Last Updated on March 15, 2024 by themubbi63
Did you know that the dog bite force can actually be measured? And has been, in many cases? It’s measured in something called PSI which stands for pounds per square inch. It’s the measure of the pressure applied per square inch of area. This can give us an idea of the force with which any being (not just dogs) bite down on anything. For example, the average human being has a PSI of about 160 which pales in comparison to many animals.
Kangal
Coming in first and widely recognised as having the strongest bite force of any dog in the world, the Kangal is an ancient Turkish breed. They’re also known as Anatolian shepherd dogs and were bred to herd sheep and keep away predators like wolves and bears.
Given that they’re about 29 inches tall and can weigh over 150 lb, it’s no surprise that they have such a high bite force – 743 PSI. However, they can be socialized quite easily and make loyal guard dogs. They can even be gentle with children and smaller animals.
| Dog Breed | Bite Force |
| Kangal | 743 PSI |
American Bandogge
Also called the bandog or the bandog mastiff, they originated in 13th century England. They’re an affectionate family breed but their history is quite grim. Their name comes from the chains or ‘bands’ with which they were kept tied up until they were needed as guard dogs or during times of war.
They’re a sharp and alert breed of dog that can stand about 30 inches tall. They’re highly intelligent working dogs but need to be trained properly and early in their lives. Their PSI is 730.
| Dog Breed | Dog Bite Force |
| American Bandogge | 730 PSI |
Related Article: Anatolian Shepherd Size: How Big Are They Compared To Others?
Cane Corso
Cane Corso is an Italian mastiff and their name translates approximately to ‘bodyguard dog’. They’re a breed of which there’s very few specimens left and they have to be carefully and selectively bred. Once upon a time, they were common all across the Italian peninsula but they’ve been limited to Puglia in southern Italy recently.
They’re good family or companion dogs. However, they can be trained to herd cattle as well. It’s a muscular dog but isn’t as bulky as a lot of mastiffs. This dog bite force of a cane corso is very high, measuring at about 700 PSI.
| Dog Breed | Bite Force |
| Cane Corso | 700 PSI |
Dogue de Bordeaux
This French mastiff is an old breed that originates all the way back in the 14th century. These dogs are gentle giants, being very tolerant of children and couch potatoes. They’re known for being extremely laidback and also drooly.
For a dog that stands at around 26 inches height, weighs over 120 lb and has a bite force of 556 PSI, they’re not ferocious at all. They were historically used for a variety of things, from being guard dogs to pulling carts.
| Dog Breed | Bite Force |
| Dogue de Bordeaux | 556 PSI |
Tosa Inu
With a PSI equivalent to the Bordeaux mastiffs, these Japanese mastiffs are just as huge as all their other counterparts. They’re much quieter than the usually lively and energetic mastiff. They were first bred for dog fights which is probably why their bites are so strong.
These dogs can grow up to huge sizes and weigh up to 200 lb! These dogs can be trained by experienced owners but have a reputation of being dangerous. In fact, it’s illegal to own one of these dogs in several countries.
| Dog Breed | Bite Force |
| Tosa Inu | 556 PSI |
Black Russian Terrier
Black Russian Terriers also rank with the two above mastiffs at a bite force of 556 PSI. These are relatively new dogs, bred in Russia after the Second World War, and aren’t really terriers at all. In fact, the belief is that 17 different dog breeds were used to produce this dog.
They were developed as part of the security force of Soviet Russia. But now they serve as household dogs, since they have very affectionate personalities. They’re also very big, weighing around 130 lb and standing about 30 inches tall at the shoulder.
Related Article: Top 10 big dog breeds 2024
| Dog Breed | Bite Force |
| Black Russian Terrier | 556 PSI |
English Mastiff
No one can quite agree about the English mastiff, who might have a bite force from 550 to 556 PSI. At any rate, these giants are the largest of any of the mastiff breeds. They can grow up to 30 inches tall at the shoulder and a weight of about 230 lb! No wonder they feature on this list!
English mastiffs might possibly date back to the first century CE. Julius Caesar is said to have been impressed by them when they fought against his armies. The dogs as we know them today are much more recent however, from the 19th century. They’re historically guard dogs and hunting dogs but have a rather gentle nature at present.
| Dog Breed | Bite Force |
| English Mastiff | 550 PSI |
Caucasian Ovcharka
The Caucasian Ovcharka or the Caucasian Mountain Shepherd is a huge ball of fluff. Unlike all the mastiffs in this list, this dog isn’t just pure muscle. There’s a longer haired mountain variety and a shorter hair steppe variety but both have an astonishing bite force of 550 – 700 PSI (it seems no one can agree on this and we don’t blame them – measuring the bite force of an animal is hardly an exact science).
Measuring about 30 inches from the paw to the shoulder, this shepherd dog weighs about 170 lb. They’re bred to withstand harsh terrain and climates and guard both humans and livestock from predators.
| Dog Breed | Bite Force |
| Caucasian Ovcharka | 550 PSI |
Tibetan Mastiff
An often underlooked breed, the Tibetan mastiff looks more like a lion than a dog. However, what most people don’t know is that the Tibetan mastiff is one of the most ancient breeds of dog in the world. Descended from wolves more than 58,000 years ago, these dogs are the ancestors of many of the most popular dog breeds in the world today.
Historically they guarded monasteries and monks and their herds. Now, it’s one of the most expensive dog breeds in the world. And its antecedents certainly justifies the price. Weighing in at about 200 lb, the Tibetan mastiff is an extremely impressive dog.
| Dog Breed | Bite Force |
| Tibetan Mastiff | 550 PSI |
Presa Canario
And finally, we have Spain’s Perro de Presa Canario which comes from the Canary Islands. Its name means ‘Canary dog of prey’. Another mastiff, this breed stands about 26 inches tall at the shoulder and has an extremely broad head. The short snout combined with the large build gives the presa Canario (and indeed, every other mastiff on the list) a very powerful bite force.
This dog was originally bred for dog fights on the Canary Islands until the practice was banned in the 1940s. They were also used as guard dogs and herd dogs.
| Dog Breed | Bite Force |
| Presa Canario | 540 PSI |
Conclusion
Not all bites are created equal! Explore the top 10 dog breeds with the strongest bite force, measured in PSI. From gentle giants to ancient protectors, learn about their history and amazing strength.
FAQs
What does PSI mean to dog bite force?
PSI stands for pounds per square inch. It’s a unit used to measure the pressure applied during a bite. A higher PSI indicates a stronger bite force.
Does a strong bite force automatically mean a dangerous dog?
Not necessarily. Many powerful breeds with high bite force can be gentle companions with proper training and socialization. Temperament plays a bigger role in determining a dog’s potential for aggression.
Should I be worried about my dog’s bite force?
It’s always important to train your dog proper bite inhibition, regardless of breed. However, focusing solely on bite force shouldn’t overshadow responsible dog ownership practices like socialization and obedience training.