Don’t use prong and choke collars.
“These can make any dog more anxious and aggressive about meeting people and dogs on walks,” Burch says. “Instead, control should be achieved with good, consistent positive reinforcement training, especially while the animal is young and smaller. No-pull harnesses such as the Freedom harness should be used.”
22 Most Muscular Dog Breeds
Although the AKC has not recognized the American Bully as an individual breed, many owners object.
In fact, the United Canine Association (UCA) started recognizing American Bullies as a separate breed from the American Pit Bull Terrier in 2009.
Pictured above, this breed was recently created as a modern companion and show dog.
Breeders sought to breed out undesired traits such as aggression and prey drive while maintaining muscular physique, dedication, and intelligence.
All you have to do is put your hand to one of these animals to feel the muscles and raw power under the skin.
In fact, this breed is prevalent in canine strength competitions.
In fact, Pit Bulls are a popular breed for canine bodybuilding, with many praising it as a healthy alternative to dogfighting.
Owners now have a legal outlet to prove that their canine is truly the top dog of muscles and endurance.
If you want to register your American Bully or American Pit Bull Terrier in the AKC, you have no choice but to register it as an American Staffordshire Terrier.
Dogs in this breed are descended from the Old English Bulldog.
Made to bait bulls and bears, these pooches had to be tough. You can still see those characteristics today in their muscular bodies and regular exercise needs.
While usually good with children, they do not do well with other pets.
This friendly breed has a body that doesn’t match its personality. A friendly dog, the Boxer is considered one of the most muscular dog breeds.
You don’t have to take my word for it. Just look at them. This breed is immediately recognizable for its chiseled good looks.
Given their friendly disposition, they do not do well as guard dogs or attack dogs, but they do make great dogs for the fairly new Canine Body Building and Canine Strength Competition sports.
The original bull-baiting dog of England, this breed got its start in the early 13th century.
Unlike the American Bulldog breeds, the English Bulldog has lost much of its drive.
In fact, they are lazy, wheezing, snorting fur-babies.
Even so, you can still see this canine’s bloody heritage in its well-muscled body. While only about 15 inches in height, they still reach a whopping 50 pounds in weight.
I guess the old saying is true. Muscle weighs more than fat.
Other Muscular Dog Breeds
This breed was made from Mastiffs, Hounds, Danes, and Terriers.
They have a distinctive line (ridge) of hair on their upper spine.
These powerful dogs are great if you are looking for a dog that lives primarily outdoors.
Also known as the “African Lion Dog,” these canines were bred with muscles and strength in mind.
The Ridgeback is a large, powerful, and independent breed; so, they need effective, experienced training.
Breeding “Mastiff” breeds created this breed with “Bull Dog” breeds.
Since those two breeds are some of the most muscular dogs in the world, the Bandog is no different.
These canines were bred as guard dogs and will lay down their life without hesitation, although their strength and tenacity mean that they are survivors.
To many, the Bandog is considered a mutt, so you will not be able to receive AKC certification. If that is your dream, it is best to choose another breed.
THE MOST MUSCULAR DOG BREEDS
Dogs of various sizes, shapes and proportions with differing temperaments are available for dog lovers to make their choice. The breeds range from gentle ones that wish to sit comfortably in your lap to some awesome giants that excel as guard dogs, police dogs and military dogs.
A muscular dog, as the name suggests, is a muscular, strong and powerful dog and the fact is many dog lovers are crazy about a handsome, robust, well-built muscular dog. There are many muscular dog breeds and there is also considerable variation in the different dogs’ muscle mass. Here are some of the most muscular dog breeds:
Undoubtedly, the American Pit Bull Terrier takes the number one spot for the most muscular dog breed.
A breed that was bred for strength, muscle, and sheer determination, the Pit bull has the determination to work.
This working drive, along with proper diet, is what develops this amazing muscle build in this breed.
While they were originally bred for bull baiting and also used to fight one another, both of these sports were eventually deemed inhumane and outlawed.
Their determination is used for search and rescue, and loyalty to their owners is used for police protection.
The next muscular dog is the American Staffordshire Terrier is strikingly similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier and shares the same temperament and traits. These dogs are known for their playful nature and are a bit more mild mannered with other dog breeds in comparison to the APBT. This energetic breed is known for its agility, solid structure, as well as their ability to preform well in dog shows. As with most muscular dog breeds, the American Staffordshire Terriers can be quite dangerous particularly if they fall into irresponsible hands or if they are maltreated or irresponsibly bred. This breed has a low tolerance for outdoor temperature and they must be kept cool during summer months.
This is a heavily built working breed that has been trained to perform as a police and guard dogs. Because of its arresting personality, many dog lovers train this breed as family pets. Though its physical build may be misleading, this breed is amiable, mentally alert and extremely responsive to training. The Doberman Pinscher is one of the most recognizable dog breeds as it is ubiquitously seen on television, movies, dog shows etc. This dog breed has a lean, athletic, and muscular build and posses a great amount of endurance and speed. They have an awesome grasping power and have worked exceedingly well as police and military dogs. The truth is Doberman Pinscher appears more fearsome than they actually are. This breed is of strong character, imperious and impulsive but can be trained to behave soberly.
This is a big size dog versatile dog trained for a variety of purposes. In Germany – its native country – they were predominantly used to pull carts, transport goods, herd livestock and serve as guard dogs. But things have been changing and today more and more Rottweiler dogs are family pets. Please remember that Rottweilers need well-planned socialization training as well as obedience training. They have a tendency to become assertive and exercise dominance over any dog of similar build and size. You should therefore earnestly do obedience training early if you do not want to lose control over your dog. They are an exceptionally intelligent breed that requires a great deal of mental stimulation and if you do not keep them engaged, you will have to face behavioral problems.
The American Boxer dog is a great muscular dog and is of a medium build with some hard robust muscles and a pronounced square muzzle. The breed owes its origin to the Mastiff type of dogs. Boxers are adorable family pets and they interact exceptionally well with children. They are also terribly energetic, stubborn and headstrong and suspicious of strangers. It is these qualities that make them eligible to be trained as efficient guard dogs. The Boxer has very strong jaws and a powerful bite and keeps hanging on to large prey. The Boxer has very strong jaws and a powerful bite and keeps hanging on to large prey. Boxers are extremely active, strong dogs and need constant exercises to prevent bad behaviors such as chewing, digging, or licking. According to 2011 statistics revealed by American Kennel Club, Boxers are the seventh most popular breed of dog in the United States. According to 2011 statistics revealed by American Kennel Club, Boxers are the seventh most popular breed of dog in the United States. Boxers need regular outlets for their energy, but care must be taken in warm weather because of their short muzzles. They should not be overly exposed to the weather particularly during summer months.
The Dogo Argentino dogs are generally strong and sturdy and endowed with a muscular dog structure. They have an innate quality to fight with larger animals and even kill them. But, they are steadfastly loyal to its master and his family. The Dogo Argentino is a muscular dog breed that was bred in Argentina specifically as a game hunting dog. Historically speaking, the breeder of this dog was a man by the name of Antonio Martinez. He wanted to create a dog that showed bravery and a desire to protect its owner. It was first created in 1928 by breeding the Cordoba Fighting Dog along with a wide variety of other dog breeds. The Dogo Argentino behaves in a disciplined manner and seldom barks and remains unusually calm and well-poised. The dog can be aggressive when provoked and if not trained properly from an early age. They were originally used as fighting dogs in hunting areas.