Discover the 15 Strongest Bite Forces of Animals Found in England

Written by Stephanie Heath
Updated: November 13, 2023
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England is home to a variety of wildlife. However, England is not home to many apex predators that people often think of when considering danger or strength. Unlike America, which is home to animals such as crocodiles, brown bears, and alligator snapping turtles, England is home to more docile creatures. Common animals found in England are foxes, deer, and otters. Although the majority of the animals on this list don’t make it to the top ten strongest animal bite forces in the world, they are still impressive. This article will rank the 15 strongest bite forces of animals in England based on their psi ranking. While other lists may consider the animal’s size in conjunction with its bite force, this article will rank them solely based on their psi number. Let’s discover the 15 strongest bite forces of animals found in England! 

15.  Fox (Vulpes vulpes

Angry Red Fox Standing in A Natural Background Screaming

Red foxes have 42 teeth consisting of 12 incisors, 16 premolars, ten molars, and four canines,

©AngelaLouwe/Shutterstock.com

Bite force: 92 psi 

Size: 16-33 inches in length  

Weight: 1.5-31 pounds

While the fox has a rather small bite force, it still makes it on our list because of its cunning hunting abilities. While foxes are omnivores, they mostly eat rodents, rabbits, birds, and amphibians. Foxes have canine teeth, allowing them to grab various prey easily. They even share similar teeth with wolves — carnassial pairs — that allow them to easily latch onto and shred through the flesh of their prey. Although this bite force is smaller than some larger animals, the fox’s bite force is strong for the small animals it preys on. 

14. Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber

Eurasian beaver working

Beaver teeth are strong enough to chew through entire trees.

©iStock.com/belizar73

Bite force: 180 psi 

Size: 2-3.5 feet long 

Weight: 47-51 pounds 

The Eurasian beaver is the largest rodent native to Europe and is the second heaviest rodent in the world after the capybara. While the beaver is an herbivore and doesn’t need a strong bite force to pierce the flesh of prey, they still need a strong bite and teeth to consume their usual diet. Although they easily eat water lilies and other riverbank plants, beavers also eat tree bark. Tree bark is rough and strong, so the beaver needs durable teeth and a bite powerful enough to break through it. This bite force becomes slightly more impressive when compared to the human bite force, which averages between 120-160 psi. 

13. Wild Boar (Sus scrofa

Wild boar (sus scrofa ferus) walking in forest on foggy morning and looking at camera. Wildlife in natural habitat

Wild boars use their teeth to hunt, fight for a mate, and mark their territory.

©Budimir Jevtic/Shutterstock.com

Bite force: Between 200-300 psi 

Size: 2-4 feet tall 

Weight: 170-220 pounds for males and 130-180 pounds for females 


Wild boars are native to Eurasia and North Africa. These animals are strong, bulky, and known to be aggressive. They have very strong jaws and well-developed canine teeth, and their bite force can be compared to some medium to large-sized dogs. In addition to their teeth, wild boars also use their tusks to help them with defense and hunting. When attacking prey, the wild boar aims to hurt its prey with its teeth. Additionally, the wild boar has strong enough teeth to pierce the flesh of large prey such as monkeys, snakes, and deer.

12. English Bulldog (Canis lupus

photo shoot with an english bulldog

The English

bulldog

can be territorial and aggressive if not trained properly.

©Kassio KM/Shutterstock.com

Bite force: 210 psi 

Size: 12-16 inches in length 

Weight: 53-55 pounds for males and 49-52 pounds for females 

The English bulldog is the fifth-most popular purebred dog breed. With a low shedding rate, high intelligence, and a good reputation with kids, it is no wonder that this dog breed is so popular. The English bulldog is a symbol of strength and courage, which is fitting because of its bite force. Although 210 psi is not the largest bite force in the animal kingdom, it is impressive for the bulldog’s size and can cause some damage. Luckily, bulldogs are known to be great dogs for the home and have a calm temperament, so issues do not usually arise. However, they are known to aggressively defend their homes from intruders, potentially putting that bite force to use.

11. Badger (Taxidea taxus

Badger in the green forest. Cute Mammal in environment, rainy day, Germany, Europe. Wild Badger, Meles meles, animal in the wood.

The European badger can be found throughout Europe and prefers woodlands as their habitat.

©Ondrej Prosicky/Shutterstock.com

Bite force: Between 250-700 psi 

Size: 20-34 inches 

Weight: 4-35 pounds 

Living in grassland areas, mountain meadows, or forest glades, the badger can be found across Europe. They feature a medium-sized build, with long bodies and elongated claws. In addition to their claws, the badger has another line of defense: its bite force. Ranging from 250-700 psi — depending on the size and species of the badger — this mammal packs a powerful punch. The European badger is commonly found in Europe, and it ranges from 20 to 40 pounds and is between 25 and 45 inches long.

