Top 5 Dog Breeds with the Strongest Bite Force

Dog bites are a serious public safety issue in the United States, with approximately 4.5 million people bitten each year, many of them children. The severity of these injuries often depends on one key factor: bite force, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). The higher the PSI, the more crushing damage a dog can inflict, leading to deep puncture wounds, fractures, nerve damage, and even permanent disability.

Understanding which dog breeds have the strongest bites is important not only for safety awareness, but also for evaluating liability and damages in Illinois dog bite cases. In this blog, we break down the top five breeds with the strongest bite force and what to do if you’ve been attacked by a dog.

What Is Bite Force and Why Does It Matter?

Bite force refers to the amount of pressure a dog’s jaws exert when it bites, expressed in PSI. For context:

• Average human bite force: ~162 PSI
• Strong working dogs: 200–400 PSI
• The strongest breeds: 500–740+ PSI

A higher bite force often correlates with:

• More severe tissue damage
• Increased likelihood of bone fractures
• Greater need for surgery or long-term medical care

However, it’s important to note that bite force alone does not determine aggression: training, environment, and ownership play a major role.

1. Kangal (743 PSI)

The Kangal consistently ranks as the dog breed with the strongest bite force in the world.

• Bite Force: ~743 PSI
• Origin: Turkey
• Purpose: Livestock guardian

Bred to protect sheep from wolves and bears, Kangals possess extraordinary jaw strength capable of crushing bone. Their size, muscular build, and protective instincts make them formidable animals.

Key Traits:

• Extremely powerful jaws
• Highly protective and territorial
• Typically calm when properly trained

Legal Insight:
Although rare in the U.S., attacks involving high-PSI breeds like the Kangal often result in catastrophic injuries and significant damages claims.

2. American Bandogge (730 PSI)

The American Bandogge is a hybrid mastiff-type dog bred specifically for guarding and protection.

• Bite Force: ~730 PSI
• Type: Mastiff–bulldog mix
• Purpose: Guard dog

Bandogs combine the size of mastiffs with the tenacity of bulldogs, resulting in one of the most powerful bite forces recorded.

Key Traits:

• Large, muscular frame
• Strong guarding instincts
• Requires experienced handling and training

Legal Insight:
Because Bandogs are often bred for protection, improper training or negligent ownership can significantly increase liability exposure in a dog bite case.

3. Cane Corso (700 PSI)

The Cane Corso, also known as the Italian Mastiff, is widely used for personal and property protection.

• Bite Force: ~700 PSI
• Origin: Italy
• Purpose: Guarding, hunting

This breed combines intelligence with immense strength, making it both highly trainable and potentially dangerous in the wrong hands.

Key Traits:

• Powerful, athletic build
• Highly intelligent and trainable
• Strong protective instincts

Legal Insight:
Due to their popularity in the U.S., Cane Corsos are more frequently involved in dog bite litigation compared to rarer breeds like the Kangal.

4. Dogue de Bordeaux (556 PSI)

Also known as the French Mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux has one of the strongest bites among commonly recognized breeds.

• Bite Force: ~556 PSI
• Origin: France
• Purpose: Guarding and protection

Despite their calm demeanor, their massive head and jaw muscles allow them to generate tremendous force.

Key Traits:

• Large head and jaw structure
• Loyal and protective
• Can cause severe crushing injuries

Legal Insight:
Even a single bite from a Dogue de Bordeaux can result in permanent scarring or disfigurement, increasing claim value.

5. English Mastiff (552 PSI)

The English Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds in the world and possesses a correspondingly powerful bite.

• Bite Force: ~552 PSI
• Origin: England
• Purpose: Guarding, war dog historically

Although often described as “gentle giants,” their physical strength makes any attack potentially devastating.

Key Traits:

• Massive size (often over 150 pounds)
• Calm but protective
• Capable of inflicting severe trauma

Legal Insight:
Because of their size alone, Mastiff-related incidents often involve knockdown injuries in addition to bites, compounding damages.

Key Takeaways About Strong Dog Bites

When evaluating dog bite risks and injury severity, consider the following:

• Higher PSI = greater injury severity
• Large breeds tend to have stronger bites
• Training and supervision matter more than breed alone
• Even “friendly” dogs can cause serious harm under stress

Common Injuries from High-Force Dog Bites

Victims of attacks involving strong-bite breeds often suffer:

• Deep puncture wounds
• Crushed bones and fractures
• Nerve damage
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Psychological trauma (especially in children)

In severe cases, injuries may require reconstructive surgery or result in long-term disability.

A Legal Perspective: Why Bite Force Matters

“When a dog has the capacity to exert extreme bite force, the injuries are often life-altering. Victims deserve full compensation for both the physical and emotional harm they endure.” — John J. Malm, Naperville dog attack attorney

In Illinois, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, meaning victims do not have to prove prior aggression. Often, strong-bite breeds often result in higher-value claims due to the severity of injuries involved.

FAQs about Strong Dog Bites and Injury Claims

Q: Which dog has the strongest bite force?

A: The Kangal has the strongest recorded bite force at approximately 743 PSI.

Q: Does a stronger bite mean a more dangerous dog?

A: No. Bite force measures physical capability, not temperament. Training and environment are critical factors.

Q: Are certain breeds more likely to cause severe injuries?

A: Yes. Larger breeds with stronger bite forces are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries, including fractures and nerve damage.

Contact the Top Injury Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates After a Dog Bite Injury

Dog attacks involving powerful breeds can leave victims facing overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and long-term trauma. You should not have to navigate that process alone.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have extensive experience handling serious dog bite cases throughout Illinois. We understand how to investigate these claims, document injuries, and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, contact our firm today for a free consultation. We are here to protect your rights and help you move forward with confidence.