Dog Bite Force: Veterinarian Reviewed Chart Of 68 Breeds

Fact Checked & Reviewed By: Dr. Nita Vasudevan Patel, DVM, MS

Dr. Patel is a Florida-based veterinarian with over half a decade of experience.

Fact Checked & Reviewed By: Dr. Nita Vasudevan Patel, DVM, MS

Dr. Patel is a Florida-based veterinarian with over half a decade of experience.

Dogs have been our companions for thousands of years and our relationship with them has blossomed into a beautiful friendship.

But aside from their friendly nature, they are also known for their strength and resilience. This strength doesn’t just lie in their muscular bodies, but also in their jaws. I mean you’ve probably seen your dog destroy a chew toy in record time!

But how strong is a dog’s bite force?

While it’s difficult to get an accurate measurement for every dog, the bite force of the average dog is between 200 and 250 PSI. The dog with the strongest bite is the Kangal dog breed with a bite force of 743 PSI, and Chihuahua is the dog with the weakest bite force of 100-180 PSI.

That’s just the quick answer and we asked a veterinarian to help us put together the most complete chart of dog bite forces on the internet along with everything else you need to know about measuring and understanding a dog’s bite force.

68 Dogs Bite Force Chart

While it’s not easy to measure a dog’s bite force and the results aren’t always precise, a specific number can help you understand the possible strength of your dog’s bite.

So, if you’re interested to find out the bite force of your pooch, here is a chart of 70 dog breeds of various sizes, from all around the world, starting with the dog breed with the strongest bite force all the way down to the weakest dog bite force.

How Is The Force Of A Dog Bite Measured?

When it comes to dogs and the strength of their bite force the internet is full of contradictory information, and some of it is quite harmful, and it is often used against different breeds, to paint them as more aggressive and more likely to bite, or their bite being lethal.

If we want to avoid believing or spreading popular dog myths and urban legends we need to look at the facts and the truth, so let’s start with the PSI, the most common unit of measure when it comes to a dog’s bite force, and move on to the methods scientists use to measure PSI.

PSI stands for pounds per square inch, and to be more precise, it is pound force per square inch, as it’s the pressure from a one pound force, applied to an area of one square inch.

Certain papers use the Newton unit as a metric to measure a dog’s bite force and that’s when things get a little bit confusing. You see you can convert PSI into newtons and vice versa and the biggest mistake that I see online is the confusion between the two units.

You often end up seeing the bite force of certain dogs described as 2,000 PSI, but that’s just inaccurate. What ends up happening is that a bite force of 2,000 Newtons is rewritten as 2,000 PSI, instead of being converted to 449 PSI.

Scientists have used different methods to calculate the bite force (PSI) of dogs. In one case the dogs were anesthetized and their bite force was measured by electrical stimulation of the jaw adductor muscles.

As you can imagine the results were not as precise as they would’ve been on an awakened dog in action.

Scientists also measured the strength of a dog’s bite without the dogs being even present, just by using mechanical equations, while others calculated the bite force by using a computer.

Regardless of the method, what seemed to affect the bite force in dogs was their body weight, and the morphology, and size of their skulls. It’s also worth noting that there are a lot of variables at play here, even if you test dogs of the same breed you are likely to end up with different PSI numbers.

Veterinarian Nita Patel explained this further when she told us, “For example, if your dog is a Rottweiler with a 328 PSI, then this number might be completely different if your pooch suffers from any type of oral pain, TMJ, loose teeth or infections. There’s also, of course, a big difference in bite force between puppies and adults of any breed.”

The context of the bite should also be considered. A dog that is attacking their prey with the goal to kill will use a different kind of force, even a dog that is chewing on their toy might use a less strong bite force.

In a way, this 2021 research proves this point. The researchers measured the bite force of 20 police dogs with the help of a bite sleeve which was developed for this specific study.

The research claims that the bite sleeve was partially reliable, however, it did show that the functional bite force of police dogs was lower than was assumed, while in long attacks the force was high.

Other factors that can affect the measurement of your dog’s bite force are the type of surface they are biting into, its hardness, and the angle at which they’re biting.

Before going forward, it’s important to understand that measuring the bite force of dogs based on their breed alone is also not a very accurate method. So, take the numbers with a grain of salt.

So, What’s The Average Bite Force Of A Dog?

