Dogs come in all different 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 means that they get larger than average muscles.
1. American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier has a bloody past. Because it was once bred to serve in dogfights as well as in bearbaiting and bullbaiting.
Luckily, such blood sports are banned in most countries these days. However, these muscular dogs also make great family and police dogs.
And yet in many countries, they are on the so-called “breed list”. In concrete terms, this means that stopping is either prohibited or only permitted under special regulations.
This also explains their negative reputation. In addition, they are also among those dogs that have the strongest bite force. However, they can be trained quite well.
Fun Fact: While Pit Bulls may look dangerous, they are not made as guard dogs. Because strangers are always welcomed by cute four-legged friends in a friendly manner and with a wagging tails.
2. Rottweilers
The Rottweiler originated in Germany. In the past, this breed was primarily used as a working, guard, and shepherd dog.
Nowadays, however, they are mainly used as police and family dogs. Because they can be trained well and are very trusting towards their families.
In addition, these animals are among the 10 most popular as well as the 10 most muscular dog breeds worldwide. Their bite force is also above average.
On the other hand, they often react aggressively toward strange dogs. In addition, they shed and bark relatively and have a strong hunting instinct.
Fun Fact: You can often hear from the street at night if the owners have a Rottweiler. And not because of the barking, but because of the loud snoring noises.
3. American Staffordshire Terriers
The American Staffordshire Terrier was formerly bred specifically for dog fighting, bearbaiting, and bullbaiting. They were chased by chained animals for the show.
Since this is now forbidden, the demand for these four-legged friends also decreased. Recently, however, more and more dogs have been kept as watchdogs and family dogs.
In addition, muscular animals are among the strongest dog breeds in the world. They also get along well with children and are considered very loyal and friendly.
And yet, in some countries, keeping these dogs is either completely forbidden or only allowed under certain regulations. Your aggression potential is simply too high.
Fun Fact: In the 19th and 20th centuries it was claimed for sales purposes that these dogs could lock their bit in one position. However, this myth has long since been disproved.
4. Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino reaches a whopping 45 kg when fully grown. In its native Argentina, it was originally bred for dog fights.
But later he also served as a hunting, guard, and rescue dog. Early and intensive socialization is necessary for keeping a pet 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 of a strict master.
Fun Fact: According to studies, around 10% of all Dogo Argentino are deaf. Their stubbornness is therefore in many cases due to their hearing.
5. American Bully
The American Bully originated in the USA, where it was bred specifically for life as a house dog. It is also available in 4 different sizes.
The smallest species only reach a shoulder height of around 40 cm. And yet the muscular dogs weigh up to 40 kg.
In addition, they are considered to be very adaptable and get along excellently with strange dogs. They also make great watchdogs and are easy to train.
They also develop a close relationships with their families. Sometimes these four-legged friends can also be very stubborn and stubborn.
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. Mastiffs
The Mastiff comes from England and is a two-time world record holder. Because he is not only the world’s largest but also the heaviest dog breed.
To be more precise, one specimen reached a shoulder height of a full 94 cm and a weight of 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 get along well with the cold and are among 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.
Fun Fact: This breed is the flash in the pan among dogs with an average life expectancy of just 7 years.
7. Dogo Canary
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 illegal.
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 fights in the past.
On the other hand, they shed and bark very little. And yet, beginners are not advised to use this breed. Because they are considered dominant, stubborn, and aggressive.
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 originated in France. Originally, these four-legged friends were primarily used to pull heavy wagons.
Because they are still considered to be the strongest and most muscular dog breeds in the world. In addition, they can reach a weight of up to 68 kg when fully grown.
This also explains their short life expectancy. At between 5 and 8 years old, they are among the shortest-lived breeds.
They are considered very trusting and loyal to the family. These four-legged friends also get along well with children. Stranger dogs, on the other hand, are rarely tolerated by them.
Fun Fact: Since many Germans have trouble pronouncing this dog breed, the acronym DDB has been officially recognized.
9. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier originally comes from England. In his home country, he is also called “Staffy”. Today they are primarily kept as house dogs.
In the past, however, they were mostly used for rat baiting. The muscular dogs were let into a pit with hundreds of rats for the show – bloody slaughter.