These badgers are omnivores, eating earthworms, insects, grains, and small mammals. Along with their bite force, badgers also have very sharp teeth. They can even eat prey — like hedgehogs — that many other animals cannot. While you may not be impressed with their bite force, their powerful teeth and jaws are strong enough to grab, kill, and crush larger prey such as birds, small mammals, and reptiles. 

10. Bull Terrier (Canis lupus)

Brindle bull terrier

Bull terriers are a mixture of bulldogs and terriers and originated in England.

©otsphoto/Shutterstock.com

Bite force: 269 psi 

Size: 21-22 inches tall 

Weight: 55-65 pounds for males and 45-55 pounds for females 

While thought of as a relatively friendly dog breed now, that was not always the case for the bull terrier. In the past, they were used for aggressive purposes and sports, and even today, they are not recommended as a great dog choice for families with small children. Additionally, they are not usually recommended for families that have other pets. Bull terriers are strong and active dogs. They enjoy activities that allow them to exert some of their high-energy behavior, such as running or playing frisbee. Although chomping on the frisbee may be the only use of their powerful bite force now, in the past, they had to use that strong bite force for the barbaric sport of bull-baiting. 

9. Grey Seal (Halichoreus grypus)  ​​

Closeup of a grey seal swimming underwater in transparent ocean water on Lundy Island, England

Grey seals inhabit coastlines with rocky terrain, icebergs, sandbars, and islands.

©Wirestock/ via Getty Images

Bite force: 320 psi 

Size: 10 feet long for males and 7.5 feet long for females 

Weight: 330-600 pounds 


Did you know that the bite force of the grey seal has been compared to the bite force of a rottweiler? While these animals appear adorable and blubbery, they can become quite aggressive when threatened. Besides their immense mass, they also have powerful teeth that they use to defend themselves. The seal’s teeth are meant for grasping their food and piercing through their prey’s flesh. The grey seal has prey such as fish and squid, which can be difficult to latch onto, so powerful bite force and sharp teeth are useful. Additionally, with predators such as sharks and killer whales, this seal needs a decent bite force to protect itself.

8. Pine Marten (Martes martes)

Pine Marten drinking from a lake in the forest.

Despite its small size, the

pine marten

is one of the most aggressive species in Europe.

©Beata Farkas/Shutterstock.com

Bite force: 380 psi

Size: 16.5-20.5 inches long 

Weight: 1-3 pounds 

Although 380 psi may not seem like a significant bite force, when comparing it to the pine marten’s small size, it is quite incredible. That is why this animal is on the list of the strongest bite force of animals in England. Found in wooded areas across Europe, this animal is labeled as an omnivore, eating nuts, fruits, honey, insects, voles, small birds, and their eggs. Owls, red foxes, and eagles are their main predators. These creatures are armed with razor-sharp teeth and are among the most aggressive animals in Europe.  

7. Horse (Equus caballus

White wild pony on Bodmin Moor Cornwall England UK

Wild ponies roam free in several areas of the UK.

©Paul Nash/Shutterstock.com

Bite force: 500 psi 

Size: Average 8 feet in length from nose to tail 

Weight: 840-1,200 pounds 

One of the wild animals roaming around England is the horse. Large, majestic, and well-known, these creatures are loved by many. While people enjoy riding horses, few people want to get bit by one. Wild horses will use this bite force as a defense because they have wolves and bears to worry about. However, even domesticated horses have this impressive bite force. Horses have specifically designed teeth to tear at the grass and hay and then to ground and chew it. Their teeth protect them if they live in the wild from the large carnivores who would see them as prey. However, even domesticated horses will bite and kick as a defense, so stay clear of their mouth and feet. 

6. English Mastiff (Canis lupus)

Mastiff, English Culture, Animal, British Culture, Close-up

English mastiffs are loyal dogs and are often used for working dogs.

©iStock.com/ericv

Bite force: 552 psi 

Size: Height of up to 3 feet 

Weight: Up to 250 pounds 

The English mastiff is among the dogs with the highest bite forces. Despite their impressive bite force, these dogs are known as friendly and cheerful. They are often used as working dogs and are great with people. These gentle giants do not often have to use their impressive bite force, but their loyalty to their families makes them an asset to any family and a danger to any intruder. 

5. Otter (Lutra canadensis)

What Do River Otters Eat?

Otter’s teeth differ depending on what they eat. River otters —shown above — are equipped with teeth to help them catch slippery fish.

