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21 Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force (With PSI Measurements)

Written by: Oliver Jones

Last Updated on March 20, 2024 by Dogster Team

A Cane Corso Puppy chewing on a dog toy

21 Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force (With PSI Measurements)

Dogs are amazing animals, and the various breeds can be incredibly diverse. One of a dog’s attributes that many people are interested in is their bite force, which is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Some breeds have amazing skills in this area. If you are interested in finding out the bite force of your pet or are looking to acquire a dog with a strong bite, keep reading as we list several of these breeds and tell you a little about them.

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Dog Bite Force Chart

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The 21 Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

1. Kangal

kangal-breed_Marry-Kolesnik_shutterstock
Image Credit: Marry Kolesnik, Shutterstock
Bite Force: 743 PSI

Originating from Turkey, the Kangal is a breed renowned for their protective instincts and superior bite force. With a PSI measurement of 743, their jaws are remarkably strong. Breeders originally created these dogs to guard livestock against predators, including lions, wolves, and bears. While they make good pets, they enjoy having a job and can be wary of strangers1 without plenty of early socialization.


2. Bandog

Bandog
Image Credit: Šárka Jonášová, Pixabay
Bite Force: 730 PSI

The Bandog’s full name is Bandog Mastiff, and many people believe that they are primarily a mix of the Bull Terrier and Neapolitan Mastiff, among other large and powerful breeds. Due to the varying genetic backgrounds of Bandogs, their bite force can differ significantly from dog to dog, but some can have a bite force of 730 PSI.


3. Cane Corso

cane corso sitting on grass
Image Credit: Hoika Mikhail, Shutterstock
Bite Force: 700 PSI

The Cane Corso is an Italian dog with a powerful bite that can reach 700 PSI. They are strong working dogs, and their name comes from a Latin term that means “guardian” or “protector,” so it’s no wonder that they have such a strong bite force. However, today they are great pets and excel at guarding.


4. Mastiff

Portrait of a Mastiff Dog in outdoors
Image Credit: Ricantimages, Shutterstock
Bite Force: 556 PSI

Mastiffs, including breeds like the English Mastiff, French Mastiff, and Bullmastiff, have a bite force of approximately 556 PSI. These gentle giants were once common guard dogs, and they are still good at that task, but they are now popular pets that enjoy being part of the family and are great with children.


5. Tosa Inu

Tosa inu male dog closeup
Image Credit: acceptphoto, Shutterstock
Bite Force: 556 PSI

The Tosa Inu is a Japanese Mastiff, and like other Mastiffs, they have a strong bite force that can reach 556 PSI. They get their name from the region of Japan where breeders first created them for fighting, which is likely why they have such a strong bite. They can make good pets but require an experienced owner who knows how to keep them under control.


6. Presa Canario

Presa Canario dog
Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock
Bite Force: 556 PSI

The Presa Canario is a Spanish Mastiff, and they have a powerful bite that can exceed 500 PSI. They originated in the Canary Islands and have a long history as working dogs. Many people employ them for guarding, herding, and livestock work.


7. Dogo Argentino

dogo argentino on grass
Image Credit: GeptaYs, Shutterstock
Bite Force: 500 PSI

The Dogo Argentino comes from Argentina, where owners use them for hunting large game like wild boar and puma. They are an athletic breed with a strong bite that often reaches 500 PSI. They make great watchdogs and family pets, with many owners describing them as loyal, affectionate, and protective. They are also common therapy dogs, and you might even find them in the police force.


8. Wolfdog

Wolfdog in the meadow
Image Credit: gloverk, Shutterstock
Bite Force: 406 PSI

A Wolfdog is a cross between a wolf and a domestic dog, and they have a powerful bite that can reach 406 PSI. They can make great watchdogs, but keeping them as family pets is not easy due to their wild wolf parentage.


9. Leonberger

Leonberger with foilage backdrop
Image Credit: shesheta, Pixabay
Bite Force: 399 PSI

The Leonberger is a shaggy dog from Germany that many owners call a “Gentle Giant” because they are laidback and friendly. They enjoy the water and have webbed feet, which makes them excellent swimmers and water-rescue animals. Their social and calm personality also makes them a great companion.


10. Rottweiler

rottweiler dog sitting on the grass outdoors
Image Credit: KevinSeibel, Unsplash
Bite Force: 328 PSI

The Rottweiler is a popular breed in the United States, but they originated in Germany as a herding and guard dog. Today, besides being popular pets, you can find them in the police force, and they are often involved in search-and-rescue missions.


11. American Bulldog

brindle american bulldog
Image Credit: Zanna Pesnina, Shutterstock
Bite Force: 305 PSI

The American Bulldog is a muscular and powerful dog breed that got their start in the United States. They have a distinctive square-shaped head and sturdy build and are perfect for working on farms, driving livestock, and guarding property. They have a strong work ethic and plenty of energy but form strong bonds with their family and are known to be affectionate and protective.


12. German Shepherd

german shepherd resting on the grass
Image Credit: 1195798, Pixabay
Bite Force: 238 PSI

German Shepherds are highly intelligent and versatile working dogs and possess a bite force of about 238 PSI. Their biting strength, trainability, and agility have made them valuable in various roles, including police and military work and search and rescue and as service animals. They also make great pets and are among the most popular breeds in the United States.


13. American Pit Bull Terrier

american pitbull terrier
Image Credit: Anna Krivitskaya, Shutterstock
Bite Force: 235 PSI

The American Pit Bull Terrier is muscular and determined, with a bite force measuring around 235 PSI. While they’re still controversial due to their past use in dogfighting before it was banned, well-bred and properly trained Pit Bulls can be affectionate and loyal family pets.


14. Boxer

male boxer dog standing on grass
Image Credit: Dmitry Kalinovsky, Shutterstock
Bite Force: 230 PSI

Boxers have a strong bite that can reach 230 PSI, but they also have a friendly, playful, and outgoing nature. They are known for their boundless energy and enthusiasm, making them great companions for active individuals and families. They are smaller than many other dogs on this list and lack an aggressive reputation, but they are still formidable protectors.


15. Doberman Pinscher

doberman pinscher dog with owner outdoor
Image Credit: SasaStock, Shutterstock
Bite Force: 228 PSI

The Doberman Pinscher has a sleek appearance and protective instincts and possesses a bite force of approximately 228 PSI. Originally bred for personal protection, Dobermans excel in roles like police work, guard duty, and search and rescue. They are intelligent and excel at learning complex tasks, and many owners describe them as loving and patient with their families.


16. Alano Español

alano espanol
Image Credit: miguel curiel mena, Shutterstock
Bite Force: 227 PSI

The Alano Español, or Spanish Bulldog, is a powerful and athletic dog breed from Spain. They have a muscular build, strong bones, and impressive strength to accompany their bite force of 227 PSI. They’re not too common in the United States, but this ancient breed dates back to the 14th century, when breeders developed them for battle.


17. Dutch Shepherd

dutch-shepherd-dog_Ksenia-Raykova_shutterstock
Credit: Ksenia Raykova, Shutterstock
Bite Force: 224 PSI

The Dutch Shepherd is a versatile and intelligent dog breed originating in the Netherlands. They have a well-muscled and proportionate build, displaying a balance of strength and agility. They were originally herding and guard dogs, but today, they make loyal and protective pets. They are highly intelligent and excel at problem-solving.


18. Chow Chow

chow chow walking through woods
Image Credit: Łukasz Rawa, Unsplash
Bite Force:  220 PSI

The Chow Chow is an ancient dog breed from China. They have a unique appearance that includes a lion-like mane, a blue-black tongue, and a dense double coat. They are independent and somewhat reserved but form strong bonds with their owners. However, they can be wary of strangers, which can be dangerous combined with their powerful bite, so plenty of early socialization is needed.


19. Newfoundland

Newfoundland dog
Image Credit: Pandas, Shutterstock
Bite Force: 220 PSI

The Newfoundland is a gentle giant from Canada with a long history of working alongside fishers as water-rescue and draft dogs. They are massive in size, with a muscular build and a thick, water-resistant double coat. Despite their gentle and sweet personality, they have a powerful bite that rivals the Chow Chow at 220 PSI.


20. English Bulldog

English bulldog
Image Credit: AndreiTobosaru, Shutterstock
Bite Force: 210 PSI

The English Bulldog is a distinct and iconic dog breed from England that is a popular pet worldwide. They have a distinctive wrinkled face, a pushed-in nose, and a powerful jaw that can produce a bite force of 210 PSI. Owners describe these dogs as affectionate, docile, and good-natured, forming strong bonds with their families.


21. Belgian Malinois

Belgian-Shepherd-Malinois
Image Credit: shymar27, Shutterstock
Bite Force: 195 PSI

The Belgian Malinois is a highly intelligent dog breed from Belgium, where they were used for herding. They are also protective dogs and work in various roles, including police and military work, search-and-rescue operations, and as service dogs.

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Conclusion

Several dog breeds have incredibly powerful bites, with the Kangal, Bandog, and Cane Corso at the top of the list. However, despite their strong jaws, many of these dogs are gentle giants that make wonderful family pets, especially with proper training and plenty of socialization with people, places, and pets while they are still puppies.

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Featured Image Credit: Winsker, Pixabay

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