Before I give you the average number of a dog’s bite force it might be more helpful to tell you about the power of the human jaw. The average bite force of a human male is estimated to be around 150 PSI with the molas and 83 PSI with incisors, while the human female is around 108 PSI with the molas and 57 with incisors.

When it comes to dogs the numbers are not as clear. Depending on the type of research you look at you can find that the average dog bite force ranges somewhere around 230-250 psi.

However, this 2020 research used “a three-dimensional biomechanical model based on dissection data to estimate the bite force of 47 dogs of various breeds at several bite points and gape angles.”

During their research, the estimates for a gape angle of 30 deg, showed an average of 116 PSI on the canine tooth and around 206 PSI on the lower carnassial tooth.

If you look at our chart you will also notice a great number of dogs having a bite force anywhere from 200 to 400 PSI.

No matter what research you will look at it’s clear that the average bite force of a dog is greater than the human bite force!

What Dog Breeds Have The Strongest Bite Force?

As you will see from this list, the strength of a dog’s bite force heavily depends on the size of the dog, the size of their skull, its shape as well as the shape and size of their jaw.

Most of the breeds ranking first in the dog bite force chart are large breeds, known for the physical strength of their body so it’s not surprising to see that they excel in the bite force as well.

Let’s take a look at each one of them!

1. Kangal Dog – 743 PSI

Not only is the Kangal dog one of the largest dog breeds in the world, standing tall at 28-32 inches (71-81 cm), but these dogs also have the strongest bite of 743 PSI.

So, it doesn’t come as a surprise that this Anatolian Shepherd dog, native to eastern Turkey was used as a flock guardian dog. More so, these dogs were expected to fend for the flock without a handler nearby.

I can see why these dogs were trusted so much since they were perfectly capable of dealing with predators like wolves, bears, and jackals. I mean with a bite force this strong it completely makes sense!

Aside from their size and strong bite what surprised me the most about this breed is their speed. Because the Kengal dog is not as heavy as some other large breeds like the Mastiff, they can reach speeds of up to 35 mph (56 km/h).

As you can imagine this dog is very protective of their family, and in the hands of an experienced owner they can be loving and caring companions, so it is crucial that the Kangal is well-socialized!

2. American Bandogge – 730 PSI

I got to say that the American Bandogge might be somewhat of a controversial breed because it’s not a standardized breed that is recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Since it is believed that the American Bandogge has a bite force of 730 PSI I think it’s still worth mentioning.

The American Bandogge is a guard dog and it’s most likely a cross between a Bulldog breed and a Mastiff breed, however, the name Bandogge was sometimes used to describe mastiff guard dogs, and the term meant a dog that was tethered by a chain.

This is as you can imagine a large and strong breed and despite their terrible origin story, they can be good companions, but only with responsible and capable owners that are ready to spend a lot of time socializing a Bandogge dog!

3. Cane Corso – 700 PSI

According to AKC “The Corso’s lineage goes back to ancient Roman times, and the breed’s name roughly translates from the Latin as ‘bodyguard dog.’”

This Italian Mastiff is another large and muscular dog on our list, and while they might be less bulky compared to other mastiff breeds, standing tall at 24.4-27.5 inches (62-70 cm), they have a large head that helps them bite with a such high force of 700 PSI.

The Cane Corso was used to protect livestock, and for hunting large game, but they were also kept as companions or guard dogs. That’s why an experienced owner is best suited for the intelligent Cane Corso, to make sure that early socialization is established and maintained.

4. Dogue De Bordeaux – 556 PSI

I think it’s not surprising that another mastiff breed ended up so high on this list. The Dogue de Bordeaux has a bite force of 556 PSI which is quite impressive, but for me, their history is actually even more impressive!

This is an old breed, dating back as early as the 14th century in the region around Bordeaux, hence the name.

The Dogue De Bordeaux is large with a muscular breed that stands at 24 to 27 inches (61 to 69 cm) tall, and their massive head is clearly responsible for their strong bite.

Despite their perhaps intimidating physique, the French mastiff can easily be described as a gentle giant. While this breed was bred for war, and then later used for hunting and guarding, it’s actually a great family dog that is very laid back!

5. Tosa Inu – 556 PSI

Moving on to another part of the world, we find the Japanese Mastiff also known as Tosa Inu.

