Last Updated on February 27, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Dog breeds with the strongest bite have always held a special place in human society. It’s no surprise that nature has favored powerful jaws capable of subduing even the largest prey.
However, human influence has also played a significant role in shaping the powerful jaws of many modern dog breeds.
Throughout history, dogs with the capacity to cause serious harm have been highly valued. From guarding livestock to hunting and intimidating rivals, these dogs have served various purposes. Yet, in today’s world, dogs are more commonly cherished as companions rather than warriors.
Our focus is on breeds known for their exceptional bite force. Despite their formidable strength, these dogs can also be loyal and loving companions when provided with the right training and care.
Dog breeds with the strongest bite force have been studied using different methods over time. Nowadays, scientists use math and engineering to measure bite strength accurately.
They do this by looking at the shape and size of the skull. Even though individual dogs may vary, studying these facts helps us understand why bite force differs between breeds.
Here’s the deal: bigger skulls usually mean stronger bites. Also, the shape of the jaw and skull matters. Dogs with shorter, wider snouts can usually bite harder. So, it’s no surprise that the top spot for bite strength goes to mastiff breeds.
“Behind every powerful bark lies the strength of dog breeds with the strongest bite, guardians of loyalty and protectors of their pack.”
Mastiffs were bred long ago for fighting and protecting things like livestock and property. Some think they’re related to the fierce Molossus, a famous war dog from ancient Greece.
To mix things up and make sure we cover different breeds, we’ve focused mainly on Mastiff types for the top spots on our list of Dog breeds with the strongest bite. This helps give other breeds, like Bulldogs and Pitbulls, a chance to shine too.
List of Top 10 Strongest Dog Bite Force
Here is the list of dog breeds with strong bites:
Dog Breed : Strongest Bite
Kangal : 743 PSI
Cane Corso : 700 PSI
Tosa Inu : 556 PSI
Dogue de Bordeaux : 556 PSI
English Mastiff : 552 PSI
Wolfdog : 406 PSI
Akita : 350 – 400 PSI
Rottweiler : 328 PSI
American Bulldog : 305 PSI
German Shepherd : 238-291 PSI
Now, let’s explore the key details about the top 10 dog breeds with the strongest jaws.
Kangal
Dog breeds with the strongest bite, including the Kangal, Turkey’s premier shepherd dog, boast a formidable bite force of 743 PSI. This Kangal bite force makes them not only protective of their flock but also their family.
With a height of nearly three feet, they’ve got the strength to do the job well. Even though they’re called mastiffs, they have a history that goes back to the 12th century, closer to wild dogs.
The good news is, because they’ve been shepherds for so long, Kangals are naturally gentle with all animals under their care. They can make great companions, but they need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Cane Corso
Dog breeds with the strongest bite include the remarkable Cane Corso, with a Cane Corso bite force measuring an impressive 700 PSI.
Their history goes way back to Ancient Greece, where they worked as guard dogs. Later on, they were used as warrior and gladiator dogs during Rome’s powerful era.
Unfortunately, by the 1980s, they were almost extinct, but thankfully, efforts to save them brought them back.
Over thousands of years, these dogs have changed a bit through breeding, but they still have the same tough and calm personality of veteran warriors.
Cane Corsos are known for being understanding and caring, offering not just physical protection but emotional support too.
Tosa Inu
Dog breeds with the strongest bite include the tosa, one worth mentioning. Sometimes called the Japanese mastiff, it has a mix of different breeds in its family tree, like Saint Bernards and Great Danes.
They were bred for fighting back in the early 1900s, which is why they’re also known as Japanese fighting dogs. With a bite force of 556 PSI.
In Japan, the tosa is highly valued and considered a national treasure. However, their reputation for being aggressive has led to restrictions and bans in countries like Romania and Australia.
Because of this, they’ve become quite rare. While they can be loving and affectionate with the right care, they’re not recommended for first-time dog owners.
Dogue de Bordeaux
Dog breeds with the strongest bite include the Dogue de Bordeaux, a fascinating breed. It’s believed they might come from the Tibetan Mastiff, but we know for sure they have roots in 14th-century France. With a bite force measuring 556 pounds per square inch (PSI).
Also known as the French Mastiff, these dogs have shorter, rounder snouts compared to their French and English contemporaries. This could explain why they have a strong bite force, even though they’re smaller. French mastiffs are pretty clever.
Because they’re smart, they can be a bit stubborn sometimes. But they’re also quick learners and love doing tasks and learning tricks. Just a heads up, though – they drool a lot, so keep a towel handy when they’re around.
English Mastiff
When it comes to Dog breeds with the strongest bite, the English mastiff stands out, even though it shares some family traits with the bullmastiff.
But there are key differences between them. Firstly, English mastiffs can get really big, weighing up to 250 pounds and standing three feet tall. Also, they’re usually calmer and less expressive, with a bite force of 552 PSI.
But just because they’re not as outwardly affectionate doesn’t mean they’re not loving. They just need gentle handling and lots of care.
English mastiffs are actually great workers. They’ve been used on farms, in police work, and even in the military.
Wolfdog
Dog breeds with the strongest bite include wolves, which have incredibly powerful jaws, able to exert around 1,500 pounds per square inch of pressure.
This is because wolves have bigger jaws with larger and sharper teeth compared to dogs, with a surface area roughly 10 to 15% larger, resulting in a bite force of about 406 PSI.
Now, when a dog breeds with a wolf, resulting in a wolfdog, it’s not officially recognized as a breed on its own. But these wolfdogs inherit some of that strong bite force from their wolf ancestors.
