Some people want a dog that looks like the living version of a teddy bear. Those will do well with pooches such as the Maltipoo, Cavapoo, or Labradoodle. However, some people want a more muscular pooch that has a high tolerance for exercise and tremendous strength. A large breed that can run for long distances but still makes a great companion. Both of these canine types can make wonderful dogs and family pets, however, they will work for different types of people or families. While strong dogs with brute strength are great for someone who enjoys a good amount of exercise on a daily basis, such athletic animals won’t be the best fit for home bodies living in busy cities. But if you are one of these people who want a powerful pooch, you might be wondering “What is the toughest dog”?
What are the toughest dog breeds?
It’s pretty hard to define what it is that makes a dog tough. It’s not only about strength and power but also about some other aspects. Will your dog be able to protect you when needed? Does he look intimidating to strangers? Is your dog fine with walking for hours each day? There are many different dog breeds that are tough in different ways. Some are tough when it comes to how much endurance they have, while other are tough when there is a need to protect you. It all depends on what you are looking for.
However, don’t be fooled into believing that toughness and aggressiveness are the same thing. An aggressive dog can start attacking people out of the blue, while a protective dog will only step in when her is he feels that it’s needed. We made a list of the toughest dog breeds on the planet, including all the different types of toughness that you can find. And remember to always make sure that you socialize your dog on time, so that you don’t have to worry about different outbursts in their adult life.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is smart and independent, which can be fun, frustrating, and rewarding all at the same time. It’s important to start training early and to be consistent and firm, but not harsh. The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a strong desire to hunt because he was bred to do so. That means stray cats and other small furry animals don’t have a safe place in your yard, and your yard needs a strong fence so he can’t go hunting on his own.
As a puppy, he is happy and active, but as he gets older, he calms down and needs less exercise. The Ridgeback is protective of his home and a good judge of when to bark, so you can count on him to let you know if something is wrong. He’s quiet and shy around strangers, but kind and loving with his family. Like all dogs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks need to meet many different people, see many different things, hear many different sounds and do many different things when they are young.
Saint Bernards
Saints are friendly and warm, just like the hospice dogs they came from. They are steady and kind, and they are careful and kind with children. They like attention, but they don’t need it as much as some breeds do. Because Saints are so big, it’s important to start training them when they’re young and still easy to handle. They are smart and willing to please but can be stubborn at times. They shouldn’t be mean unless they need to protect a family member.
Even though these dogs are super kind and gentle, they still need socialization. Make sure you start as soon as you bring your saint puppy home. He has to get used to different people, sounds, and places. They are gentle giants in every sense of that word, and would make a great choice for many different dog breeds.
German Shepherds
German Shepherds are known as powerful dogs that are an amazing choice for families. This is a working dog breed that became popular for its work in the military and police. Their high level of endurance and love for physical activity makes them great for active people who love to spend time in nature. Hiking, jogging, and long walks in the woods are all activities that these dogs truly enjoy. While they are tough and strong, these dogs also form incredibly strong bonds with their owners, and they are protective of children. The American Kennel Club ranks them the 4th most popular dog breed in the United States, and it’s truly not difficult to see why so many people love them.
Great Danes
Great Danes are gentle giants. They are playful, loving, and good with kids, while still being protective. However, some Great Danes can be aggressive toward dogs they don’t know. Great Danes are relatively easy to train if you have some experience with dogs. If you want a Great Dane, you must be able to handle this dog’s large size. They need a lot of space to feel at home, and definitely aren’t the best choice for small city apartments.
While they are called gentle giants, a Great Dane is still able to protect his home and family. When needed, he would even go as far as attacking an intruder. That’s why socialization and training is so important. This is the largest dog breed on the planet. You should understand that their body size could be intimidating to a lot of people. So start training your dog as soon as you bring him home as a puppy.
Source: Instagram (@normy_the_great)
Dogo Argentinos
The Dogo Argentino is a breed of dog that is very loyal and protective of its territory. This makes them good watchdogs. They are fierce protectors of their human families, even of small children. However, their strong desire to hunt makes them bad companions for cats or smaller dogs. They are great hunters, though, and can kill wild boars with their speed and strength because they want to eat them.
They are independent dogs that need to be trained by an experienced owner, especially when it comes to socialization, because the Dogo Argentino isn’t very friendly to strangers and other dogs. These dogs are strong-willed and need a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation, so living in an apartment isn’t the best place for them. It is best to start training them when they are still puppies.
