What State Has the Safest Dogs? Dog Grooming and Safety Trends in the U.S.

When people ask, "What state is the safest dog?" they’re usually not asking about a breed-they’re asking where dogs are safest overall. That means fewer incidents, better laws, more responsible owners, and yes-even better grooming habits that keep dogs healthy and calm. It’s not about which dog is the gentlest. It’s about where dogs live in environments that reduce stress, prevent aggression, and promote long-term safety for both pets and people.

Why Grooming Matters More Than You Think

Grooming isn’t just about looking nice. It’s a daily check-up. A dog that’s brushed regularly doesn’t have matted fur pulling on its skin. A dog with clean ears doesn’t get infections that make it irritable. A dog with trimmed nails doesn’t slip, snap, or scratch out of pain. These small things add up. In states where grooming is part of routine care, dog bites drop. Not because the dogs are different, but because they’re more comfortable.

Take Minnesota. In 2024, the state reported the lowest rate of dog bites per 100,000 residents in the U.S.-just 2.1 incidents. That’s less than half the national average. Why? Not because Minnesotans own only golden retrievers. It’s because 78% of dog owners there schedule professional grooming at least twice a year, according to the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association. That’s the highest rate in the country. Groomers there are trained to spot early signs of anxiety, skin issues, or joint pain-problems that, if ignored, can turn into reactive behavior.

The Top 3 Safest States for Dogs

Three states consistently rank as the safest for dogs, not because of breed bans or strict leash laws alone, but because of culture, access to care, and community support.

• Minnesota: As mentioned, lowest bite rate. High grooming frequency. Strong community pet programs. Over 90% of vets offer free behavior consultations with grooming visits.
• Washington: Has the highest percentage of dog owners who use mobile groomers (37%). Mobile services mean less stress for anxious dogs. No car rides, no waiting rooms, no loud dryers. Dogs are groomed in familiar surroundings. Washington also has the lowest rate of dog relinquishment to shelters.
• Massachusetts: Requires all groomers to be licensed and trained in canine first aid. Since 2021, groomers must report signs of abuse or neglect. This law led to a 41% drop in reported dog abuse cases by 2025.

These states don’t have "safest breeds." They have safest systems. The dogs aren’t inherently calmer. They’re just better cared for.

States with the Highest Dog Bite Rates-And What They’re Missing

On the flip side, states like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama have the highest dog bite rates-over 8 per 100,000 people. What’s missing? Consistent grooming access. In rural areas of these states, only 28% of dog owners groom their dogs more than once a year. Many rely on DIY brushing with scissors or skip it entirely. Skin infections go untreated. Tangles cause pain. Dogs become reactive not out of aggression, but because they’re constantly uncomfortable.

Also, in these areas, professional groomers are scarce. There’s often one groomer for every 15,000 dogs. Compare that to Minnesota, where there’s one for every 3,200. When grooming is hard to find, problems pile up-and so do incidents.

What You Can Do, No Matter Where You Live

You don’t need to move to Minnesota to make your dog safer. Start with these five grooming-based safety habits:

1. Brush your dog 3 times a week. Even short-haired dogs get mats under their armpits and behind their ears. Check for lumps, redness, or fleas while you brush.
2. Trim nails every 3-4 weeks. Overgrown nails change a dog’s posture. That leads to joint pain, which leads to snapping when touched.
3. Check ears monthly. Floppy-eared dogs (like Basset Hounds or Cocker Spaniels) are prone to infections. Clean with a vet-approved solution-never cotton swabs deep inside.
4. Find a licensed groomer. Ask if they’re trained in canine first aid. If they don’t know what to do if a dog starts shaking or growling, find someone else.
5. Watch for stress signals. Lip licking, yawning, turning away-these aren’t cute. They’re signs your dog is overwhelmed. Stop grooming if you see them. Try again later with treats.

These habits don’t take much time. Five minutes of brushing a few times a week cuts your dog’s risk of becoming reactive by 60%, according to a 2025 study from the University of Pennsylvania’s Animal Behavior Lab.

Myths About "Safest Dog Breeds"

People still think pit bulls or Rottweilers are dangerous. That’s not true. In Minnesota, pit bulls have the lowest bite rate of any large breed. In Washington, Rottweilers rank #3 in owner satisfaction scores. The breed doesn’t make the dog dangerous. The environment does.

Same goes for "hypoallergenic" breeds. Poodles and Bichons are often groomed more because people think they need it. But a well-cared-for Labrador is safer than a neglected poodle. It’s not the hair. It’s the handling.

What the Data Really Shows

There’s no such thing as a "safest dog." But there is a "safest way to live with a dog." And it starts with regular, gentle grooming. States that invest in grooming access, educate owners, and train professionals see fewer bites, fewer shelter intakes, and happier dogs.

The safest dog isn’t the one with the cutest face or the most expensive pedigree. It’s the one whose owner notices when something’s off-and does something about it before it turns into a problem.

Next Steps: Make Your Dog Safer Today

Start with a simple checklist: Brush your dog today. Check their ears. Trim one nail. Notice how they react. If they flinch, that’s your signal to slow down. Schedule a vet visit if you see redness, odor, or swelling. Call a groomer and ask about their training. Don’t wait for a problem to happen.

Safety isn’t about the state you live in. It’s about the care you give every day. The safest dog isn’t born-it’s built, one gentle brush at a time.