This is the largest of all Japanese dog breeds standing at 24 to 32 inches (62 to 82 cm), and it is a cross between the Shikoku-ken breed and western dogs, like Bulldogs, Mastiffs, German Pointers, and Great Danes. Allegedly St. Bernard dogs and Bull Terriers were also used.

As you can imagine the mix of such strong breeds brought to life the Tosa Inu with its strong bite force of 556 PSI. Though the story behind their breeding is a sad one because these dogs were used for dog fighting.

Unlike the goofy Dogue De Bordeaux and other Mastiff breeds, the Tosa Inu can be described as aloof around strangers and even aggressive around other dogs. Behind their mostly quiet and obedient nature, these dogs are very affectionate towards their families.

As with most large dogs, the Tosa Inu also requires an experienced owner to socialize them properly early on. However, it’s important to note that this breed is legally restricted in 18 countries.

6. Black Russian Terrier – 556 PSI

The Black Russian Terrier has an equally strong bite force of 556 PSI with the French and Japanese Mastiff and it might come as a surprise to some of you since it’s a fairly new breed.

The Black Russian Terrier was bred in Russian after WW2 and it’s believed that seventeen breeds were used, among them are the Giant Schnauzer, the Rottweiler, the Airedale, the Newfoundland, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, as well as other breeds.

With a family tree full of strong dogs it’s no wonder that the Black Russian Terrier would turn out to be such a strong and large dog standing tall at 28 to 31 inches (72-78 cm).

The Black Russian Terrier was developed to be part of the Soviet Union’s national security force, but they soon became a beloved breed, after all these are smart dogs with affectionate personalities.

That being said, as a working dog the Black Russian Terrier needs a “job” to stay happy and while they can get along great with other children they need to be properly trained by experienced dog owners that are not afraid to take the lead.

7. English Mastiff – 552 PSI

The English Mastiff is probably the most recognized dog of the mastiff breed and this gentle and loving dog is not just huge (30-31 inches tall) but also has a large head that gives them a strong bite of 552 PSI.

The mastiff breed has a long history going back to the Romans if not earlier than that and they were used as guards, as well as for hunting and fighting. However, the English Mastiff as we know them today began to be developed in England in 1835.

1835 was also the year that animal fighting was outlawed in the UK and in order for this breed to survive the English Mastiff had to have a more peaceful nature. So, it’s not surprising that these dogs have become so popular among families with children.

Despite their strength, the English Mastiffs won’t necessarily try to prove themselves and you are more likely to find them snoring. That being said socializing and training is still a must!

8. Caucasian Mountain Shepherd – 550/700

If you like giant fluffy dogs then the Caucasian Mountain Shepherd must be right up your alley! But aside from their gorgeous fluffy looks, this breed with a strong bite force of 550-700 could match the third breed on this list the Cane Corso.

Native to the Caucasus region, this breed has served as a livestock guardian, making sure that no predators like wolves, bears, and jackals could get to the sheep. This makes complete sense since the Caucasian shepherd dog is 23–30 inches (58-76 cm) tall.

This breed can endure harsh environments and climatic conditions, they are extremely independent and intelligent, however, they can prove difficult to train for obedience.

That doesn’t mean they aren’t suitable for families, but they need to be properly trained and socialized and they should live in a house with a large yard.

9. Tibetan Mastiff – 550/556 PSI

While the English Mastiff is often used as the baseline of a dog that belongs to the mastiff category, the Tibetan Mastiff is actually considered to be the progenitor of the other mastiff breeds in the world.

The fact that the Tibetan Mastiff has a large muscular body, and a huge head explains their strong bite of 550-556 PSI, which in turn also explains why Buddhist monasteries and the monks of Tibet used them as guardians against wild animals like bears, wolves and snow leopards.

Their history has definitely left an impact on the Tibetan Mastiff so they are best suited for experienced owners. Don’t get me wrong they are loyal and family-oriented dogs, but that also means that they can be over-protective around strangers. They also happen to be one of the most expensive dog breeds around!

10. Presa Canario 540 PSI

The Presa Canario, also known as Perro de Presa Canario is a Spanish breed that originates from the autonomous region of the Canary Islands, as the name suggests.

Like all of the mastiff breed dogs on this list, the Presa Canario is a large dog standing tall at 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) most importantly, the head is broad and massive, and the powerful brachycephalic shape gives this dog a strong bite force of 540 PSI.

