We are providing articles about as many different breeds of dog we can think of. One of the questions that is frequently asked is “which are the best guard dog breeds”. To be honest, we are pushovers when it comes to dogs, our preference is to keep them as members of the family and call them furbabies. However, we are also not naive and understand that there is a time and place for a suitably trained dog who can and will offer protection to their beloved human family members. So here it is, hope this helps you.
It is understandable that securing your home and family is extremely important. Many security companies will tell you that a guard dog is one of the best options because criminals have no way of predicting what your dog will do. A guard dog can provide protection and peace of mind for the whole family. Guard dogs are known for their courage, intelligence, and loyalty. That said, please be aware that not all dog breeds possess the ideal qualities for guarding your home and family. Let’s explore some of the best guard dog breeds, including discussing their pros and cons. This will help you make an informed decision when choosing your canine companion for security.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is an iconic and versatile breed known for its intelligence and trainability. They are also, in our opinion, extremely gorgeous! I mean, just look at this face!
Fiercely loyal to their families, the German Shepherd has a natural instinct to protect. A confident demeanor, imposing presence, and strong protective drive make German Shepherds a great option as guard dogs.
Some to be aware of is that their high energy levels require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Importantly, proper socialization and training are crucial to ensure they remain well-behaved and reliable. Please be responsible owners and work on this consistently.
Rottweiler:
Rottweilers are beautiful to look at, powerful and robust dogs. They have a natural guarding instinct. This breed is protective and devoted, and they form strong bonds with their human families. The Rottweilers imposing size alone acts as a deterrent to potential intruders.
Rottweilers do require consistent training from an early age, this ensures they understand appropriate behaviors and boundaries. Early socialization is also very important to help them become well-rounded and friendly members of your family and the community. The younger they are trained, the easier it will be on you as the owner. As they grow, Rottweilers become stronger and stronger.
Doberman Pinscher:
Doberman Pinschers are an elegant, intelligent, and highly trainable breed of dog, that excels in guarding roles. Possessing a natural protective instinct makes them vigilant and fearless protectors.
The Dobermans breed is known for loyalty and sensitivity towards their owners. This translates into a strong desire to keep their human family safe.
Be aware, however, their energy levels are high and they require regular exercise and mental stimulation.
As with typical guard dog breeds, early socialization is absolutely essential. This ensures they remain well-mannered and friendly.
Boxer:
Boxers can be complete goofballs and are not as imposing as other guard dog breeds, but don’t be fooled, they make up for it with their incredible strength, agility, and loyalty.
Known for their protective nature and playful yet assertive personalities, Boxers are great with children. This makes them a great choice for families seeking a companion and a guard dog.
Again, please be aware that training and socialization are crucial for this breed, it helps them to channel their energy and maintain their gentle and friendly disposition.
We have written a more in-depth article about the beautiful Boxer and invite you to read it via this link.
Bullmastiff:
This is a large, muscular breed with a natural instinct to guard and protect. Bullmastiffs possess a calm and self-assured temperament, making them reliable and composed when it comes to guarding your family.
Bullmastiffs are also well-known for their loyalty and love for their families. While generally docile and gentle, this breed can be stubborn and requires consistent training and socialization from an early age.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Having a guard dog on your property is an excellent deterrent to potential intruders, this due to their imposing presence and the fact that they are not predictable as an alarm would be for example
- The gorgeous breeds have natural protective instincts and loyalty toward their families
- They are all highly trainable and extremely intelligent.
- Please double-check the breed you go for, especially if you are a family with children. Many guard dog breeds are good with children and this makes them versatile family companions. Also consider any elderly family members, a strong dog could knock an elderly person over without even trying.
Cons:
- Due to their physicality and intelligence, these breeds require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
- Early and consistent training is essential to ensure they maintain appropriate behaviors. This is an ongoing process.
- Some guard dog breeds may be more prone to health issues, such as hip dysplasia or heart conditions, which require proper care and attention.
In Closing
Choosing the right guard dog breed involves many considerations, such as:
- temperament,
- size,
- energy levels, and
- trainability.
German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, and Bullmastiffs are among the best of the best guard dog breeds. They offer a combination of loyalty, protective instincts, and trainability.
NB Please remember:
- responsible ownership (which includes being a confident leader – you too, may require some training),
- proper training – starting from puppy all the way into adulthood,
- continued ongoing training (go to a professional, please don’t try this alone at home), and
- socialization is crucial for shaping a well-rounded and reliable guard dog for your home and family.
- ongoing vet check-ups and good-quality nutrition are vital to keep your guard dog in tip-top shape
Please be especially mindful of the fact that you are choosing to train your dog as a guard dog. This can often change the way that your pet interacts with people, including family members. Be sure to make all family members and visitors aware of the primary role of your dog and teach them how to interact with your dog appropriately too.
We hope this article helps you. If you have any queries or suggestions, please pop us a comment below.
Many thanks
Louise and Beth
🧡🤍🧡🤍
I have friends with each one of these breeds. They are imposing because of size, but all are gentle. They do function as guard dogs because of the bark when someone approaches the house. I don’t know if any of them would attack someone breaking into the house. My sister-in-law had two bull mastiffs. I loved them. As huge as they were, they did no guarding at all. I guess these breeds are intelligent so they can be taught when it is appropriate to be on guard. Thanks for this review of these breeds.
Hi James
Our experience with dogs is that they often reflect the nature of the home they come from. If the home is peaceful and loving, it’s easier for them to be that way too. The highly strung and potentially aggressive dogs generally come from an environment that is wired by the humans who live there.
There is no doubt that training plays a huge role in the kind of reaction a guard dog will display. Our furries often surprise us when they take charge and bare their teeth when we are under threat. One of our clients has the most adorable Jack Russell cross Labrador, Ziggy – a small but very powerful and extremely handsome little guy. Sadly she was attacked in her home and let me tell you, that little guy of hers did not let up with the attacker, he drew blood and made sure he did everything he could to protect his human, even sustained injuries of his own. Thankfully, both the furry and my client recovered well from the ordeal. Ziggy truly is a hero for protecting his mama. He’s back to being his adorable, energetic and playful self. Not a single sign of aggression. Quite incredible!