One of the things that people commonly associate with large dogs is having a strong bite. A dog’s biting force is one of the factors that influence many breeds being used for police, military, and security work, especially Dobermans.
What is the Doberman’s bite force like in comparison to other dogs? The average bite force for a Doberman is 305 psi. Although this is strong, some breeds have a considerably stronger bite force.
This video shows Doberman bite force in comparison to other breeds. Dobermans have a strong bite that serves them well.
What is the Bite Force of a Doberman in PSI?
According to The Dog Training Secret, the Doberman’s bite force is strong enough to easily crush tennis balls.
Some have claimed that Dobermans have a bite force of about 600 psi. However, the number that is closer to reality is 305 psi. Although this bite forces us not the strongest existing in nature, it is strong and not something to take lightly.
Dobies can readily break tennis balls, leading to unintentionally funny consequences. However, this also highlights the need to be cautious when selecting toys for your dog. Shredding some toys can lead to safety threats with swallowed pieces.
Poorly-made squeaky toys are not a good fit for the Doberman’s biting strength. In addition to having pieces that the dog could choke on, these pieces could also end up lodged in the intestinal tract if swallowed.
Besides the pieces of the toy being a threat, the squeaker itself could be harmful to a dog. A squeaker is made from soft material that a dog could chew up easily. If swallowed, these pieces could become lodged and pose a health risk.
Although many owners use bones to keep their dogs occupied, many of these are poor choices for Dobermans. Rawhides may break up into fragments that could easily become stuck. Some bones, like pork or poultry, splinter easily, causing a hazard.
Besides being capable of destroying toys, Dobermans can also easily chew up and destroy furniture and household items. Unless properly trained, a Doberman may also fail to make the distinction between kids’ toys and its toys.
The Doberman bite force is strong enough to damage sturdy wooden furniture or strong upholstery. Under the wrong circumstances, a dog that gets agitated enough can even chew through walls in an attempt to escape when confined.
Crate-training your Doberman, especially when it is still a puppy, is an excellent way to prevent some of its worst behavior. Dobies will calm down as they grow, but safely confining your dog when necessary will prevent a lot of destructive behavior.
Do Dobermans Have a Scissor Bite?
According to Judy Doniere, Dobermans have a scissor bite. The upper a lower incisors touch each other when the teeth conform to the breed standard. The reasons for this are more than cosmetic.
One of the most important things to remember is that this dog’s build is powerful. The bite force has a lot to do with this breed’s powerful build. For a Doberman to perform the tasks that it was bred for, it must have the strength necessary for the tasks.
A Doberman’s head shape is described as a blunt wedge if viewed from the front or side. The head shape is different from some other, similarly powerful dogs’ heads. This dog has the right force in its jaws for the scissor bite this breed is known for.
One of the advantages of a scissor bite in dogs is being able to deliver multiple bites very quickly. Although their bites are strong, well-trained Dobies will not hold on to an object after being told to drop it. Boundaries are very helpful.
Because a scissor bite allows a Doberman Pinscher to bite several times in a row, trying to take away an object the dog should not have may result in bites. Children especially need to learn not to take things away from your dog.
You should teach your dog commands for dropping things early on, such as “Give” or “Drop It”. The sooner your dog learns to give things up at your command, the sooner you can prevent problems between your dog and household children.
Dogs who get needlessly possessive and start threatening to bite should be given a time-out from the rest of the family. When your dog drops the object, reward it with praise or treats.
How Does a Doberman’s Bite Compare to Other Dogs’?
According to Bisnar Chase, Dobermans have a strong bite strength, however, it is less than that of many other breeds. They are strong, but not outrageously so.
Rottweilers, used in similar ways to Dobermans, have a slighter higher bite strength of 328 psi. Wolfdogs and Mastiffs come in next, at 406 psi and 552 psi, respectively. The domestic dog with the strongest bite is the Kangal, at 743 psi.
The often-cited statistic of 600 psi for a Doberman’s bite strength exceeds the breed’s capabilities. These dogs have a jaw shape that does not allow that level of pressure. A bite force of 600 psi would be closer to that of a lion.
Although not the strongest bite found in a domestic dog, a Dobie’s bite force is not something to dismiss. The force behind these dogs’ bites is strong enough to break an adult’s arm. With such a strong bite, these dogs should be taken seriously.
Small children require supervision because a Doberman’s bites can cause serious injuries to kids.
Unfortunate incidents involving children and serious bites have harmed the breed’s reputation. These incidents can be prevented with supervision.
Does a Doberman’s Bite Strength Relate to Its Guarding Instincts?
Georgia Veterinary Associates highlights the fact that Dobermans are willing to defend their families against all threats. A strong bite helps increase this defensiveness.
Doberman Pinschers have a strong sense of loyalty towards their families, including human and animal members. To a Dobie, the family members are part of its pack. The people and animals a dog regards as part of its pack play an important social role.
When a person or another animal threatens the safety of a member of a Doberman’s pack, a Doberman will spring into action. The most common way these dogs fend off attackers is by biting. Their bites can be a strong deterrent against attacks.
Despite having been bred to take down attackers, these dogs can be gentle with babies and children.
Part of the breed’s gentleness with children relates to its origins as a personal protector. Dobermans feel compelled to defend the most vulnerable.
One sad thing that has happened with some Doberman Pinschers is that a few unscrupulous breeders have bred certain lines for fighting. Dobermans are not a fighting breed, however, this has not stopped them from being used this way.
If you do acquire a Doberman from a breeder, choose carefully. Look for dogs bred from strong working lines. When you do this, you increase the chances of getting a dog with the guarding instincts that you need.
Dobermans who come from working lines, particularly with police or military backgrounds, will make the most effective guard dogs. Choosing a dog from these lines will reduce your chances of getting a dog that is a fighter.
When you get a rescue Doberman or one with an unknown background, supervise the dog around kids and other pets while it is getting used to your home. Training will go smoothly if there have been no difficult incidents first.
Are Dobermans Considered a Dangerous Breed?
Dobermans pose the greatest risk to strangers. These dogs are only dangerous in the sense that they are large and have natural guarding tendencies.
Dobermans were known for being a breed that people were hesitant to cross in the 19th century. Louis Dobermann selected his dogs from among some that had bred especially for their guarding abilities. The breed’s reputation has served it well.
One of the things that contribute to Doberman Pinschers having a reputation for being dangerous dogs is that they are fearless. A Doberman will take on threats without hesitation. This courageousness is often considered aggression.
Cases of Dobermans acting aggressively with their owners are rare. When such incidents happen, the causes are usually a combination of poor socialization and harsh punishment on the owner’s part.
Many Dobies are at least mildly aggressive towards other dogs. In most cases, Dobermans adjust to dogs they live with. However, these dogs can become hostile to a strange dog they encounter if they consider it to be a threat.
Dobermans should have opportunities to get used to dogs from outside the household whenever possible. When these dogs get used to encountering other furry friends, they will be less likely to act hostilely when they see other animals.
Despite the dangerous dog reputation, Dobies are excellent family dogs in most cases. The breed is known for its strong bite force, which makes it a better protector. You can feel confident about your Dobie’s ability to protect you.
