Kangals, also known as Anatolian Shepherds, are one of the largest shepherd breeds out there.
This working dog breed is dedicated to their jobs and work tirelessly to keep their charges safe. Yet, the question of Kangal bite force has come up many times.
The Kangal breed finds its origins in the Turkish province of Sivas and they are known to have been a prized and loved breed there, because of their nature of guarding livestock.
They can easily scare away wolves and other predators that might be out and about.
The Kangal breed itself is pretty easy to identify from other dogs. Anatolian Shepherds are large dogs with a coat that is completely tan.
They do not come in other colorsbut might come in a couple of different shades of tan.
Knowing what they look like can help you identify one if you come across one out and about. Even if you see one, however, you do not need to consider what their bite force is.
Knowing what your dog’s bite force is will not give you much information. A dog bite of any force can be dangerous and painful, whether they have a strong bite force or a weak bite force.
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What Is The Bite Force Of A Kangal?
Before we jump into the exact bite force of a Kangal, let’s look at what bite force even means. Bite force refers to the strength of an animal’s bite.
This is not limited to dogs Bite force is measured using “Pound-Force per Square Inch” also known as PSI.
This means that it is calculating the amount of pressure that is applied over one square inch of one pound. It is the most universal way to measure pressure, whether it is a dog bite, or it is measuring tire pressure.
Looking at the breed specifically, the Kangal bite force runs around 743 PSI.
In fact, they are considered to have the strongest bite force of any dog breed, including Rottweilers, Pitbulls, and Bulldogs.
While the number might be off-putting, you have to remember that the breed itself is known to be very sweet and loving and is not likely to use the bite force on a person.
Kangal Bite Force Compared To Other Animals
As we mentioned above, bite force is a measurement that is used for all animals that bite. Let’s look at a list of other animals with a powerful bite force and see how they measure up to the Kangal.
- Crocodile 3700 PSI
- Hippo 1800 PSI
- Polar Bear 1200 PSI
- Bandog 730 PSI
- Cane Corso 700 PSI
- Rottweiler 328 PSI
- American Bulldog 305 PSI
- German Shepherd 238 PSI
- Pitbull 235 PSI
Looking through the animals listed above, your eyes are sure to draw first to the fact that a Crocodile has a bite force of 3700 PSI, which is nowhere near the bite force of a Kangal.
Looking at the other dogs, you should also note that the Bandog and Cane Corso are right under the Kangal and in the running for some of the strongest bite forces in the canine world.
Do Kangals Lock Their Jaws When They Bite?
While Kangals are not known to be aggressive dogs, it is understandable if you are apprehensive knowing how much bite force their bite actually has.
A common misconception with all dogs that have a strong bite force is that once they bite down on something, their jaws lock into place, making it impossible to remove a dog once he has latched on. This is not accurate.
Naturally, we know already that Kangals have incredibly strong bites, but their jaws do not have any kind of locking mechanism. They are simply just strong.
The real danger of a dog bite does not have to do with a dog biting down hard and holding on, but it comes from when a dog decides to shake his head.
If a dog has bitten down and is holding on, and then decides to give his head a shake, that is where you are more likely to have torn skin, tissue, and potential damage to bones. This is not a concern with the Kangal breed, however. They are not likely to bite humans.
The reputation of a dog locking his jaws comes from the idea that they can keep holding onto something for a long time.
This does not have anything to do with their jaw joint doing anything abnormal but has to do with the actual strength of the muscles that surround the jaw, allowing them to keep hold of something for a long time. You are more likely to see this when they are playing with a toy.
How To Get A Kangal To Release His Bite?
Of course, the idea of a dog biting down and hanging onto something is simply terrifying, especially when you know that the dog has both a strong bite force and strong muscles that will allow him to hang on.
While there isn’t always a lot to do, you aren’t completely powerless.
If a dog has bitten down, the key is to remove the dog’s bite before he has an opportunity to shake his head. To do this, you will need a break stick.
A break stick works by slipping behind a dog’s teeth that are closed and then pushing them open, much like a car jack is used to raise up a car.
Of course, most people do not have brake sticks on them, so you might need to improvise, but it is unlikely that you will need to do this with a Kangal.
Dog trainers will often have brake sticks on them to use with training and if you happen to have a dog that might be a biter, you might want to get one too.
