Introduction
PSI stands for “pounds per square inch” and is a measurement used to calculate the amount of pressure applied over a specific area. In the case of dogs, PSI refers to the amount of force exerted when a dog bites down. The higher the PSI, the stronger the bite force of the dog.
Bite force matters in dogs for several reasons. Stronger bite forces usually indicate that the dog was bred for specific working, sporting or guarding purposes that required power and strength. Higher bite forces also mean the dog’s jaws can exert more pressure and do more damage if they do bite. Understanding bite force provides insight into a dog’s capabilities and helps owners be aware of potential risks.
While bite force alone does not determine aggressiveness, some breeds have inherently stronger bites due to their history, size and physical attributes. Measuring bite force is one way to quantify the variations between breeds when it comes to jaw strength.
The Mastiff Breeds
The Mastiff breeds, including the English Mastiff, Bullmastiff, and Neapolitan Mastiff, are known for having the strongest bite force of any domesticated dog. According to this source, the English Mastiff has a bite force of 556 psi, the Bullmastiff has a force of 556 psi, and the Neapolitan Mastiff has a force of 700 psi. These massive breeds were originally developed as guard and warfare dogs back in ancient times, so their incredibly powerful bites are not surprising.
The Mastiffs have incredibly large heads and jaws that give them an extreme mechanical advantage when biting. They also have very strong neck and jaw muscles that allow them to exert remarkable force. While not inherently aggressive, Mastiffs will protect their territory and owners if provoked. With their massive size and bone-crushing bite force, it is best not to get on the bad side of one of these gentle giants.
Kangal – The Turkish Shepherd Dog
The Kangal Shepherd is a large breed of dog that originated in Turkey to guard livestock from predators like wolves and bears. They are known for their imposing size, protective nature, and extremely powerful bite force. According to a study published in Country Living, the Kangal has the strongest bite force measured in a dog, at 743 PSI. This means a Kangal has nearly double the bite force of other powerfully jawed dogs like German Shepherds and American Pit Bull Terriers.
The Kangal’s massive head and strong, muscular jaws generate an astounding bite force when the dog clamps down. This allows it to easily break bones and exert knock-out biting pressures. Historically, the Kangal has been able to kill wolves, hyenas, and jackals with its devastating bite in defense of livestock. Even today, the imposing size and strength of the Kangal serves as an effective deterrent against attempted predation or theft of livestock. Herdsmen in Turkey still rely on the breed’s protective instincts and supreme bite force to help guard sheep and goats from harm.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is an Italian mastiff breed that has a bite force of 700 psi, one of the strongest in the dog world according to studies on dog bite forces[1]. Often used as guard dogs, the Cane Corso is known for its power and strength. This large breed has a history as a war dog used by the Roman army, with its name meaning “bodyguard dog” in Latin. The Cane Corso stands 24-27 inches tall and weighs 90-120 pounds. Its coat is short and stiff and comes in black, gray, fawn, and red. While the Cane Corso can be a loving family companion, proper training and socialization is essential from a young age due to its strength and guarding instincts.
[1]“What Dog Has the Strongest Bite?” Rosenberg & Rosenberg LLC, www.rosenfeldinjurylawyers.com/chicago-dog-bite-lawyer/strongest-bite/. Accessed [date].
Tosa Inu
The Tosa Inu is a Japanese fighting dog bred specifically for dog fighting in the early 20th century. Despite dog fighting being illegal in most parts of the world, the Tosa Inu is still bred today primarily in Japan. This powerful molosser breed has a bite force of 556 PSI, one of the highest bite forces of any dog breed. Their incredibly strong jaws and muscular body allow Tosa Inus to inflict severe bites that can quickly kill other dogs and even humans if they are not properly trained and socialized.
American Bandogge
The American Bandogge is a powerful crossbreed of mastiff and bulldog that has a tremendous bite force of 730 PSI. According to Noll Law, the American Bandogge boasts one of the strongest bite forces of all dog breeds. This is a result of being bred from two very powerful mastiff breeds – the American Pit Bull Terrier and Neapolitan Mastiff.
With their stocky and muscular build, American Bandogges are intimidating in appearance. Their massive jaws and head are capable of exerting over 700 pounds of pressure per square inch when biting. This tremendous bite force is a consequence of the breed’s origin as a mix between two dogs initially bred for bull baiting and guarding property.
While the American Bandogge has the potential to seriously injure with their powerful bite, they can make loyal companions when properly trained and socialized. Their aggressive tendencies can be tempered through early obedience training and continued socialization. With an experienced owner providing firm and consistent leadership, the American Bandogge’s tremendous bite force can be channeled productively.
Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, has one of the most powerful bite forces of all dog breeds at over 500 psi. Originating in southwestern France, the Dogue de Bordeaux was bred primarily as a guard dog and has its roots dating back to the 14th century when they were used to pull carts and haul heavy objects. Despite their imposing size and intimidating appearance, these gentle giants are generally even-tempered and devoted to their families. However, their incredible jaw strength and bite force means their potential to inflict damage is high if they do bite or attack. This is reflected in many regions where Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are restricted or banned. While they can make excellent companions in the right households, their size, strength and guarding instincts require experienced owners.
Wolf Hybrids
Wolf hybrids are a cross between a domesticated dog and a wolf. They typically have many wolf-like features such as a dense coat, pointed ears, and long legs. One trait that wolfdogs share with their wolf ancestors is a powerful bite.
According to A-Z Animals, the bite force of a gray wolf is around 400 psi. Wolfdogs are likely to have a similar bite force to a wolf since they share much of the same genetics and wolf ancestry. Some estimates put the bite force of a wolfdog around 406 psi, which is comparable to the force of a full-blooded gray wolf.
The powerful bite of a wolf or wolfdog allows it to take down large prey like elk and moose. It also helps them crush bones and access the marrow inside. While domestic dogs have been bred to have a reduced bite force from their wolf ancestors, wolfdogs retain the jaw strength and bite force of a wolf.
Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a large breed of domestic dog that originated in Germany. Rottweilers were originally used as herding dogs to drive cattle to market and later developed into formidable guard dogs and police dogs (Source). With their large size, strength, and bite force, Rottweilers are considered powerful canines.
Rottweilers have one of the strongest dog bite forces among all breeds, capable of generating up to 328 pounds per square inch (psi) (Source). This powerful bite makes the Rottweiler well-suited for use as guard dogs, personal protection dogs, military dogs, and police dogs. Their formidable jaws can exert tremendous clamping force, allowing them to subdue threats and hold suspects when trained properly.
With proper socialization and training, Rottweilers can be loyal, affectionate family companions. However, their size, strength, and powerful bite mean they require dedicated owners who can provide firm leadership and obedience training. Rottweilers should be supervised around children and strangers. Overall, the Rottweiler’s combination of intelligence, strength, and strong bite force makes them excellent working dogs when paired with responsible owners.
Conclusion
When it comes to the strongest dog bite force measured in PSI (pounds per square inch), there are several dog breeds that stand out. The top dogs with the most powerful bites come from the mastiff family and include the Kangal, Cane Corso, and American Bandogge. These massive breeds were bred as guard dogs and can exert bite forces well over 700 PSI.
Other dogs known for their strong bites include the Rottweiler, Dogue de Bordeaux, and Tosa Inu. Wolf hybrids can also have very powerful bites of over 400 PSI or more. While bite strength is important for these breeds to serve their traditional roles, proper training and socialization is equally critical so they can be safe family companions.
In the end, most dogs have more than enough bite force to inflict serious damage on a human or animal if provoked. Rather than obsessing over measurements, it is more important for dog owners to focus on training their pets to be obedient and control their natural bite instincts.