These Are The 15 Strongest Dog Breeds In The World

Some dogs charm you with their tiny, toy-like appearance. Chihuahuas, for instance, can weigh as little as two pounds. These teensy pups are ready-made cuddle partners, but they aren't bred for hard work. For that, you need more brawn. The strongest breeds in the world use their rippling muscles and powerful frames to perform incredible feats. They can haul humans on sleds, hunt bigger animals, and work alongside soldiers and cops. Many strong dog breeds combine the force of a wild predator with the lovable nature of a domesticated pet.

There are athletic protectors that will guard your home, like the mighty cane corso and Belgian Malinois. There are also strong dogs that will happily play with little kids and cuddle on the couch, such as the adorable Saint Bernard or Newfoundland dog. You can find a strong breed that fits your lifestyle as long as your home has ample space.

Mastiffs can be described in three words: enormous, gentle, and strong. They resemble canine warriors, ready for battle. However, you only have to get to know one of these tender giants to see how sweet and loyal they are. A well-trained mastiff can love everyone in the family, including children and small animals. A pet parent on Reddit's r/Mastiff board shared, " I spent my entire childhood with mastiffs — never had a single issue or instance where I felt unsafe." 

These dogs will protect your children, too. Another Redditor describes how they introduced their mastiff to their young son, saying, "he's the best family dog ever." Mastiffs won't use their imposing size and strength to intimidate family, but they are ready to guard against outsiders. Anyone who attacks a home containing a mastiff will have to deal with a natural guard dog that can weigh up to 230 pounds.

The German shepherd's impressive musculature isn't just for show. Working with police and military units around the world has earned this breed a reputation for heroics. For instance, Scout Dog York was a German shepherd that served in the Korean War and completed 148 combat patrols. A German shepherd that lives in your home won't have quite so many opportunities to display bravery, but you will get to see the breed's strength, devotion, and intelligence.

Beyond their physical prowess, German shepherds have a bite force of around 250 to 350 PSI (pounds per square inch). That's how much pressure these dogs' jaws exert when clamping down on something. For comparison, the average human's bite force is around 150 PSI. German shepherds pack a lot of power in their lean bodies, but don't let that fact stop you from introducing one to your family. A proud German shepherd can melt into a snugglebug when its humans are around.

If you want a powerful and loyal canine at your side, adopt an American pit bull terrier. American pit bull terriers were originally bred in 1800s England. They were often used in fights, so breeders prioritized a tough, muscular build and a fearless demeanor. The breed's friendlier habits arose alongside these more rugged traits, as breeders also wanted people to be able to easily handle the dogs.

The breed's exceptional strength and tenacity have given it a formidable reputation, but pit bulls are actually sweethearts when well-trained. A video with over a million views on YouTube shows a woman and three pitbulls in matching pajamas playing on a bed, offering a glimpse of the dogs' sporty physiques and adorable personalities. Many pit bull owners writing on r/Pitbull note how cuddly their pets are, despite their large size. One owner even says that they were unaware of the stigma against pit bulls when young because "our family dogs would let me sleep on them like pillows and climb them like horses."

Athletic, feisty, and famously tough, Rhodesian ridgebacks will defend you from anything. They were created to track lions and other big game, so bravery is embedded in their nature. Modern Rhodesian ridgebacks combine their ancestral strength with a lovey-dovey nature that shines around children. These dogs can adapt to almost any family situation if you give them ample training and socialization.

Rhodesian ridgebacks don't need to chase lions anymore, but they do need to engage in activities that satisfy their hunting urges. If you adopt one of these strong pups, let it show off. Rhodesian ridgebacks are in their glory when running full speed, whether they're chasing after a squeaky ball or exercising with you. If your Rhodesian ridgeback starts running while you're holding the leash, you'll get a practical demonstration of its power. A pet parent posting in r/Ridgebacks notes that they have to use all of their strength to control their pooch.

While most breeds are at their best on land, Newfoundlands thrive in water. They're ship dogs capable of braving the icy North Atlantic Ocean. Their water-resistant, double-layered coat makes them look like giant teddy bears, but they actually have a lot of muscle underneath all that floof. In the 19th century, Newfoundlands helped anglers by carting supplies, hauling ropes to shore, and participating in rescue missions.

If you're not planning a sea adventure, this breed's famously calm and gentle manner becomes more important than its considerable strength. You can introduce strangers, kids, and other animals to your Newfoundland pup, and they'll act like the welcome committee. That doesn't mean that this breed can't act as a guard dog too, however. Newfoundlands have a strong protective instinct and will stand up for their families. Seaman, the Newfoundland dog that accompanied the Lewis and Clark expedition, acted as a guard dog and protected the explorer team from a rampaging buffalo.

You can't mention canine power without talking about the Kangal shepherd dog. An adult Kangal has a ferocious bite and the most powerful jaws of any dog breed. For over 800 years, Kangals have helped farmers and herders protect their animals. The dog can weigh up to 150 pounds and is prepared to battle predators such as coyotes and wolves.

Kangals can seem dangerous due to their size and obvious strength. However, their toughest qualities only arise when they're in protector mode. Most of the time, they're gentle, patient dogs that exude a calm energy. Dog lover and writer Omer Ozer says that their Kangal named Altay is "super nice to other dogs. He'll often get attacked or provoked by smaller dogs, but he won't even react..." Kangals are usually nice to children as well, making them great family dogs. Don't expect a cuddly velcro dog, however. This breed is known for being highly independent.

The cane corso looks like a powerhouse. Their ancient Roman owners used them as war dogs, so they were bred to be the bravest animals on the battlefield. Today's cane corso retains its massive muscles and protective spirit. They're deft farm hands and can easily learn to look after livestock. If you keep a cane corse as a family pet, you'll get a playmate and a loyal guard dog.

Many cane corsos have the dominant personality that's often associated with large dog breeds. That doesn't mean that they're hard to train or disobedient. Instead, think of the cane corso as a willful but eager-to-please pup. If you commit to firm and consistent training, they'll accept that you're the head of the pack. A nervous or inexperienced dog owner might struggle to establish control. Families with children and small dogs may also be bad fits for cane corsos, as the dogs have high prey drives.

The Rottweiler is another former working dog that hasn't lost its strength. The first Rottweilers to earn the name herded livestock in Germany and were referred to as the butcher's dogs of Rottweil. Eventually, they left the farms and started working as police and security dogs. Rottweilers are stocky, muscular, and wary of strangers, so people are sometimes intimidated by them. However, looks are deceiving when it comes to this breed. Yes, Rottweilers will protect their families from threats, but they're furry goofballs when they feel comfortable.

Rottweilers are also extremely affectionate. Many pet parents commenting on r/Rottweiler say that their pups practically demand attention. One admits that their rottie is "the biggest lapdog." If you have a family, Rottweilers can be sweet dogs around children, but they'll need early socialization. Younger, smaller children will need to be supervised due to the breed's large size and insatiable herding instinct.

Weighing just 35 to 60 pounds, the Siberian husky is among the leanest canines on this list. Its slim build is deceptive, however. Native Americans, adventurers, and athletes use Siberian huskies to haul sleds across the Arctic. The breed's power doesn't lie in brute force, so the sleds are not heavily laden. Instead, these dogs are beloved for their endurance. They can exercise for hours and love to run.

Siberian huskies were bred to work in a pack, so they adore being around other dogs. They're ultra-friendly with people, too. In fact, these dogs are notoriously bad home protectors because they're willing to make friends with everyone. Deb Kreider, Public Education Chair of the Siberian Husky Club of America, explained to the AKC that the Siberian is "mischievous, engaging, and highly intelligent." When you live with one of these dogs, life gets more exciting as you experience their gushing affection and silly antics. Just make sure your yard is securely fenced and always use a leash for walks. Siberian huskies are natural-born escape artists.

It's easy to confuse this beautiful creature with a Siberian Husky, but the Alaskan Malamute is bigger, stronger, and fluffier. It weighs up to 85 pounds and can hunt big game in addition to hauling sleds over heavy snow. The dog pairs its bulk with a thick double coat that helps it stay warm in freezing temperatures.

Alaskan malamutes are sociable and sweet enough to be part of a family. However, they're generally more independent than their lookalikes, Siberian huskies. They're less likely to be lap dogs and aren't as friendly with strangers. Alaskan malamutes might be one of the prettiest breeds around, yet they aren't the right dogs for every household. They flourish around active people willing to provide firm training. Skipping the training regime could leave you with a powerful, independent animal that refuses to do what you say. A lapse in the dog's exercise routine could also lead to boredom and destructive behaviors.

Most dogs have heroic traits, but few have rescued as many people as the regal Saint Bernard. Newfoundland dogs dive into the ocean to save drowning victims, while the Saint Bernard keeps its exploits on land, bounding over the Swiss Alps to look for lost travelers. It sometimes uses the strength of its 120 to 180-pound body to pull people free from the snow. It's a tough job, and the dog has to withstand brutally cold temperatures and rough terrain during searches that can last for hours. The Saint Bernard's heavy weight and thick muscles may make it appear more suited to short bursts of energy, but the breed actually has wonderful stamina.

Your Saint Bernard will go on long adventures with you, but it's not necessary. Despite their capacity for endurance, these dogs do not need much exercise. They're fine with 30 minutes of play time per day.

If there was ever a dog that could be called a workaholic, it's the muscular Belgian Malinois. It uses its incredible energy and strong body to support police and military forces around the world. You can adopt a Belgian Malinois and give the dog a quieter life, but it's not going to be content relaxing indoors all day. 

This pup has an indomitable spirit and a seemingly unquenchable lust for work. McCann Dogs, a training facility in Canada, notes that "Malinois do not have a natural off switch. They are tireless. They are intense." Many strong, working dog breeds are happy as long as they get a daily walk or get to play in the backyard. A Belgian Malinois needs significantly more exercise.

You can provide a good home for a Belgian Malinois if your family regularly jogs, hikes, or participates in dog sports like parkour. You'll also need to be willing to devote a significant amount of time to training. A former Belgian Malinois owner told the American Kennel Club that although their old pup was the "most fun dog ever," she was "not easy to live with, and not the type of dog the average dog owner would want to deal with."

When Irish wolfhounds were first bred, they were fearless wolf hunters with massive bodies and reliable strength. The Irish wolfhounds walking around today are just as big, but they're beloved for their sweetness rather than their ability to take down threats. They have the affection of a lap dog in a body that can weigh up to 120 pounds. 

The breed is remarkably calm around family, yet its athleticism hasn't entirely disappeared. You can see something of the old Irish wolfhound's agility when it's running around the park or your backyard. However, this breed may not prompt you to exercise on its own. Many Irish wolfhounds are perfectly satisfied lying on the couch near their humans. Young Irish wolfhounds are big and gangly dogs that need a lot of training. This is especially true if you're raising the dog around children. The breed is not very aggressive usually, but it is large and needs to get used to moving around smaller people.

The dogo Argentino is a classic guard dog. It's big, intimidatingly strong, and always alert. In its early days, the breed hunted large prey animals such as boar and was sometimes used in fights. To successfully integrate a modern dogo Argentino into your household, you need to give it replacement tasks. You can schedule multiple running sessions in the day, spend a few hours in the dog park, or anything else you can think of. The dogo Argentino is a very high-energy breed, and it's not suited for the couch potato life.

Dogo Argentino owners posting in r/Dogoargentino praise the breed's athleticism and loyal attachment. One says that their purebred dogo is "totally Velcro and very lovable with people." However, the dog is also "SUPER STRONG" and "doesn't know her own strength." Dogo Argentino dogs are well-suited for active owners confident enough to handle a large and powerful canine.

Stretching up to 32 inches at the shoulder, the great Dane looms over most breeds. Its strength is equally impressive, as German hunters once used these dogs in wild boar hunts. Over time, the breed lost most of its ferocity and transformed into an endearing companion. Now, you're more likely to see a Great Dane splayed across a couch rather than catch it in hot pursuit of a boar. Long-time Great Dane fancier Judge Carolyn Thomas explained to the American Kennel Club that, "We have very deliberately bred away from dogs with unreliable temperaments, which are totally unacceptable in today's society."

Great Danes make wonderful, child-friendly pets as long as you're ready for their size. In addition to being tall, these dogs can weigh up to 175 pounds and need plenty of room to move around. Their exercise needs are moderate for their size, so your family doesn't have to be highly active to keep them engaged.