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When talking about German Shepherds, one of the first things people think of is their intelligence and loyalty. The force of their bite is often the furthest thing from our minds. While this dog is easily one of the most beloved in the world, it can also be one of the most dangerous when not adequately controlled.
If you’ve often wondered about the power behind the German Shepherd, the most popular police dog, you’ve come to the right place. The German Shepherd bite force PSI (pounds per square inch) is somewhere around 250–350, although this is an estimation.
Read on below to learn more about PSI, German Shepherds, and why their bites are so dangerous.
What Is Bite Force?
Understanding the meaning of bite force will give you a better understanding of how dangerous dogs can be. The bite force is the strength behind a dog’s bite to its victim. This level of pressure determines the level of injury inflicted on a target. The more power in the bite force, the more damage inflicted. A German Shepherd’s bite force is powerful enough to break human bones with one bite.
How Is Bite Force Measured?
As mentioned above, the German Shepherd’s bite force PSI is around 250–350. PSI stands for pounds per square inch. This measurement is used to calculate the pressure placed on a point. When using it for dogs and their bite force, it measures the pressure a dog’s jaws apply when biting. Unfortunately, there have been very few studies on the subject.
National Geographic’s Dr. Brady Barr has studied animal bites, testing humans, domestic dogs, and wild animals alike. Based on the research by Dr. Barr, the Pit Bull has a jaw power of around 242 pounds per square inch (PSI). By comparison, a wolf has a bite force of roughly 398 PSI, and a shark around 600 PSI.
Here are the figures that came out of his experiment analyzing the pressure in pounds (PSI) of the bite:
- Humans: 120 PSI
- White sharks: 600 PSI
- Hyenas: 1,000 PSI
- Crocodiles: 2,500 PSI
- Large domestic dogs: 320 PSI (on average)
A German Shepherd, a Pit Bull, and a Rottweiler were tested using a bite sleeve equipped with a specialized computer. It turns out that the Pit Bull’s bite has less pressure than the other two dogs. Researchers at Guelph University in Ontario, Canada, have also shown that dogs’ jaw strength is proportional to their skull size, regardless of breed.
Why a German Shepherd May Bite
While German Shepherds may be considered “dangerous”, they can also be the most loyal. A German Shepherd can be docile, protective, and loving with proper training. This is why so many families bring them into their homes.
The number of German Shepherd attacks is relatively low compared to their population worldwide. This is partly due to the German Shepherd’s intelligence and training ability. Worrying about their bite force should not be an issue if the owner takes the time to properly train, care, and spend time with their German Shepherd.
Lack of training may cause a German Shepherd to attack, but in most instances, their aggression doesn’t come into play until they protect their loved ones. Their fierce loyalty often leads to attacks when they feel their families are in danger. If you hope to avoid these issues, keeping your German Shepherd well-controlled and well-trained is imperative.
The German Shepherd as a Working Dog
The German Shepherd is often associated with being a police dog. Due to their powerful bite force and easy trainability, police officers around the world enjoy making the dogs their partners.
On the job, German Shepherds are expected to be obedient. Their extensive training is designed to help them take orders from their partners and reserve their powerful bites until needed. When ordered, however, a German Shepherd police dog will leap into action and use their power to take down criminals and protect the officers at their side. Importantly, these dogs are taught, not just when to bite, but also when to release.
How to Avoid a German Shepherd Bite
Now that you know the power behind a German Shepherd’s bite, you may be wondering how to avoid being bitten by one. The answer to this question is simple: training. With proper training and love, a German Shepherd brought into the home can be your family’s best friend.
With the high intelligence of the German Shepherd, training can be easy. By teaching your pet to obey commands and listen to your orders, their aggressive side can become a thing of the past. This is one of the greatest benefits of having a German Shepherd as a part of your family.
Just as important is remembering that any dog has the capacity to bite if they feel threatened, cornered, or in pain. Being loyal and protective pets, you should always check before reaching out to a strange German Shepherd, or any dog for that matter, until their owner has given you the all-clear.
Conclusion: Does Bite Force Make A Dog Dangerous?
Luckily, the bite force of a dog, even a German Shepherd, doesn’t make the breed inherently dangerous; bite force simply gives an indication of the amount of damage a bite could inflict. Yes, any dog can be aggressive, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make wonderful pets. By showing a dog the love and affection they deserve, you should not worry about the bite force. Simply take your time making friends with your new pet, train them well, and provide the same love they give you daily.
Related Reads:
- Do German Shepherds Like Water? Do They Like to Swim?
- How to Stop Your German Shepherd from Barking
- The History and Origin of German Shepherd Dogs
Featured Image Credit: Christel SAGNIEZ, Pixabay
