Which Dogs Have the Worst Bite?

Every year, millions of Americans are bitten by dogs, and hundreds of thousands require medical treatment for serious injuries. When people ask, “Which dogs have the worst bite?” they are usually referring to one of three things:

Bite force (measured in pounds per square inch or PSI)
The likelihood of causing severe injuries
The frequency with which certain breeds are involved in serious or fatal attacks

The answer is more complicated than simply naming one breed. While some large, powerful dogs can inflict devastating injuries because of their size and jaw strength, veterinary experts agree that a dog’s behavior is influenced by many factors, including training, socialization, genetics, health, and owner responsibility. No breed is inherently guaranteed to bite, and any dog is capable of attacking under the wrong circumstances. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a dog attack in Illinois, understanding the risks and your legal rights can make an important difference in your recovery.

“Every dog bite case is unique. While some attacks involve powerful breeds capable of causing devastating injuries, the law focuses on whether the owner acted responsibly, not simply the breed of the dog. Victims deserve experienced legal representation to help them recover physically and financially after a serious attack.” — John J. Malm, Naperville dog bite lawyer

How Common Are Dog Bites?

Dog bites remain a significant public health issue throughout the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the United States.
Around 800,000 victims require medical treatment each year.
Children are among the most frequent victims of serious bites.
During 2011-2021, the United States recorded 468 fatalities resulting from being bitten or struck by a dog, an average of 43 deaths annually.

Although fatal attacks receive widespread media attention, they represent only a tiny fraction of dog bite injuries. Most victims suffer:

Deep puncture wounds
Lacerations
Torn muscles and tendons
Facial injuries
Broken bones
Nerve damage
Psychological trauma

What Does Bite Force (PSI) Mean?

When discussing “the worst bite,” many people refer to bite force, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). A higher PSI generally means a dog can generate more crushing power, but bite force alone does not determine how dangerous a bite is. Factors such as:

Bite location
Number of bites
Whether the dog refuses to release
Victim’s age
Dog’s size

often have a much greater impact on injury severity.

Dogs With the Strongest Bite Force

Several large working breeds possess exceptionally powerful jaws.

Kangal

Estimated Bite Force: Approximately 700+ PSI

Originally bred to protect livestock from wolves and predators, the Kangal is generally considered to have the strongest measured bite force among domestic dog breeds.

Cane Corso

Estimated Bite Force: Approximately 650-700 PSI

Originally bred as an Italian guardian and protection dog, Cane Corsos are muscular, athletic dogs capable of inflicting catastrophic injuries if they attack.

English Mastiff

Estimated Bite Force: Approximately 550 PSI

Despite their generally calm temperament, Mastiffs are enormous dogs whose size alone can make attacks especially dangerous.

Rottweiler

Estimated Bite Force: Approximately 325-350 PSI

Rottweilers are intelligent working dogs frequently used in police and protection work. Poor training or irresponsible ownership can increase the risk of aggressive behavior.

German Shepherd

Estimated Bite Force: Approximately 235-290 PSI

German Shepherds are among America’s most popular dogs and serve extensively in law enforcement and military roles. Although typically loyal and trainable, they possess significant strength.

American Bulldog

Estimated Bite Force: Approximately 300 PSI

These athletic dogs are capable of causing severe crushing injuries during an attack.

Which Dogs Cause the Most Serious Injuries?

Medical experts often focus less on bite force and more on injury severity.

Large dogs can:

Knock victims to the ground
Bite repeatedly
Cause crushing injuries
Tear muscles and ligaments
Inflict permanent disfigurement

Serious injuries frequently involve:

Pit bull-type dogs
Rottweilers
German Shepherds
Cane Corsos
Mastiffs
Huskies
Belgian Malinois

However, experts caution that no national registry accurately tracks every bite by breed, and breed identification is frequently uncertain after an attack. The American Veterinary Medical Association has emphasized that focusing exclusively on breed oversimplifies a complex public safety issue.

Why Some Dogs Cause More Severe Injuries

Several characteristics increase the likelihood that an attack will result in catastrophic injuries:

Large Body Weight

Dogs weighing 70 to 150 pounds can overpower adults and children alike.

