Any dog bite can be dangerous. Canine teeth rip and tear at the skin and flesh rather than cutting it, and this – along with the inherent risk of infection – means that even the bite of a smaller, less aggressive breed can be serious. There is no denying, however, that some dog breeds have very strong and very dangerous bites. Knowing which dogs are most likely to cause significant damage can help you better protect yourself and those you love.
If you have suffered injuries as a result of someone else’s dog biting you, don’t wait to consult with an experienced New Jersey dog bite lawyer.
The power behind a dog’s bite can vary considerably by breed.
Bite force is measured in terms of PSI, which refers to pound-force per square inch or, more simply, pounds per square inch. This measure demonstrates the breed’s bite strength at full capacity, which dogs generally only employ when they are defending themselves or their pups.
The shape of the animal’s head and jaw play a significant role in the pressure they’re capable of exerting in a bite. It’s important to note that a breed’s bite strength is not indicative of its level or aggression or any other related risk factor, but it does mean they can cause serious physical damage.
As a point of reference, consider the bite force of other powerful animals – as reported by Zooologist.com – including:
The dog breeds with the strongest bites may surprise you and include:
What dog has the strongest bite? The bite force of the Kangal is reported to be 743 PSI, which makes it the most powerful bite. Learn More.
The bite force of the American bandogge, which is a cross between a bulldog and mastiff, comes in at a whopping 730 PSI.
The cane corso makes an excellent guard dog, and its bite averages 700 PSI. Learn More.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is also called a French mastiff. This is one of the largest dog breeds, and it has a bite strength of 556 PSI. Learn More.
The Tosa inu ties with the Dogue de Bordeaux for bite force – with a rate of 556 PSI. This breed is known for being a loyal watchdog.
The English mastiff also has an average bite strength of 556 PSI and is beloved for its gentle-giant qualities.
The Dogo Canario has an impressive bite force of 540 PSI and was originally bred as a war dog.
The Dogo Argentino is a loyal companion and skilled hunting dog with an average bite force of 500 PSI. Learn More.
The wolfdog is a mix between a domestic dog and a wolf, and its average bite strength has been measured at about 406 PSI.
The Leonberger, one of the largest breeds on the list of strong bites, can weigh in at 170 pounds and has a bite strength of 399 PSI.
The Akita Inu has the instincts of a guard dog and an average bite force of 350 to 400 PSI.
The rottweiler is a popular breed in the United States that makes an excellent guard dog and has an average bite strength of 328 PSI. Learn More.
The Siberian Husky makes a high-energy pet, and their bite force averages 320 PSI. Learn More.
The African wild dog is an excellent hunter with a powerful 317 PSI behind its bite. Learn More.
The American bulldog is a family favorite, and it has a bite PSI of 305. Learn more.
The Doberman strikes a fine figure of a dog and has a healthy bite force of 245 PSI. Learn more.
German shepherds are popular pets, and they pack a bite strength of 238 PSI. Learn More.
The Great Dane is one of the tallest dog breeds out there, and its bite strength is 238 PSI. Learn More.
The American pit bull terrier is a smaller breed that is known for its strength and determination. These dogs have an average bite power of 235 PSI. Learn More.
The Labrador retriever is a favorite of dog lovers across the nation, and its bite strength averages 230 PSI. Learn more.
Dutch Shepherd – The Dutch shepherd is a herding dog with an average bite force of 224 PSI.
The chow chow has a well-loved bear-like appearance and an impressive bite force of 220 PSI. Learn More.
As a reminder, a dog breed doesn’t have to make this list to pose a risk, and being on this list
does not necessarily make the breed more aggressive or more dangerous.
According to NPR Science Focus, the bite force of dogs and other animals hinges on the following variables:
Bite force also varies in relation to the size of whatever it is the animal is biting. The PSI measurement is calculated in terms of the amount of force that is applied per square inch. The more powerful the breed’s jaw muscles and jawbones, the higher the PSI measurement.
Dogs don’t bite because they are a specific breed, and most dogs don’t bite on a whim. Instead, according to the ASPCA,
dogs tend to bite for highly specific reasons that are prudent to recognize and avoid.
Dogs naturally want to protect themselves, their young, and their owners, and anything that jeopardizes their ability to do so can lead to aggression. Fear is a serious motivator across all dog breeds.
Dogs tend to be possessive about their food, treats, and toys, and they can also exhibit possessiveness about their territories and the spaces they protect. Entering the space of a dog that is unknown to you or taking something out of any dog’s mouth is always ill-advised.
Protection is similar to possessiveness, but it relates to the dog’s desire to protect itself, its pups, or its people from anyone – or any animal – that it perceives as threatening their safety.
Dogs have an inherent hierarchy that they’re inclined to maintain, which generally translates to aggression toward other dogs but can extend to people. A dog that is exerting domination is attempting to correct the rift in its experience of natural hierarchy, which can be impossible for humans to recognize or understand.
