These 20 powerful dog breeds are strong, independently minded, but very loyal and protective of their owners. These are the strongest dogs in the World, with the strongest bite force to match. Some of them are on insurance company black lists, due to a history of attacks causing physical harm.
No matter what type of dog you own, proper training is compulsory for each and every one of them. There are various types of training, and the kind of training the owner chooses depends entirely on what the owner wants to achieve with his or her dog.
Powerful Dog Breeds Need Training at a Young Age
Just like humans, there is no exception with animals and the optimal time to train a dog is when it is young. However, make sure that you do not keep on training them for long hours. It’s better to have 2 or 3 shorter sessions each day, rather than one big long session.
This is because they do not have the capacity to concentrate on the job of training for a long span of time.
Why Train Them?
A well behaved dog is simply amazing to keep around the house. If a dog is trained properly, you will find it makes much less fuss, and will be obedient to your commands.
It will also provide a sense of achievement for you when you find your pet dog responding to your orders appropriately. Also, training is a social responsibility and means that the dog recognizes YOU as the master.
You need to make sure that your dog is well behaved and is not bothering other people and other animals when you take it out in public locations.
We have a great page on the 7 Best Dog Training Books – take a look HERE.
Here are some of the most powerful dog breeds on the planet with typical weights, and typical bite force taken from the personal injury law firm The Keating Firm;
Powerful Dog Breeds
Belgian Malinois
Weight; 75 lbs
Bite force; 195 psi
As breeds go, the Belgian Malinois Dog could very well be the best guard and worker in the canine kingdom. Bred to be a herder, these dogs can take on a multitude of jobs, and they are the favorites among military and law enforcement personnel.
Although the Belgian Malinois (pronounced MAL in wah) may look like a German Shepherd, they are nevertheless a separate breed. In fact, the Belgian Malinois is one of four Belgian Sheepdogs or Shepherds. They are excellent police dogs.
English Bulldog
Weight; 55 lbs
Bite force; 210 psi
The English Bulldog, British Bulldog or just simply “Bulldog” as he is often known, is a very affectionate, calm, good natured fellow.
Despite his rather grumpy and slightly fierce appearance, he is one of the gentlest dog breeds in the world. He loves children and will form a strong bond with them. In fact, the Bulldog loves his family so much that he is dependent on them for his own happiness.
Chow Chow
Weight; 70 lbs
Bite force; 220 pounds psi
The Chow Chow is a medium sized breed of Chinese dog. This breed is well known for its dignified behavior and appreciates when it is treated with respect. This breed is known to be independent as well, living alongside its owners like another member of the house. It particularly does not like being pampered, and will dislike the idea of assuming the role of a lap dog.
Dutch Shepherd
Weight; 70 lbs
Bite force is 224 psi
The Dutch Shepherd was discovered as a naturally occurring shepherd’s dog living in rural areas. It was developed as an all-purpose farm dog, working originally as a farm guard, drover, and livestock dog. A well known dog fancier wrote about the Dutch Shepherd in 1910: “…bearing a great resemblance to the wolf.”
Of course this is not entirely true, but it is another aspect that shows that the Dutch Shepherd still has many of the characteristics of its wild forebears. Although it is not a widely known breed, the Dutch Shepherd is a loyal companion and competent working dog used for obedience, dog sports, herding, tracking, search and rescue, and as a police dog.
Alano Espanol (Spanish Bulldog)
Weight; 88 lbs
Bite force is 227 psi.
The Alano Español or Spanish Alano is a Spanish breed of large dog of molossoid type. The dogs have been used as cattle catch dogs, hunting, and guarding. It was formerly used during Spanish bullfights, and is sometimes called the Spanish Bulldog in English.
Doberman Pinscher
Weight; 99 lbs
Bite force; 229 psi.
The Doberman Pinscher is an athletic breed of large, graceful dogs, known for their confidence and highly trainable natures. These dogs are well known for their intelligence, as well as their physical power. Despite having the old stereotype of being a curt and even aggressive breed, these dogs are quite capable of being affectionate especially among family. They are excellent guard dogs.
Boxer
Weight; 80 lbs
Bite force; 230 psi
The Boxer dog is a high energy, athletic affectionate, fun loving clown who loves to lark around and make you laugh – no matter how old he gets!
This high-spirited whirlwind has a soft side too though. He absolutely adores his family and becomes completely devoted to them. This means that he does not like to be left alone for too long as he thrives on human contact.
American Pit Bulls
Weight; 75 lbs
Bite force; 235 psi.
Both the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) and the American Staffordshire Terrier (AST) descended from a group of old style Bulldogs and old style terriers that were present in the 1800s both in the UK and in the United States.
Both breeds were originally developed for bull baiting, dog fighting, farm work and to serve as a guardian of people and property in their respective countries. Both breeds look similar to each other, but the differences lie in the dog registries that recognized the breeds at the time.
