- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Lap dogs and other small breeds make fun-sized companions, but if you want a protector, hunting companion, or farm dog, you might be considering one of the strongest dog breeds instead.
Of course, it’s tricky to define “strongest,” since it’s not a current practice to measure the strength or muscular fitness of dogs, according to Dr. Nell Ostermeier, DVM, veterinary advisor at OnePack Plan.
Some people consider bite force a marker of strength. However, that’s difficult to measure since it’s almost impossible to get the tool to take the measurement into a living dog’s mouth. Some research has confirmed, though, that bigger, heavier dogs tend to have stronger bite forces than smaller, lighter dogs.
Other strong dogs include pups who can pull heavy loads—like winners and record setters in the International Weight Pull Competition. And many dogs who do heavy-duty work, like police and military dogs or livestock guardians, can also earn a reputation as one of the strongest dogs!
If you’re hoping to add a strong pup to your family, read on to learn more about the 20 breeds generally considered the strongest dogs around.
German Shepherds
German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. These strong working dogs have a reputation for both their intelligence and their warm personalities.
“German Shepherds are incredibly smart and loyal dogs, which is why they’re often used as police or service animals,” says David D’Angelo, pet nutritionist and founder of Pet Food Reviews. “These dogs thrive on mental and physical stimulation, so they’re best suited for active households.”
Siberian Huskies
Siberian Huskies were bred for the heavy-duty work of pulling sleds through snow and ice. Today, these dogs are known for their intelligence, high energy levels, and stubborn streaks. Due to their vocal and dramatic personalities, don’t be surprised if you experience a husky “tantrum” or two!
Rottweilers
Rottweilers have been around for a very long time. In fact, their ancestors helped herd and guard livestock in the ancient Roman empire. In more recent times, these powerful dogs have worked as guard dogs, rescue dogs, and police dogs. But they have a playful and goofy side, too.
“They’re very, very adaptable to training,” says Kimberly Cardona, owner of Vom Drakkenfels Rottweilers Kennel and vice-president of the American Rottweiler Club. She adds that they’re best-suited for experienced pet parents who have plenty of time for physical activity.
Alaskan Malamutes
While Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies look quite a bit alike, the Alaskan Malamute has an even stronger and more muscular body. They typically weigh 75 to 80 pounds on average. Huskies, on the other hand, have an average weight range of 35 to 60 pounds, with females being smaller than males.
“This powerful, independent breed is well-suited for active, outdoorsy families,” D’Angelo says. “They do best in homes with space to roam.”
Great Danes
Great Danes originated in the Middle Ages as boar hunters in the wilds of Germany—not Denmark, like their name suggests. Nicknamed the “Apollo of dogs,” they can weigh up to a whopping 175 pounds!
But while these dogs are undoubtably one of the strongest dogs you’ll come across, they’re also gentle giants with surprisingly low energy levels. They can be friendly with some strangers as well as their families, but their sheer size means they aren’t right for everyone, especially older adults or families with young children.
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers were first bred as guard dogs in 19th century Germany. These sleek, athletic, and intelligent dogs thrive in police or military work. That said, they also have plenty of loyalty and affection for their people, which can make them devoted pets.
Their high energy levels and intelligence means they need plenty of training and mental stimulation, says Nancy Barrett, an AKC-registered breeder of merit, certified judge, and owner of Magis Dobermans. They can make loving companions for people who have plenty of time, not to mention the energy to keep up!
Newfoundlands
Newfoundlands got their start as rescue dogs on Newfoundland Island. Their powerful build and fluffy coat allows them to swim long distances in cold water, but Newfoundlands also have plenty of strength and stamina for pulling and draft work.
“They’re incredibly patient, especially with kids, and their calm demeanor makes them fantastic family dogs,” D’Angelo says. “They’re ideal for homes with enough space and access to water.”
Just keep in mind these are big dogs—they can weigh up to 150 pounds!
Saint Bernards
The Saint Bernard is a Swiss breed trained to use their keen sense of smell to rescue travelers lost or trapped by avalanches. These strong and loyal dogs also have a reputation for their warm and affectionate natures, which makes them good family pets. Nana from Disney’s Peter Pan is one example of a loyal and loving family guardian.
As gentle as they are, they’re still giant dogs who can weigh up to 180 pounds! They need plenty of training from confident pet parents and homes with plenty of space!
Jean-Alain via Pixabay
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs also come from Switzerland. They can trace their roots back to Roman times, where their ancestors pulled heavy carts and guarded livestock.
Today, most Bernese Mountain Dogs still love having a job to do and thrive with dedicated obedience training. Their bark may sound intimidating, but they’re generally too friendly and open with strangers to make ideal guard dogs. Of course, you’ll probably forgive them for being such giant, cuddly puppies at heart.
