Domestic Dog Bite Force by Breed: A Comprehensive Guide

Domestic dog bite force can be a serious concern, especially if you're a dog owner or live with canine companions. The American Bulldog has a bite force of around 300 pounds per square inch (PSI), which is relatively high compared to other breeds.

Some breeds are naturally more aggressive and territorial, such as the Pitbull, which has a bite force of around 235 PSI. This can make them more prone to biting if they feel threatened or scared.

The German Shepherd, on the other hand, has a bite force of around 238 PSI and is often used as a police dog due to its intelligence and loyalty. Their strong jaw muscles make them well-suited for tasks that require physical strength.

Overall, it's essential to understand the bite force of different breeds to ensure you're prepared for any situation.

Pit Bulls have been responsible for 284 dog bite-related fatalities, the highest number among all breeds.

The top breeds responsible for fatal dog attacks are Pit Bulls and Rottweilers, accounting for 76% of all fatalities. This is despite many of these breeds having stronger bite forces than other dogs.

Here are the top breeds responsible for fatal dog attacks, based on recent statistics:

Pit Bulls are responsible for the most dog bite-related fatalities, with 284 deaths.

The second most fatal breed is the Rottweiler, with 45 deaths.

Interestingly, these two breeds combined account for 76% of fatal dog attacks.

Here's a breakdown of the top breeds responsible for fatal dog bites:

The strongest dog breeds have some impressive physical characteristics that contribute to their powerful bite force. These characteristics include large body and skull size, long and wide muzzle, strong neck, and massive jaw muscles.

To determine the strongest dog breeds, experts consider 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.

Consider reading: Understanding Dogs Body Language

Dogs with stronger bite forces tend to have larger skulls and bodies, which provide more room for powerful jaw muscles to develop. This is why some breeds, like the ones on our list, have such impressive bite forces.

The strongest dog bite forces are measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), which helps to quantify the power of a dog's bite.

The Pit Bull breed has an average bite strength of about 235 pounds per square inch (psi), making it one of the strongest dog bites. This is likely due to their powerful jaws rather than aggressive behavior.

Pit Bulls are often misunderstood due to their association with dog fighting, which can lead to a reputation for being more aggressive. However, this is not necessarily the case, and many experts believe that irresponsible ownership is the primary cause of aggressive behavior in any dog.

The Kangal dog breed has the strongest dog bite, with a staggering 734 PSI. This is due to their tremendous muscles and agility, making them a formidable opponent for medium-sized predators.

On a similar theme: Obedience Training for Pit Bulls

Some breeds, like the Cane Corso, have a bite force of almost 700 PSI, making them one of the strongest dog bites. Other breeds, such as the Dogo Argentino, have a bite force of 500 PSI and are known for their tenacity and dedication to defending their owners.

Here's a list of some breeds with their estimated bite force in PSI:

Pit Bulls are responsible for the most dog bite-related fatalities, with 284 recorded deaths. This is a staggering number, and it's essential to understand the potential risks associated with this breed.

Rottweilers are also a concern, having caused 45 fatalities. Their strength and power can be intimidating, and it's crucial to exercise caution around them.

The Tosa Inu, a Japanese Mastiff, has a bite force of 555 PSI, making it one of the most powerful breeds on this list. This is a significant concern, especially if you're new to dog ownership.

Here are the top 10 breeds responsible for dog bite-related fatalities, in no particular order:

It's worth noting that while these breeds have been involved in fatal dog attacks, many other breeds have stronger bite forces. This highlights the importance of proper training, socialization, and care for any dog, regardless of breed.

The English Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux, Bullmastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Tosa Inu are all large breeds of mastiffs known for their huge heads and wide jaws, resulting in above-average bite force.

These breeds are descendants of ancient molossians and were originally used for guarding and protection.

The Neapolitan Mastiff is another Mastiff breed that makes the list of breeds with the strongest bite force. They have been used as guardians and protectors for hundreds of years.

Mastiffs are recognized for their huge heads, thick necks, and powerful bodies, making them possibly possess one of the strongest bite forces of domesticated dogs.

Worth a look: English Bull Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff's bite force is estimated to be quite high, but fortunately, this is largely a theoretical measure based on anatomy and physics.

The English Mastiff averages between 540 and 570 PSI in existing and available measurements.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a Mastiff breed that has been selectively bred for a calm temperament, making them more suitable as companion dogs.

Despite their considerable size, muscular head, and powerful jaws, they are generally slow to aggression.

Here is a list of Mastiff breeds mentioned in the article:

Pit Bulls have a reputation for being one of the most aggressive breeds of dogs.

Their powerful bite is often cited as a reason for this reputation, with an average bite strength of 235 pounds per square inch (psi).

This is likely due to their use in dog fighting, which can lead to aggressive behavior in the dogs.

Irresponsible ownership is actually the cause of most aggressive behavior in any dog, not the breed itself.

Their powerful bite is a result of their strong jaws, not their temperament.

Not all Pit Bulls are aggressive, and proper training and care can make them loving and gentle companions.

Expand your knowledge: 2 Pit Bulls

The American Bulldog is taller and has a slightly longer muzzle than other breeds, allowing them to have a stronger bite. Their muscular body contributes to the power of their bite force.

They were originally bred as cattle dogs, but now they are clownish family companions.

Bull or Bull Terrier Type dogs have a complex and often misunderstood history. Many of these breeds originated in 19th century England, where they were bred primarily for dogfighting.

Their ancestors were used in cruel practices like bear baiting, a blood sport that involved setting bears against dogs in a pit. This inhumane practice was banned in England in 1835.

These breeds have been associated with dogfighting, which is a serious issue that affects many dogs and their owners. Unfortunately, some of these breeds have been used in dog fights due to their physical characteristics.

Their muscular heads and wide muzzles give them a strong bite force, which can be intimidating. According to authoritative measurements, these breeds have an average bite force of around 300 PSI.

Some breeds, like the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier, have a reputation for being dog aggressive and occasionally aggressive to humans too. However, with proper training and care, these dogs can make wonderful family pets.

Here are some breeds that are considered part of the Bull or Bull Terrier Type category:

German Working dogs are known for their impressive strength and trainability. They were developed in the 19th and 20th centuries for guarding and protection purposes.

The German Shepherd, a popular breed, has a powerful bite force that can cause significant damage. However, their narrower muzzles put them at the bottom of the list in terms of bite force.

Medium-sized German Working dogs, like the German Shepherd and Dobermann, have an average measured bite force ranging from 240-250 PSI. This makes them excellent service dogs.

Large German Working dogs, such as the Rottweiler and Giant Schnauzer, have an even more impressive bite force, ranging from 330-350 PSI. This is likely due to their wider jaws and muscle mass.

German Working dogs require a lot of exercise, training, and stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They make excellent family pets, but their high trainability means they can also be used for guarding and police work.

Intriguing read: How to Stop Resource Guarding between Dogs

The Belgian Malinois is a breed that's known for its strength, but not necessarily its bite force impact.

Their bite force is stronger than the average dog, but the narrow facial structure of the Belgian Malinois means the impact of the bite is less than that of Mastiff and Pit Bull-type breeds.

A fresh viewpoint: Malinois Dog Training

The Canario breed, also known as Dogo Canario, is one of the most aggressive canines in the world.

This breed has a massive head and a hefty, rectangular body, making it a formidable sight.

Their bite force measures 540 PSI, which can result in serious injury or even death from bleeding.

The Dogo Canario is highly valued in its native country, where it's been used as an exceptional guard dog.

However, this breed requires a lot of space to play and exercise, making it unsuitable for small living spaces.

Continuous mental stimulation is also crucial for the Dogo Canario, or else it may become restless and destructive.

An unyielding Alpha is also necessary to maintain the dog's respect and prevent it from assuming the role of leader itself.

Suggestion: Bite Force of a Dogo Argentino

Domesticated dogs' bite force has not been widely studied, but one study on police dogs in Europe measured the bite force of German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois.

The study used three force sensors fitted to trainers' sleeves and recorded the median bite force of German Shepherds at 360.4 N and Belgian Malinois at 247.0 N.

For context, the African lion's canine bite force was measured at 1,104-1,483 N, and its incisor bite force was 1,594 N in a study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology.

These numbers help put the bite force of domesticated dogs into perspective and highlight the importance of using accurate and reliable data when making claims about their bite force.

For more insights, see: Shiba Inu Reaching 1 Cent

Measuring bite force can be a bit tricky. Some breeds have been studied, but the numbers might not be entirely accurate.

Domesticated dogs haven't been widely studied, so we can't rely on a lot of information about their bite force.

A study on police dogs in Europe used German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois. The dogs ran 25 meters and bit down on their trainers' sleeves with force sensors.

The median bite force of German Shepherds was recorded as 360.4 N, and the Malinois' was 247.0 N.

Lions have been studied, and their bite force is much stronger than that of domesticated dogs.

PSI is a unit of measurement that expresses the pressure released at any given point, measured as pounds per square inch.

It's a value that's applied over one square inch of a pound, and it's a measurement used in many everyday instances.

A tire, for example, has a typical pressure of about 32 PSI.

PSI is also used to measure the strongest dog bite, although that's not as common.

The measurement is popular because it's easy to understand, even for non-scientists.

A pound is a unit of force, and when you divide it by the area of one square inch, you get PSI.

PSI is a way to quantify pressure, making it a useful tool in many fields.

Additional reading: Dog Ate Just One Bite Rat Poison

We created our list of dogs with the strongest bite force by applying anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to rank breeds according to predicted bite force. This approach is necessary because there are no studies that have measured the bite forces of all dog breeds.

Body size and skull size play a significant role in determining a dog's bite force. A larger body and skull can accommodate more powerful muscles, which are essential for generating bite force.

Muzzle length and width are also important factors. Breeds with a longer, wider muzzle tend to have a stronger bite force due to the increased space for muscles and teeth.

Neck strength and stability are crucial for a dog's ability to exert its bite force. A strong neck allows a dog to generate more force when biting.

The masseter and temporalis muscles, which control the jaw, are also key contributors to a dog's bite force. Breeds with more developed muscle mass in these areas tend to have a stronger bite force.

Broaden your view: What Is the Purpose of Biting a Dog's Ear?

Occlusion of teeth, where the teeth line up normally, is essential for a dog's bite force. Proper occlusion ensures that the teeth are aligned correctly, allowing for maximum force generation.

Here are some of the key anatomical factors we considered when creating our list: