what is the bite force of a chihuahua

Can a Chihuahua Kill a Human? Bite Force of chihuahua

Do you know what is the bite force of a chihuahua?. These cute little fidos are affectionate, timid, and loving. They are also overprotective of their owners. Hence, if you are planning to get a chihuahua then you must know what is their nature.

In this article, we are particularly going to talk about the aggression and bite force of a chihuahua. Knowing their aggression and other traits will help you to prepare yourself to train them properly. 

What is the bite force of a chihuahua?

The bite force is measured in terms of PSI (pound-force per square inch). Many research papers and articles say that the bite force of a chihuahua is 3,900 PSI. But we find it very illogical. 

The bite force of a tiger is 1,050 PSI and of humans is 126 PSI. So, how the Chihuahuas may have 3,900 PSI? There is no logic in this number. If this is, then we should protect our houses from chihuahuas.

According to our research, the bite force of a chihuahua is 100-150 PSI. You might be what is this PSI and how the bite force is measured. 

The bite force is a combined strength of jaw muscles and teeth. Both the jaws viz., Mandible(lower jaw), and Maxilla(upper jaw) apply the strength together to bite something. 

This bite force is measured in pounds per square inch or PSI. it is one of the units that are used to measure bite pressure along with Newton.

To record the PSI, an electronic device is given to the animal to bite.

What does bite pressure theory say?

Chihuahuas are small but they make sure that every person around understands not to mess up with them. The ultimate reality is that nobody knows how robust the bite force of the little Chihuahua is.

We researched over the internet and examine thru loads of research papers, but couldn’t locate particular clinical studies on how tough Chihuahuas can bite and what the Chihuahua bite force is.

It’s additionally tough to measure the strain of a dog’s bite force because canines will be mild on items you supply them except their toys or food.

Performing studies to measure their bite pressure PSI can also be tricky. Dogs won’t recognize that you want them to bite something as tough as they can.

This is why the numbers we discover online for a Chihuahua bite force strain in pounds according to a square inch or PSI are unreliable.

Chihuahua bite statistics

According to a study conducted by Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, they found –

  • As compared to other breeds, Chihuahuas are more likely to bite vets during hospital visits.
  • Chihuahuas rank in 4th position in biting children. Hence, we recommend you keep your Chihuahua away from your children
  • From a study in 2016, it was founded that 4,000 dog owners believe that chihuahuas are the most aggressive dogs amongst all. 
  • When you confront a chihuahua with a larger dog, he tends to bite in self defence. 

Are Chihuahuas vicious?

Yes. chihuahuas are aggressive. It is their protective nature for their owner and space that makes them aggressive. They are small in size but have strong personalities. They are not afraid to bark or bite if any stranger comes near. 

It’s not their aggression but the protectiveness that appears to be aggressive. To protect themselves, they start growling, biting, and barking. It is their way to self defend themselves or protect their owners. 

Why are Chihuahuas so vicious?

  1. Protectiveness

Chihuahuas are good guard dogs as they are very protective of their territory. When a chihuahua meets strangers, he becomes ready to attack. 

  1. Uncomfortable with strangers

Chihuahua is very uncomfortable among strangers. Sometimes, the new faces can scare him and in return, he may defend himself by acting viciously. 

  1. Anxiety issue

Chihuahuas can have anxiety issues. When they are anxious, they bark a lot to get your attention.

The types of anxieties include –

  • Separation anxiety
  • Past trauma
  • Anxiety from loud noises
  1. Dominant personality

We may underestimate a chihuahua because of its small size. But many of them have very strong and dominant personalities. They are very brave and fight strongly. 

  1. Past abuse

Chihuahuas can have PTSD or posttraumatic stress disorder. His past life can affect his present badly. This can be a reason for his vicious attitude.

20 breeds with strongest bite forces

  1. Kangal: 743 PSI
  2. Bandog: 730 PSI
  3. Cane Corso: 700 PSI
  4. Dogue De Bordeaux: 556 PSI
  5. Tosa Inu: 556 PSI
  6. English Mastiff: 552 PSI
  7. Dogo Canario: 540 PSI
  8. Dogo Argentino: 500 PSI
  9. Leonberger: 399 PSI
  10. Rottweiler: 328 PSI
  11. American Bulldog: 305 PSI
  12. German Shepherd: 238 PSI
  13. Pit Bull: 235 PSI
  14. Boxer: 230 PSI
  15. Doberman: 229 PSI
  16. Alono Espanol: 227 PSI
  17. Dutch Shepherd: 224 PSI
  18. Chow Chow: 220 PSI
  19. English Bulldog: 210 PSI
  20. Malinois: 195 PSI

Frequently asked questions

What dog has the highest bite force?

The top five most common dogs with the highest bite force are

  1. Mastiff – 552 PSI
  2. Rottweiler – 328 PSI
  3. American bulldog – 305 PSI
  4. German shepherd – 238 PSI
  5. Pitbull – 235 PSI

What is the least aggressive dog?

  • Greyhound
  • Great Dane
  • Maltese
  • Irish Setter
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Pug
  • Newfoundland
  • Whippet

Final words

Looking at these beasts, we can never imagine that a chihuahua’s bite is stronger. 

In conclusion, I would say that chihuahuas do have aggressive behavior but you are safe with them. Biting is their survival instinct, but that bite will not cause you much harm. It is in your hands not to give him a chance to showcase his survival instinct. Chihuahuas do not have a strong bite like other big dog breeds.

He might bite you a bit hard but that will not be a much force for you. A dog with 100 PSI bite forces is nothing if compared to other larger dogs.