Bull Terriers have a history of being a fighter and an aggressive dog. The reason why some states and countries have banned this breed. Well, how strong are the jaws of a Bull Terrier? What are the reasons why they bite?
How to prevent them from being aggressive? Let’s find out through this article.
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How Strong Are the Jaws of a Bull Terrier?
The strength of a Bull Terrier’s jaw can be measured by its bite force. A Bull Terrier’s bite force is equivalent to 269 PSI (pounds per square inch). A Bull Terrier is one of the top 20 dogs with the strongest bites. They are known to have an egg-shaped head and a unique jaw structure.
Many organizations consider them to have a powerful jaw that can be a threat. However, research conducted by Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin at the University of Georgia shows that their jaws don’t have locking abilities. This means that they are not as dangerous as people believed them to be.
How to Measure a Bull Terrier’s Bite
Though a Bull Terrier’s jaw is not the most powerful jaw among the dog breeds, it can still create damage to some degree. The measurement may vary because of several reasons. The bite force measurement can be different from the first instance of biting and if there’s another one after that.
Experts measure the bite force using PSI or pounds per square inch. This measurement can be affected by the recipient of the bite, your Bull Terrier’s current mental and emotional health, and the appearance of the dog. The PSI is not dependent on the number of bites.
It is dependent on how severe the damage is. Some of the Bull Terrier’s bites can be skin deep and some can be lethal. It also depends on how provoked, angry, or frightened they are.
Why Do Bull Terrier Bite?
Bull Terriers, just like most of the other animals, will not attack anyone especially humans, unless they are triggered, scared, or attacked first. Usually, this is just because of their natural instinct and protective mechanisms. If it happens most of the time, then your Bull Terrier may need some medical help.
Here are some of the reasons why Bull Terrier may attack you or other people and animals:
- A Bull Terrier may bite if she/he needs to protect something, like his owner, territory, or her puppies.
- A Bull Terrier may accidentally bite you if you suddenly wake him up from sleep or you startled him by approaching from behind.
- Rough playing with your Bull Terrier can trigger him to bite you. If a child, for example, runs while playing with him, they might awaken their prey drive and bite them.
- A Bull Terrier may bite you if he is in a threatening situation, such as hearing a loud noise. If they have some kind of trauma and you have triggered it, they might think that you’re a threat.
- A Bull Terrier in pain or dealing with an illness can have mood swings and have a tendency to be aggressive. Sometimes, they will not allow you to touch their body because of the pain.
Dog Breeds With the Highest Bite Force
| Dog Breed | Bite Force (psi) |
|---|---|
| Belgian Malinois | 195 |
| English Bulldog | 210 |
| Chow Chow | 220 |
| Dutch Shepherd | 224 |
| Alano Español | 227 |
| Doberman Pinscher | 228 |
| Boxer | 230 |
| Pit Bull | 235 |
| German Shepherd | 238 |
| American Bulldog | 305 |
| Rottweiler | 328 |
| Leonberger | 399 |
| Dogo Argentino | 500 |
| Presa Canario | 540 |
| English Mastiff | 552 |
| Tosa Inu | 556 |
| Dogue de Bordeaux | 556 |
| Cane Corso | 700 |
| Bandog | 730 |
| Kangal | 743 |
How to Prevent or Stop Your Bull Terrier From Biting
If you allow your Bull Terrier to keep biting you even if it’s just playing, they will grow up thinking it’s right. As an owner, it is your responsibility to train them not to make biting their first reaction in everything. Here are some of the ways on how to prevent or stop your Bull Terrier from biting:
- Positive training can prevent your Bull Terrier from being assertive. Be firm in your discipline with your Bull Terrier because they can be stubborn during training.
- Socialization plays a major role in the future attitude of your Bull Terrier towards you, other people, and even animals. At a very young age socialize your Bull Terrier with people in your house, including children, dogs, and people outside your home.
- Create positive experiences. This is not just to avoid biting habits, it is also to avoid anxiety. Allow them to see different places and hear different sounds. By doing this, you’re partially eliminating the chance of them getting startled easily.
- Do not allow your dog to stay in a stressful situation. For example, if he is not yet comfortable with the presence of other dogs, remove him from there immediately.
- Do not use negative reinforcement while training. It will only be harder for the both of you if you do that. Reward your Bull Terrier as necessary.
- Always keep your Bull Terrier on a leash when doing outdoor activities. This is to prevent him from getting lost or getting into a fight.
- If your Bull Terrier is experiencing aggression or fearfulness, make sure not to touch him immediately.
- Keep his vaccination on track. This is to protect him and other people or animals as well.
- It is important to be familiar with and understand your Bull Terrier’s body language. These are signals that can help you identify what they currently feel and will help you to take some action.
Related Questions
Do English Bull Terriers Have Strong Jaws?
English Bull Terriers have strong and muscular jaws. This is normal for this kind of breed. Due to their genes, it is also normal for them to have big jaws and faces that look always ready to fight. However, English Bull Terriers can be tamed and they can be very sweet dogs.
Are Bull Terriers the Strongest Dogs?
A Bull Terrier is not the strongest dog. There are other American and British breeds that are stronger than a Bull Terrier. Although they are not the strongest, they are still very sturdy and powerful.
Do Bull Terriers Bite a Lot?
Bull Terriers don’t bite a lot. It all depends on how well-trained your dog is. If you don’t have time to spend on training your Bull Terrier, it might get aggressive toward strangers.
Conclusion
The jaws of a Bull Terrier are strong. They have a force bite of 269 pounds per square inch. This measurement may vary depending on the recipient of the bite and your Bull Terrier’s current health.
The strength of their jaw is not measured by how many bites did they make, but by how severe the damage is.
