When thinking of cute domesticated dog breeds, most people would assume that these pups are no match for a wolf. In most cases, that's true. But contrary to popular belief, wolves aren't always dogs in the animal kingdom pecking order.
There are plenty of breeds out there that retain the ferocity of their wild ancestors. These breeds have the strength, agility, and sheer bite force to take down a wolf when necessary.
Why would you need dogs that fight wolves around? If you live in a more rural area where wolves run amok, these dogs can protect you and your family. They're also a great companion if you have livestock that wolves enjoy hunting as prey.
Whatever the case, you have plenty of great options. So what dogs can kill wolves? Here are 15 breeds that can protect you, your family, and your livestock from wolves while still being lovable canine family members.
15 Dogs That Can Kill Wolves
1. Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino is a pretty intimidating dog. They are about 23 to 28 inches tall (60 to 68 cm) and have strong, muscular builds. As their name implies, they hail from Argentina. There, they were hunters that targeted big game animals. Today, many police forces and military service dogs in the country are Dogo Argentinos.
This breed is fiercely loyal. They want nothing more than to protect. Furthermore, they're surprisingly intelligent. Dogo Argentinos can differentiate between friends and foes, so they do well in domesticated settings with proper socialization.
That said, they are territorial and have a strong prey drive. Most Dogo Argentinos will not hesitate to defend their domain if a wolf comes sniffing around.
Thanks to their strong build, they put up a formidable fight. The most impressive characteristic of this dog? They have a bite force of about 500 PSI (pounds per square inch). For comparison, the average wolf has a bite force of 400 PSI.
2. Cane Corso
Many dog lovers dream of owning a Cane Corso. Why? They're excellent guardians and relatively even-tempered. However, they can also put up a good fight against intruders and wolves.
Owning a Cane Corso isn't easy. They can cost up to $10,000. As a result, they're not super common.
Cane Corsos can reach heights of around 27.5 inches (70 cm). They're also heavy and muscular, with males tipping the scales at over 100 pounds!
When it comes to bite force, wolves are no match for Cane Corsos. They have a bite force of 700 PSI, almost doubling that of a wolf.
3. Alabai
Here's another beautiful dog that most people don't know about stateside. It's also known as the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and is one of the most popular breeds in Russia.
The Alabai has a thick coat of golden fur and a signature curled tail. Males can get over 30 inches tall (78 cm) and weigh nearly 175 pounds.
With a bite force of up to 650 PSI, the Alabai is one of the strongest dogs that fight wolves. Protective and fiercely loyal to their human families,
Alabais make wonderful companion dogs. But when faced with danger, these dogs will put up a fight to protect against intruders. That includes curious wolves.
4. Tibetan Mastiff
To say that Tibetan Mastiffs are big and strong would be an understatement. A full-grown male can weigh more than 150 pounds and reach heights of almost 26 inches (66 cm) at the withers. They look like huge bears thanks to their thick coats of brown fur.
Look at these dogs, and you can tell they're strong. They have muscular builds and a bite force of around 550 PSI. Despite their size and strength, these dogs have a pretty long lifespan. Many live to be 15, which is not the norm for breeds of this size.
Tibetan Mastiffs are loyal and protective, making them excellent guardians against wolves and intruders. Even still, they make great family pets. Their size can be an issue with children, but adult owners will love having these dogs as part of the family.
5. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
If you thought the Tibetan Mastiff and Alabai were big, wait until you see a Caucasian Shepherd Dog! This dog is one of the largest protective breeds in the world. A mature male can weigh about 220 pounds and stand almost three feet (90 cm) tall.
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are purpose-bred to protect livestock. Not only are they strong, but they also stay alert. They're naturally territorial and have a high prey drive.
With proper training and socialization, this breed can also be affectionate. Many households are proud to call these dogs family.
When faced with a wolf, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are some of the fiercest fighters. They have a bite force of up to 700 PSI!
6. Šarplaninac
The Šarplaninac is a Balkan breed that's served humans for centuries. It's a well-known livestock guardian in the region, protecting herds from wolves, lynxes, and even bears!
Like other dogs from the area, these beauties look like goofy balls of fluff. They have floppy ears, huge faces, and a body covered in a thick double coat of fur. But make no mistake: These dogs are serious about protecting!
They're quite intelligent and can display an independent streak. But when protecting livestock and humans, their instincts come naturally.
A high sense of caution helps them keep their ears to the ground for would-be intruders. If a wolf or criminal comes around, they'll have to deal with the Šarplaninac's 450-700 PSI bite!
7. Anatolian Shepherd
Also known as the Kangal, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is another livestock guardian with tons of bite. They have incredibly strong jaws that can deliver a bite with as much as 743 PSI.
Getting an Anatolian Shepherd Dog isn't easy. They come from Turkey, and the nation made it illegal to export them out of the country. But if you live in Turkey, you'll likely see them everywhere. People love them, and it's not hard to see why.
