Skip to content

12 Strongest Dog Breeds in the World

Written by Viena
Viena is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.
Published on
Saturday 19 June 2021
Last updated on
Tuesday 9 May 2023
strong dog breeds
This page may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links.

There are certainly benefits in adopting one of the strongest dog breeds globally, but they can also have potential drawbacks. If you want your children to involve themselves in caring for a pet, it would be best to choose a gentler breed.

Frequently, top dogs when it comes to strength may not be the best choice for homes with kids. These types of dogs can easily overpower adults, so your child won’t have luck controlling these canines, no matter how cute they look.

What Makes a Dog Strong?

Strength in canines is estimated differently and doesn’t generally relate to actual sheer size. However, they frequently go hand-in-hand. Some breeds are known for their incredible ability in weight pulling and are considered unbelievably strong.

A dog bite’s power is another criterion used to determine their strength, usually determined by pressure per pound. Other than that, muscles are an indication of vitality and health. Those dogs that have more power in their body than others are also a significant factor in making canine one of the strongest dog breeds.

Regardless of the type of breed you own, training is necessary for all of them. There are various training types, and the kind that the owner picks relies totally on what they want to accomplish with their dog.

12 Strongest Dogs Breeds in the World

If you want to know which of the strongest breeds in the world to look out for, then read on.

1. Tibetan Mastiff

The physical appearance of a Tibetan Mastiff includes a broadhead, brown eyes, and V-shaped ears. Because of their impressive size, it can be hard to live an apartment life with them. Always make sure to keep them on a leash if you don’t want them to get unexpectedly aggressive. These giants often have a life expectancy of 10-12 years. Other Mastiff dog breeds also have exceptional strength.

Temperament: Independent, Reserved, Intelligent
Weight: 90-150 pounds (male), 70-120 pounds (female)
Height: Minimum 26 inches (male), minimum of 24 inches (female)

2. German Shepherds

While German Shepherds may not be the most decadent dog, they can still get quite heavy for their size. This can also be because of their athletic and well-built frames. Their firm personalities require the same training as their muscular bodies to prevent them from becoming hostile and withdrawn. However, after getting the needed training and bringing up in a loving family, they can be a splendid house member. German Shepherds often have a lifespan of 9-13 years.

Temperament: Loyal, Independent, Incredibly Courageous, and Smart
Weight: 60 to 100 pounds
Height: 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder

3. Kangal

The Kangal has a moderately short double coat of fur just above its skin. With a gray body, these canines are known for their protective guarding instinct. It gives them strength and power. However, a Kangal can be very loyal, calm, and gentle to their owners, especially children. They often have a life span of 12-15 years.

Temperament: Calm, Loyal, Bold, Courageous, Independent demeanor
Weight: 110 – 145 pounds (male), 90 – 120 pounds (female)
Height: 30 – 32 inches (male), 28 – 30 inches (female)

4. American Pit Bull Terrier

American Pitbull Terriers are medium-sized dogs with short furs. They are known to have an athletic body and great muscles, making them perfect breeds for fighting. Despite their jobs, they can also be loyal and gentle dogs. With the appropriate training, these canines can easily socialize with other people. American Pitbull Terriers can live up to 12 years.

Temperament: Confident, Smart, Good-Natured
Weight: 55-70 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female)
Height: 18-19 inches (male), 17-18 inches (female)

5. Dogo Argentino

Dogo Argentinos are white-coated large dogs, commonly known as Argentina native. They also have an athletic and powerful body that provides them with their strength. Because these canines have a higher lung capacity, they are quite capable of traveling long distances. The various weather conditions never stop them from their travels. Dogo Argentino has a lifespan that allows them to live for up to 12 years.

Temperament: Friendly, Cheerful, Humble
Weight: 80-100 pounds
Height: 24-27 inches (male), 23.5-26 inches (female)

6. Caucasian Ovcharka

The muscular Caucasian Ovcharka originated from the regions of the Caucasus mountain. Their short coats and strong bones give them a stunning appearance. This intelligent and fearless breed often has quick reactions to strangers, giving them the perfect jobs as watchdogs in western regions. More importantly, owners should provide them professional training. Otherwise, your pup will have a difficult time socializing with others. They have a life expectancy of 10-12 years.

Temperament: Fearless, Bold, Kind
Weight: 99-170 pounds
Height: 23-30 inches

7. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are extremely robust, muscular, and large dogs with short double coats. These coats can come in black with rust, mahogany, or tan coloring. Like most dog breeds, Rottweilers were originally for security dogs, pull carts, or herding large animals. And most of the time, they had to be strong dogs and big to do their jobs properly. These breeds have a lifespan of only 8-10 years.

