Dogs have evolved over thousands of years to become highly specialized predators who rely on their powerful bite force to kill prey. This makes them very effective at hunting, but also means they can easily break bones or even tear off limbs.
Dogs are known for being loyal companions, but they can also be dangerous. If you want to keep your dog safe, you should always supervise him closely and never leave him unsupervised.
Before we start, let’s find out some facts about bite force in dogs.
The average human bite force is around 50-70 newtons (9.8 – 14.5 lbs), while the maximum recorded canine bite force is over 200 N (40 lbs).
A Labrador retriever with a bite force of 140 N (28 lbs) could seriously injure someone if it were to bite down on them. Although Labradors are not aggressive dogs, they have the capability to bite pretty hard!
How Is Bite Force Measured In Dogs?
To measure the strength of a dog’s jaw muscles, researchers use a device called an electromyography. It measures electrical activity in muscle tissue.
When a dog bites something, the jaw muscles contract and this causes the electrical signal to increase. Then, scientists take that electrical signal and convert it into a measurement of bite force using a formula.
Why Do Some Dogs Have Stronger Jaws Than Others?
There are many factors that influence how strong a dog’s bite force is. These include genetics, diet, exercise, age, breed, and size.
In general, larger breeds tend to have stronger jaws because they need more power to chew food. They also need more energy to run around chasing after prey.
Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas have smaller mouths which require less energy to chew. Their jaws are also weaker as a result.
However, there are exceptions to every rule. Some small breeds like Maltese have extremely powerful jaws.
What Is The Strongest Bite Force Recorded In A Dog?
The strongest recorded bite force was achieved by a German shepherd named “Sasha”. He had a bite force of 205 Newtons (42 lbs)! That’s almost twice the amount of the next strongest dog, a Doberman pinscher named “Buster”.
He was able to achieve his incredible results through training. His owner used positive reinforcement to train him to bite harder.
What Is PSI?
PSI is short for pounds per square inch. It is a unit of pressure that is used to describe the strength of a person’s grip.
It is calculated by dividing the weight of the object by its surface area. For example, if a person holds a hammer with a 10 pound weight and a 2 square foot surface area, then the PSI value would be 20.
Scientists use PSI values to compare different types of dogs. When comparing two dogs of the same breed, they can determine which one has a higher PSI value.
On with the list we go!
1. Boxer (230 PSI)
Boxers are big, powerful dogs that aren’t very aggressive. They’re friendly and playful, and they get along well with other pets.
They’re also great for children because they’re easygoing and love attention. Boxers are smart, and they do well on tests.
They’re also good watchdogs. Boxers have a bite force of 230 PSI, and they can apply this force in a single bite.
2. Pit Bull (235 PSI)
Pit bulls are very powerful dogs. They are known for having a powerful bite. Their power comes from the fact that they are mixed breeds. Pit bulls are sweet, loyal dogs, and they have recognizable features.
Their heads are broader than other dogs, and they have large eyes. The ears are rounded and low set. They have a wide chest, muscular shoulders, and thick legs.
Pit bulls have a reputation for being aggressive. However, this isn’t true. Most pit bulls are gentle and friendly. They’re just misunderstood because of their appearance. They don’t mean any harm.
However, when pit bulls really want to, they can bite incredibly hard. In fact, they have a bite force of 235 PSI, which is hard for the size of the dogs.
3. German Shepherd (238 PSI)
German Shepherds are large, powerful and protective dogs. They are used by police forces worldwide.
Their bite is more vicious than other breeds because they are larger. German Shepherds are very smart and loyal dogs who love being around people.
Their bite is stronger than most other breeds because they have an extra set of teeth. German Shepherds have a solid bite force of 238, which is pretty average for the size of them.
German Shepherds are often used as police or guard dogs, due to their athletic build and strong jaw.
4. Bulldog (305 PSI)
Bulldogs may look gentle, but these dogs pack one of the strongest bites among all dogs. One study found the average bulldog has an estimated bite force of up to 1,835 newtons – about 30% stronger than any other breed.
American Bulldogs are usually sweet and friendly, but if you don’t socialize them early on, they could be very aggressive.
Don’t let your dog get away with biting or nipping people, as their force is pretty strong!
5. Doberman Pinscher (305 PSI)
Dobermans are not only fierce fighters, but they’re also super-smart. They’re highly trained and obedient, and they’re excellent with kids.
Dobermans have a bite force of 305 PSI, which is much stronger than any other breed of dog. That’s why they’re used as guard dogs!
