Which Dog Has the Strongest Bite Force? Meet the Mighty Kangal
When it comes to dogs, we often think of loyalty, playfulness, and companionship. But some breeds also carry incredible strength — and in the world of canine power, one stat that stands out is bite force. So, which dog has the strongest bite in the world?
Answer: It’s the mighty Kangal.
Let’s take a closer look at this powerful breed and see how it compares to other strong-jawed dogs.
What Is Bite Force and How Is It Measured?
Bite force is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch) — a unit that tells you how much pressure is applied when a dog bites down. For comparison:
- A human’s bite force: around 120–160 PSI
- A lion: about 650 PSI
- A crocodile: over 3,000 PSI
So where does the strongest dog fit in?
The Kangal – The King of Bite Force
- Bite Force: 743 PSI
- Origin: Turkey
- Purpose: Livestock guardian
- Size: 28–34 inches tall, 90–145 pounds
- Temperament: Protective, loyal, calm
Also read: Greyhounds Unleashed The Truth About These Gentle Speedsters and Why They Make Great Pets.
The Kangal isn’t just a big dog — it’s a born protector. Bred in the rugged terrain of Turkey, these dogs are used to guarding flocks of sheep against wolves, jackals, and even bears.
Their massive heads and powerful jaws give them a bite force of 743 PSI, the strongest of any domesticated dog breed.
Despite this, Kangals are gentle giants with their families and known to be especially good with children.
Other Dogs with Strong Bite (Compared)
Let’s see how the Kangal stacks up against other powerful dog breeds:
| Breed | Bite Force (Approx. PSI) | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Kangal | 743 PSI | Turkey |
| Cane Corso | ~700 PSI | Italy |
| Dogo Argentino | ~600 PSI | Argentina |
| English Mastiff | ~550 PSI | England |
| Rottweiler | ~328 PSI | Germany |
| American Bulldog | ~305 PSI | USA |
| German Shepherd | ~238 PSI | Germany |
| American Pit Bull | ~235 PSI | USA |
Does a Strong Bite Mean Aggression?
Not necessarily.
Bite force is just a physical trait, not a behavior indicator. A dog with a strong bite can be calm and loving, while a smaller dog with less force might be reactive.
What matters more is training, socialization, and responsible ownership.
For example:
- Kangals are calm and quiet until they sense a real threat.
- Rottweilers are affectionate family dogs when trained well.
- Pit Bulls often get a bad rep but are actually very friendly when raised right.
Why Is Bite Force Important?
Understanding a dog’s bite strength can be useful in a few ways:
- Guard dog potential: Stronger bites may be helpful for protection work.
- Chew toy safety: Knowing which dogs are heavy chewers can help avoid broken toys (and swallowed pieces).
- Respect for breed needs: Powerful dogs require proper training, mental stimulation, and physical activity.
Kangal: The Gentle Giant With a Powerful Bite
While the Kangal tops the list for bite force, don’t let that intimidate you. These dogs are calm, intelligent, and protective — a breed designed to work closely with humans in challenging environments.
They’re not common household pets, especially outside of Turkey, but for those who can meet their needs, Kangals can be loyal, loving companions.
In Short: If you’re fascinated by dog breeds and their physical capabilities, the Kangal is definitely one to admire. From ancient livestock guardian to record-holder for the strongest bite, this breed proves that power and peace can live in the same body.
- Strongest bite: Kangal – 743 PSI
- Other strong breeds: Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Rottweiler
- Bite force ≠ aggression
- Training and care matter more than jaw power