Sarah-Jane White From Jaw Droppers to Jaw Crushers: Introducing the Dogs with the Most Impressive Bite Force
National Dog Bite Prevention Week happens every year and it is good time to remind everyone of the dangers that dogs can pose and take a look at the bite force of some popular breeds of dogs that people keep as pets.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2020 dog bites and other dog-related injuries accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims paid out in the US, totaling nearly $853 million for 16,991 dog bite and injury claims. In the UK, according to Statista, it was people aged between 50 and 59 who were the most likely victims of dog bites, with over 1,200 hospital admissions 2021. In the same period 1,100 children aged under 10 years of age were also admitted to hospital as a result of dog bites and strikes.
New NHS data shows that their hospitals recorded 6,244 admissions due to dog attacks (between April – November 2022 ), which is an average of 30 cases a day! 2,345 people underwent surgery to as a result of injuries from dog bite attacks in the same period. Terrifyingly 687 cases , that’s 34%, were under 14 years old. (255 aged 0 to 4 years, 246 aged 5 to 9 years, 186 aged 10 to 14 years old.
“I have seen a significant rise in referrals for children and adults who have been bitten or struck by a dog.
I treat men and women on a monthly basis for dog attacks, however, it’s often the young children who are at the highest risk of dog attack injuries and they are particularly vulnerable to bites to the face and neck.”
Vanessa Jane Davies, Skin camouflage and scar therapy consultant
While all dog breeds have the potential to bite , some breeds are more likely to inflict serious damage due to their powerful jaws and large teeth.
When it comes to the world of dogs, there are many breeds that have been bred specifically for their intelligence and strength. From this list of top 7 dogs ranked with the strongest bite force in the world, you can see that these strong breeds were originally bred as guard or herding animals.
In order to be able to do their job effectively, these dogs need to have a powerful bite. And, according to recent studies, the following seven breeds do just that!
German Shepherd – 291 PSI
The German Shepherd is a breed that is well-known for its strength and intelligence. With a bite force of 238-291 PSI, this breed is often used for law enforcement, military and protection. German Shepherds are also popular as family pets due to their loyalty and obedience.
• German Shepherds were originally bred in Germany in the late 19th century for herding sheep.
• They are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the US and worldwide.
• They are an active, intelligent and loyal breed.
• German Shepherds have strong protective instincts and make great guard dogs.
• They require regular exercise to stay healthy and alert.
• German Shepherds are medium-large sized with a double coat that can range from short to long fur.
• They have an average life expectancy of 8-10 years.
• German Shepherds can be aggressive if not socialized properly while they’re young.
American Bulldog – 305 PSI
The Bulldog is a strong breed of dog that has a very powerful bite. With a bite force of 305 PSI, this dog is not to be trifled with! Often used as a guard dog or for protection, the American Bulldog is a breed that you want on your side. They are energetic and require a lot of exercise, but make great family pets.
• The American Bulldog is a type of canine that originated in the United States.
• It is a medium-sized to large breed of domestic dog.
• American Bulldogs typically weigh between 40-120 lbs and stand around 20-28 inches tall.
• They have short, dense coats which can be white, brindle, red, brown or black in color.
• They are an active and intelligent breed with a friendly disposition and strong protective instincts.
• American Bulldogs are known for their courage, loyalty and faithfulness towards their family.
• They require regular exercise and training to keep them physically and mentally healthy.
Rottweiler – 328 PSI
The Rottweiler is a powerful breed of dog that is known for its strength and intelligence. With a bite force of 328 PSI, this breed can definitely hold its own against other animals. Often used as a guard dog, the Rottweiler is a breed that you don’t want to mess with! They make really loveable companions with the right training. I was bitten by one once, on the ankle, through my boot. It was terrifying, but it did let go! One of Dolly’s best friends was a Rottie, called Sampson. Looking for a good dog name? Try my dog name generator.
• Rottweilers are a large and powerful breed of working dog.
• They were originally bred to drive cattle to market and pull carts for butchers.
• The Rottweiler is believed to be one of the oldest herding breeds, dating back to the Roman Empire.
• Rottweilers are intelligent, loyal, and powerful dogs with a strong protective instinct.
• The breed is known for being both confident and good-natured.
• The American Kennel Club lists the Rottweiler as the eighth most popular breed in the US.
• On average, a full grown male Rottweiler can weigh up to 130 pounds.
• These dogs are considered by many experts to be excellent guard dogs due to their strength and size.
• Rottweilers require consistent training and socialization from an early age in order to become well-rounded family pets.
American Pit Bull Terrier – 330 PSI
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed that is known for its strength and determination. With a bite force of 240-330 PSI, this breed can definitely bring down larger prey. Pitbull terriers are legal in the United States. But in Canada, pit bulls are banned in many towns and cities. Puerto Rico had a two-decade ban in place until 2018, when it was once again made legal to own, sell and import the breed. They are banned in the UK.
