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Mar 6, 2024
Nearly 70 million homes in the United States report owning dogs. But dog bites and attacks are unfortunately a common occurrence. In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) estimates that there are nearly 4.5 millions people who suffer injuries from dog bites each year. Sadly, the majority of the 4 million dog bites that occur each year impact children.
When a dog attacks, the type of breed and its “bite force” can often impact the extent and severity of any injuries suffered by the victim. Let’s look at which dog breeds have the strongest bite force.
The National Institutes of Health confirm that dog bite force is generated by the interaction of the masticatory muscles, the mandibles, and maxillae, the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), and the teeth. Dog bite force is calculated by PSI (or unit pounds per square inch).
Below, we will rank the top dog breeds by total bite force.
The Kangal Shepherd, a Turkish dog breed known for its size and strength is the Kangal Shepherd. This breed has a biting force of 743 PSI and is undisputed when it comes raw power. In its native Turkey, this breed is often used as a guard dog to keep out wolves, bears, and jackals due to its size and ability to be a powerful protector.
Among the most-dominant dog breeds, the Kangal is the one with the strongest bite. This breed has a bite force three times greater than the average dog. It can easily take down larger prey and is considered a powerful and fearless breed.
The American Bondogge belongs to the Mastiff breed and has a biting force of 730 PSI. These are large dogs that stand between 25 and 29 inches high and weigh between 85 to140 pounds.
The American Bandogge can be loyal and protective. But they require a dominant dog owner to maintain control, otherwise they can develop aggression towards other dogs. If they have been raised with other animals in the house from a young age, they will usually be fine. They live 10-12 years, just like the majority of dogs of their size.
Cane Corsos are a Mastiff type that from afar look like bears and are known for their power and strength. This breed has a biting force of 650 PSI and can easily take on prey that is much larger than it.
It has the third-strongest bite force on our list, with a powerful 700 PSI. They are considered a good guard dog because of their size. The dogs stand between 23.5 and 27.5 inches high, and weigh 85 to 110 lbs.
Cane Corsos are large and intimidating. They are loyal and don’t shed a lot (nor do they require much maintenance). Cane Corsos, like the Kangals, prefer to be an only pet – typically not getting along well with other cats or dogs. The Cane Corso lives between 10 and twelve years.
The Dogue De Bordeaux is considered a “gentle giant,” as seen in the popular Tom Hanks’ film Turner & Hooch. This breed has a biting force of 556 PSI. The Dogue De Bordeaux stands between 23 and 26 inch tall and weighs between 120 and140 pounds.
Owners of a Dogue De Bordeaux should be aware that this breed tends to gain weight quickly (and can easily become overweight, especially if they are lazy).
They are considered great family dogs due to their affectionate nature and size. Dogue De Bordeauxs have a very short life expectancy, however, typically of only five to eight years.
The Dangerous Dogs Act in the United Kingdom has actually banned this large breed, although it is known for both its protective and powerful nature. They are Japanese origins with a bite force 556 PSI. Unfortunately, they were bred silently.
Guide To California Dog Bite Injury Law
The Tosa is a breed with a lot of patience, and it’s a quiet dog that obeys its owner quickly. They need a lot of early socialization, however, and should be trained properly. The Tosa Inu has a typical lifespan of between 10 and 12 years.
The English Mastiff was first bred on the battlefields of England during World War I and World War II. Similar to the French Mastiff, it has a bite force of 550 PSI, with massive jaws capable of clamping. The Mastiff is available in sizes ranging from 28 to 36 inch tall and 120-230 pounds.
This breed is able to easily dominate other animals with a bite force 556 PSI. This is three times more powerful than the average dog’s bite force.
Dogo Canario is a war dog that has been around for centuries. Its bite force is 540 PSI. These dogs are very active and stand between 22 and 26 inches high and weigh between 83 to 140 pounds. Dogo Canarios tend to be suspicious and stubborn, but they are also known for their loyalty.
