English Mastiff Bite Force: Everything You Need To Know

The English Mastiff (also known commonly as simply “Mastiff” or as the Old English Mastiff by the Kennel Club) is a large breed of dog known for its calm but protective nature. 

An English Mastiff bite isn’t all that common amongst the breed as many are wonderfully docile pets. However, they are still seen as guardian breeds which means that they may bite if they sense danger.

The origins of the Mastiff stretch back thousands of years, thought to have made its way to the UK from Romans or European settlers. The breed has been used as a war dog, fighting dogs, as well as guardian dogs for large estates, especially for wealthy families across England. 

The sheer size of this giant can cause less experienced owners to feel intimidated, especially when coupled with its natural assertiveness and confidence. Its imposing physique can create an unfair perception. So can the breed be aggressive? Is it prone to biting? 

Read ahead.

What is the Mastiff Bite Force?

The Mastiff bite force is 556 PSI. It is one of the most potent biting forces in the canine kingdom. The large breed is strong and powerful and can easily overpower most other dogs. The Mastiff bite force is roughly three times that of an average dog. 

The Mastiff bite has the ability to cause serious damage to flesh and bone which would need immediate medical attention. Humans should not try to anger, intimidate or abuse a Mastiff dog as the consequences can be severe and even deadly.

Do Mastiffs Bite?

As with many breeds, there have of course been reports of Mastiffs biting humans and other dogs. Being on the receiving end of a bite from a Mastiff is a terrifying prospect as the breed has the potential to cause very serious damage. 

That said owners should understand that not all Mastiff bites are a consequence of direct misbehaviour from the dog. The Mastiff is a very protective guardian breed. This means that bites may occur to intruders or aggressors, many of which may even go unreported. 

In general though, the Mastiff breed is pretty calm but alert, just like other members of the Mastiff family such as the Dogue de Bordeaux or Cane Corso. They exude a degree of confidence, likely due to their size and strength, this can be interpreted as intimidating to many. 

Like many larger breeds, good training, socialisation and stimulation can help negate any worries of over aggression and biting.

Which Mastiff has the strongest bite?

The Cane Corso has the strongest bite with a bite force of around 690-700. It’s quite unbelievable, but did you know the Cane Corso’s bite force is stronger than that of a Lion? In fact, there are only two breeds of dog that have a stronger bite than the Cane Corso. Those are the Kangal and the American Bandogge

Known for its power and physical prowess, the Cane Corso is a majestic but intimidating breed, especially to less experienced owners. The Cane Corso divides opinion globally with some countries legally placing restrictions on ownership. 

For more information on dog bite strengths, check out our dog bite statistics page which is updated regularly.

Are Mastiffs Aggressive?

Mastiffs are not aggressive by nature. In fact, many owners love them because of their watchful but relaxed nature. However, they may develop aggression if not trained or socialised correctly from an early age. Owners should look to: 

• Avoid negative reinforcement
• Limit play biting
• Exercise well 
• Train and socialise from a very early age
• Provide mental stimulation

The breed does have a higher level of suspicion towards outsiders and potentially other animals. This is due to its guardian origins. They have an urge to protect their family. However, the chances of being on the receiving end of an English Mastiff bite are relatively low, unless excessively provoked.

That said, English Mastiffs when loved and well nurtured typically have a wonderful temperament and are a very enjoyable breed to be around.

Are Mastiffs Powerful?

Yes, the Mastiff is incredibly powerful. It’s a giant breed, well known for its size in height, weight and muscle. Male Mastiffs can reach up to 200lbs. 

A well trained and socialised Mastiff is typically aware of its size, and although they may appear clumsy at times, they are often very gentle.

English Mastiff Bite Force – In Summary

Yes, the English Mastiff bite force is exceptionally powerful and makes the top 10 list of PSI in dogs. However, the breed is known for its family loving, calm, patient nature.

The reason the English Mastiff has such a powerful bite is simply due to its origins as a fighting dog centuries ago. That aggression has largely been bred out and todays English Mastiffs, although mighty powerful are typically big slobbery softies.

To caveat, the dog is still protective of its owners and family. If it senses serious danger, it will put itself between yourself and the attacker which may lead to a bite, one the attacker is going to seriously regret.