Let’s be clear about one thing: one should not try to put a dog in a situation where it has to fight against a gorilla. No dog, no matter how strong, is a match for a full-grown gorilla in a real fight. Gorillas are incredibly powerful, weighing up to 400 lbs with a strength of several men combined.
However, some dog breeds that are built for power and protection may hold their ground. While they wouldn’t win in a showdown alone, they may be able to threaten and scare away a gorilla in the form of a pack.
This list, in no way, promotes confrontation, but states the mental and physical capabilities of some breeds that will display protectiveness for their owners and livestock in case the need arises in unforeseen circumstances.
Let’s dive into the canine warriors that might not back down even when faced with the most muscular beast of the jungle.
Important Note: In front of a threat as strong and powerful as a Gorilla, there are nearly no chances that a dog would win, no matter how big or strong, unless they are guarding in packs and strategically attacking together.
Guard dog breeds that could stand against gorillas
1. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a powerhouse of muscular build and strong instinct. Originally bred to guard English estates against poachers, they combine the strength of a Bulldog and the alertness of a Mastiff.
Adult males can weigh up to 130 pounds and display a fearless presence. They are not known to start a fight, but won’t back down in front of a threat, no matter how big.
What to expect in a Gorilla standoff
Muscular, tank-like body built for combat
Steadfast under pressure, rarely show fear, even when outmatched
Powerful jaws and a bite that can latch on with force, 220-550 PSI
Instinctively protective and likely to position itself between danger and the owner
Calm enough to assess danger and threat
2. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are known for their blend of raw strength, loyalty, and no-nonsense attitude. Coming from Roman drover dogs, they were bred to herd cattle and guard valuable goods, tasks that demand strength and stamina.
WebMD adds that in addition to their role as herding dogs, Rottweilers were also used by ancient Romans during battles. Their bold and fearless demeanor often intimidated opponents, which contributed to the breed’s enduring reputation for aggression.
What to expect in a Gorilla standoff
Stocky, broad chest, thick frame that can push back hard
Instinctive protector, wouldn’t hesitate to engage with a threat
Focused and likely to stand their ground without showing panic
Can show speed when triggered
A deep, growling bark that can be unsettling for the opponent
Trained Rottweilers fight smart
3. Akita
According to the American Kennel Club, the Akita is a Japanese breed that was once trusted to take on wild boars and even bears, working in packs with a strong work ethic and determination. They are loyal and extremely protective when they sense danger near the family.
They have heavy bones and a muscular body combined with an aloof expression. When pushed, they react with power without any second thoughts.
What to expect in a Gorilla standoff
As a pack, they work in silence without barking much
Move in coordination, surrounding the threat with precision
Highly strategic, one leader and another to nip
They protect each other against the threat
Surround, intimidate, and threaten until the human can catch the target
4. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman is a medium to large working dog that was bred for personal protection and companionship. As per PetMD, weighing between 75-100 lbs, they are known for speed, intelligence, and alertness. The breed is used in police, military, and guard work because of these qualities.
They stick close to their owners and are highly protective of them. Due to this, they take all sorts of threats pretty seriously and defend with all their might. Although they are not hunters and head-on combat dogs, they use their size and intimidation factor to deter threats.
What to expect in a Gorilla standoff
Use fast reflexes to dodge
Highly intelligent and able to detect threats from a distance
Using agile bodies, they don’t let themselves be cornered
Will bark, growl, and show aggression to warn or distract
Focuses on protecting the owner, not a head-on attack
5. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a strong gun-dog, originally bred to retrieve waterfowl in the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay. It weighs between 65-100 lbs and stands 21-26 inches tall. The thick double coat repels water and protects against weather and physical impact. Known for endurance and independence, the Chessie is not very social, yet loyal and territorial.
When it comes to guarding, they can be trained from an early age to be aware of larger threats in case a need arises, or if you are someone who regularly goes hunting in the woods.
What to expect in a Gorilla standoff
Strong muscular body comes between the threat and human beings
High pain tolerance that keeps them on the ground in case of impact or fall
Highly protective of the owner
Stable, barks, and shows teeth to try and scare larger threats
Would attempt to bite quickly on the legs of prey to distract
Stubborn and unlikely to back off
6. Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog
The Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog is a large, rugged livestock guardian bred to protect sheep from wolves and bears in the mountains. Reaching 110-140 pounds, they have a massive frame, thick bones, and a long, dense coat that proves to be a natural armor against bites, scratches, and weather.
The dog is calm with family and children, but fearless in the face of a threat. Due to their guarding role, they are expected to be aware of all sorts of threats, including larger wild animals, and warn as well as protect the flock and humans. They instinctively know how to think independently, patrol territory, and defend, without formal training.
What to expect in a Gorilla standoff
Large, solid body, absorbs light hits, and stays on feet
Bred to face predators larger than itself
Strong bite force, aimed at legs or arms to limit movement
Loud, deep bark, and upright posture to intimidate
Knows how to work in open areas and keep a distance
7. Appenzeller Sennenhund
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is the smallest of the Swiss mountain dog breeds, but it is strong and heavy. Their main job is herding cattle, guarding property, and pulling carts in the Swiss Alps. They are compact, muscular, and built for non-stop work.
As per CKC, they are known for agility, endurance, and strong territorial instincts. They are alert, highly vocal, and protective of families. While they will not go out looking for trouble, in case a threat arrives, they will definitely face it without hesitation.
What to expect in a Gorilla standoff
Fast, invincible, and agile, dart in and out to avoid impact
Constant barking and circling can distract predators
Use strong herding methods to advantage: redirect movement and change course
Unlikely to engage in a head-on attack
Tend to work well in packs
Conclusion
While it is clear that no dog can match a gorilla in strength, certain breeds use their courage, strength, and agility to intimidate. While some dogs may not be shy and try to face a threat head-on, it is highly discouraged and may put the life of the dog and the owner in extreme danger.
Other dogs work best in packs and groups, coordinating their moves and roles to take down a predator that is otherwise impossible to engage with. In unfortunate circumstances where an encounter with a gorilla is inevitable, smart dogs do not try to attack, instead, they protect themselves and humans by distracting the threat long enough to give time to escape or get help.
One should note that Gorillas naturally do not attack or hunt until they feel provoked and threatened. They are enemies to none, but if the need arises, they use their force to fight with a strength that is almost impossible to handle by any single dog. In such cases, avoiding danger is better than facing it, especially if you are relying on the dog alone for protection.
