15 Dog Breeds So Strong They Could Pull a Truck
Some dogs were born for cuddles—these ones? They were built to work.
For centuries, canines have been heavy lifters who haul sleds across the Arctic, drag carts through rugged terrain, and even save lives by pulling people from freezing waters. So, if you’re wondering which dogs could (theoretically) help tow your stranded car, you’re in the right place.
These breeds have the raw power, endurance, and muscle to pull a truck! Don’t believe us? Let’s meet these canine powerlifters.
Alaskan Malamute
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Malamutes have been hauling cargo across Alaska and the Arctic for thousands of years, long before snowmobiles existed. They have a massive frame and thick muscles and are known to pull well over 5,000 pounds. In fact, a Malamute named Delbert proved just how powerful these dogs can be by setting a record and pulling 5,400 pounds.
Siberian Husky
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Did you know a team of Huskies helped deliver life-saving medicine to Nome, Alaska, during the 1925 diphtheria outbreak? These dogs were bred to run over 100 miles a day even while pulling heavy sleds. While Malamutes might have brute force, Huskies dominate when it comes to endurance.
Saint Bernard
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This giant has a rescue mission. The Saint Bernard may appear as a fluffy, drooling teddy bear, but these dogs have a much bigger purpose. They were bred in the Swiss Alps to rescue lost travelers, often dragging people out of deep snowdrifts. Saint Bernards were also used to pull carts filled with supplies—thanks to their huge build (up to 180 pounds) and thick bones.
Newfoundland
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This breed doesn’t just pull weight on land—it also pulls people out of water. Newfoundlands are incredible swimmers with enough power to tow a fully loaded boat. These gentle dogs can weigh up to 150 pounds, and their muscular build makes them natural water rescuers. Many still work as lifeguard dogs today and pull people to shore during emergency rescues.
Bernese Mountain Dog
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These Swiss cart pullers were born to haul. In Switzerland, farmers used Bernese Mountain Dogs to pull carts filled with milk, cheese, and supplies across rugged mountain roads. A well-trained Bernese can pull up to 1,000 pounds, thanks to their strong legs and broad chest. They’re basically furry giants with an old-school work ethic.
Rottweiler
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Rottweilers weren’t just bred for guarding—they were once working dogs for butchers in Germany. These muscular dogs pulled meat carts through town and delivered fresh products to markets. With their compact, muscle-packed frame, Rottweilers excel at weight-pulling competitions today.
Mastiff
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If you need raw power, look no further than the Mastiff. These dogs can weigh over 230 pounds and have muscle density that rivals that of a professional strongman. In weight-pulling contests, some Mastiffs have been known to drag up to 2,500 pounds—which is roughly the weight of a full-grown bison.
Great Dane
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Great Danes are not just tall—they’re powerful. These lean dogs were primarily bred for hunting wild boar, which means they needed to be strong enough to take down a 300-pound animal. While their frame is leaner than some breeds on this list, their leg power is no joke. A trained Great Dane can drag serious weight when given the task.
Belgian Malinois
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Some Malinois have been trained to pull human bodies out of dangerous situations—including underwater rescues. These elite military and police dogs can scale walls, pull heavy loads, and even skydive with their handlers. They display an unreal amount of strength and energy.
Doberman Pinscher
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Dobermans are the only breed specifically designed for personal protection work. They have a reputation for their unmatched strength, speed, and intelligence. These dogs can drag heavy objects, take down intruders, and perform high-intensity physical tasks.
Anatolian Shepherd
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Forget babysitting sheep—Anatolian Shepherds fight off wolves, bears, and even mountain lions. This breed is originally from Turkey and was originally used to protect livestock. In fact, these dogs are so effective at guarding livestock that the U.S. and Namibia use them to protect endangered cheetahs by reducing human-wildlife conflict.
Leonberger
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Leonbergers are fluffy, teddy-like dogs that can also tow a car. These German-based dogs were bred as working and companion dogs for royalty. They have the power of a draft horse wrapped in a luxurious mane. They have also been known to participate in weight-pulling competitions and demonstrate remarkable strength.
Cane Corso
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The Cane Corso dates back to ancient Rome, where they marched into battle alongside soldiers, pulled carts, and even hunted wild boar. Today, they still pack serious muscle, with a bite force of approximately 700 PSI. Their combination of intelligence, agility, and raw strength makes them one of the most versatile working breeds.
Akita
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While Akitas are strong enough to pull sleds, they were not traditionally bred for this purpose like Huskies or Malamutes. Instead, their strength was utilized in hunting and guarding. This ancient breed was primarily used for hunting large game like bears, wild boars, and deer.
American Bulldog
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Before tractors, American Bulldogs did the heavy lifting on farms. They’re known for pulling carts, herding livestock, and even taking down wild boars. Despite their compact size, these dogs are all muscle with insane pulling power.