Dogs are animals that have innate behaviors that include predatory behaviors. A fast-moving object can excite a dog into chasing it at top speed.
When a dog can’t access what it wants or needs to get at, it can lead to the same type of frustration that people experience. As this frustration builds, it can manifest as aggression.
Dogs tend to be possessive about their food, treats, and toys, and they can also exhibit possessiveness about their territories and the spaces they protect. Entering the space of a dog that is unknown to you or taking something out of any dog’s mouth is always ill-advised.
A dog that is ill or injured can become uncharacteristically aggressive as a means of protecting itself. Pain and the stress it causes are closely associated with aggression in dogs.
Some of the medical conditions that are most closely associated with newly acquired aggression include:
There are a range of factors that increase the risk that a dog will bite and – if it does – the risk that the bite will prove serious.
The larger the dog, the more dangerous its bite is, and the more damage it can cause. In other words, the risk factor for larger dogs is more considerable than it is for very small dogs.
A young dog that exhibits aggressive tendencies is generally more trainable than an older dog who is set in its aggressive ways or who may have adopted aggressive tendencies over the years. The adage that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks is based in reality.
A dog that has already bitten someone lets its owner know – in no uncertain terms – that it poses a bite risk. Dog owners are responsible for protecting the public from this established danger.
A dog owner who knows their dog’s targets can take the steps necessary to limit risk. For example, a dog who reacts aggressively to children needs an owner with very limited interactions with children and who has an alternate means of exercising the pet – rather than at dog parks or walks in public. A dog whose aggression is only triggered by strangers who enter their owner’s property is generally less risky when out in public.
The dogs that are the most dangerous are pets that afford little or no warning prior to attacking and whose aggression has no predictable pattern. It’s far more difficult to protect the public from dogs that bite according to their own whims.
Some dogs are easily motivated – such as by a treat or bone – and others are less so. The more highly motivated the animal, the more beneficial training is likely to be.
A dog that employs signs of aggression but draws the line at biting is far more likely to be a safe pet than one who is incapable of controlling its aggression and follows through with a bite. Common warning signs of aggression include:
From here, things become even more serious, including the following in order of progression:
Dogs do not necessarily follow any pattern in the buildup to aggression, and they can engage in multiple forms of aggression simultaneously, which makes proceeding with the utmost caution around dogs that you don’t know well the best practice.
It’s not all about what dog has the strongest bite when it comes to determining which dog breeds are the most dangerous or unpredictable. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the breed is only one factor among many in the matter of dog bite risk.
Across a wide range of dog bite studies, the following breeds are cited most often in terms of biting incidents:
Runners up include:
AVMA concludes that it is inappropriate to predict how aggressive a dog is likely to be based solely on its breed. Instead, it’s important to carefully gauge each dog and each situation according to the information available to you and to always proceed with all necessary caution. The fact is that any dog – of any breed – can prove dangerously aggressive, and many pit bulls make fine pets that never harm anyone.
In the category of dog bite incidents that involve very serious injuries or fatalities, the pit bull type category consistently outpaces all other breeds by a considerable margin. AVMA, however, reports that variables other than breed may contribute to this finding, including:
Owners of pit bull-type dogs face a strong breed stigma even though controlled scientific studies that test for a range of relevant variables don’t identify the breed as disproportionately aggressive.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), factors like a dog’s weight and head shape can play a significant role in how likely they are to bite and how severe the bite is likely to be. Dogs that weigh between 66 and 100 pounds and whose heads are short and wide are the most likely to inflict dangerous bites.
Every dog has its own personality and its own history in terms of how it’s been treated by its owners. Further, it’s impossible to know how a dog feels at any given moment, such as if it might be experiencing pain or an illness. While the breed is a variable to consider when it comes to risk factors, it’s far from the only concern. Never take your own safety or the safety of those you love for granted when it comes to dogs you don’t know. Any dog can bite, and any dog bite can prove dangerous.
The National Institute of Health published a study that identifies dog bites as a significant public health issue and shares the following sobering statistics:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also forwards serious dog bite statistics – as shared by the AVMA – that include all the following:
The Insurance Information Institute (III) shares dog bite statistics of its own, including:
New Jersey is no stranger to dog bite injuries and claims.
If you’re interested in what dog has the strongest bite, you may also want to consider which dog poses the greatest risk, and the answer is – it depends. A range of variables can play a role in how aggressive any given dog may be, which makes exercising caution around dogs you’re not familiar with the best practice.
However, no matter how cautious you may be around dogs, an attack and bite injuries can still happen and change your life in an instant. Always know your legal rights and options following costly dog bite injuries.
If someone else’s dog leaves you injured, David J. Cowhey is a formidable dog bite lawyer at The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer who is well-prepared to skillfully advocate for the compensation to which you’re entitled. Learn more Calling us at 866-259-4377 for a free legal consultation or reach out to us through our online form.
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