Dogs – humans’ eternal companions. There are reasons for that. While they are always loyal friends to humans, the strong ones among them also serve to protect humans and livestock. Which breeds are especially strong and which is the strongest dog in the world, you will find out shortly.
By now, there are hundreds of dog breeds, among them those that differ so much that they seem like different animals.
Whether small and slender, large and wiry, or massive and muscular – to defend their owners, they can all bare their teeth.
But what we often forget about our favorites: Biologically, they all belong to the predators. Thanks to their diversity, they impress with various records.
In this article, iHugDogs presents the strongest of them and introduces you to the record holder.
Which is the strongest dog in the world?
To answer the question and find the strongest dog in the world, it must first be defined what is meant by strong.
The following attributes are often associated with strength and power:
- Size and weight
- Fighting ability
- Physical strength and endurance
- Traction power
- Bite force
Despite these categories, an objective determination of the strongest is very difficult. Not surprisingly, size and weight do not necessarily indicate strength, nor does appearance. Fighting ability, strength, and endurance are hard to measure or have not provided research results yet.
Similarly unsuitable are pieces of information about pulling power. Due to the lack of measurement values for many breeds regarding their ability to pull weights and the dependence of performance on training and other factors, pulling power also provides little information about strength.
In competitions of the International Weight Pull Association, there are some “strongest” dogs depending on weight class, but not necessarily breed-dependent.
Highest Bite Force: Kangal Shepherd Dog
A category often used to determine the strongest dog is the bite force. The reason is existing, although not necessarily consistent, measurement values. Therefore, breed-specific bite force is not entirely reliable. Generally, it is assumed: the larger the jaw, the more power.
The values are usually given in pounds per square inch (PSI). For comparison: humans have a bite force of 120 to 140 PSI.
The ten dog breeds with the strongest bite have a bite force of 200 to 740 PSI. The record holder among them is the Kangal Shepherd Dog. With a bite force of 740 PSI, it bites stronger than a lion with 691 PSI.
Originating from Turkey, this breed has been protecting sheep from wolves, jackals, and even bears as a livestock guardian dog since the 12th century. However, it is affectionate towards humans. With their 90 centimeters and approximately 70 kilograms, they belong to the massive, muscular molossians. They are also said to have a high pain threshold.
Other strong dogs with high bite force
In addition to the Kangal with the strongest bite force, there are other dogs that are considered among the strongest due to their ability to bite forcefully.
2nd Place: Doberman Bite Force: 600 PSI
3rd Place: Cane Corso Bite Force: 600 PSI
4th Place: English Mastiff Bite Force: 560 PSI
5th Place: Dogue de Bordeaux Bite Force: 556 PSI
6th Place: Rottweiler Bite Force: 330 PSI
7th Place: American Bulldog Bite Force: 300 PSI
8th Place: German Shepherd Bite Force: 240 PSI
9th Place: American Pitbull Terrier Bite Force: 235 PSI
10th Place: Dutch Shepherd Bite Force: 225 PSI
Strong dogs with high pulling power
Also often considered among the strongest dogs are Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and Greenland Dogs thanks to their endurance and high pulling power. Therefore, they are often used as sled dogs because they can pull a considerable amount of weight over long distances, even through difficult terrain.
Not to be forgotten: other strong dogs
However, these powerhouses should not be forgotten, even though they are neither pulling dogs nor particularly strong biters.
- Great Dane: The gentle giant is considered one of the strongest dogs due to its status as the largest dog breed, as well as its muscular body and weight.
- Irish Wolfhound: With a height of 32 inches, a weight of up to 119 pounds, and a speed of 40 mph, the Irish Wolfhound is also seen as one of the strongest dogs.
- Newfoundland: Its strength is evident. The muscular Newfoundland is a strong companion not only on land but also in the water.
- Saint Bernard: As one of the heaviest dog breeds, Saint Bernards are attributed high strength.
- Pitbull: The already muscular-looking Pitbull regularly appears on lists of the strongest dogs.
Conclusion
That strength does not necessarily mean aggression is proven by the mentioned dog breeds, which are among the strongest in the world. Regarding bite force, the Kangal Shepherd Dog is far ahead.
