Ever wondered how your furry friend’s bite stacks up against other breeds? It’s not just about size – some dogs pack a serious punch in their jaws!
The bite force is a measurable aspect of canine strength, and you might be surprised where your pup ranks.
I’ve put together a list of 20 well-known breeds with the most powerful bites in the dog world.
Curious to see if your four-legged companion made the cut?
Let’s explore these canine powerhouses and uncover which breeds reign supreme in the jaw strength department!
20 Dogs with the Strongest Bite Force Ranked
Here, you’ll discover some of the strongest dog breeds based on their bite force. Each breed has unique characteristics that contribute to their biting power, measured in pounds per square inch (psi).
1. Kangal – 743 psi

This large and powerful breed hails from Turkey. Originally, Kangals were used to guard against predators.
They’re incredibly alert, territorial, and defensive. Despite their strength, they’re actually gentle with children. Kangals need proper social training and should be the only pet in the house.
2. Bandog – 730 psi

Bandogs are a mix of mastiff and bulldog breeds, resulting in a robust guard dog. They are known for their bravery and strength.
Socialization and pack leader training are crucial from an early age due to their wary nature towards strangers.
3. Cane Corso – 700 psi

Originating in Italy, the Cane Corso has a history as a war dog. These dogs are intelligent, healthy, and easy to train.
They tend to be reserved around other pets but can be friendly with children in their household, given sufficient socialization training.
4. Dogue de Bordeaux – 556 psi

Famous for its role in Turner and Hooch, this breed, known for its drool, has a formidable bite. They are affectionate with their family and are relatively low-energy dogs.
While friendly at home, they can be suspicious of strangers and need regular socialization.
5. Tosa Inu – 556 psi

The Tosa Inu, a Japanese breed, boasts a formidable bite force. These dogs are large, self-assured, and excellent watchdogs.
Proper training can make them family-friendly, but without it, they might become aggressive.
6. English Mastiff – 552 psi

Another gentle giant, the English Mastiff, is well-loved by families with children. They need daily exercise and socialization training.
These independent and strong-willed dogs can become destructive if left alone for too long.
7. Dogo Canario – 540 psi

The Dogo Canario, also called the Perro de Presa Canario, is an ancient war dog known for its loyalty and bravery.
These dogs need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Owners must invest time in socialization and training to manage this powerful breed effectively.
8. Dogo Argentino – 500 psi

Breed to be a big game hunter, the Dogo Argentino has great reflexes and 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. They need time with their family to be the best they can be. A strong and independent dog, this dog 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.
9. Leonberger – 399 psi

Leonbergers are a blend of several breeds, including Saint Bernard. They are affectionate and playful, making them great with kids. However, their size means they can unintentionally hurt small children, so they require manners training from a young age.
10. Rottweiler – 328 psi

Despite their fearsome reputation, Rottweilers can be calm and brave when treated well. These social dogs don’t cope well with being alone and need early training.
They are recommended for experienced owners due to their size and strength.
11. American Bulldog – 305 psi

American Bulldogs are often mistaken for Pitbulls, but they have their own distinct traits.
They can be friendly and protective, making them good family pets. Like Rottweilers, they need early and consistent training to manage their natural strength and energy.
12. German Shepherd – 238 psi

Known for their intelligence, German Shepherds are versatile working dogs. They are loyal and protective but need regular mental and physical stimulation.
Early and consistent training is essential for these high-energy dogs.
13. Pitbull – 235 psi

Pitbulls are muscular and energetic. With proper training, they can be affectionate and loyal pets. It’s crucial to start socialization early due to their powerful bite and strong protective instincts.
14. Boxer – 230 psi

Boxers are friendly and energetic dogs that thrive in active households. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Early training helps manage their enthusiasm and strength.
15. Doberman – 228 psi

Dobermans are known for their loyalty and intelligence. They make excellent guard dogs but require experienced handlers due to their strong will.
They thrive with regular training and socialization.
16. Alano Español – 227 psi

This breed, known as the Spanish Bulldog, is noted for its strength and stamina. They are loyal and protective but need early socialization and obedience training to manage their strong protective instincts.
17. Dutch Shepherd – 224 psi

Dutch Shepherds are versatile working dogs. They are intelligent, trainable, and loyal. These dogs need lots of physical and mental activity and do best with experienced handlers.
18. Chow Chow – 220 psi

Chow Chows are independent and reserved. They are best suited for experienced dog owners who can provide consistent training and socialization.
Despite their aloof nature, they are loyal to their family.
19. English Bulldog – 210 psi

English Bulldogs are calm and affectionate. They make great family pets but need regular exercise to prevent obesity. Early training helps manage their gentle but strong nature.
20. Malinois – 195 psi

Belgian Malinois are highly energetic and intelligent. They excel in work roles like police and military service. These dogs need lots of exercise and mental stimulation, along with early, consistent training.
The Science Behind a Dog’s Bite Force
A dog’s bite force can be a fascinating topic. It explains why some dogs have a more powerful bite than others.
Misconceptions About Dog’s Bite Strength and Real Facts
There’s a lot of false information about dog bite strength. Some sources claim certain dog breeds can bite with a force of 2,000 pounds.
This is actually stronger than the bite force of an adult hippo.
This is incorrect.
There are only two main studies about a dog’s bite force done by Ellis and Lindner. These studies measured bite force in Newtons.
The highest numbers recorded reached about 2,000 Newtons. However, many sites misinterpreted this as psi (pounds per square inch). Instead, 2,000 Newtons actually equals around 450 psi, not 2,000 psi.

Why Are Some Breeds Stronger Biters?
The strength of a dog’s bite mostly depends on the size of their body, skull, and jaw shape.
Dogs with the largest heads and jaws tend to have the strongest bite force. That’s why breeds like Mastiffs score the highest.
No matter the breed, a dog’s bite force is always stronger than a human’s. Any dog’s bite can be dangerous, but for breeds with strong jaws, the damage can be much worse.
Wrapping Up
Dog bites can be serious, no matter the breed. Even dogs with a strong bite force need proper training and care.
If a dog is neglected or mistreated, any bite can turn fatal. It’s important to understand the factors that contribute to dog bites and take necessary precautions.
By sharing this knowledge, we can help make people more aware and safer around dogs. For more insights on this topic, check out related articles and share them with fellow dog lovers.
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