However, they also inherit their aggression and strong hunting instincts, so they’re only recommended for experienced handlers.
Akita
Dog breeds with the strongest bite include the Japanese Akita, which is worth mentioning. Unlike the tosa, which has a bit of a bad reputation, the Akita also has a powerful bite.
Despite being smaller and having a shorter muzzle, the Akita’s jaw works like scissors, giving it a strong grip. Their bite force is impressive, ranging from 350 to 400 PSI.
In Japan, the Akita is seen as a protector of families, and that’s true. They can be cautious and protective around strangers, and without proper training, they might even act aggressively. But with their family, they’re cuddly and playful.
Rottweiler
When discussing rottweiler bite force and the strongest dog breeds, it’s worth noting that rottweilers have some remarkable traits.
These dogs don’t stop growing until they’re around three years old, and their big heads play a big part in their powerful bite, measuring at an impressive 328 PSI.
Despite what some people might say, rottweilers don’t have locking jaws, and they’re not more aggressive than other breeds. They’re actually quite trainable. Originally, they were bred in Germany to help with herding cattle and pulling carts.
Rottweilers are naturally gentle and friendly. In fact, they’re often chosen as therapy dogs because of their good nature.
American Bulldog
When we talk about Dog breeds with the strongest bite, there’s a common belief that certain dogs can lock their jaws, like the rottweiler and bulldog. But that’s just a myth. Still, the bulldog’s short, strong jaw gives it a lot of power.
This was important for its original job: handling big, strong animals like cattle for butchers. Despite being much shorter than cattle, their muscular bodies and jaws allowed them to leap up and rip at the throat of any bulls that might become a threat.
In the past, bulldogs were also used for some dangerous sports. They’d fight against bears, bulls, and other animals.
The American bulldog is bigger than the English one, so its bite is even stronger, measuring at an impressive 305 PSI.
German Shepherd
When it comes to Dog breeds with the strongest bite, the German Shepherd tops the charts with a jaw-dropping bite force of nearly 300 PSI (238-291 PSI to be exact).
These dogs are often chosen for police and military duties because of their powerful jaws and impressive German Shepherd bite force. But don’t let that scare you; German Shepherds are also great family pets because they’re loyal and well-behaved.
Originally bred for work, German Shepherds are super smart. They learn commands fast and are known for their loyalty. Plus, they’re athletic and usually have a calm personality. All these qualities make them perfect for police jobs.
Police and the military love German Shepherds because they’re tough and can keep going for a long time. They’re fast, strong, and can handle different weather conditions. Their bravery and keen sense of smell are exactly what these jobs need.
Lifespan of Dog
When we talk about Dog breeds with the strongest bite, it’s important to consider their lifespan. Dogs come in various breeds, sizes, and personalities, and their lifespan can vary greatly. Some dogs can live for more than ten years, while others may only live for a few years.
The lifespan of a dog depends on many factors, such as its breed, size, diet, and overall health.
In general, smaller dog breeds typically have longer lifespans compared to larger breeds. Dogs that receive proper veterinary care and a balanced diet usually have longer lifespans.
Dogs that live in a healthy and stress-free environment tend to live longer lives. This means they should have access to daily exercise, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups. Providing proper care and attention can help extend a dog’s lifespan and ensure they stay healthy and happy for many years.
Dog breeds with greatest bite force should also consider that older dogs may develop age-related health problems, such as arthritis and cognitive decline.
Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of these health problems and ensure that dogs continue to live a happy and healthy life into their senior years.
In short, how long dogs live depends on many things. By knowing about the different stages of a dog’s life, owners can make good choices about how to take care of them and keep them healthy and happy for a long time.
Dog Bite Force Chart
Note: If you want to learn more about pets, read our article at harpersatelier.
Key Takeaways
- Many dogs have bite forces over 400 PSI.
- One animal listed isn’t a dog breed but has a strong bite.
- Some dogs with strong bites are bred for guarding purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes the Chow Chow a Powerful Guard Dog with its Bite Force?
The Chow Chow was originally bred for fighting and hunting, prized for its strength and power. With its strong Chow Chow bite force, it’s considered one of the toughest breeds, often used as a guard dog.
What is the Lion Bite Force, and How Does it Compare to Scientists’ Expectations?
These big cats have a bite force of 4,450 newtons, which is equivalent to 1,000 psi. In the BFQ study, lions scored 124. A BFQ over 100 means their bite force is stronger than expected by scientists.
Which Dog Breed has the Highest Bite Rate UK?
We’ve analyzed the dog breed with the highest bite rate in the UK, based on data from Merseyside Police:
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Rottweiler
- German Shepherd
What is the Dog Breed with Strongest Bite Pressure?
The Kangal is known for its powerful bite, measuring at 743 PSI, the strongest among all dog breeds. With their formidable jaws, they can quickly incapacitate predators, making them one of the most powerful breeds globally.
Due to their exceptionally strong bite, Kangals are restricted in some countries, like the United Kingdom.
What is the Bite Force of Pitbulls?
Pit bulls have the highest pitbull bite force among all dog breeds, measuring at 235 psi. This impressive biting strength comes from their muscular bodies and sturdy jaws. It’s not recommended to train them as guard dogs because they tend to be friendly towards strangers.
What are the Dog Breeds with the Highest Bite Rate?
Here are the top 5 dog breeds with the strongest bite force that are most commonly involved in biting incidents:
- Pit bull
- Rottweiler
- German shepherd
- Terrier
- Mixed breed
Sources
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