about your injuries.
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