Table 1 Variables describing dog, victim, context and bite characteristics.
Variable | Categories |
|---|---|
Dog size | Small- dogs that appear shorter than 30 cm at withers Medium- dogs between 30 and 45 cm at withers Big- dogs that appear above 45 cm at withers |
Dog breed | A range of breeds were identified. When it was impossible to reasonably determine a breed, a dog was classed as a crossbreed. Breeds were identified with reference to the UK Kennel Club Breed Information Centre41 |
Victim’s age | Infant– based on visual characteristics, a young child that does not yet appear to be fully stable when walking, a child that is crawling or using elements of the environment when walking or standing up Child/teenager– a child that is fully comfortable walking but does not appear to be fully mature Adult– a mature person |
Victim’s sex | Male Female |
Site of the bite | Limbs Head or face Other– e.g. torso Multiple |
Severity of the bite | Total score |
Initiator of interaction | Dog Victim NA- not possible to discern |
Handler’s sex | Male Female NA– not visible or not present |
Location | Indoor Outdoor |
