Top 30 most muscular dogs in the world

Dogs come in a wide variety of sizes and weight classes. Here is a list of the 30 most muscular dog breeds in the world:

By far the most muscular breed is the so-called “Bully Whippet”. Here, a genetic defect causes them to have larger than average muscles. [1]

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#1 American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a bloody past. Because it was once bred to serve in dog fighting as well as bear and bull baiting.

Fortunately, such blood sports are now banned in most countries. These muscular dogs also make great family and police dogs.

And yet in many countries they are on the so-called “breed list”. Specifically, this means that keeping them is either prohibited or only permitted under special regulations.

This also explains their negative reputation. In addition, they are also one of the dogs that have the strongest bite force. However, they can be trained quite well. [2]

Fun fact: Pit bulls may look dangerous, but they are not suitable as guard dogs. Because these sweet four-legged friends always greet strangers in a friendly manner and with a wagging tail.

#2 Rottweiler

The Rottweiler has its origins in Germany. In the past, this breed was primarily used as a working dog, guard dog and shepherd dog.

Nowadays, however, they are mainly used as police and family dogs. Because they are easy to train and are very trusting towards their family.

In addition, these animals are among the 10 most popular as well as the 10 most muscular dog breeds in the world. Their bite force is also above average.

However, they also react aggressively more often towards strange dogs. They also shed and bark quite a bit and have a strong hunting instinct. [3]

Fun fact: You can often hear from the street at night whether the owners have a Rottweiler. And not because of the barking, but because of the loud snoring noises.

#3 American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier was previously bred specifically for dog fighting as well as bear and bull baiting. They were chased on chained animals for a show.

Since this is now banned, the demand for these four-legged friends has also decreased. Recently, however, more and more dogs have been kept as guard and family dogs.

The muscular animals are also among the strongest dog breeds in the world. By the way, they also get along well with children and are considered very loyal and friendly. [4]

And yet, in some countries, keeping these dogs is either completely banned or only permitted under certain regulations. Their potential for aggression is simply too high.

Fun fact: In the 19th and 20th centuries, it was claimed for sales purposes that these dogs could lock their teeth in one position. This myth has long since been refuted.

#4 Dogo Argentino

The Dogo Argentino reaches a whopping 45 kg when fully grown. In its native Argentina, it was originally bred for dog fighting.

Later he also served as a hunting, guard and rescue dog. Early and intensive socialization is necessary for keeping as a house dog.

Because they are difficult to train and naturally do not tolerate other dogs or pets. They are also one of the most muscular dog breeds in the world.

They are therefore unsuitable for beginners. On the other hand, they shed and bark very little. However, they are usually very loyal and trusting towards a strict master. [5]

Fun fact: According to studies, around 10% of all Argentine Dogos are deaf. In many cases, their stubbornness is due to what they have heard.

#5 American Bully

The American Bully comes from the USA, where it was bred specifically for life as a domestic dog. It is also available in 4 different sizes.

The smallest species only reaches a shoulder height of around 40 cm. And yet the muscular dogs weigh up to 40 kg.

In addition, they are considered very adaptable and get along excellently with strange dogs. They also make great watchdogs and are easy to train.

They also develop a close relationship with their family. However, these four-legged friends can also be very stubborn and stubborn. [6]

Fun fact: Due to their rarity, these dogs are relatively expensive. A few years ago an American Bully was even sold for a whopping €250,000.

#6 Mastiff

The mastiff comes from England and is a two-time world record holder. Because it is not only the largest dog breed in the world, but also the heaviest.

To be more precise, one example reached a whopping 94 cm at the shoulder and weighed an incredible 156 kg. They are therefore clearly unsuitable for apartments.

Compared to other dogs, they are also considered to be very calm and good-natured. They also cope well with the cold and are one of the most muscular dog breeds in the world.

After the Second World War, this breed was on the verge of extinction. And yet they are now among the 30 most popular dogs internationally. [7]

Fun fact: With an average life expectancy of just 7 years, this breed is the #1 mayfly among dogs.

