The dog world is full of breeds of different sizes, temperaments, and physical traits. Some individuals like small pups who can melt your heart with their cuteness. But many people want loving companions who can not only stand by their side but can also help conquer rugged landscapes.
Rugged dog breeds possess all the strength, endurance, resilience, and protective instincts to navigate through rough terrains. Their intelligence and loyalty make them well-suited for encountering dangerous conditions. Their thick coats keep them insulated against harsh conditions.
With proper training and early socialization, many rugged dog breeds can make good family pets. They are watchful, and if someone tries to enter their territory, they don’t hesitate to react. If you are looking for a family dog with strong protective instincts, this article is for you.
Have a look at the most rugged dog breeds in the world.
Most Rugged Dog Breeds
1. Kangal
Breed Profile
Height: 28 to 31 inches
Weight: 90 to 130 pounds
Breed Group: Working dogs
Life Span: 10 to 13 years
Originally bred to protect livestock, Kangal is a massive dog breed with muscular build. Also known as Turkish Kangal or Kangal Shepherd, this breed makes to the list of the most rugged dog breeds due to their thousands of years of sheepherding experience.
With their intimidating size, territorial nature, and a natural instinct to protect, they can endure harsh conditions. Their short but thick double coat keeps them insulated against cold climate. Kangals are the independent dogs with an astonishing bite force.
Kangals have a legendary bite force of 700- 743 psi. Their large skull, wide mouth, and powerful jaws enable them to exert tremendous pressure while biting.
It is an agile dog with a speed of around 30 mph. However, Kangals are gentle pets with a predictable personality.
If you are looking for a fierce guard dog for your family, we’d recommend having a Kangal Shepherd. These dogs establish strong bonds with their owners, but are always wary of strangers. Proper training can make them well behaved.
2. German Shepherd
Breed Profile
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 50 to 90 pounds
Breed Group: Herding dogs
Life Span: 9 to 13 years
Popular for their strength and athletic nature, German Shepherds are sturdy dogs. Their muscular build, stamina, and history as working dogs make them the toughest dog breed.
German Shepherds were originally bred to herd livestock. Police and military train GSDs for various tasks such as substance detection and tracking.
They have an impressive bite force of around 238 psi, typically large for a domestic dog. However, in defense, their bite force can reach up to 750 psi.
Apart from being physically strong, German Shepherds are very intelligent. Their thick coats, watchfulness, and territorial nature make them quite suitable for adventures on rough trails. German Shepherds are loyal dogs that make wonderful family pets.
3. Irish Wolfhound
Breed Profile
Height: 30+ inches
Weight: 105 to 120 pounds
Breed Group: Hound Group
Life Span: 6 to 8 years
The largest sighthound, the Irish Wolfhound, is another rugged dog breed. Its large size, sturdy back, and long legs make its body suitable for demanding tasks. This dog has an excellent sense of vision and was originally bred in Ireland as a hunting dog to hunt big game like wolves and elk.
Irish wolfhounds have a bite force of up to 400 psi. They are very loyal dogs with a natural instinct to protect. Due to their physical strength and endurance, they excel at tasks like tracking and racing. They are agile dogs with a speed of 30 to 40 mph.
According to PetMD, Irish Wolfhounds are the true “gentle giants” with a calm and easygoing temperament. Pet parents owning this dog should provide regular exercise for them. Around 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day is enough for mental and physical stimulation.
4. Bull Terrier
Breed Profile
Height: 21 to 22 inches
Weight: 50 to 70 pounds
Breed Group: Terrier
Life Span: 12 to 13 years
Bull Terriers were created for dog fighting. Inheriting the brutal force from bulldogs and the agility from terriers, Bull Terriers are one of the strongest dogs. Due to their strong bones and muscular build, they make it to the list of rugged dog breeds. Bull Terriers have a bite force of 269 psi.
Bull Terriers have a softer side as well. They are the devoted pets that love their humans. Bull Terriers are extremely protective of their owners. The American Kennel Club explains that these mischievous canines have a playful and endearing nature.
These tough dogs thrive on exercise. Bull Terriers need one hour of exercise every day. The activity includes walks and some playtime. If you are looking for a guard dog that also makes an excellent family companion, opt for a Bull Terrier.
5. Alaskan Malamute
Breed Profile
Height: 23 to 25 inches
Weight: 75 to 85 pounds
Breed Group: Working dogs
Life Span: 10 to 14 years
Alaskan Malamutes, affectionately known as “Mals,” are one of the most resilient dogs on Earth. These big dogs have a wolf-like appearance, strong work ethics, and endurance. Their history as a working dog breed, particularly as sled dogs contributes to their strength and stamina.
Alaskan malamutes are muscular dogs with strong bones and large paws. Their thick double coat allows them to survive harsh conditions. Mals are popular for their pulling power; they can pull loads of up to 1,000 lbs or even more. They can easily navigate tough terrains and take sharp turns.
However, there is a gentle pup hidden behind the rugged exterior. As a pet, an Alaskan Malamute is affectionate and loyal. But, extensive socialization and early training are needed to prevent them from becoming pushy with children and other pets. Their hypoallergenic coat needs regular grooming.
6. Rottweiler
Breed Profile
Height: 22 to 27 inches
Weight: 80 to 135 pounds
Breed Group: Working dogs
Life Span: 9 to 10 years
Rottweilers were bred to protect flocks and herd them to places of slaughter. They also used to pull carts full of meat and guard homes. Rottweilers’ stocky build, strong muscles, and endurance made them perfect for these tasks.
Rottweilers have a strong bite force of around 328 psi and they are among the top dog breeds with the strongest bite force. They can pull heavy loads of around 15168lbs. and can even pull equivalent of a large truck. Their physical strength and history as herding and drover dogs make them a rugged breed.
PDSA claims that they are the loyal canines that may need constant human interaction. Rotties are highly intelligent and can be ideal for experienced dog parents. These dogs require 1 to 2 hours of exercise everyday for physical and mental stimulation.
7. Mastiff
Breed Profile
Height: 27+ inches
Weight: 120 to 230 pounds
Breed Group: Working dogs
Life Span: 6 to 10 years
Having a 2,000 years old history, Mastiffs served as working dogs. They are the massive dogs with an imposing stature. Mastiffs possess significant power to pull heavy loads and overpower enemies. Their endurance and stamina makes them one of the strongest dog breed.
Mastiffs can be destructive! They have a bite force of 556 psi, which is greater than many other dogs. Their fearless and protective nature is indicative of their internal strength. Mastiffs have a short and coarse coat.
Mastiffs are gentle and docile with their humans. They are not too vocal. But, they are wary of strangers and make excellent guard dogs. Proper training and socialization starting at an early age can make sure their protective nature does not manifest as aggression.
Conclusion
Many dog breeds are categorized as rugged dog breeds depending on their historical lineage, physical characteristics, endurance, and stamina. Other dogs that can be included in the list of rugged breeds include mountain dog breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and the Appenzeller Mountain Dog. But most of them have a gentle heart and calm personality underneath their tough exterior. Proper training with positive reinforcement can mask their aggression and turn them into excellent family companions!