As you can imagine this breed was also used as a guarding dog and for herding sheep and cattle, as well as for dog-fighting.

While the Presa Canario can be a great dog for a family thanks to its intelligence and obedient nature, however, they need an experienced owner that can invest a lot of time into their training.

11. Central Asian Shepherd – 500/600 PSI

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog bears a strong genetic similarity to the Kangal dog, and while they can’t match the Kangal’s bite force, they still have a strong bite of 500-600 PSI.

According to the AKC “The Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are said to be the oldest known group of dogs in existence today, dating back over 5,000 years according to artifacts found in native lands.”

They were used as livestock guardians, and still are, but they can also be great family dogs at the hands of experienced owners. It’s also worth mentioning that these dogs are very protective, whether that’s their family, or property so they might not get along well with strangers, humans and dogs alike.

12. Dogo Argentino – 500 PSI

The beautiful white Dogo Argentino was bred in Argentina as a hunting breed and is a mix of the Cordoba fighting dog and bulldog, and terrier breeds, as well as the Great Dane, Dogue De Bordeaux, and Pointer.

The Dogo Argentino was used to hunt dangerous predators like wild boars, peccaries, mountain lions, and pumas. So, the Dogo Argentino was meant to be a strong and brave breed, and I’m sure the strong bite force of 500 PSI also helped them with hunting.

Nowadays Dogos Argentinos are also trained as rescue dogs, police assistants, and service dogs, as well as guides for the blind, and military work.

As you can already tell the Dogo Argentino is an intelligent breed and their strong instinct to protect their family means that they need to be well-trained and socialized from an early age.

13. Great Pyrenees – 500 PSI

The Great Pyrenees of the Pyrenean Mountain is a livestock guardian dog all the way from France that was bred to spend all their time outside with livestock.

Their job was to protect the flocks from dangerous predators like wolves and bears and in order to do that they had to use their raw physical strength and dangerous bite force of 500 PSI.

Like many of our dogs on this list, the Great Pyrenees is a large and muscular dog, standing 27 to 32 inches (68.5 – 81 cm) tall. But despite its stature and strength the Great Pyrenees is a sweet and well-behaved dog that usually gets along with a long list of other animals including felines.

They can be quite independent in nature, so proper training and socialization are important.

14. Boerboel – 450 PSI

The Boerboel is another mastiff-type breed from South Africa and it’s a cross-breed between the bulldog and mastiff.

Since the Boerboel dogs were used as guard dogs and hunting dogs against fierce animals like leopards and baboons, in order to survive such ferocious predators the Boerboel had to be strong.

Standing as tall as 27 inches (68.5 cm) the Boerboel breed also has a broad and large head with powerful jaws and a bite force of 450 PSI.

It can be an intimidating breed to own if you are a first-time dog owner, that’s why the Boerboel is more suitable for experienced owners that are ready to invest their time in proper training and early socializing.

Don’t get me wrong the Boerboel dogs can be wonderful companions, but they do require some guidance and a person who can tame their protective and territorial instincts.

15. Wolfdog – 406 PSI

This might be somewhat of a controversial breed because in a sense it’s not exactly a breed but a hybrid produced by the mating of a domestic dog and a wolf.

There are six breeds of dogs that carry a wolf-dog mixture in them, that’s the cross between an Alaskan Malamute and a timber wolf, and the cross of German Shepherd Dogs and various species of wolves.

A good example of a wolfdog is the Czechoslovakian Vlcak and according to AKC “they are currently used in Europe and the United States for search and rescue, tracking, obedience, agility, drafting, herding, and working dog sports.”

The Wolfdog shares a similar bite force strength of 406 PSI with the wolf and many other great attributes like superior eyesight, hearing, and sense of smell.

This is definitely not a breed that an inexperienced owner should take on, and it must be said that this hybrid dog can be quite inconsistent when it comes to behavior.

16. Scottish Deerhound – 400+ PSI

The history of the Scottish Deerhound is one of myth and legend, going all the way back to the Middle Ages if not earlier.

People often confuse the Scottish Deerhound with our next breed on the list the Irish Wolfhound, but the Deerhound is somewhat shorter standing 30-32 inches tall and they do have some physical differences. However, when it comes to their bite both breeds have a bite force of 400 PSI.

The Scottish Deerhound was bred to hunt red deer so you can expect this breed to require considerable exercise especially when they’re young. As this breed grows older you might notice them grow a bit lazy, but they will still have large bursts of energy.

