Introduction
Bite force is an important physical trait for certain breeds of dogs that were historically used for guarding, protecting, and hunting. The pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure a dog’s jaws can apply reveals its overall strength and power. However, while bite force can provide insight into a dog’s capabilities, some argue it should not be the sole measure of a breed. Different methodologies and devices are used to test dogs’ bite force, making comparisons difficult. Furthermore, a dog’s temperament and training are bigger factors in how it behaves than physical power alone. Owners should use caution with dogs that have extremely powerful bites, as their strength requires extra responsibility.
10. American Pit Bull
The American Pit Bull Terrier originated in the late 1800s when bulldogs and terriers were crossed to produce a powerful and athletic dog breed for dog fighting and bull baiting (https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/dog-breeds/a39699921/dogs-strong-bite-force/). They have an energetic temperament and are incredibly strong and muscular dogs.
With their muscular build and extremely powerful jaws, the Pit Bull has one of the strongest bite forces of any dog. Their bite force measures between 235-350 PSI, which makes their jaws capable of exerting over 150 times more pressure per square inch than the average human. This immense biting power enables them to hold on tenaciously when biting and makes their bites very dangerous (https://spartacuslawfirm.com/las-vegas-dog-bite-lawyer/strongest-dog-bite-force-the-complete-guide/).
Despite their powerful bite, Pit Bulls have historically been considered family dogs due to their affectionate nature and loyalty. However, some unethical breeders produced aggressive dogs for illegal dog fighting, contributing to bans and restrictions on the breed in certain areas due to concerns over public safety. Responsible ownership and training is essential for this energetic and strong-willed breed.
9. Dutch Shepherd
The Dutch Shepherd originated as an all-purpose herding dog in the Netherlands in the 19th century. They were developed from a mix of herding breeds to create a versatile working dog adept at tasks like herding livestock, pulling carts, and guarding property.
Known for their active, attentive, and energetic nature, Dutch Shepherds make loyal companions and working dogs. They are intelligent, obedient, alert, and also have natural protective and territorial instincts.
With a powerful, muscular build and strong bite force of 224 PSI, the Dutch Shepherd is well equipped for police, military, and guard duties. Their strength helps them apprehend suspects and control dangerous situations. This is why Dutch Shepherds are used extensively as K-9 police and guard dogs in the Netherlands and worldwide.
The Dutch Shepherd has jaw strength and bite force exceeding many other breeds. Owners need to be prepared to handle their energy and strength through plenty of exercise, training, and socialization from an early age.
8. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso has its roots as a working dog in Italy, where it was used by farmers to guard property, hunt, and drive livestock to market. This large, muscular breed with its intimidating presence was highly valued for its protective abilities (PetKeen).
While the Cane Corso is devoted to its family, it can be reserved with strangers and needs extensive socialization. With proper training, however, the loyal Cane Corso makes an excellent guard dog that bonds closely to its owner. This breed has a height of 23-27 inches and can weigh up to 110 pounds, with powerfully built jaws containing an impressively strong bite.
In tests of bite force, the Cane Corso ranks high among all dog breeds with a force of 700 psi (pounds per square inch). This PSI is comparable to that of a Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier. The strength of the Cane Corso is related to its history and breeding as a catch dog used in rural Italy to control cattle and pigs. Today, the impressive bite of the Cane Corso continues to make it an intimidating guard dog and defender of its family.
7. English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is an ancient breed that traces its origins back over 2,000 years. They were originally developed in England as guard dogs and war dogs due to their massive size and powerful bite. Despite their intimidating appearance, Mastiffs are known for being gentle giants with a calm and placid temperament.
The Mastiff has one of the most powerful bites in the canine world, with a bite force of 552 PSI. This incredible jaw strength comes from their massive head and muscular build. Male Mastiffs can reach over 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 230 pounds. Their enormous head size allows Mastiffs to have thick, strong jaws and large teeth to match their considerable bulk.
While Mastiffs were historically used as war dogs by the Romans and for protection by English estates, today’s Mastiffs are primarily family companions and show dogs. They are renowned for being loyal dogs with low aggression levels, despite their high bite force and guarding heritage. Their temperament is typically docile and good-natured. Nonetheless, a Mastiff’s incredibly powerful jaws can provide adequate protection if needed.
References:
https://chihuahuamad.com/bite-force-of-a-chihuahua/
6. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher originated in Germany in the late 1800s. Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector, developed the breed by crossing several types of dogs including the Rottweiler, German Pinscher, and Weimaraner. His goal was to create an intelligent, loyal, and protective companion and guard dog (Source).
