Which Dog Has The Strongest Dog Bite? 10 Dogs With Powerful Jaws

When we talk about the strongest dog bite, many of us immediately go to a dark and scary place in our imaginations. Because the truth is, while we love and adore all things dog, it’s important not to forget they have a sharp end.

All dogs can bite, but some bites are worse than others. This is certainly something to consider when considering investing in a dog, especially if you have children or other vulnerable pets in the home.

With that in mind, today we are here to discuss the strongest dog bite, what that means for you and your dog, and how you can work with your loved ones to lower the risk of a potential dog bite in the future.

Let’s begin.

The Difference Between Aggression And Jaw Strength

A strong jaw does not mean a dog is aggressive.

Before we dive into the types of dogs with the strongest dog bite, let’s first cover the difference between jaw strength and aggression.

Just because a dog is on the list of 10 dogs with the strongest dog bite does not mean this dog is aggressive. Keep in mind that most dogs were bred for working purposes which may have a direct correlation with their jaw strength.

Furthermore, it’s important to keep in mind that all dogs can bite. This is true regardless of whether or not their breed or mix has been deemed aggressive and regardless of whether or not they are considered to have the strongest dog bite in the world.

But what does this mean for you and how is aggression in dogs categorized?

Studies that have been conducted on the topic typically test dog breeds in categories of aggressive behaviors (i.e. lunging, growling, barking) in three ways:

• Aggression Towards Strangers
• Aggression Towards Other Dogs
• Aggression Towards Family Members

Some of the dogs who failed these tests in aggression may surprise you. For example, Chihuahuas came in second in many studies as some of the most “aggressive” breeds in all categories.

Other dogs like Poodles, Siberian Huskies, and Dachshunds were also on the list of less predictable than most when it came to aggressive behaviors.

So, where did dogs like Rottweilers and Pitbulls come in? They often fell below average when it came to aggression, ranking closer (yet not as close) to more passive breeds like Bernese Mountain Dogs, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers.

If this is so, then why is it that Pitbulls and Rottweilers are some of the most commonly banned breeds in the United States?

Unfortunately, it has to do with jaw strength. Keep reading to learn more.

The Strongest Dog Bite And The Reality Behind Dog Bite Statistics

Pitbulls are often considered some of the most aggressive dogs, but statistics and recent studies show otherwise.

While your Pitbull may not be as aggressive as your neighbor’s Chihuahua, his bite is one of the strongest dog bite forces out there and is thus considerably more dangerous.

This means that, although studies found that Pitbulls are less likely to behave aggressively and unpredictably, if they do bite, their bite has a much higher mortality rate. And this is where jaw strength and understanding the strongest dog bite comes into play.

As a dog owner, it’s your responsibility to consider this, and to remember that your dog is a complicated, emotional creature whose only means of protection is that sharp end we discussed earlier.

And while Pitbulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds and similar breeds are considerably higher on this list of dog bites reported, researchers point out that in the majority of dog bite situations, the breed is not reported at all.

This greatly hinders our ability to fully comprehend which dogs are most likely to bite, and which dogs, in turn, should be deemed as aggressive.

That said, it is very rare for any dog to bite for no reason and rarer still that a dog will bite without warning.

Some common reasons dogs with the strongest dog bite (or any dog) may bite include:

• Fear
• Resource Guarding
• Pain
• Health Reasons

Now, let’s talk about some dog bite statistics.

The Strongest Dog Bite Directly Correlates With A Dog’s Jaw Size

Basically, the dog with the strongest dog bite is also going to have big jaws. According to a study published by the Journal of Experimental Biology, dogs with larger, wider jaws had the strongest dog bite when compared with other dogs of the same size with more narrow jaws.

Furthermore, it was found that brachycephalic breeds, or dogs with flatter faces, also had the strongest dog bite in their size category.