American Pit Bull Terriers were acknowledged by the United Kennel Club in 1898 as their very first breed.
German Shepherd
Weight; 88 lbs
Bite force; 238 pounds psi.
This breed is intelligent and loyal. The German Shepherd Dogs are also easy to train and thus, they have always been considered as a favored working dog in Security and Law Enforcement companies.
They are well known for their speed and agility. Its intelligence is extensively used in rescue and search teams, military roles and more. It has a bite force of 238 pounds. Their fierce loyalty makes them serve as an ideal protector.
American Bulldog
Weight; 120 lbs
Bite force; 305 psi.
It is regarded as one of the most commonly used working dogs in the United States. These dogs are confident and have got an easy tendency to bond up with their owners. They have got a high social temperament and look stocky and muscular.
Their emotional temperament means that they usually require a large amount of attention. Also, these dogs are very tolerant around children and other young members of the family, if they are socialized well in their early life. It packs a bite force of 300 pounds, and is one of the most powerful dog breeds.
Rottweiler
Weight; 135 lbs
Bite force; 328 psi.
It is a great house pet. This species is well known for its obedience, loyalty, and gentle temperament. It amazingly responds if trained properly, and thus, it can be easily domesticated.
They are quite quick in defending their territory and family when a threat is perceived. It has a bite force of almost 330 pounds and is packed with muscle; it is quick and agile in its movements, despite its bulk.
Its intelligence and ability to work well with humans make it an extensively used breed in search and rescue operations. Visually impaired people often use it as guide dogs.
Leonberger
Weight; 200 lbs
Bite force; 399 psi.
This is a BIG DOG BREED! Weighing in at up to 200lbs, this breed is heavy as well as tall. This is one of the most powerful dog breeds overall, taking into account its weight and bite force. The Leonberger was developed in the 19th Century by Heinrich Essig, to be an impressive and imposing companion dog for the wealthy and famous. Starting with Newfoundland and Saint Bernard breed stock, he succeeded in creating a popular dog that was widely admired.
Famous owners include Napoleon III, Tsar Alexander II, The Prince of Wales, Richard Wagner and Rachmaninoff. The sheer size and power of the breed combined with its good nature resulted in it being adopted later as a working dog, on farms and in water. They are excellent swimmers, a result of their Newfoundland ancestry. They are gentle giants.
Dogo Argentino
Weight; 100 lbs
Bite force; 500 psi.
The Dogo Argentino is not as common as other large breed guard dogs, like the German Shepherd, but his loyalty, fearlessness and loving personality make him a good family dog.
Unfortunately, because of the Dogo’s athleticism and hunting abilities, he has become the breed of choice for some dog fighters and has been given an aggressive reputation. He is still banned in some countries including the UK, New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Singapore, Ukraine and Israel.
Dogo Canario
Weight; 145 lbs
Bite force; 540 psi.
Also called the Perro de Presa Canario, Canary Mastiff, Canary Dog, or Presa Canario. The Dogo Canario breed are classed as dangerous dogs, and require an experienced dog owner. He can become a dangerous dog if not properly trained and handled.
The Dogo, as he is affectionately called, is not good with small children. There have been reports where Dogo Canarios have killed people when they have not been properly trained. He is large, headstrong and very powerful. But he is not a horrible dog; when properly trained and handled, the Dogo Canario can be docile, obedient and loving.
He requires socialization early and training to begin no later than 8 weeks of age. The Dogo Canario should never be allowed to walk off-leash and when leashed, he should never be allowed to walk in front of his owner.
English Mastiff
Weight; 220 lbs
Bite force; 552 psi.
Another of the most powerful dog breeds, sometimes known as the Old English Mastiff, the Bullmastiff, or just Mastiff, which is notable for its huge head, a sturdy, muscular body, and its black mask. It is popular for its loyalty and gentleness.
This dog is calm and confident, not at all aggressive unless provoked, and can be easily domesticated. It is best suited to country and rural locations. They make excellent guard dogs.
Tosa Inu
Weight; 200 lbs
Bite force; 556 psi.
The Japanese Tosa is a remarkable dog. Brave and strong yet loving and devoted to his family, this is one dog who, despite over 900 years of breeding by humans, has managed to keep his mind and body in perfect balance.
A well socialized and mentally healthy Tosa-Inu (“Inu” means “dog” in Japanese – see also “Akita-Inu”) should be good with children, gentle and loving with his family, reserved but readily accepting of strangers. Under no circumstances should the dog be allowed to believe that he is the Alpha Male or Pack Leader.
Dogue de Bordeaux
Weight; 120 lbs
Bite force; 556 psi.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is an extremely old breed, probably originating in Roman times and descended from the Molosser-type dogs used by the Romans in battle. They are big, affectionate and very brave. Some people may say too brave for safety. They have a grumpy, intimidating appearance, but are calm unless provoked.
Famous for being the breed used in the Tom Hanks film “Turner and Hooch”.
