We started Doggy Armour with a simple mission: protect dogs before tragedy strikes. But here's what we've learned from almost three years in business - most dog owners don't think about protection until it's too late.
Here's the uncomfortable truth about dog-on-dog attacks in the UK: we don't actually know how bad the problem is right now. Dog-on-dog attacks aren't comprehensively recorded by any government agency. The most recent peer-reviewed research dates from 2020, analyzing attacks between 2016-2020.
But what that research revealed should concern every dog owner. Studies found that approximately 1.3% of the UK's dog population - over 112,000 dogs - were being killed or severely injured in dog-on-dog attacks annually. That's over 300 dogs attacked every single day. Of the attacks studied, nearly 70% resulted in veterinary treatment, and nearly one-third of those required surgery, with treatment costs ranging from £75 to £9,000.
And here's what suggests the problem is getting worse, not better: between 2016 and 2021, the 14 UK police forces that do track dog-on-dog attacks recorded a 700% increase in incidents - from 1,700 to 11,559 cases. Remember, that's only 14 of 43 police forces.
If 112,000+ dogs were being attacked annually in 2020, and incidents surged 700% through 2021, what's the real number today in 2026?
The trend is undeniable: this isn't a static problem. It's accelerating.
The Hidden Cost of "It Won't Happen to Me"
Every week, we hear from dog owners who reach out after an attack. Their stories follow a pattern: a routine walk, an off-lead dog appearing suddenly, seconds of chaos, and then the aftermath - emergency vet visits, surgery, trauma, and bills that can easily reach £2,000 to £9,000 for severe injuries.
But the financial cost is only part of it. Research shows that in over half of dog-on-dog attack incidents, the attacking dog's owner doesn't take responsibility for their dog's behaviour. This means you're often left to deal with the physical, emotional, and financial consequences alone.
The emotional toll - the fear of walking your dog again, the loss of confidence, the "what if I had been more prepared" - stays with owners long after the physical wounds heal.
What We've Learned from Our Customers
Our customer reviews reveal a pattern we wish we could change. Here's what we hear most often:
"After my dog was attacked..."
"Following a local attack..."
"Since we had that incident..."
These testimonials validate our product works - dogs wearing Doggy Armour during attacks have avoided serious injury, giving owners those crucial seconds to intervene. But they also highlight the reactive nature of this purchase. Protection should be proactive, not a response to trauma.
Why 2026 Needs to Be Different
As we move into 2026, the reality is stark: over 300 dogs are attacked daily in the UK, veterinary treatment costs average nearly £2,000 per incident, and the psychological impact on both dogs and owners is real. Yet protective gear remains an afterthought for most dog owners.
The Uncomfortable Truth
We're a small UK business fighting to survive in a market that doesn't yet understand it needs us. Most dog owners won't buy our coats until after an attack. By then, we've failed our mission - because we couldn't protect your dog when it mattered most.
We're asking dog owners to think differently about safety in 2026. Not after an attack. Before one.
Our coats are made from stab-resistant materials, tested under real bite-work conditions by professional trainers, waterproof, and built to last your dog's lifetime. They're designed to give your dog those critical seconds of protection when an unexpected situation turns dangerous.
Don't Wait for the Story You Don't Want to Tell
Every five-star review on our site comes from someone who wished they'd found us sooner. The recurring theme in our feedback: "I feel safer now," "I can enjoy walks again," "I wish I'd had this before."
As dog attacks continue to rise across the UK, the question isn't whether protective gear makes sense - it's why more owners aren't using it proactively.
2026 can be different. Protection doesn't have to be a reaction to tragedy. It can be a choice you make before you need it.
Because the best outcome is the story where nothing happened - and your dog came home safe.
Sources
1. 700% increase (2016-2021): UK Parliament Hansard, May 17, 2024. Animal Welfare (Responsibility for Dog Attacks) Bill debate. FOI data from 14 UK police forces: 1,700 incidents (2016) to 11,559 incidents (2021).
2. 112,000+ dogs affected annually (1.3% of dog population): Westgarth, C., Brooke, M., & Christley, R.M. (2020). "Dog Bites Dog: The Use of News Media Articles to Investigate Dog-on-Dog Aggression." Journal of Veterinary Behavior, Vol. 40, pp. 68-75. Study of 151 UK attacks, September 2016 - February 2020.
3. 70% require vet treatment, 1/3 require surgery, £75-£9,000 treatment costs: Same study as above (2020), data from 2016-2020.
4. 95% of victim owners present, 36% injured intervening, 40% of attacking owners didn't intervene: Westgarth et al. studies (2019-2020), data from 2016-2020.
5. 88% of attacking dogs off-lead: Canine and Feline Behaviour Association (CFBA) UK Survey, 2024. Survey of 703 UK dog owners who experienced attacks. https://cfba.uk/science-dog-
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