The bite force of a dog is an important measure of its physical strength and potential to cause harm if it attacks. Many people wonder how the bite force of popular breeds like huskies and pit bulls compare.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Pit bulls have a significantly stronger bite force of 235-245 psi (pound-force per square inch) compared to huskies, which have a bite force around 320-380 psi.
What is Dog Bite Force?
Dog bite force refers to how strong a dog’s bite is when measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). A dog’s bite force gives an indication of its overall strength and ability to bite and hold onto prey or fend off predators.
Measuring bite force provides interesting data points for comparing different breeds of dogs.
How bite force is measured
There are a few different ways dog bite force can be measured:
- Using bite force meters – Devices designed specifically to measure bite force. They work by having a dog bite down on a sensor that records the PSI.
- Studying bite wounds – Looking at bite wounds and injuries on other animals or humans to estimate the bite force needed to cause that kind of damage.
- Analyzing skull structure – Researching the size and strength of dogs’ jaw muscles and skulls to calculate theoretical bite force capacities.
The most accurate and standardized way is through bite force meters. However, bite force numbers can vary depending on the individual dog, even within the same breed. Multiple dogs should be tested to get an average for a breed.
Factors that influence bite force
There are several factors that contribute to a dog’s bite force:
- Breed – Some breeds like Mastiffs and Rottweilers are specifically bred to have very strong bite force.
- Size – In general, larger dogs will have a stronger bite force simply due to having bigger jaws and bigger muscles.
- Jaw strength – Dogs like Pit Bulls have incredibly strong jaw muscles which adds to their bite force.
- Individual traits – Just like people, individual dogs can be stronger or weaker than average members of their breed.
- Age – Bite force generally increases as a dog matures and reaches full strength.
- Health – Poor health or old age can decrease a dog’s bite force.
- Training – Well-trained protection and working dogs may maximize their bite strength.
Understanding the factors that contribute to dog bite force is useful when selecting dogs for specific jobs such as police, military, guarding and dog sports. It also provides helpful context when comparing the relative danger of bites from different dog breeds.
Husky Bite Force
Typical psi of a husky bite
The average bite force of a husky is around 320 psi (pounds per square inch). This measures the pressure their jaws can apply. Although strong, it is less than some other dogs like mastiffs and rottweilers. Still, a husky bite can cause significant injury.
A husky’s bite force is a result of its physical attributes. Their muscular bodies and large heads with broad skulls and jaws allow them to bite down with considerable force. Their teeth are also reasonably sized and sharp.
While a husky bite packs power, these dogs are generally friendly and gentle. However, any dog may bite if provoked, scared, or overly excited. Without proper training and socialization, a husky could potentially bite someone.
Other physical traits related to husky bite force
In addition to their muscular build and large heads, huskies have other physical qualities that increase their capacity for strong bites, such as:
- Large mouths – A husky’s substantial oral cavity provides more room for leverage when biting.
- Scissor-like bite – The scissors-shaped alignment of a husky’s upper and lower teeth allows for efficient transfer of bite force.
- Strong neck and shoulders – Powerful neck and shoulder muscles allow huskies to shake their heads vigorously while maintaining a bite grip.
These attributes enable a husky to not only bite down hard but also hold on tenaciously. Their physical makeup suits the purpose they were originally bred for – pulling sleds in cold climates. Powerful bites helped them in tasks like tugging on ropes.
While a husky bite can cause damage, these energetic dogs thrive when properly trained and exercised. Despite their strength, they can make loyal, affectionate pets.
| Pit Bull Bite Force | |
|---|---|
| Around 320 psi | 235 psi |
So while pit bulls have a reputation for strong bites, husky bite force statistics show they bite down with even greater pressure. However, both require extensive training and care.
Pit Bull Bite Force
Average PSI of a Pit Bull Bite
The average pit bull bite force measures between 235 and 250 PSI (pound-force per square inch). This means when a pit bull bites down, the pressure per square inch ranges from 235 to 250 pounds. To provide some context on how strong this is, humans have a bite force that ranges from 120-140 PSI.
A pit bull’s bite is almost twice as strong as an average human’s bite.
A few key factors that contribute to a pit bull’s high PSI include their muscular build and strong, wide jaws. Pit bulls have been selectively bred for the strength of their bite, originally to aid in bull baiting and dog fighting due to their grip.
The width of their jaws and large surface area of their molars allow them to exert a tremendous amount of pressure per square inch.
While pit bulls top out at around 250 PSI in bite force, there are several dog breeds that exert even greater bite pressure. For example, the Kangal and English Mastiff breeds can produce over 700 PSI, while the Rottweiler produces over 300 PSI on average.
Other Physical Attributes Tied to Pit Bull Bite Force
In addition to a pit bull’s muscular physiology, there are several other physical traits that allow them to produce such a strong bite force relative to their body size.
- Large, wide jaws and cheeks allow pit bulls to exert more bite pressure.
- Short, stiff fur gives them little cushion on their skin, allowing efficient transfer of bite pressure.