17. Irish Wolfhound – 400+ PSI

The Irish Wolfhound is a sighthound dog from Ireland and it’s known for its incredible height standing 32-34 inches (81-86 cm) tall.

Researchers aren’t exactly sure how old this breed is, but it’s quite possible that the Irish Wouldfound and the breed’s ancestors go back to 600-900 AD.

What’s fascinating about this breed is the fact that it was used to control the wolf population in Ireland, and aside from its hunting capabilities, it was often used as a guard dog. With a bite force of 400+ PSI, it doesn’t really surprise me!

When it comes to personality the Irish Wolfhound is a great family dog because they are quite easygoing and they are very gentle. While they may get along well with children, for their size alone they will need to be supervised.

18. Kuvasz – 400+ PSI

The white giant Kuvasz is a Hungarian breed that was used as a livestock guardian dog. These dogs were also used by King Mathias the first of Hungary as loyal bodyguards, war dogs, as well as hunting dogs.

Being 28 to 30 inches (71 – 76 cm) tall and with a bite of 400+ PSI the Kuvasz would seem like a dog you wouldn’t want to go up against, after all, they are also quite surprisingly fast. However, the Kuvasz breed is a wonderful dog to have as a companion.

The Kuvasz requires proper training and early socialization because they can be quite protective of their owner and family. That’s why this breed may not be suitable for a first-time dog owner.

19. Newfoundland – 400+ PSI

The Newfoundland dogs as the name suggests were used as working dogs for fishermen in Newfoundland.

These are giant dogs (28 inches) and when it comes to strength, and temperament Newfoundland shares a lot of similarities with St. Bernard as you will find out later on. Even when it comes to bite force strength the Newfoundland’s bite can go over 400 PSI.

The Newfoundland is a rescue/lifesaving dog thanks to their muscular build, their thick double coat, and webbed paws. They are also as you can imagine excellent swimmers.

The Newfoundland breed is a true family dog, and they are quite protective so proper socializing can help them be less aloof around strangers.

20. St. Bernard – 400 PSI

All the way from the Western Alps in Italy and Switzerland, we have another unforgettable giant breed on this list, the St. Bernard which stands 26 to 30 inches (66 to 76 cm) tall and with a bite of 400 PSI.

Being physically strong and resilient and with thick coats meant that this breed was the perfect working dog, however, they were first bred for rescue work by the hospice of the Great St. Bernard Pass on the Italian-Swiss border.

The St. Bernard breed is credited with saving over 2,000 human lives!

Nowadays they are a beloved breed by many families across the world. They are great with children and they are exceptionally friendly. When it comes to training they are an easygoing breed for the most part.

21. Greyhound – 400 PSI

Despite the stark difference between the St. Bernard breed, the Greyhound actually has the same strength capacity when it comes to their bite, at 400 PSI.

These tall and slender dogs are extremely charismatic, and they are also extremely fast, 43mph (70 kph) within 98 feet (30 meters).

That speed was praised in Egypt, as the likeness of the Greyhound “appears on an Egyptian tomb dating from about 3000 BCE“. For thousands of years the Greyhound breed was bred to hunt and in the 1920s greyhound racing was introduced in various countries.

Aside from being fast runners, Greyhound dogs are also incredible companions to have. They are gentle and they are more likely to walk away from a frustrating encounter than become aggressive, in fact, they spend most of their day sleeping.

That being said, Greyhounds have a strong prey drive, so they’re not suitable for owners that already have small pets in the house.

22. Leonberger – 399 PSI

The Leonberger dog is a true aristocrat of German origin, favored by several European royal families in the early and late 17th century.

Despite their large size with a male Leonberger standing over 31 inches (78.8 cm) tall, this breed has a sweet temperament and you can expect them to be a loyal companion.

That being said, the Leonberger is very intelligent and you may notice them display their guard dog ancestry.

After all, thanks to their strength and strong bite at 399 PSI the Leonberger dogs were often used as watchdogs, and they were also seen pulling carts. From the 20th century to this day, the Canadian government uses the Leonberger dogs as rescue/lifesaving dogs!

23. Akita Inu – 350-400 PSI

The Akita Inu dogs come from the mountains of northern Japan and the environment they grew up in turned them into hardy dogs. They were used to hunt for animals like elks, wild boars, and Ussuri brown bears, additionally, they were also employed as guard dogs and fighting dogs.

