Measurement of Biting-Pulling Strength Developed on Canine Teeth of Military Dogs

Abstract

Using a load cell with an amplifier, oscilloscope and printer, maximal pulling strength developed by six military dogs was measured during biting-pulling exercises. When all four canine teeth were involved, the maximum pulling strength varied from 480–1120 N. The pulling strength intensity decreased with repetitive efforts. Understanding the forces that the crowns of the canine teeth are exposed to may lead to development of more effective prosthetic devices for use when these teeth are fractured.