It’s an interesting dichotomy. You see the scariest, seemingly toughest dogs in the world, a damn intimidating little dog that can do some unfortunate damage. But the owner sees a sweet puppy.
Everything from a dog’s size to temperament has a lot to do with breeding and training. Each race and each dog has its distinctive features. But being tough doesn’t make a dog something to be afraid of. These dogs can be smart, loyal, humble, stupid… and tough. Some owners like small canines – a doggy that fits in a shoulder bag. Others want a giant – the biggest cuddly partner who takes up most of the couch. But don’t let the size fool you. Both can be difficult.
Tough dogs are protectors and workhorses. They are stubborn and often intelligent. These animals are the strongest dog breeds and fill all types of canines. If it is a physical toughness, the dog will need a lot of exercise. If it’s all bark and no bite, they still keep that intruder on the other side of the door.
Tough guy. A loop. Fighting puppies. You have to respect them. Here is pound for pound 10 of the heaviest dogs in the world, based on everything from powerful dogs to sheer courage.
#10: Chihuahua
It’s probably the last dog you’d expect to see in the company of the toughest dogs in the world, but lovers of this dog know tough when they see him. The chihuahua could be eaten, but she would stand up to any dog on this list.
She may seem like a nervous animal with those big eyes, but the Chihuahua is ready to face anyone who crosses her path. That loyalty makes her fiercely protective of loved ones. She starts screaming at the slightest offense and curiosity sends her to almost anything, regardless of size. And we wouldn’t even think of petting her while she cuddles with her owner.
#9: German Shepherd
Among the most powerful dogs, this muscular little dog is not a member of law enforcement and the military for nothing. Intelligence and courage make them exceptional companions who can handle danger. So it makes sense that German Shepherds are among the toughest dogs in the world.
Now, these properties hold back the German shepherd from being kind and gentle or playful. Remember, as he skillfully defended the herd… sheep against the scariest of predators, these toughest dogs also knew how to keep the sheep docile and moving without aggression. German Shepherds are versatile, capable of scent work, rallying, agility and therapy, and service work.
This is a reliable animal and we dare say that anyone who sees this dog with clear teeth running towards them will wonder how high he can jump and stay above that!
#8: Newfoundland
Nothing is more intimidating than a Newfoundland. She is believed to be the strongest of all canines and, when fighting trim, will knock down all other types of toughest dogs. The dog hits up to 27 inches and weighs 150 pounds, so approach carefully. The largest Newfoundland reached 260 pounds and six feet nose to tail.
She combines one of the strongest dog breeds with high stamina. This large dog, which swims great distances, saves drowning victims. She is an impressive swimmer because her feet are partially webbed. The Newfoundland has an easygoing disposition but will protect its owner. This mightiest dog has an intensely stranger danger. And no one wants to know if she bites.
#7: Boxer
The Boxer has an extensive history as working dog. Part of the modern bulldog Breed, the patient, protective, and pound for pound of the bulldog is one of the strongest dog breeds. Which here comes-the-punch face always makes us laugh.
He is part of a smart and often foolish, but always brave and adventurous breed. His name is inspired by the way he seems to throw his paws up as if he’s in the ring. Whether it’s time to fight or manage livestock, the boxer is serious about getting the job done. The Boxer has been one of the most sought-after dog breeds in the country for generations.
#6: Jack Russell Terrier
Not everyone has room for the Big Red Dog. Maybe you have an apartment or a small garden. But you still want a tough dog by your side. Enter the Jack Russell Terrier. In that corner, maxing out at 17 pounds, she’s an all-out, get-it-done ball of energy pound for pound. Not the biggest dog out there, she would be bored if she were in your bag anyway. And the baby is not inclined to spend a lot of time on your lap.
There is no data showing how hunter John Russell created the Jack Russell, but she is thought to be a cross between beagles and bull terriers. That’s a couple that stinks of what-that-let’s see. She also likes to dig, so you don’t want her to roam freely in the yard. But that’s part of the game. She was bred to locate.
#5: Great Dane
He is a skinny beast and is known as the world’s tallest dog. And the Danish dog Definitely one of the heaviest dogs. He is an excellent house guardian and a gentle oversized giant. The long-legged animal needs a lot of exercise. Two daily brisk walks and a chance to burn off energy will help.
Athletics comes easily to the Dane through nibble agility and obedience training. All this is good, because the Great Dane loves canine sports such as weightlifting and tracking. Despite its imposing appearance, the Great Dane is affectionate and lovable dogs and, with training, gentle with children.
#4: Siberian Husky
Sled dogs are a shaggy, athletic breed, born with strength and stamina and the ability to dive in for the long haul. In a nutshell, that’s the Siberian husky. Energetic, athletic, muscular and able to withstand the most icy conditions. Not many can say that and this creature is happiest when she has something to do.
In the mid-1920s, a team of Siberian Huskies took charge when a diphtheria outbreak devastated a town with children. The team exchanged dogs during the trip and traveled more than 600 miles with a life-saving serum. A Siberian Husky, Balto, led the sled team on the final 53 miles. After that, he was honored all over the country. A statue of Balto sits in New York’s Central park.
#3: Presa Canario
Docile and affectionate to the ordinary, especially around his family, when feeling danger, the Presa Canario is an aggressive and dangerous beast. Suspicious of strangers, breeders advise avoiding it when looking for a pet.
Bred to fight and guard, she was a go-to in the Canary Islands, her hometown. The breed survived its extinction in the 1950s. Crossing survived. Unfortunately, the breeding and training was more for the sport than anything else. Steriods and beatings created killers. Then the call for this breed quadrupled.
But like all tough dogs with dark histories, training can socialize these animals and an experienced, firm hand can manage the Presa Canario.
#2: Irish Wolfhound
The history of the Wolfhound includes hunting the giant Irishmen moose, which reached a height of six feet at the shoulder. No challenge for the Irish Wolfhound. He can stand on his hind legs and make you look up. Poochy’s tall requires a fair amount of exercise and running. Fast. Such as a Greyhound, he must have walks on a leash and a fenced yard.
He has a natural wild coat, potentially unkempt and shaggy if not combed, but not shedding. The wolfhound likes the cold and will skip the blanket or comfy bed you jump on to crash onto a hard, icy floor. Despite a peaceful demeanor, the Irish Wolfhound is essentially a hunter. Owners should be vigilant when outside. He will hurry and may not respond to calls during a mission.
#1: Mastiff
Heavily built, massive and weighing 200 pounds and more, the mastiff is definitely one of the toughest dogs in the world. You have to stay in shape to keep up with these toughest dogs. She has to walk at least a mile a day. If you have the space, she may be able to do it herself. But this is also a big one dog that can live comfortably in an apartment, maintaining a protective and loyal custody of her loved ones.
The dog is famous as the dog from “Turner & Hooch.” And she does drool, keep a handkerchief or bib handy. But just like on screen, the Mastiff is a loveable palooka. A palooka that can do serious damage, even if it’s appealing to see how it happens to someone else. But she’s sure to lovingly lick your face dry (or is that wet?) and take a bite out of your worst enemy a second later. It’s what she does.