Viewers could then bid on how long it would take for all the rats to die. But no 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.
Fun Fact: Paradoxically, these fighting dogs used to be called “Nanny Dogs”. Because they were often used as babysitters.
10. Doberman
The Dobermann 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 when trimmed and glued to the top when young.
However, cutting 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. On the other hand, they rarely tolerate strange dogs. They are also considered very self-confident, loyal, and obedient.
Fun Fact: This breed was bred for personal protection by a tax collector. Because that used to be the most hated job in the world.
11. German Boxer
The German Boxer is one of the 11 most popular breeds in the world. On the one hand, he owes his popularity to his good trainability.
On the other hand, he is also considered to be particularly trusting, cheerful, and playful. On the other hand, they often react aggressively toward strange dogs.
In addition, muscular dogs also make great watchdogs. Because they are very protective and territorial by nature.
They are even suitable for apartment life. However, they need a lot of exercises and shed a lot. On the other hand, they dislike heat and cold less.
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 reaches up to 90 kg when fully grown. This makes the giant one of the largest and heaviest dogs in the world.
They are completely unsuitable for living in apartments. In return, they make great watchdogs and family dogs. In addition, they are easy to train.
Because of their calm and good-natured nature, they are even suitable for first-time owners. And that despite the fact that they are among the most muscular dog breeds in the world.
By the way, their hunting instinct is very weak. In addition, these four-legged friends are only around 8-9 years old on average and get along well with children.
Fun fact: be careful on the sofa! Because these behemoths often forget their weight when they come to visit you for a cuddle.
13. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is native to Great Britain. They were once used primarily as watchdogs, teaching unwary thieves a lesson.
In some developing countries they are still used for this purpose today. But they are also very trusting to the family and make great family dogs.
According to statistics, the Bullmastiff is one of the 50 most popular breeds and one of the most muscular dogs in the world. They are also said to have a high pain tolerance.
On the other hand, they were really known for “Rocky”. Because in this film Sylvester Stallone gave a role to his own Bullmastiff.
Fun Fact: By nature, these dogs often struggle with gas. So get ready for some clouds of fragrance after eating.
14. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff originally came from Italy and was once used primarily as a guard and hunting dog. When fully grown, they can weigh up to 70 kg.
However, their size also explains their average life expectancy of just 7 years. With some socialization, they also make great family dogs.
And yet beginners are advised not to use these four-legged friends. Not only are they among the most muscular dog breeds in the world, but they are also difficult to train.
However, being alone is not one of her strengths. On the other hand, they bark relatively little and only have a weakly developed hunting instinct.
Fun fact: These four-legged friends are real gross motorists. Because of their clumsy nature, they often bump into furniture when running or even lose their balance when running.
15. Boerboel
The Boerboel comes from South Africa and was threatened with extinction shortly after World War II. To this day, they are mainly used as hunting and guard dogs in their homeland.
They are a frequent hunting companion, especially when hunting leopards. Muscular dogs are also sometimes used for dog fights.
For this reason, keeping these dogs is also prohibited in some countries. In addition, they are relatively difficult to train and are considered very dominant.
These four-legged friends are therefore less suitable for beginners. All these factors also explain why these dogs are comparatively rare internationally.
Fun Fact: Paradoxically, Boerboel means “farm dog” when translated. However, they are completely unsuitable as farm dogs.
16. Do Khyi
The Do Khyi originated in Tibet. To this day, these colossi are used as guard dogs from other dangerous predators.
Not only do they weigh up to 130 kg, but they are also among the 20 most muscular dog breeds in the world. They are also very territorial.
The many coats of this breed serve not only to protect against the cold but also against the bites of other animals. But they are also suitable as family dogs.
However, they are too big for living in apartments. In addition, they are difficult to train and need a strict and experienced master.
Fun Fact: This breed takes a full 5 years to reach mental maturity. With other dogs, this process usually ends after around 1.5 years.
17. Guatemalan Dogo
The Guatemalan Dogo was used from the start as a guard and protection dog. In the past, they were also used in bullfights.
These muscular dogs require a fair amount of socialization to be kept as family pets. They are considered fearless and aggressive by nature.
In some countries, there are also special regulations for keeping this breed. In addition, these dogs bark and shed above average.
This in turn also explains why you find these four-legged friends almost exclusively in their homeland. Internationally, they are still quite rare.
Fun Fact: These animals often only follow one person. Commands from the rest of the family, on the other hand, are confidently ignored.
18. Leonberger
The Leonberger comes from Germany and has served primarily as a family dog from the start. Due to his natural guardian instinct, he is also sometimes used as a shepherd dog.
In addition, these four-legged friends weigh up to 80 kg when fully grown and are the 18th most muscular dog breed in the world.
They are also particularly gentle, affable, and playful compared to other dogs. They also get along great with children.
However, beginners are advised not to use these colossuses. Because they can only be trained moderately well and have a strong hunting instinct.
Fun fact: During their annual shedding, these dogs shed so much fur at once that you’ll find a dustpan full of hair on the floor every day for several weeks.
19. English Bulldog
The English bulldog is the 5th most popular dog internationally. On the one hand, they owe this to their friendly, sociable and sociable nature.
On the other hand, these muscular dogs are also considered to be particularly easy to care for and only need a little exercise – making them ideal for lazy owners.
They were originally bred specifically for bullbaiting, where they would be set on chained bulls in front of an audience. Luckily this is now forbidden.
In addition, they have a relatively weak hunting instinct and can only be trained moderately well. Swimming, on the other hand, is not one of her strengths.
Fun Fact: These dogs often lack the stamina needed to reproduce naturally. Many English bulldogs are therefore artificially inseminated.
20. Cane Corso Italiano
The Cane Corso Italiano was originally used primarily as a guard and protection dog. And not only to protect against thieves but also against predators.
In addition, these four-legged friends are among the 40 most popular and the 20 most muscular dog breeds worldwide. They’re also great for training.
However, they are far too active for apartment life. They also need a lot of exercises and have a strong hunting instinct.
They also reach a weight of up to 50 kg and find it difficult to stay alone. But they are very obedient and affable.
Fun Fact: This breed is a world champion at drooling. So be prepared for wet socks.
21. Shar Pei
Originating in China, the Shar-Pei was once bred specifically for dog fighting. Its large folds served as protection against deep bite wounds.
This breed has been threatened with extinction for almost 50 years. Dog fighting is still legal in China, but fortunately, it’s becoming rarer.
Muscular dogs are only suitable for families with appropriate socialization. Children and strange dogs are otherwise hardly tolerated.
In addition, they bark quite a lot and only live between 8 and 10 years. These four-legged friends are therefore completely unsuitable for first-time owners.
Fun Fact: The Shar-Pei is one of two breeds that naturally has a black and blue tongue.
22. Tosa Inu
The Tosa Inu comes from Japan and was bred specifically for dog fighting. Sadly, these are still legal there to this day.
In addition, these dogs are considered aggressive by nature and are difficult to train. This also explains why they are banned in a large number of countries.
Sometimes they are also used in their home country to pull wagons. Because they are among the 30 most muscular dog breeds in the world.
In addition, they have a strong hunting instinct and are considered fearless and dominant. These dogs are therefore only suitable for real dog professionals.
Fun Fact: Magazines often describe them as the most dangerous dogs in the world. And yet these four-legged friends need an above-average amount of attention and love.
23. Ca de Bou
The Ca de Bou comes from Spain and was once used primarily for dog fighting and bullbaiting. Fortunately, these blood sports are now banned.
Early socialization is necessary to serve as a family pet. Especially if they have to live with children and dogs.
On the other hand, they shed and bark very little. In addition, muscular dogs develop a protective instinct toward their family.
Being alone is not one of their strengths. In addition, their hunting instinct is too strong to keep them with other pets.
Fun fact: Despite their size, these four-legged friends sometimes only give birth to 2 puppies. Other breeds, on the other hand, give birth to up to 24 dogs per jump.
24. Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback comes from South Africa. To this day, the four-legged friends serve primarily as a guard and hunting dogs. They are also sometimes used to hunt lions.