Dobermans have a compact, muscular build and sleek coat. They are known for being energetic, alert, and fiercely loyal to their owners. Their temperament tends to be playful and affectionate towards family, while remaining wary of strangers. Dobermans are highly trainable and their intelligence made them suitable for police and military work.
The Doberman has one of the strongest bite forces among domestic dog breeds, measuring around 600 pounds per square inch (PSI). Their powerful jaws and sharp teeth enabled Dobermans to be effective as guard dogs and personal protectors.
5. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd originated as a herding dog in Germany in the late 1800s. They were bred for intelligence, loyalty, and trainability. Their powerful bite force made them ideal for police and military work. According to one source, the German Shepherd bite force PSI is a powerful 238 pounds per square inch.
German Shepherds have one of the strongest bite forces of all dog breeds. Their strong jaws and large teeth allow them to exert an immense amount of pressure with each bite. When properly trained, their biting power can be effectively utilized for police, military, and protection work.
While German Shepherds possess a forceful bite, their temperament does not necessarily make them inherently aggressive. With proper training and socialization, their protective nature and strength can be positively directed. Nonetheless, their high capacity for damage means owners must remain vigilant and careful with supervision and control.
Source: https://www.hepper.com/german-shepherd-bite-force-psi/
4. Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino originated in Argentina in the 1920s, bred by Dr. Antonio Nores Martínez for big game hunting, particularly wild boar (Source). As a large, muscular dog developed to chase down and subdue thrashing wild boar, the Dogo Argentino has an extremely powerful bite force.
The breed was developed by crossing now-extinct Old Fighting Dogs from Cordoba, which were known for their aggressiveness in subduing hogs, with other breeds including the Great Dane, Boxer, Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Pyrenean Mastiff, Pointer, Dogue de Bordeaux, Great Pyrenees, and Spanish Mastiff. This breeding resulted in a powerfully built dog with a massive head and extremely strong bite, yet more docile and trainable than its fighting ancestors.
With its origins and purpose revolving around biting and holding wild boar, the Dogo Argentino has incredibly strong jaw muscles and an bite designed to subdue large, dangerous prey. Its biting power serves as a formidable defense and hunting asset.
3. Kangal
The Kangal is an ancient livestock guardian dog breed that originated in the Sivas city in Turkey. They have been used to protect sheep and livestock from predators like wolves, jackals, and bears in Turkey for hundreds of years. Kangals are known for having an extremely powerful bite force thanks to their large heads and muscular build.
According to recent research, the Kangal has the strongest bite force out of any domesticated dog breed in the world. Their bite force is measured at 743 PSI, even higher than breeds like the Rottweiler and Mastiff. This incredibly strong bite makes them ideal as guardians against large, dangerous predators. Their protective instinct is so renowned that Kangals are often exported to other countries like Namibia and Kenya to help sheep farmers protect their flock.
The Kangal’s powerful bite force comes from its history and purpose as a livestock guardian dog bred to defend sheep against bears and wolves in Turkey. Their large size, courageous temperament and strong bite force make them ideal protectors that can meet strength with strength against predators. When properly socialized and trained, the Kangal uses its physical power and protective nature only for good. But the breed’s ancient bite strength still exists today in case its protective abilities are ever needed against a threat.
2. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler originates from Rottweil, Germany where it was used as a cattle herding dog. This breed is known for its alertness, intelligence and endurance. According to studies, the Rottweiler has one of the strongest bite forces measured at 328 psi (1). The powerful bite made the Rottweiler an ideal choice as a police dog.
The strong jaws and vice-like bite are part of what made the Rottweiler such an effective cattle herder. These dogs could grip the cattle and hold on tightly to control their movement. While a powerful bite can be dangerous, proper training and socialization helps minimize the risk of bites (2).
Despite their imposing physical strength, Rottweilers who are raised with proper training, socialization and care can make for very loyal and affectionate companions. Their alert nature combined with their strength has continued to make them popular choices for police and guard dogs today.
1. Bandog
The Bandog has the strongest bite force of all dogs on our list, coming in at 739 PSI! This incredibly powerful breed was created from crosses of mastiffs, such as the Neapolitan Mastiff, and bulldogs. The Bandog was bred specifically for guard duties and to have tremendous bite strength. Its vice-like jaws can exert a massive amount of pressure thanks to the bear trap design of its skull and jaw muscles. The Bandog’s jaw strength is designed to match its intimidating muscular appearance. This breed makes an effective guard dog that few would want to mess with. According to American Bandogge Mastiff breeder Joe Lucero, a Bandog’s bite can shatter a bowling ball or bite a 2×4 plank in half “[1]”.
