What is the strongest dog breed? Top 10 contenders

When it comes to strength in the canine world, certain breeds stand out, whether it's due to their powerful muscles, endurance, or sheer bite force.

But what makes a dog breed "strong"? And which breed takes the crown as the strongest of them all?

Let's delve into these questions and explore the top 10 strongest dog breeds. But first, let's answer a key question:

What makes a dog strong?

Physical strength vs. bite force

When evaluating a dog's strength, it’s important to consider more than just their size or appearance. When we talk about a dog's strength here, we're looking at two main factors:

• Bite force: This measures the power of a dog’s jaws, usually in pounds per square inch (PSI). While it’s just one part of the equation, bite force is a critical indicator of how strong a dog can be, especially when it comes to protection.

• Physical strength: This is all about muscle mass, endurance, and agility. Think of tasks like pulling heavy loads, running long distances, or guarding. It’s the overall body strength that lets a dog do physically demanding jobs.

What dog has the strongest bite?

Kangal

Superpower: Bite force champion

• Bite Force: 743 PSI (Most powerful recorded bite)

• Weight: 90-145 lbs

• Known For: Strongest recorded bite force, protective instincts

The Kangal stands out as the dog breed with the strongest bite, clocking in at 743 PSI. This makes it the top dog in terms of jaw power, far surpassing other strong breeds like the American Pit Bull Terrier and Rottweiler.

This breed hails from Turkey and has been bred for centuries as a guardian dog, specifically to protect livestock from predators like wolves, bears, and jackals.

Their immense jaw strength, paired with a calm and protective nature, makes them exceptionally effective at deterring threats.

What dog has the most physical strength?

Mastiff (English, Tibetan, Bullmastiff, etc.)

Superpower: Giant guardians

• Bite Force: 556 PSI

• Weight: 120-230 lbs (English Mastiff)

• Known For: Massive size, physical power, protective nature

Mastiffs are among the largest and most powerful dog breeds in the world, with a history that stretches back thousands of years.

Originally bred as war dogs and guardians, Mastiffs were used by ancient civilizations to protect homes, estates, and even engage in battle.

Among the various Mastiff breeds, the English Mastiff stands out for its immense size and physical strength, often weighing between 120 and 230 pounds or more. This sheer mass, combined with their powerful build, makes the English Mastiff one of the most physically formidable dogs.

8 other super-strong dog breeds

Let's dive into the remaining contenders known for their impressive strength:

American Pit Bull Terrier

Superpower: Tenacity and muscular build

• Bite Force: 235 PSI

• Weight: 30-65 lbs

• Known For: Muscular build, high energy, determination

American Pit Bull Terriers are well-known for their tenacity and muscular build.

While their bite force is lower compared to other breeds on this list, their overall physical strength and agility make them one of the most powerful dogs relative to their size.

Originally bred for bull-baiting and later as farm dogs, they have a reputation for resilience and determination.

Their strength lies in their muscles and stamina, allowing them to perform a wide range of physically demanding tasks.

Rottweiler

Superpower: Balanced power and guarding instincts

• Bite Force: 328 PSI

• Weight: 80-135 lbs

• Known For: Natural guarding instincts, muscular stature

Rottweilers are a breed known for their strong bite and robust physique.

Historically, Rottweilers were used to herd livestock and pull carts laden with butchered meat to market.

Their guarding instincts developed from their role as protectors of livestock and property, making them formidable guard dogs today.

The breed's strength, endurance, and loyalty make them excellent working dogs and protectors.

Saint Bernard

Superpower: Rescue heroes

• Bite Force: 195 PSI

• Weight: 120-180 lbs

• Known For: Strength in harsh conditions, rescue work

Saint Bernards are renowned for their rescue work in the Swiss Alps, where they were bred by monks to find and assist travelers lost in the snow.

Their large size and strength were necessary to navigate deep snow and carry supplies, while their gentle temperament made them ideal companions in dangerous conditions.

Although their bite force isn't as strong as some other breeds, their overall strength and endurance have made them legendary in rescue missions.

German Shepherd

Superpower: Versatile strength and intelligence

• Bite Force: 238 PSI

• Weight: 50-90 lbs

• Known For: Police and military work, agility, intelligence

German Shepherds are highly versatile working dogs, originally bred in Germany for herding sheep.

Their intelligence, strength, and agility have made them the preferred breed for police and military work around the world.

German Shepherds have a well-balanced combination of strength and speed, which, along with their high trainability, allows them to excel in roles that require both physical and mental toughness.

