Truly remarkable creatures, every dog breed brings its own unique set of traits to the table. One of the most dangerous aspects is represented by their bite force. This is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), and some breeds are characterized by an impressive punch with their powerful jaws.
If you’re curious about your pet’s bite strength or just want to stay SAFE out there, you’re in the right place.
Let’s find out who are the strongest canines out there!
20. English Bulldog
An iconic breed from England, these Bulldogs are beloved around the world for their wrinkled face. Their distinctive figure also stands in their strong jaw that delivers a bite of 210 PSI, however, with a cute pushed-in nose.
Despite their bite force, they are naturally gifted with good temperament, and they are affectionate, docile dogs that create strong bonds with their families.
19. The Newfoundland
This giant from Canada has a long history of working with fishers and they are great water rescue and draft dogs. Massive, with a muscular build and a thick coat, they have a powerful bite of 220 PSI, but still, they have a sweet and gentle nature.
18. Chow Chow
This ancient breed from China stands out with its lion-like mane, dense double coat, and blue-black tongue. Their personality is interesting, as they are reserved and independent, but they still create beautiful bonds with their owners. Because of their weariness of strangers and a bite force of 220 PSI, they require early socialization and proper training.
17. Dutch Shepherd
Hailing from the Netherlands, this versatile and intelligent breed is known for its well-muscled and proportional build that balances strength and agility. They were originally bred for herding and guarding, but now they are protective pets and loyal friends. With a sharp mind, they excel and problem-solving tasks and they easily learn new things.
Their bite force is 224 PSI.
16. Alano Espanol
Also known as the Spanish Bulldog, this is an athletic and powerful breed from Spain. Muscular and strong-boned, they have a bite force that reaches 227 PSI. This breed is not very common in the US, but it boasts an impressive history. They come from ancient times and the breed was developed for battle in the 14th century.
15. Doberman Pinscher
Strong protective instincts and a sleek appearance are the main traits of the Doberman Pinscher. Their bite force is around 228 PSI and they were bred initially for personal protection. They shine in roles related to guard duty, search and rescue, and police work. Dobermans are highly intelligent and quick to learn and many owners confess that they are loving and patient dogs.
14. Boxer
Boxers’ bite can reach 230 PSI, while they are still known for being friendly, outgoing, and playful. They have boundless energy and enthusiasm, making them excellent companions, especially for active individuals and families.
Smaller and less aggressive than other breeds with a powerful bite, they are still reliable protectors.
13. American Pitt Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed with a bite force of about 235 PSI. Muscular and determined, they have a controversial past involving their use in dog fighting, before all this was banned.
Well-trained, they are great family pets, loyal and affectionate.
12. German Shepherd
Known for their intelligence and resourcefulness, with a bite force of 238 PSI, and other qualities such as agility and trainability, they bring a lot of value to police and military work, search and rescue, or service animals.
They are fantastic dogs and one of the most popular breeds in the US.
11. American bulldog
They are known for their muscular and forceful looks and they originated in the US. With their distinctive abilities, square-shaped heads, and sturdy build, they are great for guarding, driving livestock, and farm work. Their bite hits 305 PSI.
American bulldogs do have a strong work ethic and high energy, they form deep bonds with their families and they are both protective and affectionate.
10. Rottweiler
This popular breed originally hails from Germany and they were bred for guarding and herding. Today, they are beloved animals and commonly seen as pets, but they also serve in the police force and frequently help in search-and-rescue missions.
Their bite reaches 328 PSI.
9. Leonberger
This shaggy breed from Germany is often called a “Gentle Giant” because they have a laid-back and friendly nature, with a bite force of 399 PSI.
Some interesting facts about them are that they love water and they have webbed feet, which makes them excellent swimmers. They are the perfect help for water rescues and their social and calm personality makes them wonderful companions.
8. Wolfdog
A cross between a domestic dog and a wolf, they have a powerful bite that can reach 406 PSI. They serve excellent as watchdogs, but they can be challenging as pets, given their wolf ancestry.
7. Dogo Argentino
These dogs obviously come from Argentina and they were often used for hunting large game like puma and wild boar. Their athletic nature makes them excellent watchdogs, and they are loyal and affectionate family pets, but with a bite that reaches 500 PSI.
Because they are very well-behaved when properly trained, they are commonly seen as therapy dogs and they even serve in police forces.
6. Presa Canario
This Spanish Mastiff has a string bite that exceeds 500 PSI. Their Canary Islands origins give their name and they have a strong history as working dogs.
Today, they are often given jobs such as guarding, herding, and livestock tasks.
5. Tosa Inu
This Japanese Mastiff has a powerful bite force that reaches 556 PSI. Their name comes from the region in Japan where they were bred and used for fighting, their strong bite reflecting this history.
They can be good pets, however, they work best with an experienced owner who can manage them effectively.
4. Mastiff
There are many different derived breeds such as French Mastiff, English Mastiff, or Bullmastiff. With a bite force of around 556 PSI, these gentle giants were initially supposed to guard, and they are still great at this job. But they are seen more as beloved family pets and appreciated for their affectionate nature and for how well they get along with children.
3. Cane Corso
This powerful Italian breed can reach up to 700 PSI. They are famous for their strength and the breed name itself comes from a Latin term meaning “protector” or “guardian”, suiting their natural abilities.
More than their incredible bite they make excellent pets and they are, of course, exceptional at guarding.
2. Bandog
Known as the Bandog Mastiff, this one is a mix of Neapolitan Mastiff and Bull Terrier, while there can also be other large and powerful dog breed mixes.
They have a diverse genetic makeup and their bite force can vary widely. However, they can reach the impressive 730 PSI.
1. Kangal
With Turkish origins, the Kangal is a famous breed and they are known for their protective instincts and outstandingly strong bite force which measures 743 PSI. They were initially bred to guard livestock against wild animals like wolves, lions, and bears.
They can be great pets and they thrive when given a job. However, they can be cautious around strangers if they are not involved in early socialization.
If you want to find out more about dog breeds, you can find this on Amazon: The Complete Dog Breed Book, New Edition
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