What Dog Has the Strongest Bite?

All dog breeds can bite, and any dog breed has the potential to cause serious injury. However, medium to extra-large dog breeds with powerful bite force are more likely to cause serious, long-lasting injury or death. Some breeds, like the Kangal, which holds the record for the strongest dog bite at 700-750 PSI, have been bred for protection, using their strength to guard livestock in their native Turkey. While many factors contribute to a dog’s likelihood to bite someone—such as its training, history, the situation, and its owner’s behavior—a dog’s bite strength is a significant factor in the seriousness of a potential injury.

If you have been injured in a dog bite incident, our experienced Indiana dog bite attorneys may be able to help. Incidents that result in serious injury can lead to substantial damages, including medical bills, wage loss, and pain and suffering.

How Bite Force Is Measured in Dogs

Bite force in dogs is measured using a device called a bite force meter, which calculates pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI).

• Testing Process: Dogs are encouraged to bite a sensor pad with a specific object or dummy that records the maximum pressure exerted by their jaws.
• Factors to Consider: Measurements can vary depending on the dog’s age, health, stress levels, and bite angle.
  Researchers use these measurements to understand breed capabilities better, though real-world conditions (e.g., defending against an attacker) may affect actual bite force.

Understanding PSI Ratings for Dogs

PSI, or pounds per square inch, is a unit of pressure representing the force a dog’s jaws exert on an area of one square inch. Higher PSI ratings indicate stronger jaw power, which can significantly impact the severity of injuries in bite incidents.

• Comparisons:
  • Kangal (743 PSI) vs. a lion (650 PSI): Kangals deliver a stronger bite than a lion’s jaws.
  • German Shepherd (238 PSI) vs. human bite (162 PSI): German Shepherds exert over 75 PSI more than humans.
• Legal Relevance: A dog’s PSI rating is sometimes used in legal cases to assess the potential damage caused by an attack. This data can be pivotal when establishing negligence or liability.

Factors That Affect Bite Force in Dogs

Several variables influence the bite force of dogs, even within the same breed:

• Size and Skull Shape: Larger dogs with broader skulls, like Mastiffs, naturally generate more pressure.
• Training and Aggression Levels: Due to conditioning, dogs trained for protection may exhibit higher bite forces. However, aggression isn’t always tied to bite force.
• Jaw Musculature: The development of strong jaw muscles through genetics or physical activity directly contributes to bite strength.
• Age and Health: Puppies or senior dogs may exhibit weaker bite forces than healthy adult dogs.

Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite

The strength of a dog breed’s bite is measured by pressure when a dog bites down. Pound per Square Inch, or PSI, is the measurement that demonstrates the amount of pressure. The greater the force with which a dog bites down on something, the higher the PSI number.  For comparison, a full-grown lion bites down with a force of 691 PSI, and the average adult human has a bite strength of 140 PSI. There are a couple of dog breeds in the world that have a stronger bite than a lion and other wild counterparts. With so much power, it is clear how certain dog breeds can easily cause serious injury or death when they attack someone.  While there are several exotic and uncommon dog breeds with formidable PSI ratings, the below ranking consists of dog breeds that are common in the United States with the strongest bites.

1. Kangal, 743 PSI. The Turkish Kangal is a shepherd dog that is largely known as the dog breed with the strongest bite in the world. Not only is their bite strength significantly more than most dog breeds, but they are also massive animals that weigh, on average, between 100 and 150 pounds and are the height of an average Great Dane. Luckily, this extra-large dog is also known to be a friendly companion that uses its strength to protect owners against wolves, bears, and other dangers.
   
2. American Bandogge (730 PSI). A crossbreed of Mastiffs and Bulldogs, the American Bandogge is known for its strength, agility, and intense bite force, measured at 730 PSI. These dogs are often trained as protection animals. This modern hybrid was bred to blend the Mastiff’s guarding instincts with the Bulldog’s tenacity, with their impressive size and strong jaw musculature making them highly effective for tasks demanding physical dominance.
   