Most Dog Bite Victims Are Children Between The Ages of 5 and 9

According to the Humane Society, it is estimated that at least 51% of dog bite victims are children. The American Veterinary Medical Association backs this with findings that children between the ages of 5 and 9 are most at risk, regardless of if the dog had the strongest dog bite or not.

And a study published by UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh confirmed that dog bites are actually more dangerous for children than mumps, measles, and whooping cough combined.

 

4.5 Million Dog Bites Occur In The United States Each Year

According to a study conducted by the CDC, there are an estimated 4.5 million dog bites in the United States each year. Of these 4.5 million, around 800,000 require medical attention.

81% Of Dog Bites Only Cause Minor Injuries or No Injuries At All

While dog bites are scary to consider, the truth is that most dogs have a natural bite inhibition, which allows them to control how hard or soft they bite. This means that even if a dog has the strongest dog bite in the world, he can choose not to use that bite to cause serious damage.

In the canine kingdom, nipping and biting is a normal way of communication, and most times dogs will nip or bite people without the intent to cause serious harm in an effort to communicate that they are feeling stressed, fearful or sick.

The Most Common Dog To Bite Is An Unspayed or Unnetered Dog

Of the unfixed dogs that bite, most of them were found to be intact male dogs. This is just one of the many important reasons owners should seriously consider having their dogs fixed.

Over 30 Different Dog Breeds and Mixes Have Been Associated With The Most Common Dog Bite Fatalities In The US

Not all dogs with the strongest dog bite are to blame for bites.

Pitbulls, Rottweilers and German Shepherds get a bad rep, but according to the AVMA, there are many more breeds and mixes involved in dog bite fatalities in the United States. This proves that there is so much more to consider when it comes to a dog bite than just the breed or the dog with the strongest dog bite.

Being A Good Dog Owner – What Does This Mean?

Bad dog owners are usually just uneducated dog owners. The more you know about dogs and the specific breed or mix you are interested in, the better kind of dog owner you will be.

Tips To Remember Before Committing To Any Dog

• Do your research and understand that all breeds or mixes are not right for everyone
• Dogs with a history of aggression should not brought into homes with children
• Socialization and training are key to a well-behaved and well-rounded dog
• Spaying and neutering your dog reduces potential aggression and bite risk
• Consider working with or hiring a trainer if you are a novice dog owner

Now, without further ado, let’s talk about the dogs with the strongest dog bite.

1. The Kangal Shepherd

The Kangal Shepherd is also known as the Anatatolian Shepherd.

Bite Strength: 743 PSI

Height: 25 to 31 Inches

Weight: 88 to 132 Pounds

Temperament: Trainable, Protective, Independent and Powerful

Overview:

When it comes to the dog with the strongest dog bite, the Kangal Shepherd currently ranks in as number one.

The Kangal Shepherd is sometimes referred to as a sheep dog due to the fact that he works with herds of livestock. The truth is, this dog is far from a herding dog. Instead, he is a guard dog who is designed to protect livestock from massive predators like wolves, bears, jackals and mountain lions.

This dog is so good at his protective tasks that he has recently been employed by a number of African regions to not only protect livestock there, but to also help reduce the decline of endangered big cats.

With the Kangal Shepherd Dog on their side, farmers in Africa no longer need to shoot and kill these endangered predators to protect their livelihood.

And though the Kangal Shepherd has the strongest dog bite on this list, he is actually a gentle and trainable dog to people and does especially well with children. That said, this is a breed that requires extensive training and socialization to grow up healthy and well-rounded.

2. The American Bandogge

The American Bandogge is not a purebred. Instead, he is a mix between the American Pitbull Terrier and the Neapolitan Mastiff.

Bite Strength: 731 PSI

Height: 19 to 30 Inches

Weight: 85 to 140 Pounds

Temperament: Intelligent, Mild-Mannered, Devoted

Overview:

The American Bandogge is a dog that goes by many names. Also known as the Pitbull Mastiff Mix, the Pit Mastiff or the American Masti-Bull, the American Bandogge is a mix between the Pitbull and the Neapolitan Mastiff.