Mastiffs
These ancient working dogs have existed since about 3000 BCE. Mastiffs are muscular and built like small tanks. In fact, some of the largest ones can up to 230 pounds!
Their strength and size helps them excel as guard or police dogs, but that doesn’t rule them out as pets. They’re patient and lovable, and they can make loyal family companions with consistent training. Like all dogs, they respond well to gentle, positive training.
Akita
The Akita can trace its origins back to Japan, where these dogs were first bred to hunt bear, boars, deer, and more. These strong, sturdy dogs are renowned for their intense loyalty to their families. In fact, Hachikō, one of the most famous dogs in the world, was an Akita.
However, Akitas don’t always get along with unfamiliar dogs, and they can have a stubborn streak. They need plenty of positive reinforcement training from an experienced pet parent.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks
This strong, muscular dog was bred to guard livestock and homes in South Africa. Their name comes from the narrow strip of hair on their back, which grows in the opposite direction of the rest of their coat. They’re also called African Lion Hounds, since they hunted lions!
While many of these dogs have jobs as hunters and guardians, the Rhodesian Ridgeback can also make a devoted pet for experienced pet parents. They need plenty of training, socialization, and love—like every dog!
Kangal
The Kangal originated in Turkey in the 11th century, which makes them one of the world’s oldest livestock guardian dog breeds. Kangals can weigh up to 140 pounds and will fearlessly defend their flocks against wolves, coyotes, and smaller predators. Experts generally agree that these dogs have the strongest bite.
These dogs are incredibly loyal to the people they love, but their large size makes socialization and consistent training particularly important.
Irish Wolfhounds
Like their name suggests, Irish Wolfhounds were originally bred to hunt wolves. These massive dogs can stand over 3 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 180 pounds.
But despite their hulking frame and power, they tend to make poor guard dogs, since they’re just too sweet! Irish Wolfhounds are also gentle with children and make good family companions—if super-sized ones!
Cane Corso
The ancestors of the Cane Corso, or Italian Mastiff, were used as war dogs in ancient Rome. These giant dogs have also worked as livestock guardians and hunters.
Cane Corsos are confident, alert, and loyal to their humans. Their protective instincts and muscular build make them intimidating to any would-be intruders. That said, they need consistent training and in-depth socialization, so they do best with experienced dog parents.
Dogo Argentino
This big, powerful dog was bred in Argentina to hunt big game like wild boar and pumas. These muscular, short-coated dogs can weigh up to 100 pounds, and their strength and bravery makes them ideal guard dogs.
They have intense personalities and need an experienced pet parent who can provide dedicated, consistent training.
American Pit Bull Terrier
Pit Bull technically isn’t a single dog breed. This term can refer to several different dogs collectively known as bully breeds. These breeds include the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Bulldog, and other mixes.
In the past, people often bred these dogs for illegal dog fighting, but pit bulls aren’t violent or aggressive by nature. In fact, they’re often very sweet! They can be stubborn, but they’re also fast learners who can excel at obedience training. They make great companions for patient and dedicated pet parents.
English Bulldog
English Bulldogs have a stocky build, underbite, and flat faces with plenty of wrinkles. This breed has a short stature but plenty of heft and strength—they can weigh up to 50 pounds, on average.
Many people love these dogs for their gruff charm. Despite their tough appearance, they’re incredibly loving toward family members and do very well with kids. Their cautious nature also makes them excellent watch dogs.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows were originally bred by Mongolian tribes as working dogs. Their stocky bodies and dense bone structure helped them excel at sled pulling, hunting, and guarding.
These dogs may resemble teddy bears, but they’re not particularly cuddly. They tend to be more independent and shy with strangers. Even so, they’re loyal to their families and can make devoted companions.
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a graceful, powerful dog bred for herding. Due to their high intelligence and desire to please, they’re often trained for police and military work. In fact, they’re the favorite breed of Navy SEAL teams. That said, they don’t always make the best service dogs, as this hilarious video shows.
These dogs can thrive as pets, but they need intense exercise and mental stimulation. They need pet parents who have plenty of time and energy to devote to training and physical activity.
Caring For Your Strong Dog
Any strong dog, regardless of their breed or breed mixes, needs training so you don’t find yourself in a literal power struggle, Dr. Ostermeier explains. “Dedicating time to training and exercise is one of the key strategies to helping strong dogs stay physically and mentally healthy.”
It’s also important to provide your dog with nutritious food formulated for their size. Large breed dogs have slower metabolisms, and their higher weight puts more strain on their joints. So, they can benefit from a food with fewer calories and added nutrients that support joint health.
The strongest dog breeds can make some of the most loving, loyal companions—so long as they get the right amount of exercise, appropriate training, and plenty of love and attention!
