Many of the dogs humans have shared a relationship with have helped us with physically demanding activities.
The strongest dog breeds known to us today are all highly intelligent and athletic dogs with a natural instinct for learning. Let’s learn more about them today.
Remember Cofi from Amores perros? If he reminds you of some of the strongest albeit madcap fighters in history, I wouldn’t be surprised. In fact, that would make an excellent prologue to today’s article. Let’s discuss the strongest dog breeds known to mankind.
Big and regal with a stunning coat, the Tibetan Mastiff originated in the rough terrains of Tibet and Nepal. They were originally bred to safeguard Tibetan Temples in the Himalayas. They can also pull an average of 390 pounds of weight.
These mighty dogs can be aggressive towards strangers. However, once socialized, the dogs maintain a calm temperament.
These alert and tenacious dogs can exert a bite force of a whopping 500-550 pounds of pressure per square inch of area.
Temperament: Independent, Intelligent, Protective
Height: 24 to 26 inches
Weight: 75 to 160 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Also Read: Top Doodle Breeds
Kangals are one of the oldest dogs bred to guard livestock. Hailing from a remote village in Turkey, the breed has exceptional pain tolerance.
Over the years, they have fought ferocious animals to protect livestock from harm. That’s why they proudly carry their battle scars as a badge of honor.
Apart from being strong, Kangals are also an extremely responsible breed.
According to World Atlas, Kangals have the most powerful bite force of all dogs at 743 PSI pressure. Adequate training and socialization make Kangals into loyal and loving family pets.
Temperament: Alert, Calm, Protective
Height: 28 to 32 inches
Weight: 90 to 145 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Rottweilers were bred to pull carts, herd animals, and guard homes in ancient Rome. Robust and muscular, these dogs could easily tackle large animals like bulls.
To date, Rottweilers are one of the strongest dog breeds known to mankind. These brawny canines are popular as police, service, and guard dogs.
The breed is always up for high-end and heavy-duty tasks. Rottweilers also make great playmates and companions.
Temperament: Obedient, Courageous, Confident
Height: 22 to 27 inches
Weight: 80 to 135 pounds
Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years
Popularly known as the ‘Lion Dog’ or the ‘African Lion Hound’, this breed was initially nurtured to protect livestock and homes. Their excellent tracking and baying skills made them suitable candidates for lion hunting in Africa.
Known for their strength and stamina, these dogs are highly protective of their owners.
Consequently, they make good housekeepers. However, you have to be an experienced pet owner to train and socialize this energetic dog.
Temperament: Intelligent, Sensitive, Strong-willed
Height: 24 to 27 inches
Weight: 70 to 85 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Huskies need no elaborate introduction but let me share an anecdote. In 1925, Nome, Alaska was afflicted with the Diphtheria epidemic.
As Alaskans suffered the wrath of the disease, Balto, Togo, and Fritz came to rescue. They traveled a distance of 658 miles in heavy snow within five days to deliver the life-saving serum.
Siberian Huskies are one of the most reliable dog breeds in the world.
Bound by a strong sense of duty, these dogs can carry heavy loads on ice. These medium-sized dogs have great strength and can easily perform extensive tasks.
They love working in a pack and enjoy activities like racing, weight-pulling, running, and jogging.
Huskies are very independent by nature.
Temperament: Intelligent, Outgoing, Responsible
Height: 20 to 24 inches
Weight: 35 to 60 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Formerly bred and trained to rescue travelers stuck in avalanches, these Swiss dogs have great strength and endurance. Also, they are deft at digging out large chunks of snow and pulling travelers to safety.
These dogs do very well in obedience and weight-pulling contests, thanks to their eagerness to please their masters.
A powerful breed, St. Bernard is capable of undertaking tough tasks and fulfilling them with elan.
While the breed might appear to have a fierce disposition, they are undeniably loyal family pets.
Affectionate and fun-loving, these dogs are great with children. However, if you are someone living in a hot climate area, St. Bernard might not be the best pet to adopt. The breed has a low tolerance to heat.
Temperament: Friendly, Alert, Watchful
Height: 26 to 30 inches
Weight: 120 to 180 pounds
Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years
Irish Wolfhound is the tallest dog breed in the world. Raised to hunt wolves, bears, and boars, these dogs showed their prowess during wartimes.
They assisted in dragging injured men and horses to safety. The breed possesses the ability to run at very high speeds.
Also, these mighty dogs need to be actively socialized when kept as family pets. But Irish Wolfhounds are known to be patient with children.
Fierce and high-spirited, these dogs thrive in open spaces and require a lot of exercise. They should never be adopted in an apartment setup.
Temperament: Sweet-tempered, Generous, Loyal, Patient
Height: 30 to 35 inches
Weight: 105 to 120 pounds
Life Expectancy: 6to 10 years
Also Read: Most Stubborn Dog Breeds
Every dog that falls under the category of strongest dog breeds in the world is unique. As prospective pet owners, you have to do thorough research to understand which breed is right for you.
Remember, these dogs need to be trained and socialized to avoid aggressive behavior. They also need ample exercise and enough space to live comfortably.
That said, there is no companion greater than a loyal dog and even the strongest of them deserve good homes too.
A digital marketing expert by profession, Andrews is a gifted writer and animal lover at heart. A self-confessed "pawrent", Andrews is well-versed in all things dogs. He uses his years of experience of raising puppies into show-quality dogs to help guide first-time pet parents. He believes in spreading the joy that comes with being a dog dad and advocates more families to adopt pets.