Temperament: Loyal, Loving, Confident Guardian
Height: 24-27 inches (male), 22-25 inches (female)
Weight: 95-135 pounds (male), 80-100 pounds (female)

8. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes are giant dogs with extreme endurance and strength. Other than their pointed ears that stick up, these breeds are also known for their thick, double coats that give them a distinctive, wolf-like appearance. Malamutes were indeed known for pulling sleds. However, they also hunted powerful prey such as seals and polar bears. These canines can live for up to 10-12 years.

Temperament: Sweet, Loving, and Loyal
Weight: 75 to 100 (or more) pounds
Height: 24 to 27 (male), 22 to 24 (female)

9. Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards are known to be wide-headed, powerful, muscular, large dogs. Their coats can either be long and silky or short and smooth. It can also have brindle markings or white colors with red or brown and the signature black mask across the breed’s face. Other than being the largest known breed globally, they also make excellent service dogs due to their affection, loyalty, and firm protection of their owners. Saint Bernards often have a life expectancy of 8-10 years.

Temperament: Playful, Charming, Inquisitive
Weight: 140-180 pounds (male), 120-140 pounds (female)
Height: 28-30 inches (males), 26-28 inches (female)

10. Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhounds are among the tallest dog breeds globally, making them appear very intimidating by their looks and size. Because of this, they were given a historic motto that says, “gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked.” It gave them the label of being the strongest dogs in the world. Irish Wolfhounds have a short lifespan – only 6-10 years.

Temperament: Courageous, Dignified, Calm
Weight: 120 pounds (male), 105 pounds (female)
Height: 32 inches minimum (male), 30 inches minimum (female)

11. Rhodesian Ridgeback

These breeds are known as Rhodesian Ridgebacks due to their distinctive “ridge” along their back. Their coats are also smooth and short and can come in light to red wheaten colors. Because these breeds were known to hunt large game packs of 4-6 dogs, they got the nickname of “Lion Dogs.” Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a life expectancy of 10-12 years.

Temperament: Affectionate, Dignified, Even-Tempered
Weight: 85 pounds (male), 70 pounds (female)
Height: 25-27 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)

12. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are muscular and strong dogs with high endurance. Their dense double coats come in various colors. These breeds have gold or blue eyes that give them a distinctive appearance similar to a wolf. Additionally, huskies are most famous for their brute strength in pulling sleds across snowy and challenging terrains. They often live up to 15 years.

Temperament: Loyal, Outgoing, Mischievous
Weight: 45-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)
Height: 21-23.5 inches (male), 20-22 inches (female)

importance of having the right handler
There are many strong dog breeds in the world and the most important thing they need is a capable handler.

Strongest Dog Breeds: FAQ

Owning a strong dog breed needs commitment and leadership from its owner. Here are some facts that can guide you if you decide to keep a strong pup in your home.

What is the most dangerous dog?

American Pit Bulls are among the most dangerous dogs. Countries all over the world have banned these breeds. According to a particular survey, in the 13 years between 2005 and 2017, 433 Americans died due to canine attacks. Around 284 were because of Pit Bulls – that’s roughly 66% in total. Other honorable mentions for dangerous dogs are Bullmastiffs and Rottweilers.

Can dogs defeat larger predators like lions and tigers?

In a one-on-one battle, no dog in the world verges on crushing one of these vast felines. Unfortunately, for our canine companions, cats are simply better worked for fights. They have staggeringly solid front legs, which they can use to hunt and tackle their prey down to the floor, something dogs lack.

How long do dogs stay strong?

Like people, dogs additionally show a decrease in strength the older they get. The most popular theory that compares dogs and humans uses this equation: Dog years multiplied by seven years is equal to human years. However, this straightforward equation is only a rough gauge. A more exact correlation of human versus dog age considers the canine’s breed and size. Smaller pooches age slower and have longer life expectancies. At the same time, bigger dogs age rapidly and have more limited life spans. Additionally, particular breeds have more years in them than others. 

While they are mighty fine, always recall that the strongest dogs in the world should also have strong trainers. They are not for the sluggish, wishy-washy individual. To prevent issues, one get one of the breeds on this list if you don’t mind taking immediate authority. Raising these pups is one task that you should own right to the end. While a few people disregard these strong dog breeds due to their intimidating personality, they all make excellent partners with the perfect attention, exercise, and training.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *