With an average bite force of 743 PSI, the Turkish Kangal holds the title for the strongest bite of any dog breed. Initially bred as livestock guardians, Kangals are large dogs that have become naturally larger over the generations to protect their herds better. Although these dogs tend to be naturally territorial due to the job they’ve been bred for, they prefer to intimidate rather than attack their prey.
Although the Kangal breed has the strongest dog bite force recorded, other breeds have jaw strength that can compete. However, having a strong jaw force does not automatically mean a dog should be considered a danger to society. Knowing the risks involved with a dog bite, as well as the victim’s legal rights if an attack happens, can help Indiana residents seek the compensation they deserve after they’ve been bitten.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Are Some Other Dogs with a Strong Bite Force?
- 2 How Is a Dog’s Bite Force Measured?
- 3 Can a Dog with a Stronger Bite Force Be Considered a Dangerous Dog?
- 4 Are Certain Dog Breeds Illegal to Own in Indiana?
- 5 What Are Some Common Injuries from a Dog Bite?
- 6 What Are Indiana’s Dog Bite Laws?
- 7 What Should You Do After You Have Suffered a Dog Bite Injury?
- 8 Contact an Indiana Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
What Are Some Other Dogs with a Strong Bite Force?
No dog breed is completely free of the risk of biting. Pomeranians tend to nip visitors’ ankles, chihuahuas bite their owner’s fingers, and many dogs bite in the stress of the vet office or a grooming salon. But those little dogs don’t hurt nearly as much as some breeds, such as:
- Cane Corso (700 PSI)
- Mastiff (552 PSI)
- Rottweiler (328 PSI)
- American Bulldog (305 PSI)
- German Shepherd (238 PSI)
- Doberman Pinscher (229 PSI)
Although these dogs have a strong bite force, proper training will keep them from biting and becoming dangerous. Most of these breeds are also considered very intelligent. Some of them are even used by law enforcement because of their bite strength. With good training, these breeds with powerful bites can live their entire lives without hurting anyone.
How Is a Dog’s Bite Force Measured?
The term PSI stands for pounds per square inch, and it simply means that it is the amount of force a dog’s bite can apply to one square inch of area. Imagine that Kangal biting down on an object with all of its strength. It would be applying 743 pounds of force to that object. That is a considerable amount of strength and can do a lot of damage.
Some considerations that go into calculating the PSI include:
- Structure of the Jaw – Larger dogs with broader skulls generally have stronger bite forces.
- Muscle Mass and Strength – Strong jaw muscles are natural with some dogs’ builds and contribute to the overall PSI of the bite.
- Purpose of the Breed – Dogs bred for hunting or protection tend to have developed stronger bites throughout their breed’s history.
No matter what factors a potentially dangerous breed has, all dogs can be affectionate and docile rather than something to fear. Their PSI is simply a fact of their body, not a promise that they’ll cause harm.
Can a Dog with a Stronger Bite Force Be Considered a Dangerous Dog?
A dog isn’t considered dangerous based on its PSI alone. In Indiana, a breed has to meet certain criteria to be labeled a dangerous dog by law. It must have a documented history of:
- Unprovoked attacks
- Killing or seriously injuring animals or people
- Training for dog fighting
It’s possible to minimize the dangers of a breed that is classified as aggressive through proper training and socialization.
Are Certain Dog Breeds Illegal to Own in Indiana?
The state of Indiana has not made it illegal to own any specific breed. However, municipalities are allowed to create their own rules, so some locations may have restrictions.
Some breeds that often fall into these restrictions are:
- Pit bulls
- Rottweilers
- Dobermans
- Wolf hybrids
These restrictions vary widely based on the area, so it’s always a good idea to check where you live to see which breeds might be against ordinances in your area.
What Are Some Common Injuries from a Dog Bite?
A dog bite can be exceptionally dangerous. A few areas, such as the arms and legs, are more commonly bitten because a victim will naturally try to fight the dog off with their limbs. However, the stomach and face are also common areas that a dog will go after.
These dog bites commonly result in injuries like:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Scars
- Disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Infections
If you’ve been a dog bite victim, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately. The doctor will flush out the wound to prevent infection and ensure you have the proper vaccinations to keep you healthy.
What Are Indiana’s Dog Bite Laws?
- Indiana has a strict premises liability law for dog bites. This means that the dog owner is responsible for any unprovoked bites, regardless of where the bite occurs.
- A dog owner must maintain control of their dog, whether a dangerous breed or not, at all times to prevent bites due to negligence.
- Victims may seek compensation through a dog bite claim for their injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering at the owner’s expense.
What Should You Do After You Have Suffered a Dog Bite Injury?
If a dog has bitten you, the immediate trauma can make it hard to think clearly and know what to do next.
There are essentially five steps to take after a dog bite injury:
- Seek medical treatment right away.
- Document the incident with photos and witness statements if you’re able.
- Report the bite to local animal control.
- Confirm rabies vaccination status with the owner.
- Contact an experienced dog bite lawyer to explore legal options.
These steps can help your health and strengthen your legal case, should legal action be necessary. Be sure to document each step you have taken, including requesting an incident report from animal control.
Contact an Indiana Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
At Truitt Law Offices, our sole focus is on personal injury law, and we will provide personalized care for your dog bite lawsuit. When you choose us, you benefit from:
- Over 40 years of experience handling personal injury cases
- A track record of securing maximum compensation for clients
- 100+ five-star reviews from satisfied clients
- Insider knowledge of insurance company defense strategies.
An injury from a dog bite can lead to expensive medical bills, ugly scarring, and emotional trauma. If you need compensation for your injury, contact us today for a free consultation with a Fort Wayne dog bite attorney who cares.