©iStock.com/Troy Levengood

Bite force: 615 psi 

Size: 2-4 feet long 

Weight: 5-100 pounds 

These web-footed weasels are very social aquatic mammals that inhabit rivers and seas across the world. They can be found in any body of water, such as rivers, lakes, streams, and even the sea.  Despite their cute and cuddly appearance, otters actually pack a powerful punch — or chomp — with their teeth and bite force, earning them a spot on England’s list of strongest animal bite forces. The otter’s teeth differ depending on their diet. For example, those who eat fish have teeth designed to latch onto the slippery prey. Whereas those who eat crustaceans have teeth designed to break through those hard outer shells. Either way, both otters have strong bites that allow them to grasp and hold onto their prey.

4. Cane Corso (Canis lupus)

Cane corso in the forest. Big black dog

Cani corsi used to be used as gladiator dogs in Rome and guard dogs in Ancient Greece.

©Natalia Fesiun/Shutterstock.com

Bite force: 700 psi 

Size: Between 3.5 and 5 feet long 

Weight: 99-110 pounds for males and 88-99 pounds for females

The bite force of these dogs is just as intimidating as their appearance. Another contender on the dogs with the highest bite force list, the cane corso, used to be used as gladiator dogs in Rome and guard dogs in Ancient Greece. Due to their background, these dogs are excellent guard dogs and do well in a home with a strong leader. Cani corsi have 42 very sharp teeth, so it is very important to be careful of them and their powerful jaws when interacting with them.

3. Kangal (Canis lupus)

Kangal Dog there Pokut Plateau Rize Camlihemsin Turkey

Kangals are livestock guardian dogs.

©iStock.com/klenger

Bite force: 743 psi 

Size: The male is 32 inches, and the female is 30 inches 

Weight: 110-145 pounds for males and 90-120 pounds for females 

The Kangal is another contender on the list of most powerful bite forces for dogs. This giant ranks number three on our list, surpassing some of the larger animals on the list, such as the grey seal. These intelligent dogs are another gentle giant and are a great choice for herding dogs. Highly protective and loyal, this dog is also often used to protect people and their property. While these dogs can be great with children, it is essential to put in the time and effort to train them properly. Their naturally defensive and protective behavior, combined with their impressive bite force, can be a recipe for injuries if they are not properly trained. 

2. Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis

Weasel or Least weasel (mustela nivalis)

The least weasel has the capability of crushing the spines of prey much larger than itself, such as rabbits and squirrels.

©Stephan Morris/Shutterstock.com

Bite force: 1,000 psi 

Size: 4.5-7.5 inches long 

Weight: 1-8.8 ounces or 0.0625-0.55 pounds

Do not let the size of this weasel fool you! Despite its name, it is definitely not the “least” regarding strength and bite force. Coming in at number two on our list, this weasel’s bite force is stronger than most and is perhaps even more impressive due to the size and strength ratio. To put it into perspective, this weasel’s bite force is only 100 psi less than the spotted hyena’s bite force. Seeing as the hyena weighs between 90-110 pounds, it is truly amazing that the least weasel’s bite force even comes close! Its impressive bite force allows it the capability of crushing the spines of prey much larger than itself, such as rabbits, squirrels, and voles. 

# 1 Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias)

Great white shark close to the surface showing off its huge mouth and sharp teeth

Great white sharks have more than 300 serrated, triangular, razor-sharp teeth.

©Vincent Legrand/Shutterstock.com

Bite force: 4,000 psi 

Size: 11-20 feet long 

Weight: 4,500 pounds 

Unsurprisingly, these ocean giants rank number one on our strongest bite forces of animals found in England list. While great white sharks may not be the first animal that comes to mind when considering animals found in England, The University of Plymouth states, “Great white sharks have been reported in the UK since 1965.” These apex predators can be found lurking beneath the ocean waters and are often the most feared sharks due to the many Hollywood thrillers about them.  However, with more than 300 razor-sharp, serrated teeth and their incredible bite force of 4,000 psi, it is no mystery why these sharks are among the most feared animals on the planet. 

Summary of the 15 Strongest Bite Forces of Animals Found in England 

RankingAnimalBite Force
1Great White Shark4,000 psi
2Least Weasel1,000 psi
3Kangal743 psi
4Cane Corso700 psi
5Otter615 psi
6English mastiff552 psi
7Horse500 psi
8Pine Marten380 psi
9Grey Seal320 psi
10Bull Terrier269 psi
11Badger250-700 psi
12Enlgish Bulldog210 psi
13Wild Boar200-300 psi
14Eurasian Beaver180 psi
15Fox92 psi

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Martin Prochazkacz/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Stephanie is a writer at A-Z Animals that primarily covers a variety of animals and unique destinations. Stephanie is a published author and has been writing for many years. With a Bachelor's Degree in English and Elementary Education, Stephanie is familiar with writing for a variety of ages and audience types. As a Virginia resident, Stephanie enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and snuggling up with her beagle named Pooch!

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