The Kangal has the strongest bite force of any dog breed at 743 PSI (pounds per square inch). Following the Kangal are the Bandog (730 PSI), Cane Corso (700 PSI), Dogue de Bordeaux (556 PSI), and English Mastiff (552 PSI). For comparison, the average human bite force is only 162 PSI. Understanding bite force is crucial for dog bite injury cases, as more powerful bites cause more severe injuries and higher medical costs.
If a dog has bitten you or a loved one, the strength of that bite directly impacts your injuries and potential compensation. At Phillips Law Offices, our Chicago dog bite lawyers have helped victims recover millions in damages from dog attacks. Under Illinois law (510 ILCS 5/16), dog owners are strictly liable for bite injuries—you don’t need to prove the dog was dangerous before.
Dog Bite Force Comparison Chart (2026 Updated)
Below is the definitive ranking of dog breeds by bite force, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI):
| Rank | Dog Breed | Bite Force (PSI) | Size Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kangal | 743 PSI | Giant |
| 2 | Bandog | 730 PSI | Large |
| 3 | Cane Corso | 700 PSI | Giant |
| 4 | Dogue de Bordeaux | 556 PSI | Giant |
| 5 | English Mastiff | 552 PSI | Giant |
| 6 | Tosa Inu | 556 PSI | Giant |
| 7 | Dogo Canario | 540 PSI | Large |
| 8 | Dogo Argentino | 500 PSI | Large |
| 9 | Wolfdog | 406 PSI | Large |
| 10 | Leonberger | 399 PSI | Giant |
| 11 | Akita Inu | 350-400 PSI | Large |
| 12 | Rottweiler | 328 PSI | Large |
| 13 | American Bulldog | 305 PSI | Large |
| 14 | German Shepherd | 238 PSI | Large |
| 15 | American Pit Bull Terrier | 235 PSI | Medium |
| 16 | Labrador Retriever | 230 PSI | Large |
| 17 | Dutch Shepherd | 224 PSI | Large |
| 18 | Chow Chow | 220 PSI | Medium |
| 19 | Malinois | 195 PSI | Large |
| 20 | Human (comparison) | 162 PSI | N/A |
Understanding Dog Bite Force: What PSI Means
PSI (pounds per square inch) measures the pressure exerted when a dog bites down. A higher PSI means more crushing force, which leads to more severe injuries including:
- Deep puncture wounds and tissue damage
- Crushed bones and fractures
- Nerve damage and permanent disability
- Severe scarring requiring plastic surgery
- In extreme cases, amputation or death
For context, a Kangal’s 743 PSI bite is nearly 5 times stronger than a human bite and powerful enough to break bones instantly. This is why dog bite victims often face catastrophic injuries requiring extensive medical treatment.
Factors That Influence a Dog’s Bite Strength
Jaw Anatomy and Skull Structure
Different dog breeds have varying jaw structures that directly affect bite force. Breeds like the Kangal and Mastiff have broad skulls and well-developed jaw muscles, enabling them to generate tremendous biting pressure.
Muscle Mass and Body Size
Larger dogs typically have more jaw muscle mass, contributing to stronger bites. Giant breeds like Mastiffs and Cane Corsos have both the size and muscle development to produce bites exceeding 500 PSI.
Breeding Purpose
Dogs bred for guarding (Kangal, Rottweiler) or hunting large game (Dogo Argentino) have been selectively bred for powerful bites over generations. This genetic selection significantly influences their bite capabilities.
Dog Bite Statistics in the United States (2025-2026)
Dog bite injuries remain a serious public health concern across America:
- 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the United States
- 800,000+ bites require medical attention each year
- $1 billion+ in insurance claims paid for dog bite injuries annually
- Children ages 5-9 are the most common victims of severe dog bites
- Illinois ranks among the top states for dog bite claims filed
- The average dog bite claim costs approximately $64,555 (2024 data)
In Chicago specifically, thousands of dog bite incidents are reported each year to the City of Chicago Department of Animal Care and Control. Most bites involve familiar dogs rather than strays, highlighting the importance of responsible ownership.
