Cane Corso Bite Force (PSI)
Cane Corso bite force is a subject with much discussion. There is a lot of misinformation out there. In this article, we'll look at some of the myths, how a Cane Corso's bite force can be measured, and how much faith we can have in the results.
What Is Bite Force Exactly?
Bite force is the amount of pressure that a dog's jaws can exert on an object. The breed of a dog, as well as the size and shape of its jaw, can affect its bite force.
What Measurements Are Used To Describe Bite Force?
Bite force is measured in PSI. It's a measurement of pressure — PSI stands for pounds per square inch. As we continue to explore the bite force of the Cane Corso, keep in mind that the average bite force for humans is between 150 and 170 PSI.
The pressure of a dog bite can be upwards of 400 PSI. A powerful bite like this can cause serious damage to skin and tissue.
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How Can You Measure A Dog’s Bite Force?
There are a few different ways to estimate a dog's bite force. You can get a fair idea by just looking at the breed of dog. Some breeds, like mastiffs, have large, muscular heads and jaws, and clearly have a stronger bite than others. Dogs with a larger jaw and snout usually have a stronger bite.
You can also observe the dog's behavior when it is biting. For example, if a dog is able to easily crush a bone, it likely has a high bite force.
For example, I know that the Cane Corso's bite force is strong simply by seeing what happens when ours chew a dog toy. Most toys are completely destroyed in short order. I have learned that it's pointless picking up a new toy in the supermarket. Unless the toy has been designed to be pretty much indestructible, it's going to be history by tomorrow.
So, I know from simple observation that the Cane Corso is a strong dog with a heck of a bite.
But you can measure the pressure of the bite itself, on a more scientific basis.
The common method is to use a bite meter, which measures the amount of pressure exerted by the dog's jaws on a per square inch basis. The measurement is usually taken in pounds per square inch, or PSI. The higher the PSI, the more force the dog can exert.
Bite Force PSI Numbers Are Not The End Of The Story
When considering bite force PSI numbers, it’s a good idea to be aware of the limits and variability of these numbers.
For example, a dog’s bite force will be stronger back towards the hinge of the jaw than it will be at the front of the jaw. So it makes a difference where in the jaw the test device is deployed.
And there is a great deal of difference between a dog who is playing or exercising, and a dog who is on full red alert attack mode. In other words, a test may not be getting the full measure of what a dog can do.
And, in the course of learning to live with its siblings, being trained by its owner, and learning to fit in with its family, a dog will typically learn ‘bite inhibition'. This simply means he learns to moderate his bite strength so as not to hurt those around him.
Only in conditions where the dog perceives real danger is he likely to bite to his full strength.
And, of course, just as some humans are stronger than others, individual dogs within a breed will vary, too. So one Cane Corso will have a stronger bite than another.
So, it’s easy to see that we can’t know everything about a dog’s bite force from a single number from a single dog in a single test.
What Is The Bite Force Of A Cane Corso?
The Cane Corso has been reported to have a bite force of around 700 PSI.
Cane Corsos were bred to hunt large prey. They would be hunting in a pack, and their role would require high jaw strength to hold down the prey.
So, their high bite strength is an evolutionary result of having to deal with larger predators, such as wild boar, wolves, and even bear. Few dogs have a stronger bite.
How Does Cane Corso’s Bite Force Compare To Other Animals?
The Cane Corso's bite force is quite strong in comparison to many other animals, and it is in the top 3 dog breeds with the strongest bite force.
Comparing the Cane Corso's 700 PSI with the average human's bite force, which is only around 200 PSI, we can see that the Cane Corso's bite force is much higher.
In the wild, there are some animals with even stronger bites. For example, the great white shark has a bite force of around 1,500 PSI. Even the jaguar, which is smaller than the Cane Corso, has a bite force of around 1,500 PSI
So while the Cane Corso's bite force is nothing to scoff at, there are definitely some animals out there with an even stronger bite.
What Is World's Strongest Animal Bite?
National Geographic says the strongest animal bite in the world is that of the crocodile. Their bite force is estimated to be around 3,700 PSI.
Mastiffs and other dogs can certainly have a very strong bite, but it’s nowhere near as powerful as that of the crocodile.
Can Cane Corsos Lock Their Jaws When They Bite?
No, Cane Corsos do not lock their jaws when they bite. This is a common misconception about large dogs with strong jaws, and there's a lot of misinformation about this.
The Cane Corso is a very muscular breed, so their jaws are very strong. However, they do not have the ability to lock their jaws in place.
There is a popular myth that some dog breeds with stronger jaws than others are more likely to “lock” their jaws when they bite. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
The myth is likely based on the fact that some breeds, such as rottweilers, bulldogs, and mastiffs, have large, muscular jaws which allow them to bite hard and maintain the grip for a long time.
However, these breeds are no more able to “lock” their jaws than any other breed.
How Can You Get A Cane Corso To Release Its Bite?
If your Cane Corso has bitten onto something and is not releasing, there are a few things you can do to get him to release.
First, try using a treat or toy as a lure. Show the Cane Corso the treat or toy and then move it away from his face so that he has to follow it with his mouth.
As he does this, say "release" or "drop it." Once he opens his mouth, give him the treat or toy.
With a dog you don't know very well, it's best not to get your hands near the mouth.
But if this is your dog and you know him well, and trust him, you can try using a physical cue along with the verbal cue. For example, say "release" while pushing down on his lower jaw.
Squeezing the jaw near the hinge point of the jaw can also encourage a dog to release its bite.
Can A Cane Corso’s Bite Break Bones?
Yes, a Cane Corso's bite can break bones. The Cane Corso bite force may not be enough to break through a large human bone, it can certainly fracture one. And it can be enough to break smaller bones. If you're ever on the receiving end of a Cane Corso's bite, you will probably need to seek medical attention.
Does A Stronger Bite Mean A More Dangerous Dog?
Certainly, a strong bite can potentially mean a more dangerous dog. But it depends on a number of factors. Whilst the size, weight, and bite force of the dog can play a role in how much damage its bite can do, it's really about whether the dog chooses to use its teeth or not.
It's also about how a dog bites
The most common injuries caused by bites are puncture wounds.
But if the dog bites and shakes its head, or pulls, the injury can be much worse.
On the other hand, if your large powerful dog has a gentle nature and is never out of control, he's never going to represent any danger at all.
So, the breed of dog can be a factor, as some breeds are known for being more aggressive than others. But, ultimately it's going to be down to the individual dog, his temperament, and his environment — how he has been trained and brought up. It's very important to socialize a Cane Corso from an early age.
So, it's really not possible to say definitively whether or not a stronger bite makes for a more dangerous dog.
How Strong Is A 700 PSI Bite Force?
A 700 PSI bite force is pretty strong.
For comparison, a crocodile has a bite force of about 3,700 PSI and the strongest dog breed, the Kangal, has a bite force of about 740 PSI. So a 700 PSI bite force is stronger than most dogs but not as strong as some larger animals.
To put it in perspective, the Cane Corso's bite force is stronger than that of a Pitbull or an American Bulldog.
The Cane Corso's bite is very powerful and can cause serious damage.
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