10 Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite
For centuries, humans and dogs have lived side by side harmoniously. The relationship between man and dog is truly the greatest love affair of our times – with this statement backed by the millions of modern households today who have welcomed a furry friend into their family. Yet we must remember that although trained dogs are usually soft and lovable, some are capable of exerting brute force when they feel threatened by others or are in an unsafe environment.
Writing this article about the strongest dog bites is not to spark fear in you, our reader, each time you see one of the breeds listed below. It’s so important to remember that with the right nurturing and love, any dog (even the ones which are considered to be ‘aggressive’ on this list) is capable of possessing the correct composed and loving nature to earn the title of ‘man’s best friend’.
How Can We Measure A Dog’s Bite?
A dog’s bite can be measured with the widely used unit PSI (pounds per square inch). This can be used to measure the pressure released upon any given point, and calculates the pressure resulting from a force of one pound-force applied to an area of one square inch. Studies have been conducted to measure the bite force of dogs and from these, notably Ellis et al (who measure cranial dimensions and forces of biting in the domestic dog) and Lindner et al (who measure dog bite force with a force transducer), we’ve compiled together a list of the ten dog breeds with the strongest bite. Read on to determine which dog breed could potentially deliver a damaging bite.
Kangal – 743 PSI
Having been selectively bred over hundreds of years to operate as Turkish sheep guardians, this formidable dog has a gentle nature. Best suited to lead an active life on a farm, they have a reputation for being fierce and loyal when need be. Kangal dogs are easy to train and need regular steady exercise and a lot of time outdoors. On the other hand, due to their ancestors trekking through the wilderness of rural Turkey alone, Kangal dogs are able to spend a lot of time alone.
This magnificent dog is calm around children and family pets. Don’t be surprised to find your Kangal guarding your children if there aren’t any sheep or cattle around! However, although they are sweethearts deep down, these dogs shouldn’t be domesticated and deserve to live their life outside as working guard dogs.
Bandog – 730 PSI
Nobody can be sure where the ‘bandogge’ or commonly known as ‘mastiff’ originated from, but we can say for sure they look intimidating at the best of times. These strictly working dogs have originated from fighting roots and were commonly chained up during the day and let out at night. Back in those days, the term ‘Bandog’ wasn’t a breed but rather an explanation of their duty and purpose.
Considered to be the ultimate guard dog, the ideal Bandog is considered to possess a broad skull, strong muzzle, broad shoulders, and great agility. The ideal breed will also be intelligent and well controlled. It’s important to note that Bandogs can be aggressive and wary towards strangers. To avoid this, a trainer must show a Bandog who’s boss as soon as they enter your family home for the first time.
Cane Corso – 700 PSI
Originated from Italy, Corso’s have strong personalities from birth. Fun fact: the word ‘corso’ derives from the latin ‘Cohors’, meaning ‘protector’. This is certainly true – a Cane Corso is a natural protector and naturally included to repel intruders away protect their loved ones from harm. They can be an excellent addition to a family and can be incredibly affectionate towards children, but only if their owner is consistent and asserts themselves as boss from day one.
What’s more, their astute senses enable these muscular giants to run fast and hear exceptionally well. They are a highly intelligent and healthy breed and therefore, will require considerable amounts of exercise to maintain their health. However, having been bred to chase and kill, it’s best to refrain from owning a Corso alongside smaller family pets which they may potentially view as prey.
Check out our guide on the Best Dog Food for Cane Corso for more info.
Dogue de Bordeaux – 556 PSI
This beautiful breed of large dogs boasts a wrinkly head and exquisite hazel to dark brown eyes. Gentle towards all family members, this breed is able to live in an apartment if they receive the correct amount of exercise outdoors. Very little grooming will be required if owning one of these loveable giants! They’re exceptionally well-mannered for such big dogs and very laid-back by nature.
However, it’s important to note that like the other breeds discussed today, this powerful breed will certainly require a strong owner to train them as soon as he enters his new home. Natural authority and regular socializing must be maintained as if not, a Bordeaux could become untamable. Don’t worry though, through this training and discipline, any Dogue de Bordeaux develop strong ties to their owners if a loving relationship is upheld.
Tosa Inu – 556 PSI
Considered to be a rare breed of Japanese dog, Tosa Inu’s grow up very slowly and only reach maturity at around four years of age. They are the largest Japanese dog breeds but contrast in possessing a quiet demeanor throughout their lifespan, usually living ten to twelve years. Don’t worry about them shedding all over your home – an occasional brushing to remove dead hair is all it will take to have your Tosa Inu looking sparkling clean.