3. Cane Corso, 700 PSI. The Cane Corso is a type of Mastiff that is extremely muscular with massive heads and large mouths. They are commonly used in the United States as guard dogs and trained to use their powerful bites against intruders. While loyal and intelligent dogs, they can be overprotective of their food and their loved ones presenting a potential risk to strangers.
   
4. English Mastiff, 556 PSI. Known as some of the heaviest dogs in the world, English Mastiffs are exceptional working dogs often used in agriculture, police, and military positions. While extremely large, they are rarely aggressive and unlikely to bite. Mastiffs have been around since ancient civilizations, valued for guarding property and fighting in wars, with their large skulls and jaw structure specifically designed for gripping and holding prey, a crucial trait during their early days as war dogs.
   
5. Wolf Hybrids, 406 PSI. While not technically recognized as a dog breed, wolfdogs are growing in popularity as pets in the United States. Due to their extremely close relation to their wild relatives, wolfdogs have strong predatory instincts and can have an aggressive temperament.
   
6. Rottweiler, 328 PSI. Rottweilers are known as strong and protective dogs due to their large and intimidating appearance. While they have a very powerful bite, most Rottweilers are gentle and easy to train. However, despite their naturally friendly demeanor, Rottweilers in the United States are commonly trained as guard dogs and are the second most common breed involved in dog bite cases. Rottweilers, originating in Germany, were initially bred to herd cattle and pull carts, later transitioning into protective roles that enhanced their reputation as powerful working dogs, with their robust jaw muscles, thick skull structure, and stocky build enabling them to deliver a highly effective bite.
7. Siberian Husky, 320 PSI. Huskies are an extremely popular dog breed in the United States thanks to their friendly and playful temperament. Despite this, huskies have a powerful bite from their wild and hard-working ancestors.
   
8. American Bulldog, 305 PSI. This common breed makes a loveable companion. Although bulldogs are generally short in stature, their large mouths and forceful bite can cause serious damage when threatened.
   
9. American Pit Bull Terrier, 241 PSI. Pit bulls and pit bull mixes are one of the most common breeds in the United States and are the most common dog breed involved in dog bite cases. They were originally bred for dog fighting and are known to be dangerous, aggressive dogs. However, not all Pit Bulls are prone to biting and individual Pit Bulls may be friend and loyal dogs.
   
10. German Shepherd, 238 PSI. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and athletic dog breeds. Originally developed in Germany for herding sheep, German Shepherds are now renowned as police and military dogs, with their jaw power amplified by a strong prey drive and the ability to lock onto targets.
    
11. Belgian Malinois, 200 PSI. Belgian Malinois are closely related to the German Shepard and are a highly popular working breed in the United States and are often seen as police and military dogs.

Here’s a comparison of some other dog breeds with notable bite forces:

Are Dogs with the Strongest Bite Force More Dangerous?

No, a strong bite force alone does not make a dog more dangerous. While dogs like the Kangal or Rottweiler have strong jaws, their temperament, training, and environment are the primary factors that determine risk.

• Temperament and Socialization: Dogs raised in loving, structured homes are far less likely to exhibit dangerous behavior, regardless of their bite force.
• Situational Aggression: Even a tiny dog with a low PSI can inflict harm if provoked or scared.
• Liability for Owners: Regardless of breed, owners of dogs involved in bite incidents may be held liable under state laws, mainly if their dog was known to be dangerous or improperly restrained.

Dog Attack Prevention Tips

When it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones from a dog attack, it is important to make the distinction that the size and strength of a dog do not necessarily increase its aggressiveness or its potential for a dog attack.  Be mindful of all new dogs but especially those with large and powerful bites. By understanding this, you can gain insight into how it can lead to dangerous situations. While many dog bites are unavoidable, consider the following tips to help you and your loved ones recognize a dangerous situation and potentially avoid a dog attack.

