It’s pretty incredible to think that one of our ancient ancestors, who must’ve been quite brave, decided to take a chance on taming wild wolf pups. We may never know who that bold person was, but thanks to their gutsy move, we now have some of the toughest and most loyal dog breeds living by our sides today.
Long ago, humans and wolves started sharing territory. Wolves saw humans as a source of food during harsh times, while humans welcomed the wolves’ sharp hunting skills and natural guarding instincts. This partnership gave rise to the first dogs: strong, smart, and protective companions.
Today’s tough dog breeds still carry that powerful wolf spirit. Though they may cuddle with us on the couch, beneath that soft fur beats the heart of a natural protector. With 99.9% of their DNA shared with wolves, it’s no wonder these dogs are so resilient, loyal, and ready to stand guard.
So, when we talk about tough dog breeds, we’re really celebrating the incredible legacy of those early wolf-dog bonds. Let’s dive into the breeds that still carry that strength and spirit!
Tough Dog Breeds
1. Alaskan Malamute
This unique pooch is known to be the most closely linked to the grey wolves and has most likely descended from wolf hybrids. These are difficult to control and may pose a danger to people, especially children. Hence, their display of aggressive behavior or wild instincts isn’t something too unbelievable to think about.
Purina states these Alaskan Malamutes have lived beside wolves and hunted together for centuries; hence, their independent nature, protective instincts, and dominating attitude, along with their territorial attributes, are inherent traits. This makes them react defensively if they are not provided training and socialization from a very young age.
The Alaskan malamutes are the largest sled dogs; they are heavier and bulkier than their arctic cousin, the Siberian husky.
Animal Behaviorists say pooches that thrive in cold weather are bred specifically for hunting, and demanding work like pulling freight or being guard dogs, are most likely to show aggressive behavior, rather than pooches that are bred for being lap dogs or companion dogs.
Hence, the Alaskan Malamute, which has a powerful bite force of 200 to 400 PSI and incredible strength, can cause serious injury and damage if provoked or left without proper training from an early age.
2. Rhodesian Ridgeback
These pooches have descended from the ancient African Khoi Khoi dogs and are famous for the ridge of hair that runs down their spine in the opposite direction. These charming brown pooches were originally bred to help hunters take down lions in the African Savannah.
Orvis says these pups excel at tracking and holding quarry at bay. The Rhodesian ridgeback is another strong and sturdy dog that has natural instincts to protect. These chocolate brown pooches don’t necessarily face apex predators in a one-on-one fight, but can prove to be deadly if provoked or treated badly.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a bite force of 200 to 300 PSI and can cause enough damage. Now, according to dog bite statistics, they aren’t the most dangerous dog breeds or the reason for dog bite injuries.
But as you can see, these pooches have an extremely high energy and prey drive, which can make them attack defensively or offensively.
3. Belgian Malinois
Many people assume the Belgian Malinois is a German Shepherd, but this pooch is sleeker and slimmer than the GSD. This working breed of dog is another high-energy and powerful dog. When properly trained, these strong dogs need a lot of mental and physical stimulation.
The Belgian Malinois can become aggressive or defensive if provoked, but it is also more likely to exhibit undesirable behaviors if they are not exercised and exercised properly.
Continental Kennel Club quotes that proper socialization is a must for these popular police dogs because they are naturally skeptical and wary of strangers and people they are not acquainted with.
The bite force of this Belgian hero is around 195 to 358 PSI, and their strong bite can cause severe damage and even a fatality. These pooches have a high prey drive for smaller animals and pets due to their herding background.
Now it is important to consider each pup as an individual dog rather than judge its behavior and temperament by its breed, because each dog has a unique history, different environments in which they were raised, and different people as owners.
Even the most popular dogs can behave adversely due to a long history of abuse or because of being too restrained, and due to a lack of consistent training and mental stimulation.
These pooches have emotions just like humans, and when they feel hurt, threatened, or frustrated, they exhibit undesirable traits or behaviors that should be dealt with in a calm and composed manner.
4. American Pit Bull Terrier
The American pit bull terrier is one of the main pit bull breeds that are most likely to cause fatal attacks and dog bite incidents. Pit Bulls have been responsible for more fatalities than any other dog breed, according to the CDC.
