• Brad Keating

Dog Bite Force: A List and Guide

Updated: Nov 13, 2020

A fascinating friendship exists between humans and dogs, and it goes back about 15,000 years ago. Dogs were actually the first animals to become domesticated. Therefore, with time, dogs have been used in many roles and carried out various jobs for their best friends, the humans.

Since dogs come in various shapes and sizes, it's possible to find a dog breed suitable for any home. However, they can range from gentle and enormous to small and ferocious. Dog bites are possible with any of the dog breeds out there, but there are some dog breeds that are most likely to bite and can pack a very bad dog bite. It's important to learn about the bite strength for a particular breed of dog.

What's PSI for a Dog Bite?

PSI just refers to pounds per square inch, which is a unit to calculate the pressure for any point. PSI is primarily a measurement reaction for pressure that's made per square inch of each pound. Pressure can vary based on the dog, what's bitten, and the dog's feelings.

The Strongest Bite Force By Breed

The Strongest Bite Force for Various Dog Breeds

Among the dog breeds, there are some dogs with the strongest bite force numbers. These include bulldogs, the Mastiff, and Shepherd dogs. Let's focus on the top 20 dog breeds with a strong dog bite force.

20. Malinois

The Malinois breed is sometimes called the Belgian Shepherd. It's a smart and brave dog that works very hard. Such a hardy breed is usually accustomed to living in any climate, whether it's hot or cold. This breed of dog is quite healthy and bred primarily for outdoor needs. They must be trained, or else they might be destructive and aggressive.

The bite force for the Malinois is 195 pounds of pressure per square inch.

19. English Bulldog

These dogs are very large and plump, but they don't want to do much else than be a lapdog. Typically, they're adorable and friendly and behave well around children and other animals. While they aren't clingy, they do better alone than other breeds. This dog breed isn't very energetic, so they don't get a lot of exercise.

Though they're stubborn, they're not usually aggressive. They do need a strong trainer because they want things to happen in their own way. Even though they're calm, they can snap around people. If someone is searching for the dogs with the strongest bite strength, this one might not be the best. They have a dogs' bite force of just 210 pounds per sq. in.

18. Chow-Chow

The Chow-Chow is a popular breed. Typically, they are great to have around much of the time. People often find that they're catlike and act less like dogs. Plus, they're not excessively energetic and demand less exercise. Because of their independence, they don't necessarily need to be around children or humans all the time.

Reserved adults prefer them because they're powerful and independent. Still, this can make it hard to train them. They're somewhat aggressive and don't get along with people immediately. Since they were bred initially as guard dogs, they have a strong bite pound-force of 220 pounds per sq. in. straight from the jaw.

17. Dutch Shepherd

Similar to the other dogs in this line, Dutch Shepherds like to herd everything they can find, including cars, children, and animals. They're quite energetic and smart, so they flourish best in a more dominant family situation that teaches it tricks and gives it jobs to do.

While they're not exceptionally prominent, they can execute their duties like others of the breed. Even when they're friendly toward kids, they require a good trainer to prevent bites.

Typically, their jaws have bite forces of about 224 pounds per sq. in., so it's important to make sure that they are trained sufficiently.

16. Alano Espanol

The Alano Espanol is a really large dog and comes from bull-baiting dog lines in Europe. They're often reserved and highly serious, but they aren't always in the face or loud. Typically, they love being on top of the command chain and are quite obedient to their owners. Primarily, they're energetic and respond great to all sorts of owners. Still, they're cautious of strangers and need a powerful trainer and leader. They work better outside, and their jaw is quite strong when it comes to bites. Their strong bite comes in 227 at pounds per sq. in.

15. Doberman

Even the toughest of humans tend to like dogs very much. One thing to be aware of is the average bite pressure that they have. The Doberman is very sleek and pretty. They grow quickly to a large size, but they're also graceful much of the time. This dog is very courageous and passionate about its family and makes an excellent guard dog.

They're playful and active, though, so they require plenty of exercise, so they don't get aggressive. This dog doesn't prefer to be around kids and bites when it is provoked. The bite force for this dog is 229 PSI, meaning it has a very strong jaw.

14. Boxer

Most breeds are suitable for being around families, and the boxer is a top choice. Its stature doesn't match its personality. They don't harm anything, but they can kill other animals if they're not properly trained. However, they're typically friendly around other dogs, kids, and household members.

That doesn't mean that the dogs don't have to be trained, but they're quite smart. They prefer mild climates, so it's best to avoid taking them out in very cold or hot weather. While they are one of the better breeds, they still have a dog's bite pressure of 230 PSI.

13. American Pit Bull

Pit bulls are a very popular dog, but if people listen to the news and media, this breed is seen as a horrible menace. While it's true that they have a high bite force and are prone to biting, they are very humble and smart.

Pit bulls are quite easy to train, which reduces the risk of dog bites. However, it's often overlooked that they must be taught what to do and not do, which makes them bitter. It's important to note that pit bulls have a dog's bite force of 235 PSI, which isn't the strongest bite force out there. Still, with that many pounds of pressure, it is going to hurt if someone gets bit.

While these dogs can get angry at times, they're also very playful, adore kids, and are protective.

German Shepherd Bite Force

12. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a very smart worker dog, and they are typically used by police officers and others. They tend to stay distant from strangers and don't get distracted easily. Plus, they require a lot of playtime because they're very active. Typically, German Shepherds don't have the strongest bite force out there, though they can exert quite a bit of force when needed.

A dog bite from German Shepherds can be dangerous, as they've got pressure of up to 238 PSI. Still, they are quite easy to train, so it's possible to teach them to be good and kind to others. Just remember that they shed a lot, so carpeting might not be the most appropriate flooring option for the home.

11. American Bulldog

Every family seems to want this type of dog because they are cute and soft. They look similar to pit bulls, but they're very different. In fact, they work splendidly around kids and are very sensitive. This often means these dogs want to spend more time with their owners.

These dogs often have short hair, so it's easy to care for them, but they drool a lot. Plus, their bite force is quite powerful, which requires them to have tough training starting when the dogs are just puppies. Typically, this dog wants tons of exercise and playtime, and they can get very destructive if they're bored. This dog's bite force is 305 PSI, which is nothing to sneeze at.

10. Rottweiler

With the force of 305 pounds of pressure, this dog has an excessively strong jaw. However, they are often calm and reserved while still being courageous. Typically, they can weigh 130 pounds or more. Though that doesn't necessarily focus on the pounds of pressure of force they have in their jaws, it does give others some perspective on what damage they can do.

Typically, this dog isn't very demanding or playful, though they're attentive and intelligent and can be work dogs. These dogs are quite friendly, but they may not behave as other breeds might. Plus, with a dog's bite force of 328 pounds per sq. in., it's important to keep them happy so that these dogs don't injure anyone.

9. Leonberger

Most breeds are known for their strength, but this type of dog is quite gentle. Could this be the dog with the strongest bite force? No, though the Leonberger does have a dog's bite force of 399 PSI. Since they're highly curious, they prefer to bark and chew. While they like children, they're so large, and the sheer force of them can be harmful to the child.

8. Dogo Argentino

This dog breed can have a bite force of 500 PSI, so the strength of the jaw is quite significant. One thing that has to be considered is that these dogs are hunters and like games. Their reflexes and stature help with that, but their bite force is the primary reason to avoid angering them.

There isn't a lot of shedding with these pets, and they can be easily maintained. Plus, they're friendly and active, making them perfect for large families. Still, it is important to have an expert trainer to assist.

7. Dogo Canario

The Perro de Presa Canario is sometimes called the Dogo Canario. They're typically a battle dog from the past and are still highly aggressive with tons of strength. While they're humble and courageous, they also make excellent guard dogs. They work well in families, but they require a large yard or must go out to exercise multiple times a day.

These dogs also require mental stimulation throughout the day. No one wants to suffer a dog bite from them, especially with a bite force of 540 PSI.

6. English Mastiff

The Mastiff is an excellent family dog, but they can get quite large. They're passionate and are suitable for kids. One thing to note here is that they're watchful and can be trained that way. There's a difference between being attentive and angry or aggressive. The Mastiff does have a bite force of 552 PSI, so it's important not to anger the dog or have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

5. Tosa Inu

This is a Japanese breed and thought to have Great Dane ancestry within them. They're large but easy to care for if the owner has a little patience. Their presence is fearsome because they have significant jaw strength, but these dogs are quite calm and good companions. Still, they're highly protective and have a bite force of 556 PSI.

4. Dogue de Bordeaux

These dogs are large and always salivating. Typically, they're passionate and somewhat lazy. They become very suspicious around strangers, so it's important that they get trained appropriately. With a bite force of 556 PSI, they're not one to mess with.

3. Cane Corso

These dogs have fierce strength and were used as battle dogs. They don't shed a lot, so they're easy to maintain. Still, they've got a bite force of 700 PSI, so it's important that they're trained to be around others safely.

2. Bandog Dog

These dogs have a very diverse ancestry, and they're protective of themselves and their families. Therefore, a dog bite from them could be exceptionally dangerous because they've got a bite force of 730 PSI.

1. Kangal Dog

These dogs have a bite force of 743 PSI, so they're quite powerful and large. Typically, they're used to protect from predators in Turkey, but they have migrated to the US for their styling and appearance.

Final Thoughts

Dogs can be a human's most loyal friend, but they can also be lethal. Though most people don't pick a dog based on their bite force, it is important to be aware of this number. Dog bite force is also a tell-tale sign of which dog breeds are on the dog insurance blacklist. Knowing a dog's bite force allows owners to know how much training is necessary to prevent bites and render the bite force moot.