However, although this breed is considered to be sensitive and sweet around their most treasured, they can be aggressive and aren’t a breed which should be owned by first-time dog owners. In the UK, the ownership of these dogs is even regulated under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and completely banned in countries such as Australia and New Zealand. Tosa This is due to this noble breed having been bred specifically for blood sports in the nineteenth century. Our advice – keep your Tosa Inu away from other dogs who enjoy a brawl because the Tosa will almost always win – and it won’t always be pretty.
Dogo Canario – 540 PSI
A typical Dogo Canario is headstrong and knows it. We do not recommend introducing this breed into a family home with small children as due to their dominant nature, they can become dangerous when not properly trained. Historically, they were bred as catch dogs and often as entertainment in dog fights. Therefore, it’s not a surprise that many Dogo Canario’s have trouble socializing – our ancestors are the ones to blame. However, although they can be distant at the best of times, they’re docile within a comfortable family environment and grow to be very fond of their owner.
There is no chance you can own a Dogo Canario if you won’t have sufficient amounts of time and energy to train and exercise a breed such as this. These Dogos deserve an owner who can train them to be obedient and socialized. A Dogo Canario will eventually become submissive, due to their history of being great guard dogs. Although they can be very strong-willed, the difference in a properly trained Dogo Canario is easy to spot by them having plenty of love to spare.
Top Tip – The Dogo Canario must not be allowed to walk off-leash and additionally, should walk beside and not in front of his owner when on the leash.
Dogo Argentino – 500 PSI
Easily identifiable due to its pure white coat, the Dogo Argentino is distinctive in both its muscular structure and because of its deafening bark. Unfortunately, this sheer white coat comes with a lot of work! Dogo Argenino’s shed heavily – owners have to brush them once a week to remove any dead hair and to keep their coat shining with health. Although they’re a highly independent breed, there’s nothing a typical Dogo Argentino loves more than snuggle up at their owners’ feet – they’re absolute suckers for attention! Be sure to consistently socialize your Dogo starting from them being a young pup.
Don’t start looking into owning a Dogo unless you’re committed into doing a lot of future training. Trainers recommend trying a nothing-in-life-is-free programme which requires a puppy to work for everything. This sort of programme may be useful in the future for trying to control this kind of breed’s somewhat intimidating demeanor. All in all, this loveable hound is loveable and loyal around his family – including children – and won’t hurt a fly unless he is suitably riled up. With the amount of love and support, Dogo Argentinos grow up to be the most wonderful companions.
Leonberger – 399 PSI
In your head, imagine a stereotypical family dog and you’ll end up picturing a Leonberger. Why do we love them so much? As well as being the perfect family dog, they’re smart (now often being bred to become water rescue dogs due to being strong swimmers) and rarely show any signs of aggression. These gentle giants require over two hours of exercise a day and also a large house attached to a large garden to give them the space and exercise they deserve.
Unfortunately, these lions have a short lifespan and so, will cause heartbreak very early on due to only existing for a short amount of time on the earth. Alongside this concern comes major vet bills – prepare to see your savings take a hit when owning this dog as vet bills for a Leonberger will be pretty costly. Not for a first-time dog owner, your average Leonbeger will require plenty of training and socializing for them to be respectable around other dogs. Therefore, don’t let any vet bills or other expenses dissuade you from welcoming this lovely breed into your family.
Rottweiler – 328 PSI
Rottweilers aren’t a breed to be owned by the faint-hearted. Males in particular can be aggressive and therefore, do your research before considering purchasing one yourself. Being one of the most ancient breeds of dog existing today, these dogs have an impressive ancestral heritage – having accompanied the Romans through Germany and surviving extinction, they’ve definitely earned their place as one of the most popular dog breeds today.
Although they sometimes get a bad rap, the Rottweiler is one of the smartest breeds out there – suited to domestic life by being intelligent, trainable, and docile. It should be constantly socialized and not left alone for long periods of time, even though not leaving your dog for more than a few hours is surely common sense for a dog owner. However, Rottweilers can suffer from serious health complications from cardiac disease to rarer blood disorders such as von Willebrands’s disease. These potentially crucial complications lead to your average Rottweiler possessing a lifespan of only 8-10 years.
American Bulldog – 305 PSI
Last but certainly not least, meet the notorious American Bulldog. Having originated from the common English Bulldog, the American Bulldog is known to be a highly intelligent and affectionate breed. They’re also wonderfully playful, but don’t expect to get a lot of down time with one of these chancers around! American Bulldog’s love to be out and about and are very well suited to life with an active family. Our favorite thing about American Bulldogs is their life span – they’ll enjoy being your loveable companion for around 15 years.
Life in an apartment isn’t suited towards the average American Bulldog. Weighing from 60 up to 107 pounds, they’ll be squished up in a tiny apartment and may even become a little. claustrophobic. Considered to be dominant dogs due to their self-assured nature, an experienced handler is required to make these fur babies aware of their own strength.