#7 Dogo Canario

The Dogo Canario comes from the Canary Islands and is quite rare internationally. On the one hand, this is because they are only suitable as house dogs with a lot of socialization.

On the other hand, they are also classified as dangerous in many countries. In some US states and Australia, for example, keeping this breed is completely prohibited.

In addition, they have a strong bite and are among the most muscular dogs in the world. This also explains why they were sometimes used for dog fighting in the past.

On the other hand, they do very little shedding or barking. And yet this breed is not recommended for beginners. Because they are considered dominant, stubborn and aggressive. [8]

Fun fact: These dogs are real drool athletes. In many cases they leave a new drool stain about every 5 meters.

#8 Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux has its origins in France. Originally, these four-legged friends were primarily used to pull heavy carts.

Because they are still considered to be the strongest and most muscular dog breeds in the world. In addition, when fully grown they can reach a weight of up to 68 kg.

This also explains their short life expectancy. At between 5 and 8 years old, they are one of the shortest-lived breeds.

They are considered to be very trusting and loyal to the family. These four-legged friends also get along well with children. However, they rarely tolerate strange dogs. [9]

Fun fact: Since many Germans have problems with the pronunciation of this dog breed, the acronym DDB was officially recognized.

#9 Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier originally comes from England. In his homeland he is also called “Staffy”. Nowadays they are primarily kept as domestic dogs.

In the past, however, they were mostly used for ratbaiting. The muscular dogs were let into a pit with hundreds of rats for show – a bloody slaughter.

The spectators could then bid on how long it would take until all the rats were dead. But don't worry. Today, such blood sports are largely banned.

In addition, the dogs are difficult to train and are considered fearless and loyal. This also explains why this breed is banned in some countries. [10]

Fun fact: These fighting dogs were, paradoxically, also previously called “nanny dogs”. Because they were often used as babysitters.

#10 Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman comes from Germany and is now one of the 20 most popular breeds worldwide. He is primarily known for his long and pointed ears.

However, these dogs naturally have floppy ears. They only stick out if they are cut and glued upwards when they are young.

Cropping or “cropping” is now prohibited in Germany. In addition, these animals are among the most muscular dog breeds in the world.

Dobermans also make great guard dogs. However, they rarely tolerate strange dogs. They are also considered very self-confident, loyal and obedient. [11]

Fun fact: This breed was bred for personal protection by a tax collector. Because this used to be the most hated job in the world.

#11 German boxer

The German Boxer is one of the 11 most popular breeds worldwide. On the one hand, it owes its popularity to its easy trainability.

On the other hand, he is also considered to be particularly trusting, happy and playful. However, they also react aggressively more often towards strange dogs.

In addition, the muscular dogs also make great guard dogs. Because they are very protective and territorial by nature.

They are even suitable for apartment living. However, they need a lot of exercise and shed a lot. On the other hand, they like heat and cold less. [12]

Fun fact: At a whopping 43 cm, the Boxer holds the world record for the longest dog tongue.

#12 Broholmer

The Broholmer comes from Denmark and can reach up to 90 kg when fully grown. This makes the giants one of the largest and heaviest dogs in the world.

They are therefore completely unsuitable for living in apartments. In return, they make great guard and family dogs. They are also easy to train.

Because of their calm and good-natured nature, they are suitable even for first-time owners. And this despite the fact that they are one of the most muscular dog breeds in the world.

By the way, their hunting instinct is very weak. In addition, these four-legged friends only live to be around 8-9 years old on average and get along well with children. [13]

Fun fact: Be careful on the sofa! Because these giants often forget their weight when they come to visit you for a cuddle session.

#13 Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff comes from Great Britain. They were once primarily used as guard dogs to teach unwary thieves a lesson.

They are still used for this purpose in some developing countries today. But they are also very trusting towards the family and make great family dogs.

According to statistics, the Bullmastiff is even one of the 50 most popular…