The feisty Chihuahua has a reputation for being a fierce, aggressive dog despite its tiny size.
We’ve all seen the memes of an angry Chihuahua baring its teeth, leading people to wonder – just how strong is their bite force?
The Real Way Dog Bite Strength is Measured
Experts determine a dog’s bite force by:
- Measuring the size and shape of the dog’s skull and jaw
- Looking at the jaw muscle mass
- Testing bite force using pressure meters
Larger dogs with wider jaws and bigger muscles can exert more bite force. This makes sense when you look at the top dogs with the strongest bites – Mastiffs, Kangals, American Bull Dogs. They have huge heads and muscular builds.
Without accurate skull and jaw measurements, bite tests, and unit conversions, these numbers are meaningless.
Key Takeaway: A dog’s body and head size is the main factor determining bite force, which explains why small Chihuahuas can’t have an extraordinarily high PSI.
Estimating the Actual Chihuahua Bite Force
No scientific studies have conclusively measured the bite force of Chihuahuas in PSI. However, based on their tiny size, experts estimate it to realistically be:
- 100-180 PSI
Chihuahuas have sharp, pointed teeth capable of puncturing skin, causing pain and even drawing blood, especially on the delicate skin of hands and feet. Their swift, aggressive movements allow them to bite repeatedly and cause multiple minor wounds.
To better understand their capabilities, let’s look at how Chihuahuas compare to other dogs and animals.
Key Takeaway: Though unconfirmed, researchers surmise the actual Chihuahua bite force is around 100-180 PSI based on their size, giving them enough jaw pressure to break skin.
Chihuahua Bite Strength Compared to Other Dogs
Here are the top dogs with the strongest bite force, in PSI:
- Kangal – 743 PSI
- American Bandogge – 730 PSI
- Cane Corso – 700 PSI
- English Mastiff – 552 PSI
- Rottweiler – 328 PSI
- Pit Bull – 235 PSI
- German Shepherd – 238 PSI
- Boxer – 230 PSI
- Doberman – 229 PSI
The Chihuahua’s estimated 100-180 PSI is dwarf-like against these larger breeds, but still notable considering its tiny size.
They are capable of biting harder than:
- Humans – 120-140 PSI
- Labrador Retrievers – 130 PSI
- Huskies – 320 PSI
So a Chihuahua bite should not be taken lightly!
How Chihuahua Bite Force Compares to Other Animals
- Lion – 650 PSI
- Hippopotamus – 1825 PSI
- Crocodile – 3700 PSI
- Shark – 600 PSI
- Hyena – 1000 PSI
A 6 pound Chihuahua could not possibly bite with the same force as a 1000 pound crocodile. This comparison shows the absurdity of the unverified 3900 PSI estimates.
Stopping a Chihuahua From Biting
Chihuahuas might bite for different reasons including:
- Fear – Lack of socialization
- Pain – Check for health issues
- Protecting resources – Toys, food, space
- Dominance – Establish your authority
You can help curb biting by:
- Early obedience training and socialization
- Providing mental and physical exercise
- Giving appropriate chew toys
- Retraining reactions to triggers
- Removing rewards for biting
FAQs
Can a Chihuahua bite off a finger?
It is unlikely a Chihuahua has jaw strength to completely bite off an adult finger. However, they can puncture and damage fingers by biting aggressively.
Do Chihuahua bites hurt?
Yes, Chihuahua bites can hurt and easily break skin because their teeth are sharp. Multiple bites in quick succession can cause additional pain and injury.
What dog breed has the strongest bite force?
The Kangal is considered to have the most powerful bite force at 743 PSI, followed by the Bandogge at 730 PSI. Both breeds are much larger than a Chihuahua.
Can a Chihuahua kill a human?
There are isolated reports of fatal Chihuahua attacks, though the exact circumstances are unclear. It’s improbable their small jaws could inflict deadly wounds on an adult human.
Conclusion
Unlike pit bulls and other large breeds, the limited jaw strength of Chihuahuas means they pose very little risk of causing life-threatening injuries to humans.
With proper training and socialization, Chihuahuas can be loving companion dogs. Their bite force is no reason to fear this small but spirited breed.
