Every year, dog attacks send thousands of people to the hospital. According to recent statistics from the Center For Disease Control and Prevention, 4.5 million dog bites are recorded every year in the U.S., and a large portion of those bites get infected, leading to further complications. Whether a dog is reacting to a stressful situation, feels threatened or is simply protecting her puppies, a bite can mean serious injury, disfigurement and even broken bones.
Believe it or not, some of the smallest canines are more prone to biting. Pekingese, chihuahuas, Lhasa Apsos and Jack Russel terriers top the list for dogs that bite the most, but when considering the potential dangers of a nip, which canine breed delivers the strongest bite? The most accurate way to answer this question is by looking at the PSI strength, which is the pound per square inch of biting force.
Not surprisingly, the dogs with the strongest bites are not tiny toy breeds – they are medium and large-sized canines that are common pets in many households.
Which dogs have the strongest bites?
There are two main breeds that are associated with the most severe dog attack injuries, the pit bull and the Rottweiler, the latter of which has one of the strongest biting forces at a whopping 328 PSI.
Rottweilers
Renowned for their endurance, agility and intelligence, Rottweilers have a stout, powerful build and are often used in police work due to their dependable guarding instincts, trainability and strength. The bite force of this popular breed is 328 pounds per square inch – more than double the average Rottweiler weight.
English Mastiffs
In terms of sheer body mass, the English Mastiff is the largest dog breed. The biggest of these gentle giants tipped the scales at nearly 350 pounds, roughly the size of a small donkey. Thankfully this breed is praised for its loving nature as its bite force is 556 pound per square inch.
Dobermans
This medium-large breed is cherished for its fierce loyalty, and often used for protecting property and family. Dobermans have earned a reputation for being vicious and overly aggressive, but the personality and temperament of each dog hinges on how it was raised and trained. One thing is for certain: with a bite force of 245 PSI, their jaws are capable of breaking bones.
German Shepherds
German Shepherds are among the most popular canine pets, thanks to their keen intelligence, loyalty and ability to learn new tasks. Shepherds are often used in search and rescue missions, police operations and as service dogs, and can be wonderful companions. While they can be docile pets, German Shepherds have an extremely powerful bite force of 238 PSI.
American Bulldogs
This breed is known for its stocky, muscular build and confident nature. Historically bred as a utility dog for catching animals on working farms and protecting the owner’s property, American Bulldogs can also make nice family pets if properly trained and socialized. When threatened or provoked, they may be prone to attack, and have a bite force of 305 PSI.
Despite good training and responsible ownership, even family pets with no history of aggression can lash out and bite. If you suffered injuries from a dog bite or animal attack in Louisiana, you may be entitled to legal compensation from negligent parties. Discuss your options for legal recourse with Lafayette dog bite lawyer Bart Bernard. Call today for a free case review with no obligation to proceed!
Additional Resources:
- PetComments, Top 12 Dogs with the Strongest Bite http://petcomments.com/ten-dogs-which-have-the-strongest-bite/
- CanineJournal, Dog Bite Statistics https://www.caninejournal.com/dog-bite-statistics/
- PuppyToob, 10 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds Based on Biting and Fatality Statistics http://puppytoob.com/dog-breeds/the-10-most-dangerous-dog-breeds-based-on-biting-statistics/