Source: Instagram (@dogoargentinosaw)
Doberman Pinchers
The Doberman Pinscher likes to keep both its body and mind busy. They learn quickly, and it’s easy to teach them new things. These dogs have a natural instinct to protect their family and won’t hesitate to do something if they think their family is in danger. They can have their own ideas about things, but if their owner is consistent and kind, they usually aren’t too stubborn or headstrong.
The Dobie is known for being a fierce dog. People who don’t know them fear them because they are thought to be very violent and aggressive. Even though they are strong guardians, they are usually kind, watchful, and loving dogs. The Doberman Pinscher likes to be with people. They want to be close to the people they care about, and when they do, they are natural protectors. As long as the dog is treated well, they are good with their family’s kids, friends, and guests.
English Mastiff
Mastiffs are great pets for people who don’t mind a little bit of drool here and there. If you live in an apartment or this is your first dog, you might want to choose a different breed. But if you want a big dog with a lot of love to give, this might be the right dog for you! Mastiffs don’t like it when family members fight. They will step between a husband and wife who are fighting or a parent and a child who is being yelled at. Even though they look tough on the outside, Mastiffs are actually susceptible dogs who can become shy, afraid, or even aggressive if they are not treated well. A well-adjusted Mastiff will be politely distant from most strangers. But it will put itself between you and anyone or anything that seems dangerous.
Basset Hound
Even people who have never had a dog before will like Basset Hounds because they are friendly, easygoing, and flexible. You will need to commit to at least moderate exercise and a healthy diet for your puppy, though, because their laid-back nature could lead to weight gain and the health problems that can come with it. No matter how much your Basset Hound may complain, if you can keep them active and at a healthy weight, you’ll have a loving friend for many years to come.
The Basset is too easy-going to ever get angry. Everyone gets along with him, including kids and other animals. The only thing that really gets him excited is a good scent trail. He’s calm inside, but he’s still alert enough to be a great watchdog. Like all hounds, he can be stubborn when it comes to training, and he responds best to positive reinforcement like praise or food rewards. Bassets are pack dogs, so if you leave them alone all day, they will be unhappy.
American Pit Bull Terrier
These dogs love people, but they don’t know that their size makes it hard for them to be lap dogs. They are confident and very aware of their surroundings, which makes them good watchdogs. They may let you know when strangers are around, but mostly because they want to meet “their” guests. Pitbulls have a bad reputation, however, don’t let that fool you. They love to be around their people, and if they are well-socialized, they will have no problem around strangers.
Even though they love people too much to be good guard dogs, they are very brave and will risk their lives to protect their families. Like all dogs, American Pit Bull Terriers need to meet lots of different people, see lots of different things, hear lots of different sounds, and do lots of different things when they are young. Socializing your puppy will help him or she grow up to be a well-rounded dog.
Source: Instagram (@bullterrierpro)
Afghan Hound
The Afghan’s personality can range from very friendly to very cold, and these dogs can be very wary of strangers. If the Afghan is not properly socialized, it is likely that they become mean. Afghans are smart, but they can be hard to train because they are stubborn. They are very sensitive to harsh correction, which usually makes them refuse to do what they are told. They do best when they are led gently but with firm rules. To keep the Afghan’s coat in good shape, it needs to be brushed regularly.
Afghans need to take a weekly bath and brush their hair to get rid of dead hair and keep it from getting tangled and matted. Adult Afghans shed their coats in the spring, fall, and after getting sick. Bitches that haven’t been spayed shed their coats every season. Afghans are good apartment dogs, but they need a lot of exercise to keep them from getting bored and doing things like chewing. Afghans should walk at least a mile or two every day, and they need a fenced-in yard to run in.
Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small dog, but he has a lot of energy and spirit for his size. He is loving, loyal, and always funny, and he enjoys all that life has to offer. If he has a chance, he will go over fences and through the streets to get what he wants. He is very smart, but he is also very stubborn, which can make him hard to train. Even though he is friendly to people, he can be mean to other dogs and any animal that looks like prey, even cats. When he takes on a bigger dog, his lack of fear puts him in danger.
Structure and routine are good for him, but training sessions should be short and sweet to keep his attention. Repetition gets him bored. A real Jack Russell Terrier is always kind and friendly, never shy. Like all dogs, Jack Russells need to meet many different people, see many different things, hear many different sounds and do many different things when they are young. Don’t underestimate the importance of socialization for this dog breed.
Source: Instagram (@jackrussellhold)