Both the Pitbull and the Neapolitan Mastiff are known to be large dogs with large jaws. And, as we learned above, the size of a dog and his jaws directly correlates with the strongest dog bite.

So it’s no surprise this hybrid is second on our list. However, in spite of his incredible bite, the American Bandogge is a gentle giant who is relatively laid back. With early socialization and training, he can make a good family dog to responsible and experienced dog owners.

3. The Cane Corso

Cane Corsos are mastiff type dogs hailing from Italy.

Bite Strength: 700 PSI

Height: 23.5 to 27.5 Inches

Weight: 90 to 120 Pounds

Temperament: Trainable, Mild-Mannered, Devoted, Calm

Overview:

The purebred Cane Corso is a mastiff type dog hailing from Italy. Bred as a guard dog, this incredible canine has one of the strongest dog bite forces in the world, and he still makes a formidable guard dog today.

He is famous for his devotion to his family and is eager to please. This makes the Cane Corso an easy dog to train, although he still has guarding instincts and can be territorial around other dogs. For this reason, Cane Corsos are best suited for experienced dog owners and are not ideal for families with very small children.

4. The Bordeaux Mastiff

The Bordeaux Mastiff is also known as the Dogue de Bordeaux or the French Mastiff.

Bite Strength: 556 PSI

Height: 23 to 26 Inches

Weight: 120 to 140 Pounds

Temperament: Devoted, Courageous, Even Tempered, Friendly

Overview:

Yes, the Bordeaux Mastiff is known for having one of the strongest dog bite forces, but he’s also known as being gentle, well-behaved, and incredibly loveable. This is an agreeable companion for a multitude of owners and with training and socialization, this pup should get along well with most everyone.

He enjoys people and is keen on learning new tricks. Fun fact – the Bordeaux Mastiff is most famous for starring along Tom Hanks in his 1989 movie, Turner and Hutch!

5. The Tosa Inu

The Tosa Inu was sadly once deemed a champion in the dog fighting ring. Today, he makes an excellent companion and guard dog.

Bite Strength: 556 PSI

Height: 21.5 to 23.5 Inches

Weight: 100 to 200 Pounds

Temperament: Courageous, Patient, Alert

Overview:

Hailing from Japan, the Tosa Inu is one of the last breeds to fall off of the dog fighting train as blood sports became outlawed throughout the world. Controversially, this breed is still used in some regions of Japan where dog fighting is currently still legal.

Also known as the Japanese Mastiff, the Tosa Inu is considered to be a rare breed and is even outlawed in regions of the UK. In spite of not having the strongest dog bite in the world, the fact that the Japanese Mastiff was bred solely for fighting has left a bad impression in many countries.

That said, this breed is known to make a good companion and watchdog for experienced dog owners. It is rare that he is aggressive with people, though he is known to be highly protective and territorial with other dogs.

6. The English Mastiff

The English Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds in the world.

Bite Strength: 743 PSI

Height: 27.5 to 30 Plus Inches

Weight: 120 to 230 Pounds

Temperament: Fearless, Friendly, Distinguished, Protective

Overview:

One of the largest dog breeds in the canine kingdom, the English Mastiff is known for more than just having the strongest dog bite. He’s also a friendly companion dog who can do well with children and other pets when properly raised, trained and socialized.

This is a breed that was originally bred for guarding estates and hunting big game. Sadly, the English Mastiff was also used as entertainment in blood sports. An ancient breed, the English Mastiff of today is known for his devotion to his family and home.

7. The Perro de Persa Canario

Hailing from the Canary Islands, the Persa de Canario is a large mastiff dog.

