The Top 10 Strongest Dog Bites
Last updated Monday, March 6th, 2023
Dog lovers are aplenty these days. Treating fur babies like extended family members has become the norm. Unfortunately, as canine populations rise, so does potential for danger.
Bites are the ugly side of the dog world. Someone gets hurt. If the biter had one of the strongest bite forces, 911 may be needed. Dogs with such powerful bites can cause devasting injuries. Disfigurement, limb loss, mangling and death are all real possibilities.
The team at Murphy Law Firm is the authority on Georgia dog bite cases. We see firsthand the harm so-called gentle dogs can do. When man’s best friend attacks, we can help. Our experience and skillset make us successful in getting high-dollar settlements for victims like you!
Strongest Dog Breed Bites
Is the size of the fight in the dog what really matters? Possibly. But you wouldn’t know it looking at list below.
Genetics rule. Certain breeds have bigger, badder chompers. This trait doesn’t mean they’re bad pups. It’s the irresponsibility of caretakers. Potentially dangerous dogs do best when owned by serious, dedicated and capable handlers. Amateurs should look elsewhere for pets.
Any dog can bite. Not every dog can do real damage. Bite force is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Here’s some perspective:
- The average domestic house cat has a 67 PSI.
- A typical human has roughly 130 to 160 PSI.
- A hyena has a bone-crushing bite force of 1100 PSI.
- Saltwater crocodiles have a deadly 3,700 PSI.
- Researchers estimate the now extinct megalodon had a 40,000 PSI.
When adults are bitten by one of the strongest sets of canine jaws, chances are they won’t ever be the same. Now consider if the victim was an elderly person, child or another pet. The outcome looks grim. Put certain breeds on your radar to stay safe.
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Belgian Malinois
Pronounced MAL-in-wah, this smart dog can often be seen working. Mals may be confused with the larger German Shepherd. Military branches and police units use these obedient herders. When trained and handled well, this breed can be an asset.
Description: The Belgian Malinois isn’t the largest dog on our list. This breed is 22 to 26 inches tall. Weight can range from 40 to 80 pounds.
Fawn is probably the most recognizable color for the Belgian Malinois. Red, red sable, mahogany and fawn sable are all acceptable colors as well.
Origin: Other nations may lump this breed with the Belgian Shepherd, Laekenois and Tervuren. Together, this group is known as Belgian Sheepdogs. Here in the U.S. the Belgian Malinois is considered a breed of itself.
These dogs come from their namesake country in the city of Malines. Mals were bred to herd cattle and sheep. The first of these dogs came over to America in 1911.
Temperament: Loyal to a fault and wildly obedient, Mals must be handled well from the onset. Socializing, proper training and plenty of exercise are musts for this breed to do well. Things can go wrong when owners don’t provide what these dogs need.
Chow Chow
This breed of dog is a showstopper. Looking like a cross between a lion and teddy bear gets Chows noticed. These dogs are highly adaptable and can be very loving to their owners.
Description: Chows range in height from 17 to 20 inches. Weight can be anywhere from 45 to 70 pounds.
These pups come in many colors although some are considered rarer. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes black, blue, cinnamon, cream and red. Chows have noticeably purplish-blue tongues.
Origin: It’s believed Chows pre-date the Han Dynasty. Chow ancestors have been around since before 206 B.C. Their history is woven with China’s. These dogs have hunted, pulled carts, guarded and accompanied royalty. Americans were able to first catch a glimpse of this breed in the 1890s.
Temperament: Used as guarders for centuries has left a stain on the Chow’s disposition. While they can be devoted to household members, the guarding instinct is still a threat. Aloof and aristocratic, Chows must be socialized early on and trained consistently.
Controlling Chows isn’t easy. Just ask Martha Stewart. Her cat, Princess Peony, was killed by her four dogs (two of which were Chows) in the spring of 2022.
