20 Dog Breeds With The Strongest Bite Force (and how it’s measured)
One of the factors of dog’s strength is the bite force. So do we know what dog breeds have the strongest bite force? Yes, and it can be measured scientifically. The bite force of any animal is measured in Pounds per Square Inch (psi). This unit of pressure tells how much force is exerted on one square inch of space. The psi that the jaws of animals will exert is usually averaged.
The pressure can be different depending on the substance being bitten, the mood of the dog, and even the dog itself. To give you a comparison, humans have an average bite force of 120-140 psi, and the Nile Crocodile has a bite force of 5,000 psi. The bite force of average dogs ranges somewhere around 230-250 psi, but some have more strength.
Let’s focus on the dogs for now. Even though nowhere as strong as Nile Crocodile’s bite, the force of strong dog’s bite won’t only rip through flesh, but it could also break bones. Below we’ll list dogs that have the best chance of doing exactly that. If you’re considering owning one of these strong dog breeds, it is very important that you work with a professional dog trainer to ensure your pooch doesn’t show any signs of aggression.
Most breeds on this list are dogs that are considered to be aggressive. Those are the animals that usually get their bite force measured. What is important to remember, is that any dog can become aggressive if neglected and abused. Most dogs are not loners.
Myths about dog’s bite force, and the scientific truth
There’s a lot of misinformation about dog’s bite force out there, with some articles saying that certain dog breeds have the bite force strength of 2,000 pounds. That’s stronger than a bite force of a full grown adult hippo (yes, this thing). Obviously, this is wrong.
The only two studies measuring bite forces of dogs are the by Ellis et al and Lindner et al.
The results of the study were reported in Newtons, with some of the highest numbers coming at 2,000 Newtons. From here, many websites took the number and incorrectly interpreted it as psi, which in fact is around 450 pounds per square inch (not 2,000 psi).
Why some dog breeds have stronger bite force than others?
Majority of the bite force strength in dogs depends on the size of their body and skull, and the shape of their jaw. Dogs with largest heads and subsequently biggest jaws all had the strongest bite force, which explains why Mastiffs ranked the highest of all dog breeds.
Now without further ado, here are the dogs with the strongest bite forces in the world. Just so you know, they will all be greater than yours. Every dog’s bite is dangerous, but these ones could be especially brutal if they exert their full force.
RELATED: 13 Banned Dog Breeds and Tips to Prevent Aggressive Behavior
20 Dogs with the Strongest Bite Force
Mastiff Breeds
1. Kangal – 743 psi
Pictured above, this large powerful breed is used in Turkey to guard against animal predators. With the strongest bite force of any domesticated dog, they do it well. Dogs in this breed are friendly with their family. They are good with children.
Healthy dogs, the Kangal is expected to live over 15 years of age. They make excellent guard dogs.
Kangals are alert, territorial, and defensive. They will need social training and “pack leader” training to be your everyday companion dog. If you want this dog, it is best it be the only animal in the house.
2. Cane Corso – 700 psi
This guard dog originated in Italy. Like most variations of “Mastiff” the Cane Corso was a war dog. Dogs in this breed have short hair with minimal shedding making them easy to maintain.
They are also a hardy and healthy lot. Intelligent and eager, they are easy to train. Most of these pooches are quiet and calm.
Like other guard dogs, this dog usually does not like other dogs and cats. They usually do fine with the kids in their household, but to be on the safe side, they will need socialization training starting as a puppy.
3. Dogue de Bordeaux – 556 psi
The Dogue de Bordeaux is the drooling giant from the movie Turner and Hooch. They are affectionate with members of their family. A bit lazy, these canines don’t need a lot of exercise. Unlike some other Mastiffs, this dog is said to be great with kids and other animals – a true gentle giant.
Did I mention they drool? A lot? While friendly with the family, they are suspicious of strangers. They need a secure fence, and socialization training. The Dogue can really pack on the pounds, so watch the diet.
4. English Mastiff – 552 psi
Another gentle giant, these pups are praised by those who own them. Mastiffs are affectionate and do great in families that have kids. They do make excellent guard and watch dogs, but only if trained to be. Energetic and needing daily exercise, this dog is great for the active family or the large yard.
All Mastiffs are independent and strong-willed. They need a dedicated trainer who is willing to put in the time to be “pack leader”. Like some other breeds, the English Mastiff can become destructive when left alone too long.
5. Dogo Canario – 540 psi
Also known as the Perro de Presa Canario, this is one ancient war dog that is still known to be aggressive. Brave and loyal, dogs in this breed make great guard dogs. Great for the active family, these pooches need exercise, a large yard, and mental stimulation. Pups in this breed are said to be friendly if raised with kids and other animals.
This breed needs an experienced trainer. To have a successful relationship with strong dogs like this one, the owner needs to have the time and experience to properly socialize and train this animal.
6. Dogo Argentino – 500 psi
Breed to be a big game hunter, this breed has great reflexes and a strong stature. These dogs are clean and shed very little making them easy to maintain. Active and friendly, these canines are great for a large family. The need time with their family to be the best they can be.
A strong and independent dog, this fur-baby needs a strong, experienced trainer. Socialization and obedience training must start at a young age and stay consistent. This is another breed that must have pack leader training.
RECOMMENDED: 15 Most Popular Fighting Dog Breeds
Bull Dog Breeds
7. American Bulldog – 305 psi
Often confused with a Pitbull, the American Bulldog is its own breed. These gentle, affectionate dogs do great in houses with children. These canines are actually sensitive and need a lot of quality time with their family members. Their short hair is easy to maintain.
Dogs in this breed are known to drool quite a bit. Strong willed, these fur-babies need strong training that begins in puppy-hood. These dogs need to get plenty of exercise and play-time. They can become destructive if bored.
8. Pitbull – 235 psi
Everyone has heard the breed name Pitbull, and the majority of the time it isn’t in a good way. This is one of the most hated breeds in America. Intelligent and loyal, these muscular companions are easy to train.
With short hair, the Pitbull doesn’t need a lot of time at the groomers. Known as “nanny dogs”, these pups love children. They are playful and protective.
The Pitbull has been recently bred as fighting dogs. Make sure you get your Bully from a reputable breeder. Like other strong breeds, you will need to start with socialization and obedience training early.
9. Alano Español – 227 psi
These large dogs are descendant from the bull baiting dogs of Europe, and before that, the war dogs of the middle east. Serious and calm, these canines are not hyper, in-your-face yappers.
While these dogs like to be “top dog”, they can also be submissive for the right owner. This breed is active and does best with an involved owner.
Wary of strangers, this Spanish bulldog needs strong, “pack leader” training to keep from becoming dangerous. These pooches are known to be difficult to housebreak. They may do better as outside dogs.
10. English Bulldog – 210 psi
These stout, large dogs want nothing more than to be your next lapdog. Friendly and loveable, these dogs do well with kids and other animals. They are not very clingy, so they do better with alone time than some other breeds. Not very active, these pooches don’t need a lot of exercise.
English Bulldogs are pretty stubborn, while not known to be aggressive, they still need a strong trainer due to their desire to want to do things their way. These pups need a mild climate. They don’t do well in hot or cold weather.
RELATED: 15 Most Common Myths About Dogs Debunked
Shepherd Dog Breeds
11. German Shepard – 238 psi
Intelligent “work” dogs, German Shepherds are used as police dogs, guide dogs, and farm hand dogs. They are aloof with strangers and not easily distracted. These dogs are energetic and love play time, but they are calm and restrained as well. Intelligent and sensitive to their owner’s needs, these fur-babies are easy to train.
These pups shed a lot. It may be best if you don’t have carpet in your home. Dogs in this breed usually do not like other dogs. You will need to have chew toys and puzzle boxes as well, because these pups love to chew.
12. Dutch Shepard – 224 psi
Like other herding dogs, these dogs will try to herd everything – animals, kids, cars, whatever. The Dutch Shepard is intelligent and active. They will thrive in an active family that teaches it tricks and gives it “jobs”. This alert, athletic breed is not as well known, but can perform all the working task a German Shepherd can.
