A dog’s jaws are one of their biggest assets. Dogs that are bred to hunt, guard or protect often have extremely strong jaws. When used correctly to do the jobs they were bred to do, they are efficient and ruthless machines. But when kept as pets and not properly trained, sometimes these dogs can be dangerous to people, including the general public. If you’re bitten by a dog – or if someone you know is – this can cause serious injury, and you may be able to make a compensation claim against the dog’s owner.
In this guide, we’re focusing on the dogs with the strongest bites. We’ll look at how bite strength is measured and which breeds have the most powerful jaws.
How is bite strength measured?
Dog bite strength is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), which indicates the pressure exerted by an animal’s jaw when it bites. An average human’s bite force is around 120-140 PSI, while the strongest dog bites measure up to around 700 PSI – which is extreme force.
Bite strength depends on a range of factors. The most significant are the size of the jawbone and the strength of the muscles. Dogs with bigger jaws and stronger muscles are likely to have stronger bites. Those with the largest heads and therefore the biggest jaws tend to be contenders when it comes to the most powerful bite force. This explains why Mastiffs are so high up on the list of dogs with the strongest bites.
Difficulties in determining the strongest bites
There’s a lot of misinformation out there about which dog has the strongest bite. Some articles online claim that some dogs have bites as high as 2,000 PSI which is totally inaccurate. There’s a lack of thorough scientific studies too, with varying methods such as bite sleeves or force transducers used to measure bite force.
The strength of a bite also varies between dogs of the same breed due variations in size within the breed, so it’s not always that easy to paint an accurate picture. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that on average certain breeds have stronger bites than others.
Which dog has the strongest bite?
Let’s take a look at the top contenders in the dog bite stakes.
Kangal
With a bite force of 743 PSI, the Kangal has the strongest bite force in the dog world. Bred in the Anatolian mountains of Turkey to protect sheep from predators, the bite force of a Kangal is their biggest asset to do their job. And it all comes down to the combination of size, strength and the shape of their head and jaw. The large, powerful jaw has well-developed muscles that allow them to exert significant force when biting.
Kangals are usually affectionate, gentle and loyal dogs to their families, however. They’re not particularly popular in the UK, although their popularity is increasing due to their good looks and reliable, kind natures.
Cane Corso
This large breed of dog originated in Italy and was bred to guard property, livestock and people. They have a bite force of around 700 PSI, which is down to their jaw strength and their size – adult males typically weigh 45-50kg. They are a relatively uncommon breed in the UK.
Tosa Inu (Japanese Tosa)
Also called the Japanese Tosa, Tosa Inu dogs have a bite force of 556 PSI. They are also one of the most dangerous and powerful dogs in the world, and are currently on the list of banned dogs in the UK.
The breed was originally bred for dog fighting in Japan and can be very dangerous to humans if not trained properly.
Dogue de Bordeaux
You might recognise this drooling giant from the 80s film Turner and Hooch. They have a bite strength of 556 PSI and are popular in the UK with around 2,350 registered in Britain.
Dogues de Bordeaux are affectionate and loyal dogs that were originally bred for pulling carts and hunting. It is one of the oldest Mastiff-type breeds. They were also used as police dogs in France in the 90s.
English Mastiff
This gentle giant is an affectionate breed and common family dog. English Mastiffs also make good guard and watch dogs. And with a bite force of 552 PSI, any unwanted intruders wouldn’t want to come across one. With this bite force they can easily crush bones.
As a breed, the dogs are strong willed, independent and need plenty of exercise. They often require a dedicated trainer who is willing to become the pack leader. They can occasionally be destructive if left to their own devices without proper training and regular exercise. English Mastiffs are particularly popular dogs in the UK.
Tibetan Mastiff
This large muscular dog was originally bred in the Himalayas and was traditionally used as a guard dog for Buddhist monks. They have thick coats to keep them warm in the mountains, as well as a protective nature. When it comes to bite strength they clock in at 550 PSI.
Tibetan Mastiffs are big dogs, with adult males weighing 41-68 kg. These calm dogs are deeply protective of their families and are increasing in popularity in the UK.
Making a legal claim for a dog bite
If you or somebody you know has been attacked by a dog, get in touch with us at InjuryLawyers4U and we’ll arrange a free consultation with an experienced lawyer. Submitting a claim can be intimidating, but we can lead you through the procedure and make sure you are aware of what is needed at each stage.
Our no win, no fee policy means there’s no risk that you will need to cover any legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful.
You can reach us directly on 0800 221 8888. Or, if you prefer, fill in this contact form to arrange a call back at a time that suits you.