Dutch Shepherd
This dog isn’t as popular as its German cousin. But Dutch Shepherds are every bit as capable. Some folks even prefer these dark-colored dogs. This breed stands out for being both athletic and smart. Search and rescue, herding, tracking and assisting police are areas where they shine.
Description: The height for this breed is 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall. Weight is 42 pounds to 75 pounds.
These dogs may appear black from a distance but they’re actually brindle. The AKC notes two acceptable colors: silver brindle and gold brindle.
Origin: Dutch Shepherds come from the Netherlands. These dogs worked on farms and pastures. As industry forged ahead, this breed became less needed. Dutch Shepherds made a bit of a comeback after WWII.
Temperament: These high-energy dogs were bred to work and need stimulation. Provide a job, plenty of exercise and obedience training. Highly intelligent, this no-nonsense dog is happiest with a full schedule.
American Pit Bull Terrier
This breed may be referred to as a pit bull. Advocates claim these doggos make wonderful pets. Negative press suggests otherwise. Laws prohibiting these canines are becoming all too common. With a bite force of 240 to 330 PSI, it seems those laws may be fitting.
Description: This type of dog can be anywhere from 17 to 19 inches tall. Weight varies greatly. Smaller varieties may be as light as 30 pounds. The largest tip the scales at 85 pounds.
Find pit bulls in many shades. Blue, black, gray, brown, white, brindle, red and various combinations.
Origin: The American Pit Bull Terrier comes from England. This breed is the result of the country’s obsession with bull-baiting. A large animal such as a bison, bear or bull was tied to an iron stake. Ancestors of the pit bull would go for the snouts. The object was for the dog to pin down the larger animal while people watched.
Temperament: This breed is courageous, loving and eager to please. But the past is hard to escape. This bully’s aggressive nature may be a ticking time bomb.
The American Pit Bull Terrier must be well socialized and trained with positive reinforcement. Otherwise, this dog may look for a new bull to bait.
German Shepherd
Anyone who’s heard of Rin Tin Tin knows of these dogs. Recognized in 1908 by the AKC, they consistently rank in the top five for most popular breeds. Expect them to be whip-smart and ready to work.
Description: This breed can be anywhere from 22 inches to 26 inches tall. Weight ranges from 50 to 90 pounds.
Black and tan German Shepherds are common. But the AKC accepts other colors too. Black, black and cream, black and red, black and silver, blue, gray, liver, sable, white and bicolor are options.
Origin: Captain Max von Stephanitz wanted a fine herding breed in his homeland. He began developing what’s now the German Shepherd in the 1800s. What started out as a herding dog morphed into all-around working dog through the years.
Temperament: Their fearless nature and devotion to their owners makes these shepherds a fan favorite. They’re gentle enough to be used as service dogs and tough enough to take down criminals. GSDs are top performers in K-9 units.
Tosa Inu
The heavyweight title goes to Tosa Inu, the largest dog on our list. Not only does this guy have big teeth, he has the strength to use them. With a bite force of 556 PSI, this Japanese Fighting dog can do damage.
Description: Small Tosa Inus weigh 100 pounds. Bring the crane for the big boys. Large fellas are easily 200 pounds. Height can be 21.5 to 23.5 inches.
The AKC allows colors of black, brindle, fawn and red.
Origin: Bred for dogfighting, the Tosa Inu is revered in Japan. Hundreds of years later, these dogs can still be found pitted against one another in their homeland.
Temperament: Mild-mannered and obedient, the Tosa Inu can be a sweetheart to its owners. Years of breeding for fighting purposes combined with its size is cause for concern. Very experienced dog owners need only apply.
American Bulldog
This other bully breed has strong enough jaws to earn on spot on our list. Estimates put this breed’s bite force at a savage 305 PSI. The American Bulldog is a muscular athlete. Being protective comes naturally which can be a double-edged sword.
Description: Bulldogs can be as short as 20 inches and as tall as 25 inches. Weight range is from 60 to 100 pounds.
White is the standard color for this breed. Solid white is fine. Brown, black, red, brindle or tan markings may be seen.