Dogo Canarios are known to be aggressive and require someone with experience in the breed in order for proper socializing and training the pet. To be able to live in a home with children and other pets, it is best to start this large breed as a puppy. They can live for between nine and 11 years.
Does California Law Follow the “One-Bite” Rule for Dog Bite Civil Claims?
The Dogo Argentino, originally bred to hunt big game, is a working breed with a powerful bite force of 500 PSI. It weighs between 80 to 100 pounds and stands between 24 and 27, Dogo Argentinos are known for their reflexes.
They are considered excellent family pets, but require a great deal of time spent with them. These dogs are very friendly and active – needing constant exercise (similar to other large breeds which also need socialization and training from an early age). Their lifespan can be between 10 and 15 years.
Wolfdogs get their name, not surprisingly, because they look like wolves. They are very destructive by nature and need special care. This may include a diet consisting of grain-free food or raw meat. The average height of these dogs is 26-34 inches, and their weight ranges between 60-120 pounds.
Wolfdogs are considered a powerful and dangerous breed by many countries because they can be unpredictable. They can be loyal and affectionate when they are young. However, as a breed, they rank sixth in fatal dog bites. These dogs tend to live for between 12 and 14 years.
Does California Law Follow the “One-Bite” Rule for Dog Bite Civil Claims?
Akitas make great pets in Japan because they are protective of their owners. They are large and fluffy breeds who tend to be standoffish with people they do not know, while often showing their playful side to their owners. The bite force of these dogs can be between 350 and 400 PSI. The size of Akitas is between 24 and 28 inch tall, and they can weigh up to 110 pounds.
Akitas are a breed of Japanese mountain dogs that originated in the northern part of the country. They have a thick coat which can keep them warm even at the lowest temperatures. Akitas are known for their large heads and solid builds. The average lifespan for the Akita is between 10 and 14 years.
California is not one of the states that follows this rule. California instead imposes what’s known as strict responsibility in cases of dog attacks and bites.
Accordingly, California’s strict-liability law does not require an injured victim to prove a prior history of dog bites or attacks.
Under California Civil Code 3342(a):
“The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness. A person is lawfully upon the private property of such owner within the meaning of this section when he is on such property in the performance of any duty imposed upon him by the laws of this state or by the laws or postal regulations of the United States, or when he is on such property upon the invitation, express or implied, of the owner.”
This effectively means that a dog bite injury victim does not have to prove that a dog has a history of dangerous behavior in order to recover financial compensation in a civil lawsuit. Dog owners in California can be held liable whenever their pets bite humans.
In addition, if a dog bites another dog, a property damage claim may be filed against the owner of the aggressive animal. While California Civil Code 3342(a) only applies to dog bites that affect humans, a property damage lawsuit can still be filed when a dog attacks another dog. Common damages that may be recovered through such claims include reduction in market value of the attacked pet (considered property under the law) and the costs involved in repairing or treating the animal.
The window of opportunity for dog bite victims to make a claim and receive financial compensation is limited. The deadline for filing a claim in most cases is two years after the date of the attack.
However, if the dog who bit you was owned by a government or public entity (e.g. police dogs), you may have only six months to make a claim.
Our experienced attorneys can help you pursue a financial award for your personal injury case. Contact us online or by phone for a free consultation today.
Dordulian Law Group’s (DLG) team of Glendale, California, dog bite attorneys encourages all victims of animal attacks to arrange for a free consultation immediately following the incident, regardless of how severe the injury may seem. Even minor dog bites may be eligible for financial compensation, but you will not know the value of your claim without discussing the case with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
To speak to a lawyer about your dog bite injury claim, call DLG at 866-GO-SEE-SAM. DLG’s founder, Sam Dordulian, is a former Los Angeles County Deputy District attorney with over 25 years’ experience in personal injury and dog bite law.
Sam Dordulian is an award-winning sexual abuse lawyer with over 25 years' experience helping survivors secure justice. As a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County, he secured life sentences against countless sexual predators. Mr. Dordulian currently serves on the National Leadership Council for RAINN.
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