Otherwise, some reliable training should set you right and ensure that your Kangal does not accidentally bite someone, or do it in play.
Is Kangal Dangerous?
Kangals are not small dogs and when you look at their strong bite force, you might begin to worry whether the breed is dangerous at all.
They do have an intimidating, massive body and are quite athletic. Yet, looks can be deceiving.
These muscular dogs are often used as guard dogs in protecting livestock. They are a shepherd breed and enjoy working outdoors, keeping the livestock safe from predators.
In this sense, they can be quite dangerous to predators that might be trying to make off with livestock.
When they are off-duty, however, Kangals are gentle, loving, and predictable. They are loyal to their families and will follow commands without a struggle.
They value the things that are important to them, whether it is protecting the livestock or protecting their humans. They are calm and very controlled in their behaviour, and can resist attacking predators if ordered to do so.
How Is Dog Bite Force Calculated?
As we mentioned above, bite force is measured using “Pound Force per Square Inch” also known as PSI.
The PSI is calculated by measuring using digital bite meters. Researchers usually work out a bite force by placing an animal under anesthesia any either using mechanical or electrical measuring devices to work out the actual strength of a dog’s bite.
In modern times, researchers usually use sensitive electronic devices that are more accurate and better for the animals.
The majority of these devices can measure a wide range of force, with 80% accuracy.
They work by using transducers, or load cells, to convert the force of the bite to electrical energy that can be calculated.
The process is not perfect of course, but it is challenging to get an accurate measurement due to the range of types of bites a dog can do.
The PSI will measure the amount of pressure that a dog’s bite uses at any given point. The trick here is that the amount of PSI that they use can vary depending on the object that they are biting.
This means that the dog is not going to use the same amount of force playing as they would if they were defending themselves.
Can A Kangal’s Bite Break Bones Or Kill A Person?
Because of their strong bite force, a common concern is whether a Kangal could actually break bones or even kill someone. Even though we mentioned above that the breed is not dangerous to humans, it is a valid question.
When you compare the bite force of a Kangal to the other animals that we listed above, they might not look too dangerous, but then again, when you remember that they have the strongest bite of any dog, you might reconsider.
Generally, it takes 899 PSI to break a bone from force alone. This amount is clearly higher than the Kangal’s bite force, showing that simply biting someone is not likely to break a bone.
That said, if a Kangal were to latch on and hang on, they are more likely to break a bone by shaking their heads.
They also could kill a person by tearing essential arteries and causing extreme blood loss. Still, Kangals are not likely to do this.
Kangals are excellent at being trained and are made to follow your commands. They are not going to randomly bite someone for the sake of biting someone. The only things at risk of their bite are predators that are threatening their livestock.
Where Are Kangals Banned And Restricted Internationally?
Even though Kangals do not carry the same reputation and history that other breeds, such as Pitbulls, do, there still are some countries that have restrictions on the breed. Denmark is the only country in the world that prohibits the import, breeding, and sale of Kangals.
There are still some countries that allow them but have additional restrictions on Kangals. These countries are: Ukraine, Germany, and Belarus.
The additional restrictions include required microchipping, training, and pet insurance. There is also generally mandatory spaying and neutering of Kangals in these countries.
While they are restricted in some places, other countries embrace the breed, including Namibia, where the dogs are used to protect against cheetah attacks.
Final Words
Of course, the bite force of a Kangal looks like it is intense and dangerous. While it is true that they have the strongest bite force of any dog breed, they are not dangerous dogs all by themselves.
They are loyal and loving to their families and will do well on farms and ranches, protecting animals from outside predators.
If you are considering getting a Kangal and are still concerned about the bite force, make sure to take your dog through dog training classes. Once a Kangal learns a command, you can be sure he will never forget it.
FAQs
How strong is a Kangals bite? ›
"The Kangal Shepherd is a Turkish breed of dog that is known for its large size and impressive strength. With a bite force of 743 PSI, this breed is the undisputed king of the canine world when it comes to raw power.
How strong is 700 psi bite force? ›Humans can bite at around 162 PSI. The US Navy's deepest submarines are able to survive about 700 PSI of pressure. Standard housing bricks can be crushed at about 700 PSI as well. 700 PSI is right between the bite force of a lion (650 PSI) and a grizzly bear (950 PSI).