Bite Strength: 540 PSI

Height: 22 to 26 Inches

Weight: 84 to 110 Pounds

Temperament: Stubborn, Gentle, Mild-Mannered, Alert

Overview:

Once known as the Dogo Canario, the Perro de Persa Canario is another ancient mastiff type dog on our list of dogs with the strongest dog bite. He is massive in size and personality, known for his hard-headed nature and independent thinking.

This temperament came in handy when the breed was used as a herding dog, but today it can be challenging for the novice dog owner.

However, with the right owner the Persa Canario makes a delightful companion. He is intelligent and devoted. He loves his family but can be suspicious of strangers, so training and socialization should be taken seriously and begin at an early age.

8. The Dogo Argentino

This is a fearless breed that was bred to hunt big game.

Bite Strength: 500 PSI

Height: 24 to 26.5 Inches

Weight: 88 to 100 Pounds

Temperament: Energetic, Athletic, Courageous, Devoted

Overview:

It’s no surprise the Dogo Argentino is on our list of dogs with the strongest dog bite. This is a breed that was designed to hunt and catch wild game. And not just any wild game. Dogo Argentino dogs are skilled at hunting down wild boar and mountain lions.

As such, the breed is massive, sometimes weighing more than 100 pounds. He’s athletic and incredibly fast, and designed to work. He is best suited for experienced dog owners who have an understanding of working breeds, and owners who are just as active and athletic as he is so they can keep up with his level of energy.

9. The Wolfdog

The Wolfdog is a hybrid mix between a wolf and a purebred dog.

Bite Strength: 406 PSI

Height: 26 to 34 Inches

Weight: 60 to 120 Pounds

Temperament: Intelligent, Athletic

Overview:

Wolf dogs are a controversial type of hybrid that is becoming more and more popular in the United States. A mix between a wolf and a domesticated dog breed, (commonly a Husky or another Spitz type), the wolf dog is a staple when it comes to the strongest dog bite.

However, while some Wolf Dogs can make good companions to the right owner, many become overwhelming to their masters and are quickly given up. This is due to more than just having the strongest dog bite.

Wolf dog hybrids make unpredictable pets as wild wolves and domesticated dogs are temperamentally very different.

Sadly, this accounts for the numerous shelters and sanctuaries that have been cropping up throughout the US that are devoted to protecting these hybrid canines.

10. The Akita Inu

Akitas are large Japanese dogs famous for their loyalty.

Bite Strength: 400 PSI

Height: 24 to 28 Inches

Weight: 70 to 130 Pounds

Temperament: Incredibly Devoted, Fearless, Proud, Alert

Overview:

Last on our list of dogs with the strongest dog bite is the Akita Inu. Though he’s not number one on the list, his bite force is still incredible, packing at least 400 pounds per square inch.

A Japanese dog, the Akita is known for his stunning appearance, work ethic, and incredible intelligence.

However, he’s most renowned for his devotion, which was exhibited by Hachiko, the famously loyal Akita who waited for his deceased master at a train station in Japan for nearly nine years.

Akita Inus are intelligent and independent thinkers. They do best in homes with committed owners who have experience with working breeds, and are not the ideal dogs for homes with very small children.

How To Work With Your Dog And Family To Reduce Potential Dog Bites

Learning basic canine body language is a great way to keep yourself, your family and your dog safe.

As we learned in the beginning of this article on the strongest dog bite, all dogs have the potential to bite. And even if your dog doesn’t have the strongest dog bite, a bite is a bite and can still be painful and traumatic for both the victim and the dog.

Since most dog bites have been found to be provoked by unwitting owners or friends, you can reduce your chances of your dog biting by simply following a few tips.

Ensure You Get Your Dog From A Reputable Source

First and foremost, go through a reputable source when looking for a puppy or rescue dog. Responsible breeders will ensure your dog has met all his behavioral and health milestones from birth. They will also refrain from selling you a puppy that is under seven weeks of age.

Dogs who are taken from their mother and littermates before the age of seven weeks are much more likely to suffer from behavioral issues, including aggression.

