Strongest Dog Bite: Top 10 Breeds With Powerful Jaws
The Strongest Dog Bite Breeds — The Bite That Packs a Punch
Ever wondered which breed has the strongest dog bite? It might not be the first thing you think about when choosing your latest member of the family. But, if you have children or other animals in the house you should definitely consider, what dog bites the hardest?
How Are Dog Bite Forces Measured?
At its most basic, the strongest bite force of dogs is most commonly measured in — PSI — pounds per square inch. In other words, the level of pressure exerted by the dog’s jaws during a bite.
How scientists arrive at these ratings is another matter.
Bite force studies have been conducted using various methods. These include anesthetizing a dog and measuring via electrical stimulation of the jaw muscles, or using a bite meter attached to a bite sleeve or other object.
Others use a theoretical approach — through a series of equations based on variables such as a dog’s skull size, what dog has the strongest jaw, and body weight.What Determines the Bite Force of Dogs?
First and foremost, a dog's strongest bite is determined by the size of their jaws and the muscles that control them.
Unsurprisingly, larger canines possess the most powerful bite. But it’s also affected by breed, as the strongest dog bite breeds vary in weight, jaw structure and muscle mass.What Dogs Have the Strongest Bite?
While there are no official statistics, the canines we look at below are generally accepted by experts to be the strongest bite force dogs. And for the purpose of our top 10, we’ve included breeds rated 399 PSI upward.
10. Leonberger — 399 PSI
Kicking off our top 10 dogs with strongest bite countdown is the Leonberger. Even with their big cuddly teddy bear looks, this canine has an impressive bite force of 399 PSI.
A true aristocrat of a dog, originally from Germany, the Leo was favored by many of the royal families of Europe in the late 17th Century. Despite being one of the world’s tallest dog breeds at over 31 inches in height, this canine is sweet-natured and a loyal companion.
Due to their size, physical strength, and strong bite force, the Leonberger was often seen working as watchdogs or even simply pulling carts. Nowadays, their kind and protective nature allows them to be employed as therapy dogs.
The Leo is ideal for close-knit families with other pets or children — the kids will love the fluffy fur coat and lionesque looks. However, due to their size, they can easily knock someone off their feet — especially little ones — albeit unintentionally.
9. Boerboel — 450 PSI
Descending from the Mastiff and the Bulldog, you can see why some call this breed the South African Mastiff. Used for guarding and defending homes from African big cats and other wildlife — like baboons — the Boerboel was bred as one of the dogs with the strongest bite.
Standing up to 27 inches tall, the Boerboel has an enormous head and powerful jaws with the strongest bite force of 450 PSI. For inexperienced first-time dog owners, this breed can be a handful and somewhat intimidating. However, they can be wonderful companions for the more experienced owner/trainer.
The Boerboel needs a firm leader who can properly guide them and be strong enough to control their fiercely protective nature.
8. Dogo Argentino — 500 PSI
A pack hunter originating from Argentina, the brawny, white Dogo Argentino. This breed has a parentage of the Cordoba fighting dogs of S.America and other powerful canines such as the Bull Terrier, and even the Great Dane.
Known for their unwavering loyalty to their owners, the brave Dogo had to be strong to face wild boars and other big cats. As a result, the Argentino has one of the hardest dog bite forces — 500 PSI.
Known for their protective nature, the Dogo Argentino can make a great guard dog and family pet as long as they are well-trained and socialized from an early age. But bear in mind, in some parts of the world, this breed is classed as a dangerous dog, thus, is illegal to own.7. Dogo Canario — 540 PSI
A large, muscular Spanish breed that also goes by the name of, the ‘Canary Dog of Prey,’ — Perro de Presa Canario. This canine is extremely vigilant and confident. Hence, it's not surprising to find guarding, fighting, and cattle herding on their resume.
The Dogo Canario’s bite force of 540 PSI makes them a dog breed with the strongest bite, but they also have a reputation for being aggressive. This canine is prohibited in a number of countries, although treasured in the Spanish Islands.
