Facts about the animal kingdom

The Strongest Dog Breed in the World

Olivia Grisham
By Olivia Grisham, Journalist specialized in animal care. December 28, 2017
The Strongest Dog Breed in the World
Dogs

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It is difficult to choose a single dog as the strongest dog breed in the world. There are several characteristics that give great strength to a dog, such as their body and bite.

Despite the strength of a dog, they should never be used to fight. They must be educated from an early age with positive reinforcement and giving them all the love and affection they deserve. A dog is as dangerous as their owner wants them to be, so despite their strength, they don't necessarily have to be aggressive or dangerous dogs.

If you want to know which is the strongest dog in the world, continue reading this AnimalWised article.

You may also be interested in: What Is the Strongest Animal in the World?

Contents

  1. The strongest dog breed according to weight and size
  2. The strongest dog according to their bite
  3. The strongest dog in the world, the Turkish Kangal
  4. Full list of strongest dog breeds in the world

The strongest dog breed according to weight and size

The body of a dog is a key factor in measuring strength. The bigger and heavier they are, the stronger they should be. The heaviest dog in the world is the English Mastiff, whose weight can reach and even exceed 100 kilos.

There are other breeds of dogs that can also reach 100 kilos (220 lbs) of weight, such as the Japanese Mastiff or Tosa, but these are rare dogs and their real average weight is somewhat lower. In addition to being large dogs, English mastiffs are strong dogs with a prominent head and jaw that simply impress.

The Strongest Dog Breed in the World - The strongest dog breed according to weight and size

The strongest dog according to their bite

In addition to their body mass, when deciding which is the strongest dog in the world, a dog's bite force is also a key factor. In this sense, two breeds with the strongest bites can be highlighted:

  • Mastiff: All the sub-breeds that make up the mastiff family have a really strong bite, although some more than others.
  • Rottweiler: This breed has a very powerful head, jaw and neck that makes their bite have an enormous strength, so much so that it equals the mastiff's.
The Strongest Dog Breed in the World - The strongest dog according to their bite

The strongest dog in the world, the Turkish Kangal

If we combine these two characteristics we bet on the Turkish kangal as the strongest dog in the world. It is a molosser breed type that comes from a cross with an English mastiff.

They can weigh up to 100 kilos (220 lbs) and their head and jaws are really big, which makes them have a formidable bite strength. They are a fierce dog breed that has worked for generations to keep the herd safe from wolves and strangers and, at the same time, is a very quiet and family loving dog, so if they are educated well from childhood they are an ideal dog for a family, whether or not you have small children.

Do you agree with this choice? Which is the strongest dog in the world according to your judgment? Tell us about it in the comments!

The Strongest Dog Breed in the World - The strongest dog in the world, the Turkish Kangal

Full list of strongest dog breeds in the world

Now that you know which is the strongest dog breed in the world, we'd like to let you know what breeds are the runner-ups for this position:

  1. Turkish kangal: The first position for the strongest dog breed in the world goes to the Kangal. As mentioned above, the combination of size and bite makes them highly powerful, especially due to the fact that they have had to face pretty dangerous animals throughout the years.
  2. Saint Bernard: Although calm and commonly well-behaved, the Saint Bernard comes second on this list as they have historically needed all the strength they have to survive as mountain guide dogs during many years.
  3. Carpathian Shepherd: The bronze on this list goes to the Carpathian Shepherd, yet another mountain dog that has had to fight the attacks of wolves, bears and other wild animals during many years. Their size and the power of their jaws makes them reach this high position on the top 10 strongest dog breeds.
  4. Alaskan Malamute: This type of husky dog also makes the list and is a well-known mountain dog too. Taller and heavier than the Siberian Husky, this furry dog can reach between 54 to 60 kilos (75 to 100 pounds) in weight.
  5. Rottweiler: As mentioned above, this German dog breed has one of the strongest bites of all. Dating back to the Roman Empire, this breed's ancestors were used for protection and herding. It is no wonder it is one of the strongest!
  6. Dogo Argentino: Originally hunters too, this extremely muscular dog was used as a fighting dog by the Araucarians or Mapuche group in pre-Columbine South America. As a fun fact, you should know that this dog breed has one of the worst senses of smell.
  7. Pit bull: Probably one of the most well-known dogs for their strength, the pit bull was originally bred for fighting purposes. However, through a good socialization and education from puppyhood, this dog breed can be highly affectionate and, despite their reputation, are not dangerous in the slightest.
  8. English Bulldog: Don't let their size fool you, the English Bulldog is highly muscular and is pretty heavy built. As their name suggests, in their past they were used to herd bulls. However, even though they may be strong, they have a very calm and docile character and are very good around children.
  9. Siberian Husky: We bet you were waiting for this mountain dog to appear on the list of strongest dog breeds. Well, the Siberian Husky was used by the Chuckchi nomadic tribes to carry goods and people by dragging sleds due to their great amount of strength. Moreover, they also have a very strong prey drive.
  10. German Shepherd: This dog is one of the most used as police dogs, and it's no wonder! Their amazing sense of smell and their powerful sturdy body.

If you want to read similar articles to The Strongest Dog Breed in the World, we recommend you visit our Facts about the animal kingdom category.

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10 comments
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Debbie
What about the Great Pyrenees ?? He is much larger with a stronger bite psi the over half the dogs you mentioned
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ZaztheOne
Good article. I have owned a lot of dogs and rescued hundreds in my life. My weights are by vet scales not my guess. I've had 21 Anatolian / Kangals. My largest Kangal, Thor normally weighed 212 - 217. Had 9 Irish Wolfhounds, largest, Reagan was 197, Had 3 English Mastiffs, largest, Duke 223. 1 Caucasian Orcharka, Oscar weighed between 220 - 227. 8 Great Danes larges 169. I was very careful that my dogs did not fight, I didn't want them hurt and I had to pay the vet for the winner and loser. Thor and Oscar played a lot together but Thor was much quicker and more agile. The largest dog I ever saw was an Irish Wolfhound that was in Chapel Hill, NC, he really would have been twice Reagan weigh and at least 10" taller at the shoulder. I have also rescued and raised a dozen tigers, Alex the largest estimated weight was 850#, he was liter mate to Sigmund & Roy's first 2 white tigers. When Alex was younger and only about 200#, he started a fight with a 55# Airedale. The Airedale chewed him up until I could get him off. The only 2 things Alex respected was me and the Airedale. Regarding Bite strength, Peter Capstick an African guide, writer and really nice guy said the Spotted Hyena had a stronger bite than either the African Lion or Tiger. Sorry I don't know how to put a photo on.
Administrador AnimalWised
That's OK, than you so much for sharing!
Kevin Hobson
You seem to be completely missing the Irish Wolfhound. As the only dog to have exterminated its prey and the tallest breed it should surely be on your list. It also predates the Roman invasion of Britain and was used by the Celts as a war dog. However, when I type it into your search engine it doesn't even come up.
Administrador AnimalWised
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for your comment. We have made a note of your suggestion!
Rating:
Beauford
Very informative article, I wouldn't want to mess with any of them!
Rating:
Man
Very wrong. The strongest and best fighter dog in the world is Georgian(Caucadian) Shepherd
Kush
Kangal is definitely the strongest. Good choice!
Administrador AnimalWised
They are a very strong breed!
zachary watts
Trust me I have had some of the biggest dogs on your list but I am going to tell you now the Dogo Argentino is the most unbeliebaly strong dog in the world. They have some much muscle and tenactiy. Do not buy this breed unless you are very experienced and strong. Women will not be able t0 handle this breed I promise you. Dogo's are aroung 110lbs but much more powerfull than say a mastiff or a boerbol. Trust me!!!
Rating:
Laura Zarboni
What about the Newfoundland mine was 185lbs and could bite a broom handle into with one snap.
And the huge dog in china i dont know its exact breed type but it looks like a giant chow.
Administrador AnimalWised
The Newfoundland is a strong dog breed, you are correct, although they do not have the defined musculature of other breeds. The main reason for their strength is their sheer size. They are often employed as water rescue dogs, partly because they are strong enough to help carry adult humans away from danger.
Day
Why write about something you seem to know nothing about?
Administrador AnimalWised
Hello Day,

Would you be able to qualify your comment? Do you disagree with the research?
RUu
Tibetan mastiff(Not Chinese, the purebred one) is 3rd strongest dog after Kangal and Caucasian Shepherd. It has height of 23-31 inches at withers, weights up to 80 kg and has a bite of up to 650 psi (556 average). Deserves to be in this list.
Administrador AnimalWised
Hi Ruu

Thank you for your comment

We are very thankful for any extra information given from our readers.

Big thanx from AnimalWised
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The Strongest Dog Breed in the World