20 Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Dogs are ranked as the most popular pets in the United States, with more than 65 million households owning a dog. They’re known to be protective and loyal companions, but dogs may bite their victims when trained improperly, leading to personal injury. Below are the top 20 breeds with the strongest bite force.

If a dog bite from a negligent owner was responsible for your injuries, call our representatives to handle your case. Our attorney network handles dog bite cases, even if your own dog was bit. LegalASAP will connect you with one of our attorneys at no cost to you!

How to Measure Dog Bites with PSI

A dog’s bite is measured with pounds per square inch (psi). Every unit of PSI shows the amount of force exerted on one square inch of space. Most dog breeds have an average bite strength of 230-250 psi. However, half of the breeds on this list exceed over 250 psi, with the Kangal breed holding the top spot of 743 psi. 

Measuring dog bites can depend on several components:

• The substance being bitten
• The dog’s behavior
• The dog’s breed

Studies show that measuring a dog’s bite force can be done by using a transducer. This tool calculates their bite force using different dog sizes depending on their breed and mood. It’s revealed that bite force varies depending on a dog’s weight and independent from the head configuration and jaw adductor muscle mass.

What Dog Has the Strongest Bite Force?

A dog with a strong bite force can be trained to protect and serve their communities, but such training is dependent on the owner. All dog owners have a duty of care to train their pets not to be needlessly aggressive. If a dog is labeled an endangerment to the community, they may be put down according to your state’s dog bite laws.

Even though these dogs possess a deadly bite force, they all can be trained to be wonderful companions to entire households. Because of their size, dog owners must socialize and train these breeds to accept humans and other domesticated animals.

20. Belgian Malinois – 195 PSI

The Belgian Malinois is a confident, intelligent, and hardworking breed. Their bite force is stronger than most breeds, making them trainable in military and law enforcement. Despite their jaw strength, they quickly learn and pick up commands, making them lovable companions and are perfect for families.

19. English Bulldog – 210 PSI

English Bulldogs are dependable and predictable breeds, making them a wonderful addition to the family. Their gentle nature is offset by their extreme bite force, stronger than that of most breeds. They make very good guard dogs and may be aggressive towards unfamiliar dogs, necessitating proper socialization.

18. Newfoundland – 220 PSI

Newfoundlands, also called Newfies, are pure breeds known for their gentle and trustworthy nature. Their bite force is quite high due to their large size of 130-150 pounds. It’s important to train them not to bite at an early age since they have one of the strongest bite forces among other breeds.

17. Dutch Shepherd – 224 PSI

Dutch Shepherds are active, alert, and intelligent dogs, famous for herding animals. They love challenges and quickly adapt to changes, requiring dog owners to stimulate their problem-solving skills on a daily basis. Thus, training is highly encouraged to prevent any harm among others.

16. Alano Español – 227 PSI

Alano Españols are powerful and agile, known to hunt in packs, making them naturally sociable with other dogs. Their bite force is among the strongest in the canine world, and they average about 55-88 pounds. This breed is for active owners who want to walk the extra mile with their canine companion.

15. Doberman Pinscher – 228 PSI

Doberman Pinschers are confident, fearless, and intelligent breeds who work better when trained to socialize with people and other animals. Their bite force ranges around 228 psi. However, this is only the average and they can have a much stronger bite force and can bite lethally in rapid succession.

14. Labrador Retriever – 230 PSI

Labrador Retrievers are trusting, gentle, and friendly breeds, making them the perfect furry companion for all families. Their bite force exceeds most breeds with about 230 psi, making them capable of inflicting significant injury. They can be dangerous if not trained properly, having the second highest rate (13.72%) of bite attacks in the US.

13. Pitbull – 235 PSI

Pitbulls are known to be aggressive, strong-willed, and obedient dogs. Their bite force is something to watch out for as it is higher than most breeds. Keep their aggressive behavior in check, because they rank first in the nation for dog bite attacks. An untrained Pitbull can be a danger to the community when left unsupervised.

12. German Shepherd – 238 PSI

German Shepherds are protective, loyal, and obedient breeds making them useful for law enforcement roles. Their bite force is one of the highest among others, making them perfect to be trained for work including disability assistance, search and rescue, and warfare. Make sure they’re socialized, as they may bite if agitated, especially around children.

11. American Bulldog – 305 PSI

American Bulldogs make ideal family dogs due to their careful awareness for alerting intruders. Their bite force is capable of crushing bones, so make sure they’re socialized early. It’s not recommended for families with small children due to their aggressive temperament, which can be considered dangerous.

10. Rottweiler – 328 PSI

Rottweilers are courageous, alert, and devoted breeds. They were originally used to herd livestock and pull carts, but their jobs vary between different services. Their bite force is much stronger than normal, easily capable of killing a human being.

9. Leonberger – 399 PSI

Leonbergers are patient and gentle in nature, and their calm temperaments make them suitable for families with children. Their bite force is stronger than a lot of breeds, but they are often good natured and would rarely bite others when trained.

8. Wolfdog – 406 PSI

Wolfdogs are naturally independent and fearful dogs, making them nervous of humans. They are wary creatures and wouldn’t bite unless they feel the need to defend themselves. They fear new experiences and can easily inflict harm without caution. Thus, it’s strongly encouraged to socialize them as they are very shy in nature.

7. Dogo Argentino – 500 PSI

Dogo Argentinos are loyal, protective, and tolerant breeds, making them wonderful companions for families. Their strong stature and hardiness is not ideal for small spaces, and it’s best to give them ample outdoor space. They have a bite force of about 500 psi, and with a strong vitality, they may not be gentle enough for children.

6. Perro de Presa Canario – 540 PSI

Perro de Presa Canarios are a strong-willed, powerful, and docile breed with an extensive history of working as guard dogs. Stay wary of their bite force, as Presa Canarios can easily crush bones and teeth. Due to their cautious nature, they don’t trust strangers and will attack if necessary to defend their loved ones.

5. English Mastiff – 550 PSI

English Mastiffs are a dignified, brave, and loyal breed who would protect their loved ones and their home. Although they can be good natured and gentle, others are known to be timid and aggressive. Socialize them at an early age to prevent further injury.

4. Tosa Inu – 555 PSI

Tosa Inus are patient, bold, and quiet dogs originally bred by the Japanese to fight, but now work as watchdogs. Even though they are tranquil in nature, their bite force is lethal enough to shatter bones and cause bodily harm. They are to this day banned in some countries like the UK, due to their vicious history of being bred for blood sports.

3. Cane Corso – 700 PSI

Cane Corsos are strong, loyal, and intelligent breeds best owned by adults and older children capable of handling big dogs. Their bite force is stronger than the majority of breeds with 700 psi, and their nature can be considered aggressive. Children shouldn’t be near them as they can inflict harm and so it’s recommended to have them trained.

2. Bandogge Mastiff – 730 PSI

Bandog Mastiffs are loyal, intelligent, and trustworthy dogs that would make great companions for families. However, due to their overprotective nature, they can be cautious towards others, especially other dogs. Their bite force is second best in the world, so train them diligently to prevent significant injury, or even death.

1. Kangal – 743 PSI

The Kangal takes the number one spot with the strongest bite force in the world. They’re loyal and reliable dogs trained to herd livestock and work well with children. They work better without existing dogs and can be timid if not socialized early.

They aren’t aggressive due to their gentle nature and strong instinct to protect, making them wonderful guardians of the house.

Does a Stronger Bite Mean a More Dangerous Dog?

A stronger bite doesn’t mean a more dangerous dog, as all dog bites can potentially be dangerous when left neglected. An owner can train their Kangal to behave with people and other dogs. An untrained Chihuahua, however, can still inflict dangerous injuries to other humans.

Never provoke a dog with a bite force that can puncture and break human bones. Provoking a dog may raise your liability or even disqualify you from further compensation.

Effects of a Strong Dog Bite

Minor dog bites may leave no skin marks, but take pictures to prove your pain and suffering. Your attorney needs as much evidence as possible to represent your dog bite claim. Nevertheless, dog bites that lead to severe damages may cause:

• Breakage or tearing of the skin
• Puncture wounds
• Damaged bones

The effects can then lead to:

• Redness and swelling around the wound
• Feeling of warmth and increasing pain
• Liquid/pus leaking from the wound
• Fever/Chills
• Swollen glands beneath the chin, neck, armpits, or groin
• Red streaks extending along the skin

Take Legal Action With an Attorney in Your State

A dog bite is a serious matter, especially if they’re from the top 20 breeds on this list. If you or someone you love is suffering from a dog bite, contact LegalASAP to speak to an attorney for free. You can fill out this evaluation form or call us at 888-927-3080 available 24/7 to handle your case!