- Powerful shoulder and neck muscles let them shake their head vigorously while biting.
| Breed | Average Bite Force PSI |
|---|---|
| Pit Bull | 235-250 |
| Rottweiler | 328 |
| German Shepherd | 238 |
| American Bulldog | 305 |
As the table shows, pit bulls exert bite forces below breeds like the Rottweiler and American Bulldog, but still produce bites with very high PSI.
It’s important to note that while pit bulls have the physical capability to bite very hard, bite force potential does not directly correlate with aggression. Socialization, training, health and other factors have a significant influence over a pit bull’s temperament and likelihood to bite.
You can learn more on the latest research around pit bull temperament at this ASPCA article.
Comparing Husky and Pit Bull Bite Strength
Key differences in bite psi
When evaluating a dog’s capacity to cause harm via biting, specialists frequently refer to “bite force” or, more accurately, bite pressure. This pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (psi) using specialized equipment by veterinarians and other canine experts.
By these measures, pit bulls demonstrate a very strong bite psi that exceeds many other breeds. Multiple studies have recorded pit bull bite psi in the range of 235-328 psi. This means a pit bull is able to exert over 300 pounds of pressure in a single square inch via its jaws and teeth.
This is one of the highest bite psi ratings among all domesticated dogs.
By contrast, Siberian huskies demonstrate more moderate bite capacities. While formal bite psi statistics are limited for the breed, experts estimate 320 psi to be near the extreme high end – but with more typical psi closer to 180 psi.
At the lower end, then, husky bite psi is under half as powerful as a pit bull and is more on par with retrievers or spaniels according to veterinary behaviorists.
| Breed | Typical Bite PSI |
| Pit Bull | 235-328 psi |
| Siberian Husky | 180-320 psi |
Beyond bite pressure, it is also worth noting differences in biting style between the breeds. Pit bulls are noted for a strong tendency toward “bite, hold, and shake” behaviors – clamping the jaws down on something and thrashing to cause additional harm.
Huskies, while they will bite aggressively in some scenarios, are not associated as strongly with this particular behavior.
What this means for safety and risk
Due both to higher baseline bite capacity and a biting style oriented toward additional harm, pit bulls generally represent a higher degree of danger from biting than huskies. The data on serious bite-related injuries certainly reflects this relative risk, with pit bull attacks accounting for the vast majority.
However, while Husky bites may cause less physical damage on average, it would be misleading to consider them safe or harmless. With psi potential exceeding 200 pounds – nearly the full weight of an average adult human – an aggressive Husky bite would still present significant danger, especially to children.
And studies suggest huskies demonstrate more territorial, defensive, and predatory aggression than other breeds – even if their baseline bite force limits the harm done.
As a result, safe practice recommends treating both breeds with caution and utilizing secure containment methods, close supervision, proper socialization and training, and additional precautions tailored to the dog’s size, athleticism, and behavioral traits.
Assuming either breed is fundamentally “safe” ignores meaningful differences in their potential for harm.
Training and Responsible Ownership
Socialization and obedience training
Proper socialization and obedience training from an early age is crucial for both huskies and pit bulls. These energetic breeds need to learn how to interact appropriately with people, other dogs, and novel situations.
According to the ASPCA, ideal socialization occurs during the first 3-16 weeks of a puppy’s life. Attending group puppy classes allows for safe introductions under an expert’s guidance. Continuing training throughout adulthood maintains the dog’s skills.
Additionally, huskies and pit bulls need firm, fair training to learn good manners. According to the AKC, teaching loose leash walking, sit, down, stay, and come sets pit bulls up for success. The same goes for teaching huskies not to pull on leash or bolt out doors.
Setting realistic expectations and regularly reinforcing obedience prevents problem behaviors down the road. With dedication and positive reinforcement, both breeds can become model canine citizens.
Supervision around children and strangers
Due to their strength and high energy, huskies and pit bulls require supervision around children. According to recent research by Veterinary Behaviorists, bites most often occur when kids interact with dogs unsupervised.
Adult guardians must provide guidance for safe, controlled meetings that don’t overwhelm the dog. Additionally, some huskies display predatory behavior towards small pets or young children running and shrieking wildly. So any interactions require an adult ready to intervene.
Proper socialization, training, and management helps ensure positive experiences for all.
Supervision also comes into play when strangers approach. An unsocialized or fearful husky may react defensively to unfamiliar people. And while pit bulls aim to please, improper handling can trigger reactive behavior.
According to recent statistics, over 90% of reported bites occur from unsocialized, chained, or abused pit bulls. So conscientious owners should monitor greetings until they know their individual dog feels completely comfortable.
With common sense supervision, both energetic working breeds make trustworthy companions.
Conclusion
In summary, pit bulls have a demonstrably stronger bite force ranging from 235-245 psi compared to the 320-380 psi bite of a husky. While both require extensive training and supervision, the pit bull’s physical capacity to cause harm requires additional caution and responsible ownership practices.
