The American Pitbull Terrier (APBT) is known for its incredible bite force, but did you know that it's not the only breed that packs a punch? According to our rankings, the APBT's bite force is a whopping 235 pounds per square inch (PSI).
The APBT's bite force is impressive, but it's not the strongest among dog breeds. In fact, the Kangal Dog boasts a bite force of 743 PSI, making it the top dog breed with the strongest bite.
Some breeds, like the Cane Corso, have a bite force of 700 PSI, while others, like the Dogue de Bordeaux, have a bite force of 660 PSI. These breeds are not only strong but also have a reputation for being loyal and protective of their families.
Worth a look: Training Puppies Not to Bite
What Determines a Dog's Behavior?
A dog's behavior is influenced by its size, with larger dogs generally having a greater bite force than smaller ones. This is because size is the biggest predictor of bite force.
The shape of a dog's jaw also plays a role in determining its behavior, particularly in how it interacts with others. Large brachycephalic dogs, like Rottweilers and bulldogs, have a biting advantage due to their shortened snouts.
Bite force can vary significantly among individuals of the same breed, so it's essential to consider this when interacting with dogs. For example, among the 10 Beagle specimens studied, bite force ranged from 559 to 1018 Newtons on the same tooth.
Dogs bred for specific tasks may exhibit behaviors that reflect their original purpose. This could be a factor in why some breeds, like Rottweilers and pit bulls, have a biting advantage over others.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Rottweilers Bite Force
Strongest Dog Breeds
The strongest dog breeds are built with specific physical characteristics that contribute to their powerful bite force. These characteristics include body size and skull size, muzzle length and width, neck strength and stability, masseter and temporalis muscle mass, and occlusion of teeth.
A dog's body size and skull size are crucial factors in determining its bite force. The larger the body and skull, the more powerful the bite.
Dogs with shorter, wider muzzles tend to have a stronger bite force than those with longer, narrower muzzles. This is because a shorter, wider muzzle allows for more muscle mass in the jaw.
Here are some key factors that contribute to a dog's bite force:
- Body size and skull size
- Muzzle length and width
- Neck strength and stability
- Masseter and temporalis muscle mass
- Occlusion of teeth
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is often misunderstood, but one thing's for sure - they have a strong bite force due to their muscular head and wide muzzle. This means they can do a lot of damage when they bite.
Unfortunately, their reputation precedes them, and they're sometimes used in dog fights due to their physical characteristics. This is a sad reality, but it's essential to remember that they're not naturally aggressive.
Staffies are widely regarded as friendly, loving, and affectionate family pets, but they can be bouncy and boisterous at times. Others are lazy and content to lounge on the couch all day.
Their reputation for being dog aggressive is unfair, but it's essential to remember that they can be aggressive to humans too. However, with proper training and care, you'll never have to worry about their behavior.
Here's a quick rundown of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier's bite force and aggression levels:
- Strong bite force due to muscular head and wide muzzle
- Can be aggressive to dogs and humans, but this is not natural behavior
- Proper training and care can prevent aggression
Pitbull (235 Psi)
The Pitbull, with a bite force of 235 PSI, is a breed that's often misunderstood. They have a long history of being associated with dog fights, which is unfortunate.
Their muscular heads and wide muzzles are a key contributor to their intense bite force. This is a result of their physical characteristics, which include body size and skull size.
Pitbulls stand 17 to 21 inches tall and weigh between 30 and 60 pounds. This makes them a relatively compact breed.
Their strong jaws are capable of generating a powerful bite force, making them a force to be reckoned with.
Creating Our Dog List
Creating our list of dog breeds with strong bite force was a thoughtful and careful process. We didn't rely on specific studies that measure bite force for each breed, as there aren't any comprehensive ones available. Instead, we applied anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to predict the bite force of various breeds.
Anatomy plays a crucial role in determining a dog's bite force. We considered factors such as body size and skull size, muzzle length and width, neck strength and stability, masseter and temporalis muscle mass, and occlusion of teeth.
These physical characteristics are essential in contributing to a dog's bite force. You'll notice that many breeds on our list share similar characteristics, which is no coincidence.
Here are the key factors we considered when ranking dog breeds by predicted bite force:
- Body size and skull size
- Muzzle length and width
- Neck strength and stability
- Masseter and temporalis muscle mass (the muscles controlling the jaw)
- Occlusion of teeth (teeth that line up normally)
It's essential to understand that bite force strength doesn't necessarily correlate to aggression or the likelihood of biting.
Sources
- https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/strongest-dog-bite.htm
- https://www.hepper.com/dog-breeds-with-strongest-bite-force/
- https://rockykanaka.com/the-turkish-kangal-dog/
- https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/dog-breeds-with-the-strongest-bite-force
- https://worldanimalfoundation.org/dogs/strongest-dog-bite-force/
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