• Be mindful of a dog’s body language and behavior; animals typically show signs that they are upset or frightened. For example, many dogs raise the hair on their back or make growling noises.
• Do not approach a stranger’s dog without asking.
• Always approach dogs in a calm and friendly manner. Sudden or threatening movements can trigger a dog to be aggressive.
• If you sense a nearby dog is aggressive or about to be aggressive, back away slowly without turning your back on them.
• Be especially cautious of dogs around young children. Children have less situational awareness and are vulnerable to serious injury and emotional trauma from a dog attack. Never leave a small child alone with any dog, even if you are told it is friendly.
• If two dogs or animals are fighting, do not attempt to separate the dogs. If you must save your dog, use extreme caution and try to yell or distract the dogs to end the fight rather than physical intervention.

What To Do Following A Dog Bite Incident

The immediate moments following a dog attack often feel hectic and stressful. Despite this, it is essential to act quickly to protect yourself and those around you from further injury.  Taking the following steps in the hours and days following a dog attack can help protect yourself and stay organized.

• Find a Safe Location. Do your best to remain calm and find a secure location away from the animal.
• Contact Emergency Services. When you call for emergency services, request medical services, police, and animal control officers.
• Seek Medical Attention. It is crucial to seek a professional medical evaluation; even minor bites can cause serious infections if not treated quickly.
• Contact a Dog Bite Attorney. A local personal injury lawyer with dog bite experience can provide legal advice on filing a claim for damages and helping prevent an additional attack.
• Gather Evidence. As the injured party, it is your burden to prove that the defendant is liable for your injuries. By providing photos, videos, and other information regarding the dog attack and your injuries, you can help facilitate the claim.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can cause serious and long-term physical and psychological damage.  The most common areas impacted during a dog bite incident are the hands, arms, lower legs, and face. This is because victims attempt to fight the dog off by pushing and kicking it, making their arms and legs targets. Many attacks also occur when the victim is bending down with their face near the dog. Dogs can also instinctively aim for vulnerable areas such as the face and neck.  As a result, victims of dog bites can be left with serious lacerations and other injuries from these areas that require swift medical attention. Dog bite incidents commonly result in the following injuries:

• Contusions and lacerations.
• Puncture wounds.
• Nerve damage.
• Broken bones.
• Infection.
• Scarring and disfigurement.
• Emotional and physiological trauma.

Medical Treatment For Dog Bites

Regardless of the severity of the injury, it is crucial to seek professional medical treatment following a dog bite. There are several reasons for this, including potential infection, the presence of non-visible injuries, and documentation.

Initial Evaluation and Treatment

When you arrive at a medical care facility following a dog bite, staff will begin by evaluating the location and severity of your injuries to confirm that you are in stable condition. Then, initial treatment includes cleaning and flushing the wound to remove debris and reduce the risk of infection.  Depending on the type of injury, initial treatment may include X-rays, stitches, or even emergency surgery. In most cases, you will receive instructions for follow-up medical care.

Follow-Up Care

Dog bite incidents commonly result in tissue damage of some type. These wounds are typically bandaged and treated with antibiotics and topical medications that promote healing. For large or severe wounds, your physician could recommend professional wound care treatment as follow-up care. There, wound care specialists will clean your wounds, change bandages, and check on the healing process. This is essential medical care as dog bite wounds are at risk for infection.  In addition to wound care treatment, follow-up care could include attending recurring physical therapy, wearing a cast or a brace, removal of stitches, and reconstructive surgeries.

Permanency

Permanency refers to any medical condition, physical disfigurement, or physiological trauma from the dog bite incident that is permanent in nature. This includes scarring, loss of tissue or body part, decreased range of motion, and more.  A physician can determine your level of permanency, if any, and outline the future medical care over your expected lifetime. Permanency is a significant factor in a personal injury case. Medical records, physical assessments, and photos serve as evidence to depict the validity and severity of injuries and permanency.

Liability in Dog Bite Cases

Determining who is liable and proving liability in dog bite cases can be a highly contentious and difficult legal issue. In Indiana, a dog owner or keeper may be held liable for injuries caused by their pet if the owner or keeper of the dog knew, or should have known, that the dog had dangerous or vicious propensities. Those propensities may be proven by evidence that the dog had previously attacked or behaved aggressively, or by showing that the dog belongs to a breed that can be dangerous. Additionally, a dog owner may be liable even without knowledge of a dog’s dangerous propensities if the dog bites a mail carrier or public servant. There are multiple potential defendants in dog bite incidents, some of which include the dog’s owner, landlords, or property measurement companies. Complex liability issues are common in dog bite personal injury cases and require experienced and knowledgeable attorneys to navigate.

