The 25 strongest dog breeds

#25. Kangal

The Kangal is an athletic dog bred for flock-guarding. While they are relatively unpopular in the U.S., Kangals are the national dog of Turkey and have appeared on Turkish stamps and currency.

#24. Karakachan

Karakachans are not as well known in the U.S. as they are in Eastern Europe, where they have long been used to guard livestock, herd cattle, or even patrol borders. These Bulgarian pooches exhibit speed and power, but are exceptionally friendly and social.

#23. Landseer

Landseers are the black and white twin of the Newfoundland. They are fast and strong on land, but this breed is known for its canine lifeguard abilities.

#22. Estrela Mountain Dog

Hailing from the Estrela Mountains of Portugal, this large, furry breed is strong and brave. These dogs will attack intruders and fiercely guard their territory .

#21. American Pitt Bull Terrier

While this breed has a bad reputation, these dogs are generally misunderstood. Pitt Bulls do require firm training and are exceptionally strong, but if trained correctly, they are loving and gentle.

#20. Xoloitzuintli

Without any fur, it's easy to see the rippled muscles this breed is sporting. Despite their bizarre look, Mexican Hairless dogs are social and affectionate.

#19. Leonberger

These fuzzy, lion-like canines are equally powerful and sweet. They were bred to carry heavy loads on farms, and still display grace and agility.

#18. Anatolian Shepherd

Atatolian Shepherds were bred to guard livestock. They still have a protective nature and need plenty of exercise.

#17. Great Pyrenees

Underneath their thick white coat, the Great Pyrenees has muscles that have been bred to protect livestock from predators. These pups also have strong vocal cords to ward off intruders, so be aware of their loud bark.

#16. Irish Wolfhound

As the name implies, the Irish Wolfhound was raised to hunt heavy animals such as wolves and deer. It is not commonly known that they were also used to drag men off horses in war, a skill that requires speed, agility and brute strength. Despite this ferocious past, Irish Wolfhounds are gentle giants who make easy-going companions.

#15. Dogue de Bordeaux

These pooches are very active and enjoy playing, running and roughhousing constantly. They may drool frequently, but it’s easily forgiven since this breed is so sweet and gentle.

#14. Alaskan Malamute

With a body built to pull sleds through frozen tundra, Alaskan Malamutes are as tough as they are strong. They require lots of exercise to stay happy and healthy.

#13. Saint Bernard

This giant breed can reach up to 200 pounds. Saint Bernards are incredibly muscular, but their immense size also makes them partial to the couch potato lifestyle.

#12. Bloodhound

Of course, Bloodhounds are known for their innate sense of smell. The Bloodhound’s strong body will follow its nose anywhere. When they aren’t tracking down a scent, Bloodhounds can be lethargic and often good-natured.

#11. Cane Corso

Cane Corsos are exceptionally tall and fast. They were bred to be fast enough to catch large game, and strong enough to drag it back. Corsos are still a popular hunting dog, but they also love affection and playtime with families.

#10. Newfoundland

Under the fluffy mass of fur, the Newfoundland is all muscle. These dogs are strong swimmers and were once used to pull nets of fish for fisherman. The most famous Newfoundland is Nana from J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan."

#9. Bernese Mountain Dog

Long ago, the Bernese Mountain Dog was busy pulling carts and herding cattle on farms tucked away in the Alps. These powerful dogs are still exceptionally strong and resilient. Owners love that they are easy to train and friendly with other pets and children.

#8. Mastiff

Although Mastiffs are not the highest-energy breed, these huge dogs can certainly pull their own weight. Mastiffs compete in guarding and weight pulling, but do not need much exercise to maintain their strength.

#7. Australian Shepherd

These pooches were actually bred in the U.S. in the 1880s during the Gold Rush to herd sheep and chase away predators. If Australian Shepherds do not get enough attention, they can become destructive and chase other pets or tear through the trash.

#6. Doberman Pinscher

Pinschers are lean, athletic and powerful. They require daily exercise to maintain their strong physique, along with an owner who is happy and willing to play with them each day.

#5. Great Dane

At a whopping 35 inches tall, Great Danes tower above most other canines. Strength from years of hunting wild boar is still evident in their long, muscular legs. However, Great Danes of today are a bit more lazy than their ancestors, as they love to lounge on the couch and drool in their owners' laps.

#4. Siberian Husky

Like the Malamute, the Siberian Husky is another dog bred for pulling sleds and surviving harsh Arctic winters. Huskies are certainly a strong and beautiful breed, but they are notoriously difficult to train and are strongly recommended for experienced dog owners only.

#3. Rottweiler

Rottweilers have been used throughout history for their strength and agility. They could herd livestock and carry a heavy cart to the market. Today, Rottweilers may have a bad reputation, but with correct training and affection, these sweet dogs make excellent companions.

#2. Bulldog

Don’t let appearances fool you, there is more power in the bulldog than it seems. Bulldogs were bred to chase and fight bulls in a violent sport known as bull baiting. Still a strong, tenacious pup, Bulldogs today are friendly, loyal and gentle.

#1. German Shepherd

Because of their intelligence and strength, German Shepherds are commonly used on police forces, as well as the military and emergency search and rescue. Pet owners love them too: German Shepherds were the second-most popular dog in the U.S. in 2014.

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