Another impressive fact about these dogs is that from the 1500s into the 1800s the Akita Inu served as a companion for Samurai. It’s not surprising because this breed has strong physical attributes and a strong bite of 350-400 PSI.

It’s worth mentioning that this breed is divided into two types, the Japanese and American Akita, and when it comes to their bite force strength they seem to be equal.

The Akita is a large dog standing 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder as well as powerful, and independent. You may find that they are commonly aloof with strangers, but when it comes to family you can’t expect anything but loyalty.

It’s easy to fall in love with this beautiful dog, however, they are not suitable for first-time owners, and they need lots of training and socializing because they can be quite territorial.

24. Rottweiler – 328 PSI

We’ve talked a lot about Rotties here and I definitely have a soft spot for this lovable breed. I also understand that there are a lot of people who feel intimidated by Rottweilers, but as you can see, while they do have a strong bite of 328 PSI they are nowhere as near as the Kangal at the top.

That being said, the bite force of a dog isn’t what makes them dangerous, but it’s the lack of training, and the same goes for Rottweilers.

According to the FCI, the Rottweiler is considered to be one of the oldest surviving dog breeds going back to Roman times. The muscular Rottweiler stands tall at 24 to 27 inches (61-68.5 cm) and they have done many jobs over the course of history, such as livestock guards, police dogs, guide dogs for the blind, and even search and rescue workers.

They are also great family dogs, so let go of those old misconceptions about Rotties and you will start to appreciate their intelligence and loyalty!

25. Siberian Husky – 320 PSI

The Siberian Husky combines the loyal and affectionate nature of dogs with the mysterious beauty of wolves.

Raised in Siberia and bred as a working dog by the Chukchi people, the Siberian Husky was later brought to Alaska and used for sled dog races. So, as you can imagine they are strong and resilient dogs, and with a bite force of 320 PSI, they can do considerable damage.

Being pack dogs Siberian Huskies enjoy being part of a family and they can get along with other dogs quite well. Of course, they still need a lot of training since they love running and that love can be too overwhelming and they might end up ignoring your commands.

26. American Bully – 305 PSI

The American Bully looks like a dog that is ready to take on any kind of opponent, and that’s mostly because of its muscular neck and broad chest. but despite the powerful appearance, this breed is very affectionate and friendly.

American Bully’s strength and strong bite of 305 PSI is probably rooted in the several other breeds that were used to create this breed, like the American Bulldog, English Bulldog, and Olde English Bulldogge.

I do want to mention that the American Bully can be split into four size categories, the Pocket, Standard, Classic, and XL. So, depending on which category your American bully belongs to their bite force might also be different.

27. American Bulldog – 305 PSI

The American Bulldog is descended from the Old English Bulldog that was brought to the United States during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Because of their large and muscular body, American Bulldogs were used as working dogs, stock dogs, catch dogs, and guardians on farms and ranches. Of course, it makes sense to have a strong dog like that, especially with a bite of 305 PSI, doing all of these hard jobs.

While you can rest assured that an American Bulldog will shower you with love and expect nothing less in return, with proper training and socialization you can also make sure that these loving dogs won’t be as aloof as they could be with other people or dogs.

28. American Pit Bull Terrier – 240/330 PSI

American Pit Bulls are a mix of the extinct Old English Terriers and Old English Bulldogs and they are often described as a breed with the strongest bite force, however as you can see, with a bite force of 240-330 PSI they are not as strong as our top contestants, they are merely stronger than the average dog.

That being said, Pit Bulls can do a lot of damage, after all, they are a strong and muscular breed. That’s why they were used in bull baiting and bear baiting.

Despite the bad reputation that has followed this breed, Pit Bulls are loving dogs that are very loyal to their family, but as with any breed, they need a lot of training from early puppyhood, for owners that are experienced and responsible.

29. Bull Terrier – 240/330 PSI

Just one look at the bull terrier is enough to make you understand that their jaws are no joke. The stocky and muscular body along with the large elongated egg-shaped head provide this breed with enough physical characteristics to reach a bite force of 240-330 PSI.

This breed was developed in England during the 19th century. The Bull Terrier is a cross between the old English terrier and the bulldog and later on the Spanish Pointer, white English Terrier, and Dalmatian were added to the mix.