Strong Jaw Muscles

Powerful jaws create:

Bone fractures
Nerve damage
Crushed tissue

Bite-and-Hold Behavior

Some dogs continue biting or refuse to release, dramatically increasing tissue damage.

Protective or Territorial Instincts

Guarding breeds may react aggressively when they perceive a threat to their owner, family, or property.

Children Face the Greatest Risk

Children are disproportionately injured during dog attacks. Young children often:

Cannot recognize warning signs
Approach unfamiliar dogs
Are face-level with many dogs
Cannot defend themselves

As a result, children commonly suffer:

Facial lacerations
Eye injuries
Skull fractures
Permanent scarring
Emotional trauma

The CDC has consistently identified children as among the most vulnerable victims of serious dog bites.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites frequently cause much more than puncture wounds. Victims often suffer:

Deep lacerations
Torn tendons
Crushed fingers
Hand injuries
Broken bones
Facial disfigurement
Eye injuries
Nerve damage
Permanent loss of function
Infection
Rabies exposure concerns
PTSD and anxiety

Many victims require:

Emergency surgery
Plastic surgery
Skin grafts
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Counseling

Can Small Dogs Cause Serious Injuries?

Absolutely. Although larger dogs typically inflict more severe trauma, small dogs can still cause:

Permanent hand injuries
Facial scarring
Serious infections
Nerve damage

Children are particularly vulnerable regardless of the dog’s size.

Why Owner Responsibility Matters More Than Breed Alone

Animal behavior experts generally agree that a dog’s breed is only one factor influencing aggression. Other important factors include:

Poor socialization
Abuse or neglect
Improper training
Lack of supervision
Failure to leash or restrain the dog
Medical problems causing pain
Intact (unneutered) males in some circumstances

Responsible ownership significantly reduces the risk of bites across virtually every breed.

Illinois Dog Bite Law Protects Victims

Illinois has one of the country’s strongest dog bite statutes. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, dog owners are generally liable when:

Their dog attacks someone.
The victim was lawfully present.
The victim did not provoke the dog.

Unlike some states, Illinois does not require proof that the owner knew the dog had previously bitten someone.

What Should You Do After a Dog Bite?

Your actions immediately following an attack can significantly affect both your health and legal claim. Important steps include:

Seek immediate medical treatment.
Photograph your injuries.
Report the attack to local animal control.
Obtain the owner’s information.
Identify witnesses.
Preserve damaged clothing.
Follow all medical recommendations.
Speak with an experienced Illinois dog bite attorney before discussing the claim with insurance adjusters.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Bites

Which dog has the strongest bite?

The Kangal is widely believed to have the strongest bite force among domestic dog breeds, with estimates exceeding 700 PSI.

Which dogs are involved in the most serious attacks?

Large, muscular breeds, including pit bull-type dogs, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Cane Corsos, Mastiffs, and Huskies, are frequently associated with severe injuries, although experts caution that breed identification in attack reports is often unreliable and no comprehensive national breed database exists.

Can I sue after a dog bite in Illinois?

Yes. Illinois law allows many victims to pursue compensation without proving the owner knew the dog was dangerous.

What compensation can I recover?

Depending on your injuries, you may recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, future treatment, pain and suffering, disability, scarring, and emotional distress.

How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit?

Most Illinois personal injury claims, including dog bite cases, are subject to a two-year statute of limitations, although exceptions may apply.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?

Not before speaking with an attorney. Early settlement offers often fail to account for future medical treatment, permanent scarring, or long-term emotional trauma.

Contact the Top Illinois Dog Attack Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates After a Serious Dog Bite

A serious dog attack can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Whether you’ve suffered puncture wounds, permanent scarring, nerve damage, or another serious injury, you shouldn’t have to bear the burden alone. At John J. Malm & Associates, our experienced Illinois dog bite attorneys understand the complex medical and legal issues involved in these cases and have helped injury victims pursue the compensation they deserve. We will thoroughly investigate your claim, preserve critical evidence, negotiate aggressively with insurance companies, and, when necessary, take your case to court. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, contact John J. Malm & Associates today for a free consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights and maximize your recovery.