They are great fighters that can easily take down a wolf or bear, and the Kangal is also affectionate. They love attention and never shy away from socialization. As a result, they make great companions.
8. Komondor
Komondors are one of those dogs that people always remember from shows. Affectionately known as the "mop dog," Komondors have long coats of curly hair that often mats to create a distinct mop-like look.
Naturally playful and cheerful, Komondors are a joy to be around.
When people ask, "What dogs can kill a wolf," Komondors rarely come to mind. But you'd be surprised at what this breed is capable of doing.
They're loyal livestock guardians with protective instincts. Their bite force isn't as powerful as other dogs on this list, but they are agile and intelligent enough to outwit a wolf. Pair that with their determination and loyalty, and Komondors are fully capable of killing wolves that infringe on their domain.
9. Armenian Gampr Dog
Armenian Gampr Dogs have a bite force of around 450 to 650 PSI. They're strong and big, with males weighing as much as 135 pounds and standing tall at roughly 26 inches (66 cm).
The history of the Armenian Gampr Dog is fascinating. The breed came about when dogs mated with indigenous wolves. Experts believe that wolf genetics play a big part in the breed's protective nature.
This breed is the epitome of a great guard dog. They have a strong sense of loyalty to their pack, harness a robust prey drive, and have self-preservation instincts.
These dogs can be a little stubborn and independent. But once they warm up to owners, they'll have your back for life!
10. Irish Wolfhound
With a name like Irish Wolfhound, this breed's capabilities when fighting wolves is well-known! This breed can tip the scales at nearly 200 pounds.
It has a less powerful bite force than other dogs on this list, ranging from 250 to 400 pounds. When matched with a wolf, it's an even fight. But the Irish Wolfhound's sheering determination makes it a worthy opponent.
The dog is naturally protective and territorial. It's defensive and has helped cattle farmers in Ireland protect their flocks for centuries.
Despite its ferocity, the Irish Wolfhound makes a great companion. It's gentle enough to be a loving member of the family, and the breed does well with children.
11. Wolfdog
Wolfdogs are a cross-breed between domesticated canines and wolves.
Like the Armenian Gampr, the wolf genetics make it a strong fighter with natural protective tendencies. However, they can be a handful for owners and should not be the dog of choice for beginners.
These dogs can be quite playful and affectionate. But their instincts can take over. They require lots of activity to stay healthy, and their energy levels aren't ideal for children.
When it comes to protecting homes, Wolfdogs are top-notch. They're fierce fighters and put up an impressive battle when necessary.
12. Boerboel
The Boerboel is a territorial dog that comes from South Africa. Also known as the South African Mastiff, it's a beast in every sense of the word! This breed is huge, reaching a weight of almost 200 pounds and a height of 27.5 inches (70 cm).
They're beautiful dogs available in many different fur colors. They make excellent guard dogs. However, they're not ideal for households with small children.
The bite force of a Boerboel is 450 PSI. Therefore, they are stronger than the average wolf. This breed is loyal and dominant. They can make great companions with training and socialization, too.
13. Borzoi
When you think of dogs that can fight wolves, most people wouldn't include the Borzoi based on looks alone. They're smaller than other breeds on this list, tipping the scales at 55 to 105 pounds. However, this dog stands as tall as 32 inches (81 cm).
They're lean and have a silky coat of fur. The Borzoi is also playful and adaptive. They can live in calm environments or go buck wild on a farm! Most have no problem acclimating to family life, either.
But despite all that, they're strong and agile. Borzois are renowned for their hunting skills. They thrive with other dogs and often hunt in groups to take down wolves and other animals.
14. Bully Kutta
The Bully Kutta is known as an aggressive breed. Not for first-time dog owners, the Bully Kutta is a handful. They come from Pakistan and are often used in dog fighting rings.
They're naturally aggressive and can be unpredictable. But with the right training, they can be good companions. However, they're also wary of strangers. Some owners also experience aggression, so they're not a good breed for families.
If you need a dog that can protect your home and land from wolves, Bully Kuttas certainly fit the bill. Many people are surprised by how ferocious they can be. A lowly wolf is no match for the Bully Kutta.
15. Presa Canario
The Presa Canario is a protective watchdog and livestock guardian. It has an intimidating look. It's muscular and has a big face with powerful jaws. The breed is large and can weigh as much as 130 pounds.
Presa Canarios, also known as Canary Mastiffs, have a super-high prey drive. They never back down from a fight and will fight wolves to the death. The breed has a bite force of about 540 PSI, so they can easily kill wolves.
They're also naturally suspicious. That's a good trait when guarding territory. However, it can present problems as a companion. The Presa Canario needs good training and plenty of socialization.
A Final Word
These dogs are not like your average Golden Retriever or Labrador. They're much more ferocious and can take down wolves without missing a beat!
Many of these breeds are built for fighting and protecting. So when you need peace of mind against wolves in your area, any of these dogs will have your back.
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