While the Bull Terrier was originally bred for dog fighting purposes, nowadays they are considered to be kind and goofy dogs. They do, however, need an owner that knows what they’re doing since these dogs can be a bit more protective and aloof around other dogs.

30. German Shepherd – 238/291 PSI

Last on our list is the well-known and popular German Shepherd. These dogs are known for being very intelligent, and athletic, hence you see them working in the military and law enforcement organizations around the world.

While their bite of 238-291 PSI may not be as strong as some of our top-ranking breeds on this list they can still be dangerous if they want to be and if it’s necessary.

This breed as the name suggests, originated in Germany and they were developed in the late 1800s by crossing different German herding breeds.

As with most dogs on this list, and all dogs in general training is really important, however, with German Shepherd dogs early socialization and exposure to other people and pets will help them overcome their guarding instinct.

What Is The Weakest Dog Bite Force?

As you can see from our chart, small dogs have the weakest bite force and Chihuahua is the dog with the weakest bite force of them all, between 100-180 PSI.

You might have come across a few articles mentioning that Chihuahua’s bite force can reach 3,900 PSI and this estimate is clearly inaccurate. Even if that was a typo and the sources meant Newton and not PSI that would still mean that the Chihuahua has the strongest bite of approximately 876 PSI.

I really doubt that a 2-6 pound Chihuahua has a stronger jaw and bite force than the number one dog on our list the Kangal dog. Don’t get me wrong for a dog that size they certainly have a strong bite force, but it cannot compare to all the other dogs.

Now if you want to know the weakest bite force when it comes to medium-large dogs then the Belgian Malinois and the Golden Retriever deserve a spot in this category with a bite force of 195 PSI and 190 PSI respectively.

Which Animals Have The Strongest Bite Force?

Knowing the difference between the bite force of humans and dogs can give us some perspective on how strong the jaws of our canine friends are, but what about other wild animals?

And before we get all defensive and start claiming that our brave companions could take on any animal out there, here’s a list of 14 animals with the strongest bite force for comparison.

Dog Bite Force Vs Other Animals

Knowing just how strong dogs are can make it easy to assume that they can compete with other wild animals.

While the Kangal dog with a bite force of 743 PSI could take on a wolf that has a bite force of 400 PSI and according to some studies over 500 PSI, or even a lion with a bite force of 650-1000 PSI, there are many wild animals that outrank dogs in this department.

Is A Dog With A Strong Bite Force More Dangerous?

All this talk about biting might’ve made you uneasy, but I truly hope that these numbers won’t make some of you jump to the conclusion that the dogs with the strongest bite force are also the most dangerous breeds or ones to more likely bite.

I’m not saying that there haven’t been cases of dogs biting other people, but there’s no way you can correlate the strength of their jaws to possible aggression.

Any dog can bite, and a dog with a stronger bite force can cause more damage, however, such unfortunate occurrences heavily depend on whether these dogs have received proper training from their owners.

Rottweilers and bully breeds have often been accused of being more aggressive, and more likely to bite, but the truth is that all dogs require serious training no matter what their breed is or the size of their jaw.

Just think about it, the Akita Inu has a stronger bite than the Rottweiler, but I truly believe that people are more likely to associate a Rottweiler with aggression than they would an Akita, simply because of how they look.

Even the dog with the weakest bite force on our list, the Chihuahua could bite you if they hadn’t received proper training! I get clients all the time that have little land shark Chihuahuas that need private training for biting!

Closing Thoughts

Researchers haven’t examined every possible dog breed for its bite force, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have rough estimates of what jaw power some of them might possess.

That being said, what makes these estimations so difficult and oftentimes unreliable is the type of research that was conducted. There are so many variables to consider here. Was the research done on a computer simulator, was the animal awake, and was a well-functioning bite sleeve used?

The size of your dog, the size and shape of their skull and jaw are just a few more factors that need to be taken into account, as well as the angle at which the bite occurred and what was the state of the dog. Then we also need to consider that the different teeth in just one dog will apply different percentages of pressure.

Of course, with our list of 68 dog breeds, you will be able to see an approximate number that shows the strength of their bite force. The strongest on our list is the impressive Kangal with a bite force of 743 PSI and the weakest is the cute Chihuahua with a bite force of 100-180 PSI.

Hopefully, you found your own breed on our list, and now you know just how hard they bite into their chewing toys!