Does a Kangal have the strongest bite force? ›#1 Kangal. With an almost unbelievable bite force of 734 psi, the Kangal doubtless has the strongest jaws in the world. Bred in Turkey to bring down larger animals preying on sheep and other livestock, these pups are masters at neutralizing danger!
Does a Kangal have a stronger bite than a lion? ›Let's take a closer look now! It may surprise you to hear, but the average lion only has a bite force that averages 650 PSI, making it significantly less powerful compared to the bite of the Kangal. However, lions have extremely sharp and powerful claws, as well as larger jaws and teeth compared to the Kangal.
Can a Kangal bite break a bone? ›Since a Kangal's bite force is only 743 PSI, it is highly unlikely for his bite to break a femur. However, it is possible that a Kangal could break a smaller bone, such as a bone in the finger or hand. Even so, a bone isn't likely to break due to just the bite from a dog.
Which dog has highest bite force? ›Kangal (743 PSI):
The Kangal is an Anatolian shepherd dog bred in Turkey to protect sheep from predators. The Kangal is the most muscular dog breed globally, with a bite force of 743 PSI. The Kangal is known for its gentle nature and strong protective instincts.
Compared with other mammals (like dogs, bears and big cats), humans don't have the strongest bite, at 162 lbs per square inch. However, if the skin is broken, tendons and joints may be damaged.
What dog has the strongest bite 2022? ›The dog with the strongest bite, The Kangal.
Not only do they have the strongest bite force in the world of canines, but they are also known as the strongest dog in the world. They come from Turkey and they have been used as guard dogs and protecting flocks of animals from predators such as wolves and bears.
The massive molars and powerful jaws of a wolf are used to crush the bones of its prey. The biting capacity of a wolf is 1,500 pounds of pressure per square inch. The strength of a wolf's jaws makes it possible to bite through a moose femur in six to eight bites.
Who is stronger Kangal vs Rottweiler? ›With an amazing bite force of 743 PSI, the Kangal claims the number one spot on the dog bite force scale. That's almost more than twice the bite strength of Rottweilers and 3 times stronger than the Doberman Pinscher.
Does a Kangal bite harder than a wolf? ›
Kangal vs.
Wolves have a bite force of 400 psi and some of the biggest of them can have as high as 1200 psi. You can imagine how the Kangal's bite force (743 psi) can match that of the wolves.
But another mighty cat that has an ultra-strong bite is the tiger. Tigers are the largest in the cat family, and exhibit a bite force of 1,050 PSI, almost twice the power of a lion (650 PSI). They are also the most dangerous large cats to humans.
Can a Kangal defeat a leopard? ›Yes a Kangal can easily shred a leopard.
What animal has a 700 psi bite? ›Kangal. Kangals have the most powerful bite force of all dogs. They were bred in Turkey to defend against coyotes and other animals attempting to attack the flock. With their huge frame, massive teeth and a bite force of 700 pounds per square inch, they are definitely equipped for the task.
Which dog can defeat a lion? ›The Rhodesian Ridgeback carries the distinction of being a breed specifically nurtured for hunting lions. The fact that they are known as African Lion Hounds is a testament to that. Like the Fila Brasileiro above, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are famous for their hunting skills.
Can a dog crush a human skull? ›Tsokos et al refer that “the small size and plasticity of the infant head also means that a large dog may be able to fit a young child's cranium into its mouth, and to exert considerable crushing forces, with biting pressures of 200–400 pounds per square inch.”
What dog has the weakest bite force? ›- American Pit Bull Terrier.
- American Staffordshire Terrier.
- Boston Terrier.
- Boxer.
- English Bulldog.
- Miniature Schnauzer.
- Pug.
- Standard Poodle.
A German shepherd bite is more than capable of breaking bones, as these are very strong-jawed dogs, which is also why they're often chosen as military or other types of service dogs.
What is the toughest dog? ›Some of the toughest dog breeds are also the hardest to train, including Rottweilers, Siberian huskies, and American pit bull terriers. What's the most aggressive dog breed? Some of the most aggressive breeds include German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and American pit bull terriers.
What dog has a stronger bite force than a lion? ›Cane Corso: This mastiff breed has a bite force measuring a staggering 700 psi, which beats the bite force of a lion. This breed has been used as a war dog and is a hardy breed that does not need much maintenance.
