Which type of tick is known to primarily attack dogs but rarely humans?

The Brown dog tick is known for its strong preference for dogs as hosts throughout its life cycle. This tick species is particularly adapted to living in close quarters with domestic animals, making dogs its primary target. Although they may occasionally bite humans, such incidents are rare, and they do not typically survive on human hosts due to their specific feeding preferences and environmental adaptations.

In contrast, other types of ticks, such as the Western black-legged tick and the American dog tick, tend to have a broader host range that includes humans. These ticks are more likely to be found in natural habitats where they can access a wider variety of animals, including humans. The Wood tick, also known for its association with various wildlife and its potential to bite humans, differs from the Brown dog tick in its preferred hosts.

Thus, the Brown dog tick's distinctive behavior and habitat preferences make it the correct answer in this context, as it primarily targets dogs while rarely presenting a threat to humans.