A mastiff-like breed that's intelligent with higher levels of obedience, they’re great with their humans, but not so great with outsiders — early socialization is a must. The Dogo Canario also needs a big backyard, lots of exercise, and plenty of mental stimulation. Proper training is required to tame their dominant nature. Otherwise, you’ll end up with an unruly Canario.6. English Mastiff — 552 PSI
English Mastiffs, or at least the majestic canines we know them as today, were first bred back in 1835, the year when laws were passed to ban animal fighting in the UK. For the breed to thrive, it had to be bred with a more docile nature. This gentle and naturally-protecting giant has since become very popular for families with children.
Standing at 27-31 inches tall, the English Mastiff has a huge head — typical of all Mastiffs, which also gives them the strongest dog bite PSI of 552. Even with all this strength, you’re more likely to find them snoring, they aren't a super-active breed. However, socializing and training are still a must — they’re big, burly dogs.
Many who own this breed find the English Mastiff is particularly tolerant with younger children, but they don’t do so well with other dogs. Socialization can help when they’re younger.
5. Tosa Inu — 556 PSI
Going further afield, we find the Tosa Inu, often referred to as the Japanese Mastiff. At 21-24 inches tall, they’re the largest of all the Japanese dog breeds. The Tosa is the result of a native fighting dog, the Shikoku-ken, and some of the West’s most powerful dogs, including Bulldogs and Great Danes.
Unfortunately, with their origins as fighters, ownership of a Tosa Inu is legally restricted in over 18 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, to name but three. The Tosa Inu has a reputation for being one of the most aggressive dog breeds having the fifth-highest strongest dog bite force PSI of 556.
However, this aggressive behavior is usually directed toward other canines, not necessarily humans. That said, they’re quite aloof when confronted with strangers. Like many large dog breeds, the Tosa requires the right human with experience who can socialize the dog early in their life. And, if trained correctly, they can be mostly quiet, obedient and affectionate with their family pack.
4. Dogue de Bordeaux — 556 PSI
Also called the French Mastiff, this docile breed is probably the least active of our dogs with the strongest bite. They’re also one of those high-slobbering breeds.
Although they’re often seen as lazy, the 556 PSI bite force and their sheer size can feel threatening to any stranger. Making the ideal family pet, this French Mastiff is incredibly affectionate, but only with people they know.
Standing 23-27 inches tall, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a muscular breed with a broad head responsible for that most powerful dog bite. Although their physique can be quite intimidating, the Dogue is another dog with the strongest bite that’s extremely gentle around children. If trained and properly socialized from an early age, you’re more likely to drown in drool than get bitten!
3. Cane Corso — 700 PSI
Also known as the Italian Mastiff, this ancient breed hails back to the days of the Romans. Cane Corso comes from the Latin for “bodyguard dog.”
Although some historians argue the Cane Corso was a war dog, they often accompanied tax collectors to extract monies due from peasants. Despite their imposing looks, the Cane Corso can be a gentle and affectionate dog, the ideal companion for a tax man with few friends. However, with a dog bite strength of 700 PSI, this breed is a threat to anything that may pose a danger.
As with many working/guard dog breeds, training and socialization are essential to make the dogs comfortable with family and strangers alike. The Cane Corso also benefits most from being the only animal in the house. But they’re smart, eager to learn, and to please — so training is a straightforward affair.
2. American Bandogge — 730 PSI
Often overlooked in lists of the strongest dog bite, this American crossbreed, the Bandogge has a powerful bite force of over 730 PSI, which just can’t be ignored.
These canines were originally bred in Middle Age Europe as guard dogs, where they would often be kept on a chain and only let loose at night to guard a property. Bandogge translates from the old English for a “dog on a chain/band.”
American breeders have recreated this controversial breed by crossing either an American Pit Bull Terrier or American Bulldog with a Mastiff. The Bandogge has a broad head, a large, muscular body, and a short coat that can be brindle, black, blue, red, or fawn.
Needing a strong leader, the American Bandogge isn’t the best choice for an inexperienced dog owner. Loyal and protective, yet suspicious of strangers, this breed can also be very affectionate toward their own family. As long as they’re socialized early enough, they will get along with children and other pets.