However, only to lure the prey to the hunter. Incidentally, they got their name because they have a ridge (“elevation”) on the back (“back”).
More precisely, it is a strip of fur that grows in the opposite direction. They are also among the most muscular dogs in the world.
When fully grown, they reach a weight of up to 50 kg. Their poor trainability combined with their strength also explains why beginners are advised against them.
Fun Fact: To deal with high heat, these dogs like to dig big and deep holes. When the work is done, they usually lie down in the cold dirt.
25. Mastín Español
The Mastín Español comes from Spain and was primarily used as a guard dog in the past. Mostly they served to protect against wolves.
These muscular dogs can reach a weight of up to 80 kg and can easily take on a wolf on their own.
They are also known to be very confident, fearless, and territorial. With the appropriate socialization, they are also ideal as family dogs.
On the other hand, they rarely tolerate strange dogs. Because of their poor trainability, they are only recommended for experienced dog owners.
Fun Fact: This breed hardly ever barks. However, once they open their mouths, almost all of them get weak on their knees. Because it sounds particularly deep and frightening.
26. Mastin del Pirineo
The Mastín del Pirineo comes from Spain, where it used to serve primarily as a shepherd and guard dog. Nowadays, however, they are also increasingly kept as house dogs.
When fully grown, these giants reach a shoulder height of almost 80 cm and weigh a whopping 90 kg. They are also among the most muscular dogs in the world.
As guard dogs, they used to wear a wide collar that was damaged with spikes. Thus, a fight against attacking predators almost always ended in blood.
They are also considered very protective and loyal to the family. They also get along really well with children and strange dogs.
Fun Fact: Even in old age, this breed still behaves like a playful puppy at times. So you always have something to laugh about here.
27. Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier comes from England and was once bred specifically as a fighting dog. The idea was to combine the power of the bulldog with the agility of a terrier.
They used to be very popular for bears, rats, and bullbaiting. Fortunately, this carnage is now illegal in much of the world.
But muscular dogs also make great family dogs. Because they are considered gentle, and charming and are the ideal playmates for children.
However, they rarely tolerate strange dogs. Keeping these potentially dangerous dogs is also subject to special regulations in many countries.
Fun Fact: These dogs are known to be particularly stubborn. In part, this is also due to their hearing. According to statistics, one in five white bull terriers is deaf.
28. American Bulldogs
The American Bulldog has made a name for itself in particular through its versatility. Because they are suitable as guards, hunting, house, and shepherd dogs.
Sadly, they were also sometimes used for bullbaiting in the past. Because they are not only one of the most muscular dog breeds in the world but are also absolutely fearless.
Despite their size, these four-legged friends can live up to 15 years. In addition, they nearly died out during World War II.
Compared to other breeds, these dogs shed and bark relatively little. But their hunting instinct is all the more pronounced. First owners are therefore advised not to use them.
Fun Fact: These dogs require a lot of attention. If they don’t get these every day, they often chew on furniture or shoes.
29. Caucasian Ovcharka
The Caucasian Ovcharka was and is still used primarily as a guard dog. Sometimes he also serves as a guard dog at national borders.
In the past, however, they were primarily used to protect against wolves and bears. Because they weigh up to 100 kg and are among the most muscular dogs in the world.
They are also available with three different fur lengths. With the appropriate socialization, they also make great family dogs.
However, they rarely tolerate strange dogs and pets. And when they do, they instinctively assume the alpha role and radiate dominance.
Fun fact: If these dogs’ food intake is not strictly controlled, they can quickly weigh up to 150 kg. Because they are almost always hungry.
30. Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro originally comes from Brazil. To date, these dogs are relatively rare internationally. On the one hand, this is due to their independent nature.
On the other hand, dogs are also considered potentially dangerous. They are therefore banned in some countries and allowed in others only under strict notice.
However, their nose is so good that they are often used as hunting companions. They are also among the 30 most muscular dog breeds in the world.
However, they are unsuitable for city life. Because their hunting instinct is so strong that they hunt almost everything that moves. In addition, they are difficult to train.
Fun Fact: These dogs were once used to hunt down escaped slaves. They usually bit their butts upon contact and held them until the guards arrived.