Dogs have been our loyal companions for thousands of years, but beneath those loving eyes and wagging tails, some breeds pack serious power in their jaws. While bite force alone doesn’t make a dog dangerous, it’s a fascinating reminder of the strength certain breeds possess, especially those originally bred for guarding, hunting, or protection.
In extreme cases, the bite force of some dogs has been strong enough to fracture or even break human bones. Let’s explore 10 dog breeds whose bite could do serious damage.
Kangal
The Kangal, a Turkish livestock guardian, holds the title for the strongest bite force of any dog—an estimated 743 PSI (pounds per square inch). This powerful breed was developed to fend off predators like wolves and bears, and its crushing jaw strength is enough to snap bone with a single bite.
Cane Corso
With a bite force of about 700 PSI, the Cane Corso is a muscular Italian mastiff breed used for guarding property and livestock. Their powerful jaws, combined with their assertive temperament, can cause significant damage if not properly trained and socialized.
Mastiff
English Mastiffs are one of the heaviest dog breeds and possess a bite force of around 556 PSI. Originally bred for war and protection, their massive size and powerful bite could easily fracture human bone if they were to bite with full force.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers have a bite force estimated at 328 PSI, but their strong, muscular build and tenacious bite-holding behavior can lead to bone-breaking injuries. Historically used for herding and guarding, they are both loyal and imposing.
American Bulldog
American Bulldogs have a reputation for tenacity and strength, with a bite force around 305 PSI. Their muscular jaws and head structure allow them to deliver bone-crunching bites when defending their territory or humans.
German Shepherd
Widely used in military and police work, German Shepherds have a bite force of approximately 238 PSI. While lower than some on this list, their disciplined training allows them to target vulnerable areas and exert enough pressure to cause fractures if necessary.
Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans are sleek, fast, and intimidating protectors. With a bite force around 245 PSI, they were bred to be personal protection dogs. Their powerful jaws and agility make them capable of inflicting serious injury if provoked or mishandled.
Belgian Malinois
Often mistaken for German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois are used heavily in law enforcement and military due to their intelligence and high energy. Their bite force is roughly 195 PSI, but their targeting precision and speed make their bite highly effective—capable of breaking small bones or causing deep tissue damage.
Dogo Argentino
Bred in Argentina for big game hunting, the Dogo Argentino is powerful and athletic, with a bite that matches its strength. While exact PSI measurements vary, their strong jaws have been known to inflict bone-breaking injuries during protection or hunting tasks.
Alaskan Malamute
Although friendly by nature, Alaskan Malamutes are large and strong working dogs with a bite force of around 400 PSI. Originally bred to haul heavy loads and survive in harsh climates, their jaw strength is more than enough to cause skeletal injuries if they were to bite defensively.
- Please Note: This content was created with the assistance of AI and thoroughly edited by a human before publishing.