Illinois Dog Bite Law: Strict Liability Under 510 ILCS 5/16
Illinois is a strict liability state for dog bites. This means dog owners are automatically responsible for injuries caused by their pets—even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
What the Illinois Animal Control Act Requires
Under 510 ILCS 5/16 (Illinois Animal Control Act), a dog owner is liable for damages if:
- Unprovoked Attack: The dog attacked without being provoked by the victim
- Lawful Presence: The victim was legally allowed to be where the attack occurred
- Ownership: The defendant owned, kept, harbored, or had custody of the dog
No “One-Bite Rule” in Illinois
Unlike some states that require proof a dog was previously dangerous, Illinois does not follow the “one-bite rule.” Dog owners are strictly liable for the first bite, making it easier for victims to recover compensation.
Who Qualifies as an “Owner” Under Illinois Law?
Illinois law defines “owner” broadly under 510 ILCS 5/2.16 to include anyone who:
- Has property rights in the animal
- Keeps or harbors the animal
- Has the animal in their care or acts as custodian
- Knowingly permits a dog to remain on their premises
This broad definition means landlords, pet sitters, and others can potentially be held liable for dog bite injuries.
Common Dog Bite Injuries by Severity
The severity of dog bite injuries often correlates directly with the breed’s bite force:
| Injury Type | Description | Typical Bite Force Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Puncture Wounds | Deep holes from canine teeth | 150+ PSI |
| Lacerations | Tearing cuts requiring stitches | 200+ PSI |
| Crushing Injuries | Tissue and muscle damage | 300+ PSI |
| Bone Fractures | Broken bones in hands, arms, face | 400+ PSI |
| Nerve Damage | Permanent numbness or paralysis | 350+ PSI |
| Amputation | Loss of fingers, hands, or limbs | 500+ PSI |
Bites from high-PSI breeds like the Kangal, Cane Corso, or Rottweiler frequently result in the most severe injuries, including those requiring spinal injury treatment if the victim falls during the attack.
Legal Claims You May Have After a Dog Attack
Depending on the circumstances of your attack, multiple legal claims may apply:
Premises Liability Claims
If the dog attack occurred on private property, at a business, or in an area where the owner failed to control the environment, you may file a premises liability claim in addition to your dog bite claim.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
Were you bitten while working—delivering packages, performing home services, or on a job site? You may have a workers’ compensation claim covering medical bills and lost wages.
Wrongful Death Claims
In tragic cases where a dog attack proves fatal, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit for compensation.
Medical Malpractice Claims
If your dog bite injuries were improperly treated—leading to infection, improper wound closure, or missed fractures—you may also have a medical malpractice claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Force
Which dog has the strongest bite in the world?
The Kangal has the strongest bite force of any domestic dog at 743 PSI. This Turkish livestock guardian breed was developed to protect sheep from wolves and bears, requiring immense jaw strength.
How is dog bite force measured?
Bite force is measured using specialized pressure transducer devices or dynamometers placed between a dog’s teeth. When the dog bites down, sensors record the pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI).
Do Pit Bulls have the strongest bite?
No. American Pit Bull Terriers have a bite force of approximately 235 PSI—strong, but not in the top 10. The Kangal (743 PSI), Cane Corso (700 PSI), and Mastiff (552 PSI) all have significantly stronger bites.
Does bite force determine how dangerous a dog is?
Not entirely. While higher bite force increases injury severity, a dog’s danger level also depends on temperament, training, socialization, and owner responsibility. A poorly trained small dog can still cause serious injuries.
Can I sue if a dog bites me in Illinois?
Yes. Under Illinois strict liability law (510 ILCS 5/16), you can sue the dog’s owner for damages if you were attacked without provoking the dog and were legally present at the location. You don’t need to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous.
What compensation can I receive for a dog bite in Illinois?
Dog bite victims in Illinois can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, emotional trauma, and future medical needs. There is no cap on damages for dog bite claims in Illinois.
Contact Our Chicago Dog Bite Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured by a dog attack in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, you deserve experienced legal representation. At Phillips Law Offices, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll dog bite injuries take on victims and their families.
Call us at (312) 598-0917 or contact us online for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