1. Kangal (Anatolian Shepherd) — 743 PSI
With the world’s strongest bite of 743 PSI, the Anatolian Shepherd claims the title.
The Kangal is a large breed — 27-29 inches tall and weighing up to 150 pounds — originating from Turkey. They were bred to safeguard livestock, warding off predators, such as bears and wolves. Known for their loyalty and deep-routed protective instincts, the Anatolian is a popular breed in Turkey used for defending their owners and homes.
While they may have the most powerful dog bite, when it comes to children and other human family members, the Kangal is a gentle giant. Early training and socialization is a must, even when still a puppy, to ensure the Kangal will be okay to meet strangers as they mature.
When raised by a more experienced dog owner, the Anatolian can be the ultimate loving companion which will guard your family and home. If they can ward off a bear or a wolf, I’m sure the average intruder won’t be a problem!The Strongest Bite Force of Dogs Who Just Missed the Cut
If you’re looking at this list thinking, we’ve missed out on some breeds that are well-known for their bite force. Well done for the observation.
Some of the dogs below have a higher than average bite force but still fall below the 399 PSI required to list in our top 10 dog breeds with the strongest bite. These include:
Rottweiler: Bite Force - 328 PSI
American Bulldog: Bite Force - 305 PSI
Doberman: Bite Force - 245 PSI
German Shepherd:Bite Force - 238 PSI
Pitbull: Bite Force - 235 PSI
Comparing Strongest Dog Bite Forces vs Wild Animals
While the Kangal is king in the canine world, this breed wouldn’t even make the top 10 in the wild animal charts.
Here are the ten A-list predators which would make that list:
POSITION | Animal | Bite Force PSI |
|---|---|---|
1 | Nile Crocodile | 5000 |
2 | Saltwater Crocodile | 3700 |
3 | American Alligator | 2125 |
4 | Hippopotamus | 1800 |
5 | Jaguar | 1500 |
6 | Bull Shark | 1350 |
7 | Gorilla | 1300 |
8 | Polar Bear | 1200 |
9 | Grizzly Bear | 1160 |
10 | Hyena | 1100 |
Closing Thoughts
It’s important to remember that a dog’s bite doesn’t necessarily correlate with a dog’s overall temperament or behavior. Some of the breeds we’ve discussed above may be high up on the list, but can still be friendly and docile when properly trained and socialized.
By all means, if you want a loyal and protective dog for your family, choose a Kangal or even a Leonburger, just make sure you have the time and experience to train them to be safe and friendly with your family.
In short, it’s not all about the strongest dog bite, there is far more to these canines than teeth.Dogs With the Strongest Bite FAQs
What Dog Has the Strongest Bite?
The Kangal or Anatolian Sheepdog has a bite force of 743 PSI. To put that into perspective, us humans can manage a measly 150 PSI on average. Hence, the Kangal has over five times as much bite force.
What is the Average Dog Bite Force of a Dog?
It would be almost impossible to get an accurate measurement of the bite force of every breed, but we can assume the average dog has a bite force of around 200-230 PSI. Most dogs will fall into the bite force category of 150-400 PSI.
Which Dog Breed Has the Weakest Dog Bite Force?
Smaller dog breeds have the weakest bite forces, as you would expect. The Chihuahua is thought by many to sit at the bottom of the list with a dog bite force of only 100-180 PSI.
Does a Stronger Bite Make for a More Dangerous Dog?
While it’s true that the dogs on our list can inflict more damage with their bite. This doesn’t take into consideration the likelihood of a dog biting.
Any dog can bite, and a dog with a stronger bite force will potentially cause more damage. The occurrence of these incidents can, however, depend on many other factors. For example, whether the dog has been properly socialized and trained, as well as temperament.
How Can I Protect Myself From a Dog With a Strong Bite Force?
It's always best to avoid confrontations with dogs you don't know. If you encounter an unfamiliar canine, it's important to remain calm, avoid making direct eye contact, and give them space by backing away.
If a dog attacks, try to protect your face, neck, and other vulnerable areas with your hands and arms. If you’re knocked to the ground, curl into a ball and protect your head and neck with your arms.