• The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized breed with a muscular and strong build.
• They have a short, smooth coat that can be found in a variety of colors.
• Pit Bulls are extremely loyal and affectionate dogs and make great family pets.
• Pit Bulls are an incredibly intelligent breed and can learn commands quickly.
• They were originally bred for dogfighting but now they are used as therapy, search and rescue, police dogs, and even participate in agility competitions.
• The American Kennel Club recognizes the American Pit Bull Terrier as part of its Terrier Group.
• Pit Bulls have powerful jaws that allow them to hold onto something for extended periods of time without letting go – making them excellent guard dogs.
Mastiff – 556 PSI
The Mastiff is another large breed of dog that is known for its strength and power. With a bite force of 556 PSI, this breed can easily overpower other animals. This is more than three times the bite force of an average dog. We’ve owned a bull mastiff, he was a huge dog and when he decided he’d had enough of his walkies he would just sit down. We had to ring my Dad to come and get us and pick up the dog and put him in the car to take him home!
• The Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds, weighing up to 230 pounds.
• The Mastiff has a long history, with origins dating back thousands of years.
• Mastiffs are known for their loyal and protective nature.
• They have a short, smooth coat that can come in a variety of colors such as fawn, apricot, and brindle.
• They are excellent guard dogs, with powerful jaws and a loud bark.
• They are generally intelligent and easy to train.
• The life expectancy of a Mastiff is between 8-10 years.
Cane Corso – 650 PSI
The Cane Corso is a breed that is known for its power and strength. With a bite force of 650 PSI, this breed can take down prey much larger than itself.
• The Cane Corso is an Italian breed of dog.
• It is a large-breed working dog, and was traditionally used as a guard or protection dog.
• The name “Cane Corso” means “protector” or “guardian”.
• It is muscular, athletic and loyal, with a short coat that comes in black, grey, brown or fawn.
• Males weigh between 88-110 pounds and females weigh between 77-99 pounds.
• They have wide heads, strong jaws and a well-developed stop (the angle at which the muzzle meets the forehead).
• Their ears are usually cropped short for an intimidating appearance; however, some countries do not allow this practice.
• They are highly intelligent and generally easy to train.
• The average life expectancy for a Cane Corso is 10-12 years.
Meet The Dog With The Strongest Bite In The World – The Turkish Kangal – 743 PSI
The Kangal Shepherd is a Turkish breed of dog that is known for its large size and impressive strength. With a bite force of 743 PSI, this breed is the undisputed king of the canine world when it comes to raw power. Typically used to protect against wolves, bears, and jackals in its native Turkey due to its intimidating size and capabilities as an effective guardian.
• The Kangal Shepherd is a breed of large livestock guardian dog originating in Turkey.
• They are gentle and loyal, with a calm but powerful demeanor.
• Kangal Shepherds have an average height of 30-32 inches (76-81 cm) and weight between 90-145 pounds (41-66 kg).
• Their coat is medium to long in length and usually consists of a tan or grey base with black markings.
• They have strong jaws and sharp teeth which help them defend their flock from predators like wolves, bears, and jackals.
• The Kangal Shepherd’s bark can be heard from miles away, thus giving the flock time to prepare for potential danger.
• These dogs can live for up to 14 years when provided proper diet and exercise.
While all of these breeds are incredibly strong, the Kangal takes the top spot as the dog with the strongest bite in the world. With a force that is more than three times that of an average dog, this breed can take down prey much larger than itself. So, if you are looking for a dog that is not only powerful but also fearless, the Kangal is the breed for you!
Read on below for how bite force is measured in dogs…
How is bite force measured?
Bite force is actually really hard to measure in animals as there are many factors affecting the readings, including the fact that you can’t ask an animal to bite down on a device to gauge the force exerted!
The main factors affecting the bite forces in dogs and cats are body weight and the skull’s morphology and size. In other words, jaw shape plays a huge part in how strong a bite is. Other factors such as oral pain, TMJ disorders, masticatory muscle atrophy, and malocclusion may also affect bite force. So when measuring bite force in dogs, it is usually estimated taking these factors into account.
What units are bite force measured in?
The strength with which your dog can bite is measured in is pounds per square inch (PSI). The formula for measuring PSI is: PSI = (Force (lbs) x 0.45) / Area (in²).
PSI is measured by applying a precise amount of pressure to the object being bitten and measuring the amount of force that was applied. This can be done using tools such as force gauges, scales, and even specialized dental instruments.
What are some uses for a dog’s bite force?
There are many different reasons that a dog’s bite force knowledge might be used. Some of the most common reasons include Knowledge of bite forces in dogs and cats is essential for various clinical and research fields such as the development of implants, materials, and surgical techniques as well as for forensic medicine. Understanding a dog’s bite force can be useful for assessing the risk posed by a particular breed when it comes to safety around children or other pets.
What is the annual number of deaths related to dogs?
