Wolves are one of the most powerful carnivores in the animal kingdom. Ever wondered whether there are dog breeds strong enough to finish off a wolf? You’re about to find out.
There are several dog breeds capable of killing a wolf when attacked. These include the Irish Wolfhound, Kangal, Caucasian Shepherd dog, Tibetan Mastiff, Cane Corso, Boerboel, Alabai, and Dogo Argentino amongst others.
Want to know more about the advantage these dogs have over the ever-brutal wolves? Read on as I discuss what makes them capable of winning a fight against wolves.
What breed of dog can kill a wolf
It’s hard to imagine that wolves are afraid of certain dog breeds. But there are certain breeds of dog that could kill a wolf.
Wolves are often portrayed as brave beasts that don’t need to worry about losing a fight to another animal in the wild. And that if they can take down any wild animal they want, a mere domesticated dog is not worth fearing. Well, this isn’t entirely true.
There’s no denying that wolves are exceptionally strong and show no mercy to an enemy in the event of a dangerous encounter.
Wolves and dogs are more like relatives (since they share genes). But these two species have a non-existent friendship, hence why wolves never think twice about attacking dogs.
And while most dogs fear wolves, certain breeds will confidently fight back a wolf, knowing they’ll emerge the winner.
What gives these dogs an upper hand over wolves is their impressive bite force.
An animal’s bite force, often measured in pounds per square inch (psi), largely depends on how strong its jaw bone, jaw muscles, and teeth are.
Wolves are said to have an average bite force of 400 psi.
This is quite a powerful bite force, as most dogs have less than this. A wolf will easily kill a dog whose bite force is below 400psi.
But reality is, a wolf’s bite force is nothing compared to the unique bite force of some dogs.
Here are 13 dog breeds that can possibly kill a wolf:
1. The Komondor
The Komondor is also known as the Hungarian sheepdog that was bred to guard livestock and property.
2. The Kangal
With its origin traced back to Turkey, Kangals are often preferred by many farmers because of their superb livestock guarding skills.
Their seriously intimidating size and super courageous nature allow them to ward off livestock predators like wolves.
Kangals take the lead as the dogs with the most powerful bite force worldwide — an astounding 731 psi!
A single bite from a Kangal will leave a wolf dead. There’s no way a wolf will dare mess with a Kangal and expect victory.
3. Cane Corso
During ancient times, Cane Corsos were used in battles because of their fierce strength.
This Italian giant dog breed makes a fantastic guard dog as they are extremely territorial and won’t be afraid to confront a wolf invading their owner’s livestock.
With a bite force of around 700 psi, a wolf that attempts to sneak into a property guarded by a Cane Corso will have a sad ending.
4. The American Bandogge Mastiff
American Bandogges have a diverse ancestry. They possess intense protective instincts to keep their human family and property safe from danger — including wolves.
This large, muscular breed is highly aggressive when threatened. And going by their 730 psi biting force, no wolf can fight an American Bandogee without getting fatally wounded.
5. Dogue de Bordeaux
Famously known for their appearance in the film “Tuner and Hunch” this ever-drooling, massive breed is a fearless and extra-vigilant protector.
A wolf that spots a Dogue will quickly change their mind about attacking because this dog’s jaw strength is not one to joke with.
Their bite force stands at 556 psi, enough to kill a bothersome wolf.
6. English Mastiff
English Mastiffs have a big and scary look and are extremely devoted to protecting their family.
As much as they are praised for their calm demeanor, an English Mastiff will unleash their aggressive side if an enemy — like the wolf — threatens them or their human family.
With a 556 psi bite force, an English Mastiff’s bite will for sure bring down a wolf.
7. The Alabai
Also referred to as Central Asian Shepherds, Alabais are super affectionate and go out of their way to protect their loved ones.
An Alabai can be very aggressive when provoked. It won’t hesitate to save its human family and livestock under its care when a dangerous situation arises. For instance, a wolf attack.
Their bite force ranges from 500 to 650 psi, so a wolf that angers an Alabai will likely not make it out of the fight alive.
8. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Originally bred in the Caucasus mountain region of Eastern Europe, where they guarded their owners’ property against attack by wild predators in the mountain, Caucasian Shepherds still take their guarding duties with utmost seriousness to date.
This giant dog breed is extremely courageous and won’t chicken out when confronted by a wolf. Perhaps they have nothing to fear because their bite force ranges between 550 and 700 Psi.
9. The Presa Canario
Also known as Doggo Canario or Canary dog (since they hail from the Canary Islands), this muscular, large-sized dog breed has been used in dog fighting rings for years.
Presa Canarios are well suited for families because they are affectionate family pets that will go to extremes to protect their homes — including attacking and killing intruders like wolves.
Their 540 psi bite force makes it possible for them to kill a wolf in the event of a nasty encounter.
10. The Sarplaninac
The Sarplaninac might not appear in a list of the most affectionate large dog breeds. But their watchful gaze and extremely fearless nature are worth having this dog as your canine member.
Sarplaninacs are highly territorial and do a great job keeping livestock safe from wolf attacks.
And with a bite force of 450 to 700 psi, there’s no doubt that Sarplaninacs are wolf killers.
11. Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino’s intelligence, vigilance, obedience, and friendly nature make them great family companions and guardians.
This big-sized, serious-looking dog will stand up to a wolf and win the fight, thanks to its 500 psi bite force.
12. The Tibetan Mastiff
Commonly known as the lions of the dog world because of their stunning lion-like mane, Tibetan Mastiffs are fiercely protective of their families.
In the event of a confrontation with a wolf, a Tibetan Mastiff will succeed in seriously wounding and killing the wolf because of their 500 to 560 psi bite force.
The Tibetan’s ferocious look will also have a wolf running the other direction even before the fight starts.
13. The Boerboel
Boerboels make exceptional guard dogs and tend to act overly aggressive towards strangers and animals that are a threat — like wolves.
This breed’s bite force stands at 450 psi, slightly higher than a wolf’s. So it’s no surprise that a Boerboel can overpower a wolf.
14. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a historic sighthound dog breed from Ireland that has, by its presence and substantial size, inspired literature, poetry and mythology. Like all sighthounds, it was used to pursue game by speed; it was also famed as a guard dog, specializing in protection against and for the hunting of wolves.
FAQs on what dogs can kill a wolf
What dog breed would kill a wolf?
There are a couple of dog breeds capable of killing a wolf. They include Kangals, English Mastiffs, Tibetan Mastiffs, American Bandogges, the Dogue de Bordeaux, Cane Corsos, Caucasian Shepherd dogs, Presa Canario, and the Alabai, among others.
Could a Pitbull kill a wolf?
No, a Pitbull can’t kill a wolf, despite their reputation as deadly dogs. A Pitbull’s bite force is roughly 235 psi. To kill a wolf, a dog must have a bite force of over 400 psi.
What dogs are wolves afraid of?
Wolves are afraid of dogs with an exceptional bite force like the Kangal, American Bandogges, English Mastiffs, Tibetan Mastiffs, Cane Corsos, Alabais, and Dogue de Bordeaux.
Can a dog ever beat a wolf?
Yes, that’s right. A dog can defeat a wolf during a fight if they have a bite force higher than that of a wolf’s (wolves have a 400 psi bite force)
You mighty also like…
Image in header via https://pixabay.com/photos/wolf-fur-grey-black-animal-5360340/