Have you ever wondered which dog breed has the most powerful bite? Some dogs have extremely strong jaws and bites, powered by massive muscles and special bite mechanics. In this article, we’ll explore more on what dog has the strongest bite. On top of that, we will also share more details on how dog bite is measured and what to do after a dog bite.
Understanding Canine Bite Strength
When evaluating canine bite strength, the measurement used is pounds per square inch (PSI), which quantifies the pressure a dog’s jaws can exert. Many factors influence overall bite force including breed, age, sex, health status, and individual disposition.
Certain breeds like Mastiffs, Kangals, and Rottweilers are often noted for intensive bite strength thanks to their genetics, skull shape, musculature, and temperaments. However, even within the same breed, bite force can vary dramatically based on the individual dog’s attributes.
Precisely measuring PSI in live, alert dogs is quite challenging. However, estimates do exist based on controlled studies evaluating bite force using specialized equipment. These estimates provide insight into the relative strength of certain breeds’ bites compared to others.
Top 5 Dogs with the Strongest Bite Force
So, what dog has the strongest bite? The following dogs (in descending order) are generally considered to have the most powerful bites:
- Kangal – 743 PSI
Originally from Turkey, the Kangal is used as a livestock guardian dog to deter predators. With their massive heads, sturdy bodies, and ultra-powerful jaws, it’s no wonder Kangals have the highest reported bite force of any canine at 743 PSI.
- Bandog – 730 PSI
A Bandog is a mastiff/bulldog mix bred specifically for protection work. Their genetic combination of brawn, courage, and determination produces a bite force estimated at 730 PSI.
- Cane Corso – 700 PSI
The Cane Corso is an Italian mastiff bred to hunt big game and as a guard dog. They have immensely muscular, broad skulls which generate a killer bite force of 700 PSI.
- Dogo Argentino – 500 PSI
Bred for big game hunting in Argentina, Dogo Argentinos employ their 500 PSI bite as a grappling tool to subdue wild boar and pumas.
- Rottweiler – 328 PSI
Known as steadfast guardians since Roman times, Rottweilers have one of the stronger bites relative to their body size. Conservative estimates place their bite force around 328 PSI.
Other dogs with less extensively studied but likely powerful bites include Dogo Canarios, Wolfdogs, Leonbergers, and American Bulldogs.
Within any breed, males tend to have stronger bites than females due to testosterone’s influence on muscle mass. Also, intact dogs generally have higher bite strength than neutered ones as reproductive hormones fuel muscle development.
Measuring Canine Bite Strength
Because voluntarily quantifying bite strength in conscious dogs is difficult, most exact PSI data originates from post-mortem or anesthetized specimens measured via bite meters.
However, other bite strength testing options exist including:
- Pressure transducer devices placed between teeth
- Sophisticated, computerized bite plates
- Algorithms based on 3D models of dog skulls and musculature
Since multiple techniques are utilized to evaluate bite force, PSI values may differ between studies and individual dogs. Regardless, certain breeds consistently rank among the top bite forces documented.
Understanding PSI Values
To comprehend PSI amounts, it’s useful to compare dog bites to common mechanical items which exert mouth pressures, including:
- Toy Poodle – 50 PSI (Clothespin grip)
- Labrador Retriever – 230 PSI (Pinch grip tool)
- Rottweiler – 328 PSI (Vise grip tool)
- Mastiff – 552 PSI (Low-pressure car clamp)
- Kangal – 743 PSI (High-pressure bench clamp)
As shown, while smaller dogs do create ample mouth pressures for daily functions, larger protection/guardian breed forces truly astound. For perspective, Kangals bite with about 1/3 the PSI force of adult American alligators!
Causes of Superior Bite Strength
Now you know what dog has the strongest bite. But why do certain dog breeds exert such tremendous bite forces? Numerous anatomical and functional factors underlie immense PSI potential including:
- Head Conformation
Broad, short, well-filled heads with deep muzzles maximize space for large, rooted teeth plus massive jaw muscles which power bites. Skull structure also facilitates efficient bite leverage.
- Dentition
Large, sturdy teeth resist fracture when biting forcefully. Long canine teeth channel bite strength and puncture effectively as seen in Kangals.
- Neck/Body Structure
Thick necks containing ample nerve supply plus broad shoulders/chests allow enormous muscle mass building to bolster jaw closure power.
- Musculature
Strong bites require immense jaw and neck muscles including the temporalis, masseter, pterygoid, and digastric. These muscles must be well-developed and coordinated to enable extreme PSI.
- Bite Style
Dogs can employ various biting techniques including snapping versus holding on, which affects pressure exerted. Breeds like Mastiffs clamp down enabling persistent, escalating PSI as they throttle opponents.
- Hormones/Chemicals
Testosterone fuels muscle growth essential for male bite strength. Stress hormones like cortisol also activate during bites, facilitating huge short-term PSI boosts.
While exact mechanisms vary between breeds, clearly interplay between structural anatomy, musculature, and bite style enables record-breaking bite forces seen in dogs like Kangals and Mastiffs.
Responsible Ownership of Powerful Breeds
While some strong bite breed dogs get an unfair reputation for aggression, in reality temperament depends upon many factors including genetics, socialization, training, health and victim behavior amongst others.
However, due to their capacity to injure, owning powerful bite dogs requires enhanced responsibility including:
- Early socialization and obedient training
- Close supervision, especially around children/strangers
- Secured spaces/enclosures when unattended
- Muzzle use in public areas if needed
- Warning signage on properties
Additionally, extreme caution must be exercised when breeding guarding/protection type dogs to avoid intensifying territorial proclivities and poor temperaments.
By promoting biology-aware handling plus nurturing self-confidence/self-control, even breeds genetically predisposed towards impactful bites can become model canine citizens.
Bite Force Takeaways
In review, selectively bred protection dogs like Kangals, Bandogs, and Mastiffs reign supreme regarding bite strength thanks to specialized physical and behavioral attributes enabling PSI’s up to 743 pounds!
Responsibly owing powerful breeds requires enhanced management and training to channel their extreme capacities safely. While reporting dog bite statistics is important for public awareness, judging dogs solely on PSI potential is unwise and unfair.
Rather, further research into breed-specific behavioral communication, bite inhibition training, and bite circumstance risk factors will provide helpful guidelines for communities to uplift human-canine relationships.
If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite injury, the Atticus Injury Law team stands ready to support you. Our experienced Chicago dog bite lawyers will carefully assess your situation, advise you of your legal rights, and determine the best path towards the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation.