6. Siberian Husky (320 PSI)
Huskies are adorable dogs who love playing and running around. They’re also very energetic, but they are not aggressive towards people.
Their teeth are strong enough for biting, but they only use them when they want to play. They’re great at retrieving balls and toys.
They’re also good at guarding against intruders. Their bite force is 320 PSI, and they have a strong jaw for their size and stature.
7. Staffordshire Terrier (328 PSI)
These dogs are small, sturdy, and extremely powerful. They are bred to work in factories, mines, and farms.
They are also used as guard dogs. They are intelligent and independent. They love attention and need lots of exercise. They are great family dogs, but they do require some training.
Staffordshire’s terriers have a bite force of about 328 PSI. That’s pretty impressive considering their small stature.
8. Rottweiler (328 PSI)
Rottweilers are strong dogs that are very aggressive towards other dogs and people. They are very protective of their owners and will guard them fiercely. But they are also very loyal and loving.
They are great family dogs that enjoy playing with kids. They are intelligent and trainable. They are extremely strong and have a bite force of 328 PSI. That makes them the strongest dog in the world.
9. Leonberger (399 PSI)
Leonbergers are known for their intelligence and loyalty. They’re also very agile and fast. This makes them perfect for agility competitions.
Leonbergers have a bite force that’s comparable to a small bear. They can apply this force in multiple bites at once.
Leonberger dogs are a mix of Saint Bernard, and a Newfoundland. Their bite force comes in at a huge 399 PSI.
They were first bred to be guard dogs, and they actually fought off huge animals such as bears and wolves. They are huge dogs, with a soft heart and a strong jaw!
10. Akita Inu (400 PSI)
Akita Inus are known to be one of the most difficult breeds to train, yet one of the most compassionate and loyal, too.
These dogs have a huge bite force of 400 PSI, and they first became popular after the Japanese movie Hachiko.
They’re extremely intelligent, and they’re also very loving. They make wonderful companions for families with young children.
They’re also great watchdogs. Akitas are very territorial, and they will protect their home from intruders.
11. Mastiff (552 PSI)
Mastiffs were originally bred for protection, and this is true with their bite force of 552 PSI.
The English Mastiff is a large, powerful dog who is very protective of his family. Mastiffs love children and other pets, and they have a friendly personality.
Mastiffs are easy to train, so their strength can be easily controlled. Their bite force is strong enough to break bones and crush skulls.
12. Dogue De Bordeaux (556 PSI)
This dog is a very old breed, and they originate from the 14th century Southern France. These dogs are usually used for guarding houses and livestock.
They are also used as police dogs. They are very strong and powerful. However, they are more laid back than other breeds. When they are inside, they snore a lot.
They are great with children but not with strangers. A large dog breed, the Dogue de Bordeaux is known for its size and strength.
Their jaws pack a lot of punch, but they aren’t very aggressive. They’re mostly friendly towards people.
13. Cane Corso (700 PSI)
Cane Corsos are large and powerful dogs. Their heads are very big, and they have long thick hair. These dogs have a strong bite force, hence they are feared by many people.
Cane Corsos are used as guard dogs because of their strength and bravery. Cane Corso dogs are very smart and easy to train.
Their intelligence makes them eager to learn new things. They’re also very protective of their families, hence why they have a huge bite force of 700 PSI!
14. American Bandogge (730 PSI)
American Bandogges are not afraid of anything. Bandogges are fierce dogs that protect people and property. Their strength comes from being chained up. Their chain makes them grow stronger.
A bandog is a great guard dog. It’s important to keep it well fed and exercised.
If you want to own a bandog, you’ll need to buy a special collar that lets the owner know when the dog is barking. Bandogges are very smart, and they learn quickly.
15. Kangal (743 PSI)
The Kangal breed has the strongest bite force in the world, being 743 PSI.
This dog is not a Mastiff, but rather a Turkish dog whose origins trace back to central Asia (although it may look like one).
They’ve long been used as herders, and they’ve been expected to fight off leopards, wolves, bears, and more, so it’s no surprise that their jaws were deadly weapons.
They’re working dogs through and through. While they can make good pets for people who want them to be their constant companions, they’ll always be on duty.
They’re protective of their families and are often aloof towards strangers, but if you get to know them well enough, they can be loving and loyal guardians.
Final Thoughts
The list above shows some of the strongest dog breeds on Earth. There are many factors that determine how strong a dog is. The size of the head, body, and teeth all play an important role.
Some breeds like the German Shepherd Dog have a high bite force because of their massive jaw muscles. Other breeds like the Pit Bull Terrier have a high bite force due to their wide molars.