These pooches have a long history of aggression and abuse due to their utilization in the brutal sport of dog fighting, but are also sensitive and loving canines who seek constant attention from their owners. They have an incredibly strong bite force, 240 to 330 PSI.
PetMD explains these pooches are incredibly tough and strong pups that have a beautiful muscular build, short and shiny coat, and courageous attitude. These pups come with boundless energy and a protective nature. These pooches are a unique combination of strong on the outside and soft on the inside.
The highly misunderstood pit bulls that are seen as the scariest dog breed have shown much promise with proper training and socialization. If cared for well from a young age and given positive encouragement and environment, these pups prove to be great family pets because of their eagerness to please their owners.
American pit bull terriers are quick learners and excel at obedience competitions, and make ideal pets for devoted and patient owners. They have proven that being tough doesn’t mean you have to be strong, intimidating, and aggressive; you can be tough while being sweet as well.
5. Doberman Pinscher
The fast and furious Doberman Pinscher is a fearless pup and a formidable guard dog breed. That was originally bred to be protection dogs and guardians for their owners. This medium to large dog breed is perfect for people who can keep up with their high energy levels.
PDSA mentions these sleek, alert, and intelligent pooches are versatile, and can easily adapt to their surrounding environment with any fuss or much trouble. The Dobermans are quick learners who thrive and survive on mental and physical stimulation. These pooches are ideal to protect livestock and herd sheep if they are given proper training.
If you don’t provide them with regular exercise, they can show signs of frustration or boredom and even get aggressive if not utilized for ever-present rambunctious energy.
They have a strong instinct to guard and are territorial dogs. Their protective nature makes them wary of strangers, and they can cause a hefty amount of damage with their intense bite force of 305 PSI.
6. Rottweiler
This brawny and burly German pup is a large, muscular dog breed that can grow up to be 120 pounds and still remain in good health because of its active nature.
VCA Animal Hospitals says that only with the right training and early socialization can this dog with immense strength and high prey drive be transformed into the best guard and family pet.
Originally bred to herd cattle and pull carts for Roman legions, the rottweiler is an inherently loyal pet and defender. But their intelligence and high energy also make them more easily frustrated and aggressive. These black and tan pooches have an incredible bite force of 320 to 350 PSI and can cause great harm to the person they attack.
However, these pooches are also versatile and can perform almost any job they are assigned to, and excel in performing their tasks. The police force and military also use these sturdy dogs for active service.
The rottweiler is not an ideal pup for inexperienced owners because these working dogs are also difficult to train and manage like the many dogs listed above.
7. Akita
The Akitas were originally bred to be hunting dogs for large game like bears, deer, waterfowl, and wild boars. These pooches are the ultimate symbol of loyalty, strength, and nobility in Japan.
Omlet says the bite force of this sturdy pup is 300 to 400 PSI, and these pooches are highly suspicious of strangers and intruders. What’s even scarier about akitas is that these spitz-type dogs don’t bark a lot and silently surprise their prey when you least expect them. Hence, small children and small pets should be kept away from them.
As Akita are independent in nature and don’t like being fussed over. These pooches were meant to be guard dogs and hunting companions, not family pets; hence, they have a naturally aloof temperament that is a trait of ancient guard dogs.
Moreover, if you have other pets, small dogs or cats at home, then it’s better not to consider adopting an Akita because these pups have a strong prey drive due to their hunting background.
Conclusion
All these tough dogs have a strong prey drive and are only well-suited for active and experienced owners. All dogs, regardless of breed, require basic training and socialization to thrive. But these pooches are quite dangerous; hence, training and early socialization are necessary for these pups from an early age. Moreover, there are also other tough dogs like the presa canario, Saint Bernards, chow chows, great dane, American bulldogs, Australian shepherds, Siberian husky, and other dogs that are known to be stubborn and tough, just like the breeds mentioned above.
Always exercise caution around these pups, and if you see a dog too serious and skeptical about you, and seems like its going to attack, calmly back off and leave the vicinity. In case of a fatal attack, contact the nearby hospital to get immediate medical attention.