How do you get a dog to release a bite? ›
2) If the dogs have begun fighting, grab the aggressor by his tail and pull up and backwards. When grabbed by their tail, most dogs will also release a bite grip. Continue moving backwards, pulling the dog by its tail so that he cannot turn around and bite you.
What is the bite force of a gorilla? ›A bite from a gorilla can cover about 1,300 pounds per square inch, which is way higher to the predatory lions which have 650 pounds per square inch. Best be advised not to have a gorilla play around you, more so with your ears, you just might lose them.
What is the bite force of at Rex? ›Compare that to the bite force of an adult T. rex — about 35,000 newtons — or to the puny biting power of humans: 300 newtons.
What is the bite force of a great white? ›In 2008, a team of scientists led by Stephen Wroe conducted an experiment to determine the great white shark's jaw power and findings indicated that a specimen massing 3,324 kg (7,328 lb) could exert a bite force of 18,216 newtons (4,095 lbf).
How strong is a husky bite? ›The Siberian husky is a wolf-like dog bred in Russia to pull sleds. Its bite force is a remarkable 320 psi even though it is not the biggest or heaviest of working dogs. A husky stands 20 to 23.5 inches high at the shoulder and weighs only between 35 and 60 pounds, but its use as a sled dog is a testament to its power.
How strong is a Rottweiler bite? ›10. Rottweiler. With the force of 305 pounds of pressure, this dog has an excessively strong jaw. However, they are often calm and reserved while still being courageous.
What is the bite force of Pitbull? ›While it's not easy to measure a dog's bite force, it seems Pit Bulls have a bite force of around 242 PSI, which ranks them as the average dog of this size. Nonetheless, with so many pounds of pressure, and due to their weight and skull shape, a bite is likely to afflict more damage than one from a smaller dog.
How many psi is a shark bite? ›Dependant on the size of the shark, the team, led by Steve Wroe, estimated a bite force of nearly 4,000psi, putting the Great White firmly in second position for the strongest bite force.
Who has a stronger bite pitbull or wolf? ›Wolves have the stronger bite: According to the International Wolf Center, wolves can exert about 398 pounds of pressure in a single bite–in other words, enough to penetrate a moose's femur to the marrow. This bite is about three times as powerful as that of any dog, including the pitbull.
Is a wolf bite stronger than a lion? ›Wolf vs Lion: Bite Power
Wolves have the strongest bite force in the canine family. Their bite force is around 400 PSI or pounds per square inch. It is weaker than a lion, but still pretty impressive if you think about it.
Is a Kangal bigger than a Cane Corso? ›
The Kangal measures 30-32 inches tall on average, while the Cane Corso only measures 23-28 inches tall. The Cane Corso weighs 80-110 pounds, depending on gender, while the Kangal weighs 90-145 pounds on average. This is a fairly large size difference, especially if you aren't expecting just how large the Kangal dog is!
How strong is a Labradors bite? ›20. Labrador Retriever – 230 PSI. The Labrador Retriever's bite force has been measured at an average of 230 PSI. This breed is on the list of dog breeds with the strongest bite force that may surprise some.
What dog has the strongest bite per square inch? ›The Kangal Shepherd is a Turkish breed of dog that is known for its large size and impressive strength. With a bite force of 743 PSI, this breed is the undisputed king of the canine world when it comes to raw power.
Can a Kangal fight a wolf? ›Ali and his father Aziz own six Kangals on 120 acres of rolling steppe in the Sivas province. The dogs boast an intimidating size, a thick coat that protects against bites, and fearlessness—they're capable of killing a wolf but sometimes the sight of a Kangal alone is enough to scare large predators away.
Can a mastiff fight a wolf? ›They're very fast and very agile. If they were to fight to the death, a wolf would succeed. But, a Mastiff may be able to fend off a wolf long enough to escape, if it had the chance. The Mastiff is a domesticated dog breed, and is hence not built for fighting, and does not have the same aggressive temper.
What animal has the strongest bite? ›And the strongest known bite force of the entire animal kingdom is…. The Crocodile -- specifically, the Saltwater Crocodile (the highest recorded “live” bite of 3700 PSI) and the Nile Crocodile (estimated 4000-5000 PSI)!