Cane Corso
Weight; 120+ lbs
Bite force; 700 psi.
Now we are into the top 3 of the World’s most powerful dog breeds.
The Cane Corso breed (Italian Mastiff) is a big-boned and muscular dog of the mastiff type, more athletic than an English Mastiff, and not as heavy as its cousin the Neapolitan Mastiff, but still very imposing and intimidating.
Some people refer to the breed as the ‘Mike Tyson of the dog world’. This dog is packed with muscle. They have a rather serious, grumpy nature, and do not play much. NOT a dog for families with young children.
American Bandogge
Weight; 125 lbs
Bite force is 730 pounds per square inch.
The widely accepted recipe for an American Bandog is usually 50% American Pit Bull Terrier and 50% Neapolitan Mastiff, although some breeders use other mastiffs as well, like the English Mastiffs, Bullmastiffs, Cane Corsos, Rottweilers, Japanese Tosas, American Bulldogs, Brazilian Filas and so on, as well as English Bullterriers, American Staffordhires, Irish Staffies and others for the bull-n-terrier part of the equation.
This breed is illegal in many jurisdictions.
Kangal Dog (Kangal Shepherd Dog)
Weight; 145 lbs
Bite force; 743 psi.
This breed stands out among all other dog breeds for its immense strength, size, natural aggressiveness, and agility. This is the highest bite force measured on a dog. It is a type of Mastiff and is often regarded as a flock guardian for livestock. It is loyal and protective.
The breed is extremely gentle with their human owners, family and kids, but can be unreliable with people from outside the family, and especially strangers. The Kangal Dog is liable to attack anything it perceives to be a threat to the family, including wolves and bears. It is a great guard dog, but needs intensive training and socialization.
Other Powerful Dog Breeds
While the following powerful dog breeds may have the weight or the bite force of the previous breeds, they do not have the combination of both. It is the combination of weight, strength and bite force that makes up the power of a dog.
Siberian Husky
Weight; 60 lbs
Bite force; 320 psi
This breed of dogs is immensely strong, and they are resilient to the extremely cold temperature. Siberian Huskies are ideal working dogs and are often found with pioneering explorers in the Polar Regions.
It is not always suitable to every home since it is capable of jumping over fences at ease. The Siberian Husky has a bite force of 320 pounds. It has also got a tendency to howl rather than barking. If proper level of training is provided, this is a fierce and loyal dog which is great with children.
African Wild Dog
Weight; 80 lbs
Bite force 317 psi
They are often known as African painted dog or African Hunting dog. It is a natural hunter and is native to the lands of Sub-Saharan Africa. Although it is suffering under threat of human encroachment, it is still sustaining as one of the most genetically diverse dog breeds in the world even today.
The dog lives in a highly complex social system and is capable of thriving along with its pack members. However, the species count has reduced significantly due to its threat from the man.
Saint Bernard
Weight; 189 lbs
Bite force; not measured
This dog is well known as a loyal companion. It is also regarded as a perfect house pet to keep with children. The Saint Bernard is very gentle in nature, and that is the reason for which its immense physical strength often tends to get masked. It has always been used as a rescue animal. It is best used for searching people who have been buried in the snow.
Great Dane
Weight; 200 lbs
Bite force; Not measured
Also called the German Mastiff or Deutsche Dogge. It is one of the tallest dog breeds and is originally bred as a hunting dog. It is recognized for its grace of movement and great elegance.
It is known for being a gentle giant among most of the dog breeds since it has got a friendly nature and is well appreciated for its physical affection. They are an amazing companion to the family members, especially for children.
Alaskan Malamute
Weight; 85 lbs
Bite force; Not measured
The Alaskan Malamute is an active, loyal breed that loves to be with its family. These dogs are hardworking and have plenty of energy to play or exert through heavy exercise. Wonderful dogs! To truly appreciate and understand their amazing personality, one must look at a breed’s beginnings – why they were created in the first place.
It takes a great amount of energy, tenacity and stamina to be a sled dog in frigid climates, where getting along with people was a must if one was to survive and procreate.
They have a strong back and muscular body for pulling and carrying loads even across impossible terrains. One should start training a puppy just after taking it from the breeder and bringing it to home. An adult dog can pull a sled weighing up to 3,000 lbs, depending on its training.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Weight; 100 lbs
Bite force; 224 psi
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, powerful and athletic hound, extremely agile, originally from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in Africa.
These dogs were originally bred to protect the early white settlers in Africa, and to act as hunting dogs, particularly for hunting lions. They are also known as The African Lion Hound, for this reason.
Of course, no dog could bring down a lion by itself; the African hunters would use a pack of 6 to 8 dogs to chase and intimidate the lion, with the dogs eventually driving it into a corner where the hunters could then shoot it.
I hope this extensive list of the most powerful dog breeds in the World has been interesting! Please tell me if you think I have missed a breed that deserves to be included, using the Contact Me link. Thank you!
