What Dogs Are Physically the Strongest?

There are a number of factors that must be considered when determining which breed of dog is physically the strongest. A particular breed, for example, may be proportionally the strongest in relation to its size, another may have the strength to pull heavy objects while another breed may possess the strongest bite. However, there are several breeds that are distinguished from others by their superior overall strength.

  1. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    • The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was originally conceived in the early 1800s by breeding the bulldog of that era with the black and tan terrier, producing what was then called the "bull and terrier." Produced for bull baiting and dog fighting, selective breeding resulted in a small, thickly muscled dog with great agility and powerful jaws; the bite of a Staffordshire bull terrier, in fact, is comparable to the bite of a crocodile. This breed must be trained properly to prevent the dogs from attacking children or pets. When properly trained, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be an affectionate pet.

    Mastiffs

    • There are a number of different types of Mastiffs, including the Argentinean Mastiff. These dogs were bred to hunt animals that were larger than they, but are now used in some parts of the world for dog fighting. As a pet, the Argentinean Mastiff can be warm, friendly and loyal. The Argentinean Mastiff is closely related to the Bull Mastiff, a combination of Old English bull dog and English Mastiff. Bull Mastiffs are densely muscled, close to 3 feet in height and weigh between 100 and 130 pounds.

    Rottweiler

    • Rottweilers were originally bred in Germany, and were widely used by famers as working dogs to herd sheep, guard animals and, because of their strength, pull heavy carts. Rottweilers are quite large, weighing between 95 and 130 pounds, and are still widely used as guard dogs. As pets, Rottweilers require early socialization with other dogs and strict obedience training, as this breed tends to dominate other dogs. Because of their strength and tendency toward aggression, a Rottweiler owner needs to maintain control over his dog at all times.

    Other Strong Breeds

    • A number of other dog breeds are renowned for their physical strength. Among these are the bull terrier, the whippet, the Parson Russell terrier and the Siberian husky, which are trained as sled dogs in Alaska to participate in events such as the famed Iditarod. Other strong breeds include the Alaskan Malamute, the Australian cattle dog, the Doberman pinscher, the boxer and the Japanese tosa. The greyhound is also a remarkably strong breed, which may seem surprising given its thin physique.