What is the bite force of a black panther? ›| Wolverine | Black Panther | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 20 – 70 lbs | 125 – 250 lbs |
| Length | 25 – 40 in | 40 – 70 in |
| Top Speed | 20 MPH | 50 MPH |
| Bite Strength | 50 PSI | 200 PSI |
1. Overall Strongest: Tiger. The tiger, with its powerful jaws, muscular legs and sharp claws, is the strongest cat.
What's the bite force of a jaguar? ›Jaguars have the strongest jaw muscles of all of the big cats. Their bite force is around 1,500 pounds per square inch, which is about double that of a tiger! Bella recently got the opportunity to use this strength to pull down a beef bone that her Zoo Keepers secured onto a log in her habitat.
Is Kangal the strongest dog in the world? ›The strongest dog in the world, the Turkish Kangal
They can weigh up to 100 kilos (220 lbs) and their head and jaws are really big, which makes them have a formidable bite strength.
Which animal has highest bite force? ›
The "winners"—saltwater crocodiles—slammed their jaws shut with 3,700 pounds per square inch (psi), or 16,460 newtons, of bite force. By contrast, you might tear into a steak with 150 to 200 psi (890 newtons). Hyenas, lions, and tigers generate around 1,000 psi (4,450 newtons).
What animal has strongest bite? ›And the strongest known bite force of the entire animal kingdom is…. The Crocodile -- specifically, the Saltwater Crocodile (the highest recorded “live” bite of 3700 PSI) and the Nile Crocodile (estimated 4000-5000 PSI)!
What dinosaur has the strongest bite force? ›The T. rex had the strongest bite of any land animal in Earth's history. Its toothy jaw delivered upwards of 7 tons of pressure when it chomped its prey. Until now, scientists weren't sure how the carnivore delivered such impactful bites without damaging its own skull.
Who is no 1 dog in world? ›The Labrador Retriever holds the top spot, and this friendly favorite has been No. 1 since 1991. Below, find ranked annual lists of AKC-recognized breeds.
What dog is called the wolf killer? ›The Russian Bear Dog is not afraid of anyone or anything. These dogs are known to go against wolves, leopards, and bears. There isn't much that can stop this dog in its track when it comes to saving or protecting their family. They don't like other dogs or people entering their territory, and they will clearly show it.
What dog can beat a PitBull? ›In the height and weight class, the Rottweiler outranks the pit bull. Rottweilers are also intelligent, and despite having Mastiff roots, possess great agility. In a fight against the pit bull, the Rottweiler would win due to its height, weight class, PSI, intelligence and agility.
How strong is a human bite? ›Compared with other mammals (like dogs, bears and big cats), humans don't have the strongest bite, at 162 lbs per square inch. However, if the skin is broken, tendons and joints may be damaged.
What is a humans bite force? ›The force of the human bite in chewing is usually given as around 70 pounds per square inch, but that figure is for the back molars; the force tapers off toward the front of the jaw, because of the shape of the lever being worked by the jaw muscles.
How strong is a wolf bite? ›The biting capacity of a wolf is 1,500 pounds of pressure per square inch. The strength of a wolf's jaws makes it possible to bite through a moose femur in six to eight bites. In comparison, a German shepherd has a biting pressure of 750 pounds per square inch.
Can you increase your bite force? ›Chew Sugarless Gum to Strengthen Your Bite
Similar to chewing on vegetables, sugarless gum automatically is good practice for your jaw and will help strengthen your bite. Additionally chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals can help prevent tooth decay, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).
What animal has sharpest teeth? ›
The sharpest teeth of any animal belong to the conodont (Conodonta) class of eel-like vertebrates that evolved ca. 500 million years ago in the Precambrian eon.
Which animal has 5000 psi bite force? ›For many years, in fact, most scientists believed the strongest bite belonged to the Nile crocodile, who has a bite of 5000 PSI (pounds per square inch). With a bite of 7700 PSI, the salt water crocodile can be found in a number of places around the world including Inida, Asia, and Australia.
How strong is a megalodon bite? ›With a jaw estimated to measure about 9 x 11 feet, scientists have calculated that megalodon's bite force would be about 40,000 pounds per square inch. Compare that to Tyrannosaurus rex, which had a bite force of 12,000 pounds per square inch, and it's clear you've got a mighty bite on your hands. Still not convinced?
Who is stronger than T. rex? ›Finch's Bite Is 320 Times More Powerful Than T.