Responsible shelters are just as careful. Many will often have their dogs undergo veterinary exams and behavioral testing before placing them for adoption. This gives them (and you) some insight as to which rescue dogs should go to which kind of home.

Learn Basic Canine Body Language

Learning basic canine body language is a simple task you can undertake with your whole family. When you learn how your dog communicates, you are much more likely to be keyed into his emotions.

This means you’ll pick up on the subtle cues he gives you or your family when he is stressed, happy, scared or feeling threatened.

Nip Aggressive Behaviors In The Bud Early On (Pun Intended)

Avoid playing aggressively with your dog. Doing so can encourage aggressive behaviours and may lead your dog to thinking it is appropriate to be rough with you and others.

It’s also important to teach your dog not to jump on people, and keep an eye out for resource guarding behaviors like growling when you get near him while he’s eating, chewing a bone, playing with a toy, etc.

That said, it’s important never to punish a growl. Growling is your dog’s way of letting you know that he is uncomfortable. Dog’s that have had the growl “punished” out of them are commonly dogs who bite without warning.

Implement Socialization, Training and Mental Stimulation

Socialization and training go a long way when it comes to ensuring a dog is healthy and confident. Dogs who are properly socialized are much less likely to exhibit fear-based aggressive tendencies.

Always Monitor Young Children Around The Family Dog

It’s important to monitor children and dogs when they are together, even if that dog doesn’t have the strongest dog bite.

Remember, studies found that children are some of the most common victims of dog bites. Most of these bites were also found or considered to have been provoked, which means that children were likely roughhousing, teasing, or otherwise disturbing the dog that bit them.

Always monitor young children around dogs and teach them the appropriate ways to play with and handle pets. Keep in mind that no dog enjoys being hugged, held down, stepped on, pulled on, sat on or squeezed by a child. Also note that even the most patient dogs can reach a breaking point and bite.

Do Not Approach An Unfamiliar Dog

Unless you are very well-versed in canine body language and behavior, it’s best to avoid approaching an unfamiliar dog. It’s also best to refrain from petting a dog without an owner’s permission.

Never Run From A Dog – Instead, Back Away Calmly

Dogs often growl or lunge without the intent to attack or cause harm. Typically, they begin exhibiting aggressive behaviors in an effort to assert themselves and to tell you to back off.

Turning and running from a dog can trigger an attack. Instead, avoid eye-contact and back away slowly.

Leave Dogs Alone When They Are Eating, Caring For Puppies, Or Sleeping

For generations, people have been taught that dogs are subservient and that we must assert our dominance over them.

The truth is, dogs deserve respect, understanding and space. If your dog is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies, leave your dog alone and respect appropriate boundaries.

Even very well-trained dogs can bite when their boundaries are threatened. Of course, that’s not to say that behaviors like resource guarding are appropriate.

Resource guarding, (the act of aggressively protecting food, bones, etc), may be a sign of a stressed or fearful dog, and this behavior should be addressed with a trainer or behaviorist.

If Your Otherwise Passive Dog Begins Behaving Aggressively, Contact Your Veterinarian

When talking about the strongest dog bite, we should also talk about related misconceptions. It is a common misconception that dogs “bite out of the blue”. Almost all dogs have a reason behind their bite and almost all dogs offer a warning beforehand.

However, if your seemingly passive dog suddenly becomes aggressive, there could be a medical issue.

Any time a dog nips, growls, or behaves aggressively for no apparent reason, it’s imperative that you contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

And there you have it – not only do you now know about the ten dogs with the strongest dog bite but you also know how to reduce your chances of getting bitten by a dog in general.

We hope this has been an insightful guide on the strongest dog bite and that you now feel like a more confident and educated dog enthusiast.

Now we want to hear from you. What do you think about the dogs on our above list? Leave us your opinion about the dogs with the strongest dog bite in the comment section below.

Stay safe and thanks for reading!