Siberian Husky

Superpower: Endurance and pulling strength

• Bite Force: 320 PSI

• Weight: 35-60 lbs

• Known For: Sled pulling, high endurance, speed

Siberian Huskies are built for endurance and speed, developed by the Chukchi people of Siberia to pull sleds over long distances in harsh climates.

Their strength lies in their ability to maintain high speeds over extended periods, making them ideal sled dogs for traversing frozen landscapes.

Their lighter frame compared to other strong breeds allows them to move quickly while still exerting significant pulling power. (Have a Husky pup? (We have a few Husky name ideas you can draw on for inspiration.)

Alaskan Malamute

Superpower: Heavy load pulling

• Bite Force: 195 PSI

• Weight: 75-100 lbs

• Known For: Pulling heavy loads, strength and endurance

Alaskan Malamutes are larger and stronger than Siberian Huskies, originally bred by the Inuit people to haul heavy freight across frozen tundra.

Their strength, combined with their ability to endure cold and harsh conditions, makes them the ideal breed for pulling heavy loads over long distances.

Their calm and friendly temperament also makes them great companions, although their strength and independence require experienced handling.

Doberman Pinscher

Superpower: Agility and precision

• Bite Force: 245 PSI

• Weight: 60-100 lbs

• Known For: Guarding, speed, precision

Doberman Pinschers were developed in Germany by a tax collector named Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, who wanted a loyal and intelligent guard dog to protect him during his rounds.

Their sleek, muscular bodies are built for speed and agility, allowing them to react quickly and protect effectively. Dobermans are known for their intelligence and loyalty, making them excellent guard dogs and protectors.

Great Dane

Superpower: Towering strength

• Bite Force: 238 PSI

• Weight: 100-200 lbs

• Known For: Sheer size, gentle temperament

Great Danes are gentle giants, originally bred by German nobility for hunting large game such as wild boar.

Their enormous size and strength allowed them to take down powerful prey, while their gentle and friendly nature has made them popular as family pets.

What influences a dog’s strength?

The role of genetics and breeding

A dog's strength starts with its genes. Over centuries, breeders have developed certain dogs to excel in specific tasks:

• Guarding and protection: Breeds like the Kangal were bred to protect livestock, leading to powerful muscles and strong bites.

• Hunting and retrieving: Breeds like the Rottweiler and Mastiff were developed for hunting large game and protecting territory, resulting in both physical power and a strong bite.

• Pulling and endurance: Breeds like the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute were bred to pull sleds over long distances, making them incredibly strong and resilient.

What else makes a dog strong?

While genetics give a dog its potential, other factors play a big role in realizing that strength:

• Diet and health: A balanced diet and regular health check-ups ensure a dog maintains its muscle mass and overall physical well-being.

• Training: Proper training can enhance a dog’s natural strength, helping them perform specific tasks more effectively.

• Environment: The right environment, including space to run and tasks that engage their physical abilities, is essential for a dog to reach its full strength potential.

Strength beyond muscles: Mental toughness

True strength isn’t just about muscles and bite force—it’s also about what’s inside. A strong dog is one that’s mentally tough, loyal, and well-trained. This combination of physical power and mental resilience is what truly makes a dog strong.

The importance of responsible ownership

The strongest dog breeds, like the Kangal, American Pit Bull Terrier, and Rottweiler, are impressive in both physical strength and bite force.

But strength isn't just about power—it's also about temperament, training, and responsible ownership.

And remember: With great canine strength comes great pet parent responsibility.

Whether you're drawn to a breed for its strength or other qualities (like cuteness), it's essential to consider the full picture before bringing any dog into your home.

With great canine strength comes great pet parent responsibility.

Leanna Zeibak

If you're planning on buying from a breeder, make sure you do your research to find one that's responsible and doesn't breed dogs that have hereditary health conditions they can pass on.

If you’re considering adopting a strong breed from a shelter, make sure to ask the shelter volunteers and the director about the dog's temperament—get as much of their story as you can.

It can help guide you as to whether they'll be a good fit in your household and will make you aware of their potential triggers.

Regardless of where you get your Herculean pup, focus on training and socializing as soon as possible to prevent any potential behavioral issues from cropping up.

How dog insurance factors in

Sure, your Doberman might look invincible—but even the most formidable breeds can't escape the inevitable illnesses and accidents that seem to crop up in a dog's life.

Dog insurance can provide peace of mind, covering your powerful pup for any unforeseen events.

Learn more:

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Remember, choosing a dog is about more than just fitting in with your aesthetic.

It's about finding the right companion for your lifestyle and home.

If you’re still deciding, you might want to explore our post on how to choose the right breed for you!