Based on information from DogsBite.org, a total of 521 Americans were killed by canines between 2005 and 2019. The data available only extends up to 2019, making it the most recent year for which fatal dog bite statistics are accessible. On average, this means that approximately 35 individuals succumb to dog bites every year.
Although this figure may appear relatively small, it offers little consolation to the families who experience the untimely loss of their loved ones. Any fatality resulting from a dog attack lacks justification. Dog owners must be held responsible when they fail to properly control their pets.
Dog Breed Attack Statistics
The fact that certain dog breeds pose a higher risk than others is widely acknowledged. However, what often goes unnoticed is the extent of danger associated with certain breeds. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), has identified the top five dog breeds responsible for the highest number of attacks:
- Pit bull
- Mixed-breed
- German shepherd
- Terrier
- Rottweiler
In contrast, the AAHA reports that the breeds that are the least likely to bite adults and children are:
- Dalmatian
- Pointer
- Great Dane
- Pekingese
- Spitz
When it comes to fatal dog bites, the statistics reveal some similarities but also some variations. According to the latest data provided by DogsBite.org, the following dog breeds have the highest proportion of fatal attacks:
- Pit bull (accounting for 69% of all fatal attacks)
- Mixed-breed dogs (13%)
- Rottweiler (8%)
- Boxer (4%)
- Australian cattle dog (4%)
- German shepherd (4%)
Not only are children highly vulnerable to dog attacks, but they also face a greater risk of sustaining severe injuries and complications compared to most adults. This information is supported by DogsBite.org, t Canine Journal, the National Canine Research Council, and other reliable sources. Here are some key findings:
- Dog attacks occur more frequently in rural areas than in urban areas.
- The majority of dogs involved in biting incidents are not spayed or neutered.
- Children between the ages of 5 and 9 are particularly at risk of being bitten by dogs.
- The average cost of hospitalization for a dog bite exceeds the overall average cost of injury-related hospitalization by approximately 50%.
Wrapping up
Dogs are incredibly powerful animals and their bite force should not be taken lightly. Whether you are looking for a guard dog or just a pet that is known for its strength, one of the breeds on our list would make an excellent choice. While all of these dogs have impressive bite forces, the Turkish Kangal takes the top spot as the strongest canine in the world. With a bite that is more than three times that of an average dog, this breed is sure to make any intruder think twice before crossing its path.
The strongest dog breeds with the highest bite forces in the world all have one thing in common: they’re not scared! These are some of the most fearless, powerful, and intelligent breeds on Earth.
.This article was originally published on www.rufflesnuffle.co.uk. If it is published on any other site then it is without the permission of the copyright owner.
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Before you go…. did you want to know this…
What is the Strongest Animal Bite in the World?
It is widely accepted that the strongest animal bite in the world is currently held by the Nile Crocodile. However, there are many other animals that possess a powerful bite force as well.
The Nile crocodile is a large reptile that can be found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. It is the largest crocodile species currently in existence and can grow to lengths of up to 20 feet (6 meters). The Nile crocodile has a reputation for being a man-eater and is responsible for hundreds of human deaths each year.
The Nile crocodile can generate a bite force of up to 2,868 PSI. This is more than twice the bite force of a tiger, which is currently the second strongest predator on land.
A bite from a Nile crocodile is so powerful that it can easily crush bones and pierce through flesh. The only known predator of the Nile crocodile is the hippopotamus, which is also one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.
The land animal with the strongest canine teeth belongs to the hyena. The spotted hyena has a bite force of up to 1,100 PSI. This is nearly double the bite force of a large dog, such as a mastiff!
Fun Facts
- The Nile Crocodile has the strongest bite of any living animal.
- The gorilla has the strongest bite force of any primate.
- The hippopotamus has the strongest recorded bite force of any land mammal.
- The spotted hyena has the strongest canine teeth of any land mammal.
- The walrus has the second strongest bite of any mammal, after the hippopotamus.
.This article was originally published on www.rufflesnuffle.co.uk. If it is published on any other site then it is without the permission of the copyright owner.
References
Kim SE, Arzi B, Garcia TC, Verstraete FJM. Bite Forces and Their Measurement in Dogs and Cats. Front Vet Sci. 2018;5:76. Published 2018 Apr 13. doi:10.3389/fvets.2018.00076
Colline Brassard, Marilaine Merlin, Claude Guintard, Elodie Monchâtre-Leroy, Jacques Barrat, Nathalie Bausmayer, Stéphane Bausmayer, Adrien Bausmayer, Michel Beyer, André Varlet, Céline Houssin, Cécile Callou, Raphaël Cornette, Anthony Herrel; Bite force and its relationship to jaw shape in domestic dogs. J Exp Biol 15 August 2020; 223 (16): jeb224352. doi: https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.224352
Ellis JL, Thomason J, Kebreab E, Zubair K, France J. Cranial dimensions and forces of biting in the domestic dog. J Anat. 2009;214(3):362-373. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7580.2008.01042.x
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