The pressure can be different depending on the substance being bitten, the dog's mood, and even the dog itself. To give you a comparison, humans have an average bite force of 120-140 psi, and the Nile Crocodile has a bite force of 5,000 psi. The bite force of average dogs ranges somewhere around 230-250 psi, but some have more strength.
Let's focus on the dogs for now. Even though nowhere as strong as Nile Crocodile's bite, the force of a strong dog's bite won't only rip through flesh, but it could also break bones. Below we'll list dogs that have the best chance of doing exactly that. If you're considering owning one of these strong dog breeds, you must work with a professional dog trainer to ensure your pooch doesn't show any signs of aggression.
Most breeds on this list are dogs that are considered to be aggressive. Those are the animals that usually get their bite force measured. What is important to remember is that any dog can become aggressive if neglected and abused. Most dogs are not loners.
Myths about dog's bite force and the scientific truth
The only two studies measuring bite forces of dogs are by Ellis et al. and Lindner et al.
The study results were reported in Newtons, with some of the highest numbers coming at 2,000 Newtons. From here, many websites took the number and incorrectly interpreted it as psi, which in fact is around 450 pounds per square inch (not 2,000 psi).
Why some dog breeds have stronger bite force than others?
The majority of the bite force strength in dogs depends on the size of their body and skull and the shape of their jaw. Dogs with the largest heads and subsequently biggest jaws all had the strongest bite force, which explains why Mastiffs ranked the highest of all dog breeds.
Now without further ado, here are the dogs with the strongest bite forces in the world. So that you know, they will all be greater than yours. Every dog's bite is dangerous, but these could be especially brutal if they exert their full force.
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20 Dogs with the Strongest Bite Force
Mastiff Breeds
1. Kangal – 743 psi
Pictured above, this large, powerful breed is used in Turkey to guard against animal predators. With the strongest bite force of any domesticated dog, they do it well. Dogs in this breed are friendly with their family. They are good with children.
Healthy dogs, the Kangal, are expected to live over 15 years of age. They make excellent guard dogs.
Kangals are alert, territorial, and defensive. They will need social training and “pack leader” training to be your everyday companion dog. If you want this dog, it should be the only animal in the house.
2. Cane Corso – 700 psi
They are also hardy and healthy lot. Intelligent and eager, they are easy to train. Most of these pooches are quiet and calm.
Like other guard dogs, this dog usually does not like other dogs and cats. They usually do fine with the kids in their household, but they will need socialization training starting as a puppy to be on the safe side.
3. Dogue de Bordeaux – 556 psi
Did I mention the drool? A lot? While friendly with the family, they are suspicious of strangers. They need a secure fence and socialization training. The Dogue can really pack on the pounds, so watch the diet.
4. English Mastiff – 552 psi
All Mastiffs are independent and strong-willed. They need a dedicated trainer who is willing to put in the time to be a “pack leader.” Like some other breeds, the English Mastiff can become destructive when left alone too long.
5. Dogo Canario – 540 psi
This breed needs an experienced trainer. To have a successful relationship with strong dogs like this one, the owner needs to have the time and experience to socialize and train this animal properly.
6. Dogo Argentino – 500 psi
A strong and independent dog, this fur-baby 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.
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Bully Dog Breeds
7. American Bulldog – 305 psi
Often confused with a Pitbull, the American Bulldog is its own breed. These gentle, affectionate dogs do great in houses with children. These canines are actually sensitive and need a lot of quality time with their family members. Their short hair is easy to maintain.
Dogs in this breed are known to drool quite a bit. Strong-willed, these fur-babies need strong training that begins in puppy-hood. These dogs need to get plenty of exercise and play-time. They can become destructive if bored.
8. Pitbull – 235 psi
With short hair, the Pitbull doesn’t need a lot of time at the groomers. Known as “nanny dogs,” these pups love children. They are playful and protective.
The Pitbull has been recently bred as fighting dogs. Make sure you get your Bully from a reputable breeder. Like other strong breeds, you will need to start with socialization and obedience training early.
9. Alano Español – 227 psi
These large dogs are descendants of the bull-baiting dogs of Europe, and before that, the war dogs of the middle east. Serious and calm, these canines are not hyper, in-your-face yappers.
While these dogs like to be “top dogs,” they can also be submissive to the right owner. This breed is active and does best with an involved owner.
Wary of strangers, this Spanish bulldog needs strong, “pack leader” training to keep from becoming dangerous. These pooches are known to be difficult to housebreak. They may do better than outside dogs.
10. English Bulldog – 210 psi
English Bulldogs are pretty stubborn. While not known to be aggressive, they still need a strong trainer due to their desire to do things their way. These pups need a mild climate. They don’t do well in hot or cold weather.
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Shepherd Dog Breeds
11. German Shepard – 238 psi
Intelligent “work” dogs, German Shepherds are used as police dogs, guide dogs, and farmhand dogs. They are aloof with strangers and not easily distracted. These dogs are energetic and love playtime, but they are calm and restrained as well. Intelligent and sensitive to their owner’s needs, these fur-babies are easy to train.
These pups shed a lot. It may be best if you don’t have carpet in your home. Dogs in this breed usually do not like other dogs. You will need to have chew toys and puzzle boxes as well because these pups love to chew.
12. Dutch Shepard – 224 psi
These canines usually are not friendly with kids or other animals. Training to teach it that ALL humans are pack leaders must be undergone. These independent, self-willed pups need a strong, persistent trainer.
13. Malinois – 195 psi
Although these fur-babies are made for the outdoors, they love their human companionship and need training and socialization. If they don’t get it, they can become aggressive and destructive.
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Misc. Dog Breeds with the Strongest Bite Force
14. Bandog – 730 psi
Pictured above, this is a breed of varied ancestry. Breeding “Mastiff” breeds created them with “Bull Dog” breeds. This breed is still mainly bred to be guard dogs, and they excel. Brave and strong, these dogs will lay down their life for their charges. These impressive animals have short, easy-to-care-for coats.
As primarily guard dogs, these canines can be dangerous. They need intense pack leader training. They are wary and distrustful of strangers, so they need intense socialization training from birth.
15. Leonberger – 399 psi
These pups love to chew and bark and will need the training to curb those desires. While they love kids, they are massive and can easily hurt a child. They need training in manners starting at puppyhood.
16. Doberman – 228 psi
Energetic and playful, these dogs need to be exercised regularly to keep from being aggressive or destructive. While this dog is friendly with kids, it is raised with, and it is not generally a “kid-friendly” breed.
17. Chow Chow – 220 psi
These dogs are independent and self-willed, making them harder to train. Pooches from this breed are pretty aggressive and don’t always do well with the people and animals around them.
18. Rottweiler – 328 psi
Training needs to start as soon as possible while they are still small enough to be easily handled. Rottweilers are recommended for experienced owners because of their size. They usually don’t like other animals.
19. Tosa Inu – 556 psi
If not trained and socialized properly, these dogs can become aggressive. Dogs in this breed are huge. They take up a lot of space and eat a lot of food. They need obedience training as a puppy, or they can easily break people and things.
20. Boxer – 230 psi
Boxers like mild climates, so care must be taken when going outside in cold or hot weather. These pups really do not do well when left alone for long periods of time.
Honorable Mentions
While the above are the dog breeds with the strongest bite force, they are far from the only ones whose bite you want to be wary of. The following are other dog breeds known for their strong bite force.
- Labrador Retriever
- African Wild Dog
- Siberian Husky
- Great Dane
- Wolfdog
- Akita Inu
In fact, because of occasionally conflicting information on breeds’ bite force, some experts claim that some of these dogs have a stronger bite than those on the list.
Common Questions About Dogs Breeds with the Strongest Bite Force
Still, have doubts about which dog breeds have the strongest bite force? Consider the following.
Which Dog Has the Strongest Bite Force?
The mastiff has the strongest bite force, followed by the Rottweiler.
Which Dog Has the Weakest Bite Force?
The English bulldog has the weakest bite force, followed by the bullmastiff and Shih Tzu.
Which Animal Had the Strongest Bite Force in 2020?
The saltwater crocodile has the strongest bite force. Other leaders include hippos, gorillas, jaguars, great white sharks, polar bears, Bengal tigers, and spotted hyenas.
Which Dog Can Kill a Lion?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback can kill a lion, and so can a Rottweiler.
Which Dog Is Stronger Than a Pitbull?
The Rottweiler is stronger than a Pitbull and able to beat it in a fight.
READ NEXT: 20 Most Expensive Dog Breeds From Around the World
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