The Importance of Hiring a Lawyer for Dog Bites

The process of obtaining compensation has several legal hurdles related to liability and applying Indiana dog bite statutes. This is why it is almost always in your best interest to contact an experienced Indiana dog bite attorneys like Blackburn Romey for legal advice and support while pursuing compensation. Here are a few benefits of hiring a dog bite attorney:

• A Skilled Negotiator: When a dog owner or insurance company offers an insufficient settlement to cover injury-related loss, it doesn’t mean you have to accept it. An attorney can review the offer, demonstrate the extent of your losses, and negotiate a fair settlement offer.
• Knowledge of Dog Bite Statutes: Every state, including Indiana, has different dog bite laws that cover injured victims. An attorney can interpret the application of dog bite laws to help you recover from injury-related losses, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
• Proving the Extent of Your Injury: You’re more likely to obtain fair compensation if you can demonstrate the full extent of your injuries and losses. An attorney can compile critical evidence, including medical records, witness statements, police reports, and an investigation of the dog’s behavior, which can be used to prove the dog owner’s liability and your losses.

Understanding Dog Bite Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Indiana

The settlement value for a dog bite lawsuit varies depending on the unique circumstances of each case. Here are some factors that help determine the settlement value of a lawsuit:

• The Severity of a Dog Bite Injury: If you sustained a severe and disfiguring facial injury, you’re more likely to obtain a higher settlement value than someone who suffered a minor cut on an arm. Your case deserves a substantial settlement value to cover medication, surgical costs, diagnosis tests, and physical therapy to aid recovery.
• Impact on Your Life: Suppose a dog bite injury has triggered PTSD or agoraphobia, a persistent fear of leaving your house. In that case, you deserve additional compensation to cover damages such as emotional anguish and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Clarity of Liability: Often, dog owners might deny liability or accuse you of trespassing or provoking a dog to transfer liability onto you. A lawyer can challenge these assertions and help to provide evidence that the owner should be fully liable to ensure your compensation is not reduced.

While many injured victims obtain compensation from the at-fault party’s insurer, working with experienced dog bite attorneys like Blackburn Romey can enhance your chances of getting a fair settlement covering your injury-related losses.

Navigating Indiana’s Dog Bite Laws

• Knowledge is Key: A dog owner may be held liable for damages related to a dog bite if they knew or should have known that their specific dog, or that dog’s breed generally, had dangerous and vicious tendencies, such as attacking without provocation.
• Strict Liability: Indiana also adopted a strict liability rule in specific circumstances where the dog owner is liable for a dog bite regardless of whether a dog has displayed violent conduct in the past.
• Statute of Limitations: You have two years from the date of the injury to file a dog bite lawsuit in civil court in Indiana.

Contact Our Indiana Dog Bite Lawyers

Dog bite incidents can be frightening and overwhelming, especially in severe cases involving a dog breed with a powerful bite. At Blackburn Romey, we help our clients seek compensation for the physical and emotional damages incurred.  Our experienced Indiana dog bite attorneys take the time to understand your case and work diligently to fight for your rights. Through open communication every step of the way, our personal injury lawyers provide support and guidance during this difficult time.  If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite incident, contact us today at Blackburn Romey to schedule an initial case consultation with our Indiana personal injury firm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How reliable are bite force measurements?

Bite force measurements are reliable to an extent but are influenced by various factors that can affect the accuracy of the results. The primary method involves using specialized equipment, such as bite force meters, that record the pressure exerted during a bite. Nevertheless, these measurements can vary depending on the conditions under which the test is conducted.

What is the strongest bite force recorded in a dog?

The Kangal currently holds the record for the most potent dog bite force, measured at an impressive 743 PSI. This breed’s immense jaw strength is at the top of the rankings, surpassing some of the most powerful wild animals. For comparison, a lion’s bite force averages around 650 PSI, meaning the Kangal’s bite exceeds even the king of the jungle.