These canines usually are not friendly with kids or other animals. Training to teach it that ALL humans are pack leaders must be undergone. These independent, self-willed pups need a strong, persistent trainer.
13. Malinois – 195 psi
Also known as the Belgian Shepherd, Malinois are intelligent, confident, and hard working. This tough work breed is suited to all sorts of climates, both cold and hot. Easy to care for, these pups shed very little and are not known to drool. These dogs are a healthy lot. They were bred for the outdoors and are suited for it.
Although these fur-babies are made for the outdoors, they love their human companionship and need training and socialization. If they don’t get it, they can become aggressive and destructive.
SIMILAR: 15 Facts about Fear Aggression in Dogs
Misc. Dog Breeds with the Strongest Bite Force
14. Bandog – 730 psi
Pictured above, this is a breed of varied ancestry. They were originally created by breeding “Mastiff” breeds with “Bull Dog” breeds. This breed is still mainly bred to be guard dogs, and they excel. Brave and strong, these dogs will lay down their life for their charges. These impressive animals have short, easy to care for coats.
As primarily guard dogs, these canines can be dangerous. They need intense pack leader training. They are wary and distrustful of strangers, so they need intense socialization training from birth.
15. Leonberger – 399 psi
A breed created from several other breeds, including the Saint Bernard, this large dog is not very well known. Affectionate and playful, this dog is great for kids. These active fur-babies enjoy being part of the family and want to do what you do. Leonbergers are active and curious.
These pups love to chew and bark and will need training to curb those desires. While they love kids, they are massive and can easily hurt a child. They need training in manners starting at puppyhood.
16. Doberman – 228 psi
This breed is beautiful a sleek. They grow to a large size, but are still incredibly graceful. This brave, loyal dog is very affectionate with his family. He makes a great watch dog. These intelligent, sensitive canines are easy to train. They will need socialization and “pack leader” training, but they pick it up quickly.
Energetic and playful, these dogs need to be exercised regularly to keep from being aggressive or destructive. While this dog is friendly with kids it is raised with, it is not generally a “kid-friendly” breed.
17. Chow Chow – 220 psi
These regal dogs are reminiscent of a lion. His personality is described as more “cat like” than “dog like”. The Chow Chow doesn’t have a lot of energy, so it needs little exercise. This dignified breed makes dogs that are independent and do not need a lot of human companionship. They are great for calm, adult owners.
These dogs are independent and self-willed making them harder to train. Pooches from this breed are known to be pretty aggressive and don’t always do well with the people and animals around them.
18. Rottweiler – 328 psi
These dogs are calm and brave. They can get up to 130 pounds…possibly more. Dogs in this breed are not hyper and needy. Smart and attentive, these fur-babies make great work dogs. These canines are surprisingly friendly and social, and do not do well with alone time.
Training needs to start as soon as possible while they are still small enough to be easily handled. Rottweilers are recommended for experienced owners because of their size. They usually don’t like other animals.
19. Tosa Inu – 556 psi
A mastiff type dog, this is a Japanese breed is believed to have Mastiff, Great Dane and Bulldog in its ancestry. These pooches are large, but easy to care for. Self-assured and intimidating in appearance, the Tosa Inu makes a great watch dog. With proper training, these canines are friendly and family oriented.
If not trained and socialized properly, these dogs can become aggressive. Dogs in this breed are huge. They take up a lot of space and eat a lot of food. They need obedience training as a puppy, or they can easily break people and things.
20. Boxer – 230 psi
This breed has an imposing stature that doesn’t match its personality. They usually won’t hurt a fly, but they may kill furry little animals if they are not trained. This affectionate dog is very friendly with family, including kids and other dogs. Boxers are intelligent and easy to train. They are average in their desire to bark and roam.
Boxers like mild climates, so care must be taken when going outside in cold or hot weather. These pups really do not do well when left alone for long periods of time.
READ NEXT: 20 Most Expensive Dog Breeds From Around the World
Pin and share with other dog lovers: