While all dogs have the potential to nip and bite, some breeds have stronger bites than others due to their powerful jaws, large teeth and fearless character.
When researching dog breeds, it’s important to remember the factors that contribute to biting incidents, such as anti-social behaviour by irresponsible owners who train their dogs to be aggressive. Many dogs have been bred specifically for their intelligence and strength, while others may simply be the result of poor ownership.
To help us understand more about the dogs who bite, Norfolk-based animal behaviourist and trainer, Sarah-Jane White, has measured the strength of dogs by looking at the pounds per square inch (PSI) for each breed.
Take a look at the full list of dog breeds below…
1. German Shepherd
“The German Shepherd is a breed that is well-known for its strength and intelligence,” says Sarah-Jane White. “With a bite force of 238-291 PSI, this breed is often used for law enforcement, military and protection. German Shepherds are also popular as family pets due to their loyalty and obedience. They are the eighth most popular dog in the UK.”
2. American Bulldog
“The Bulldog is a strong breed of dog that has a very powerful bite,” explains Sarah-Jane. “With a bite force of 305 PSI, this dog is not to be trifled with! Often used as a guard dog or for protection, the American Bulldog is a breed that you want on your side. They are energetic and require a lot of exercise, but make great family pets.”
3. Rottweiler
“The Rottweiler is a powerful breed of dog that is known for its strength and intelligence. With a bite force of 328 PSI, this breed can definitely hold its own against other animals. Often used as a guard dog, the Rottweiler is a breed that you don’t want to mess with! They make really lovable companions with the right training.”
4. American Pit Bull Terrier
“The American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed that is known for its strength and determination. With a bite force of 240-330 PSI, this breed can definitely bring down larger prey,” Sarah-Jane explains.
“Pitbull terriers are legal in the United States. But in Canada, pit bulls are banned in many towns and cities. Puerto Rico had a two-decade ban in place until 2018, when it was once again made legal to own, sell and import the breed. They are banned in the UK.”
5. Mastiff
“The Mastiff is another large breed of dog that is known for its strength and power. With a bite force of 556 PSI, this breed can easily overpower other animals. This is more than three times the bite force of an average dog.”
6. Cane Corso
Sarah-Jane continue: “The Cane Corso is a breed that is known for its power and strength. With a bite force of 650 PSI, this breed can take down prey much larger than itself.”
7. Turkish Kangal
“The Kangal Shepherd is a Turkish breed of dog that is known for its large size and impressive strength. With a bite force of 743 PSI, this breed is the undisputed king of the canine world when it comes to raw power. Typically used to protect against wolves, bears, and jackals in its native Turkey due to its intimidating size and capabilities as an effective guardian.
“While all of these breeds are incredibly strong, the Kangal takes the top spot as the dog with the strongest bite in the world. With a force that is more than three times that of an average dog, this breed can take down prey much larger than itself. So, if you are looking for a dog that is not only powerful but also fearless, the Kangal is the breed for you!”
8. Dutch Shepherd
According to Petkeen, Dutch Shepherds are often used by law enforcement in different countries and nearly went extinct in World War Two. While the breed is still rare, their usefulness and powerful bite of 224 PSI has kept them around.
9. Tosa Inu
This large-sized breed, currently banned in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act, is known for its protection and powerful nature. Originating from Japan, they have a bite force of 556 PSI and have been sadly bred to fight completely silently.