Origin: Historical accounts trace this breed as far back as the 1700s. Farmers particularly liked the American Bulldog. This farmhand’s buddy excelled in protecting the homestead and wrangling wild pigs.
Temperament: This breed can be a constant companion. There are countless reports of American Bulldogs saving owners’ lives. Unfortunately, these dogs have also attacked without warning.
This breed can be loyal, confident and affectionate. Known as a clown around their families, their bites are no joke. These dogs are unusually strong. Harnessing a bulldog’s protective instincts for good is not for everyone. There can be dire consequences when owners don’t lay down the law.
Rottweiler
The other German dog to make our list is this sizeable pooch. Rottweilers have impressive appearance that can be downright intimidating. Bruno Mars, Will Smith and Leonardo DeCaprio may own these dogs, but that doesn’t mean everyone should.
Description: Rotties can weigh anywhere from 80 to 135 pounds. Height varies from 22 inches to 25 inches.
Coloring revolves around black. Mahogany, rust or tan can accent this main color.
Origin: The Roman Empire was enlarged by conquering other areas. Traveling soldiers brought along dogs that later evolved into Rotties. The primary role was protecting livestock herds transported as food.
Centuries later, this breed surfaced in Rottweil. Herding and guarding cattle kept these pups busy. When trains moved in, Rotties moved over. New gigs were found as search and rescue dogs, K-9 unit members and guide dogs.
Temperament: This goal-oriented breed is agile and smart. Well-suited to working, Rotties don’t always make ideal pets. Too much free time can cause pent up aggression. Setting guidelines early on is a must for this powerhouse.
Cane Corso
Lions have a bite force of 650 PSI. Pronounced, KAH-neh-KOR-soh, the Cane Corso has a bite force of 700 PSI. Not many dogs surpass the king of the jungle at biting, but this breed does. Think that’s scary? Just look at this beast. One word comes to mind- menacing.
Description: One of the tallest breeds on our list can measure 27.5 inches tall. Some are as short as 23.5 inches. Weight can be anywhere from 85 pounds to 115 pounds-plus.
While a common color is black, these dogs can be found in other hues too. Black brindle, chestnut brindle, gray brindle, fawn, gray and red are other options.
Origin: The Cane Corso can be traced back to mollosus dogs. Ancient Greeks bred these huge, working dogs. Mollosers were brought to Italy by Romans at around 100 A.D.
When bred with native dogs, distant Cane Corso ancestors were created. First versions were pireferi, Roman dogs of war. Saddled with blazing buckets of oil, early Cane Corsos charged opposing forces.
Since then, this breed has been used to help farmers, ranchers and hunters. AKC recognized the Cane Corso in 2010.
Temperament: You never want to be on Cane Corso’s bad side. This breed can be a pushover for household members. Strangers are a different story.
This dog can be a valuable addition to the family or your worst nightmare. While intelligent and loyal, these creatures are simply too dangerous to be out of control- ever. Consistent training and socialization at an early age can keep this breed on a tight leash.
Kangal
The award for strongest bite force goes to these dogs, also known as Anatolian Shepherds. This breed registers a whopping 743 PSI. As comfortable on movie sets as in pastures, this is one hardworking dog.
Description: Anatolians tower over most other dogs. Typical height is from 27 to 29 inches. Weight range is 80 to 150 pounds.
This breed comes in a variety of colors. Biscuit and white, gray fawn, blue fawn, brindle, fawn, liver, red fawn and white are standard colors.
Origin: It’s believed the Anatolian Shepherd dates back to as early as 2000 B.C. This breed hails from Anatolia, part of which is now modern-day Turkey. These dogs were used to guard livestock in extreme conditions. The U.S. saw some its first imports in the fifties.
Temperament: Pros? Anatolians are calm, loyal and smart. Cons? In the wrong hands, this breed is a massive liability. Taking a Kangal on means taking the time and effort to keep guardian instincts in check. All. The. Time.
