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View 3 More +While we think of Golden Retrievers as sweet and loving dogs, they are still capable of a surprisingly strong, even dangerous, bite if placed in a situation where they feel cornered or threatened. The bite force of a Golden Retriever is estimated to be around 150–250 PSI (pounds per square inch). However, this is a difficult metric to measure and very few studies have been done.
Read on below to find out more about the bite force of a Golden Retriever.
Comparison of Dog’s Bite Force
While few official studies have been done, National Geographic’s Dr. Brady Barr has studied animal bites and tested humans, domestic dogs, and wild animals alike.1 Based on this research, the Pit Bull has a jaw power of around 242 pounds per square inch (PSI). By comparison, a wolf has a bite force of roughly 398 PSI and a shark around 600 PSI.
Here are the figures that came out of his experiment analyzing the pressure in pounds (PSI) of the bite:
- Humans: 120 PSI
- White sharks: 600 PSI
- Hyenas: 1,000 PSI
- Crocodiles: 2,500 PSI
- Large domestic dogs: 320 PSI (on average)
A German Shepherd, a Pit Bull, and a Rottweiler were tested using a bite sleeve equipped with a specialized computer. It turns out that the Pit Bull’s bite has less pressure than the other two dogs. Researchers at Guelph University in Ontario, Canada, have also shown that dogs’ jaw strength is proportional to their skull size, regardless of breed.
Let’s put the bite force of a Golden Retriever into perspective. The estimated Golden Retriever PSI is the full force of an aggressive bite—a playful nip will not have this kind of force. The bite force of a human is between 100 and 150 PSI, whereas most canines have a bite force potential of around 320 PSI.
Why Do Golden Retrievers Bite?
Golden Retrievers aren’t typically aggressive dogs. Most of the time, an adult Golden will only bite out of fear. Scared or anxious dogs will do anything to protect themselves and remove the perceived threat. The higher the level of fear, the more likely a bite will occur. It will also determine how hard the dog will bite.
Adult Golden Retrievers can sometimes bite while playing, known as mouthing. This is primarily a learned response. Either the owner has encouraged mouthing behavior during play (albeit sometimes unintentionally), or the dog was not taught appropriate play behavior as a puppy. In that case, the bite is not aggressive but playful. It’s similar to how dogs bite at each other while playing.
The Different Bite Levels of a Golden Retriever
Six levels of dog bites can occur. The force of each bite level depends on the level of fear your Golden Retriever is experiencing and the dog’s personality.
- Level one – A level one bite is generally termed an “air snap.” The dog has no intention of biting the human, and the dog’s teeth don’t make any contact with the skin. It’s essentially a warning. The dog is saying they are uncomfortable with the current situation, and if it continues, they will bite.
- Level two – As you move up in bite levels, the level of aggression is slightly amplified with each step. A level two dog bite occurs when the dog’s teeth come into contact with skin but don’t leave a mark behind. As with a level one bite, this is considered a warning to deter someone.
- Level three – Once a dog bite hits level three, it has broken human skin. This level of the bite will leave marks and is a defensive bite.
- Level four – Bruising will appear around the site of the bite puncture. The force of the bite is stronger, and the dog may shake their head from side to side.
- Level five – A level five bite is where the victim sustains significant damage. The bite force used is very strong, and most dogs that have bitten at this level are recommended for euthanasia, as they can be dangerous.
- Level six – While this occurs very rarely, level six is reserved for dog attacks that result in the death of the victim, either animal or human.
The 3 Ways to Stop a Golden Retriever from Biting
Knowing the cause of Golden Retriever biting behavior is the key to stopping it. If you have a Golden Retriever with a biting problem, we strongly recommend consulting a professional to deal with it immediately. Sometimes, bites occur for a very obvious reason, or you don’t have access to a dog trainer, so we’ll give you some tips to stop your dog’s biting habit.
1. Deterrence
Simply using a firm voice to tell your dog “no” may work, but it’s also vital not to react wildly when they nip your hands or feet. When they bite you in a playful manner, move away from them and ignore them. If you scream every time they bite, it may actually lead to an excitable state, which will only reinforce the behavior.
2. Obedience Training
An obedience class will help if you struggle to get your dog to listen to you. These classes socialize your dog in a positive environment and encourage good behavior around people and other dogs. Obedience classes aren’t just for your dogs; they’re for you, too. It can be helpful to learn new ways of interacting with your dog and gain your dog’s respect.
3. Teach Bite Inhibition to Golden Retriever Puppies
Bite inhibition is an important concept for puppies to learn. It’s normal for puppies to nip, but they must learn how to control the force of their bite. Mother dogs teach their pups this at a very young age by punishing them when they bite too hard. You can continue this teaching.
Anytime your puppy bites too hard, give a firm “no” and move away from them. This teaches them that the behavior is not acceptable.
Summary
Dog bites can be frightening, even when the bite isn’t aggressive. As with any dog, Golden Retrievers must be taught that biting is not okay in any circumstance. Hopefully, the contents of this article have helped you understand the force of a Golden Retriever bite, the reasons Golden Retrievers bite, and some tips to stop biting. If you have a dog that has bitten or is exhibiting dangerous biting behavior, we recommend consulting a professional dog trainer for assistance.
Featured Image Credit: Damix, Shutterstock
