Are you wary of intruders in your home, whether you’re around or not? Do you want a faithful companion who will be loyal and stop at nothing to protect you and your family? Then you’re not alone. To help you with your choice, we will discuss the best guard dog breeds of all times.
Since time immemorial, dogs have been the perfect guard for man, no wonder it is called “man’s best friend.”
Guard dogs do not only fight off human intruders but will ensure no unwanted animal finds its way into your home or territory.
These days, with the necessary training, dogs will ward off intruders; however, some breeds were bred specifically to chase away unwanted guests and protect families.
These breeds are smart, intelligent, strong, courageous, have high endurance as well as being very loyal.
There are several guard dog breeds in the world, and in this article, we will discuss some of the most popular species commonly used or advised for use by professional dog trainers.
Now that we’ve outlined what you’d be discovering in this in-depth piece let’s take a look at some of the most favoured, highly rated guard dog breeds you can opt for.
Best Guard Dogs for First Time Owners
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a courageous dog that possesses enough physical strength and protection instincts to guard its family. Its loyalty is unparalleled.
As strong as the dog is, it can stand on an intruder’s path or knock them down in case of a violent trespasser. However, when home with its family, a mastiff obeys instruction and is very friendly. No wonder it is a popular household pet amongst Americans.
Best Guard Dogs for First Time Owners: Rottweiler
Beneath their mean faces, Rottweilers are super intelligent and loyal dogs. They were first bred to protect cattle. A Rottweiler stops at nothing if it sees it’s loved one in harm’s way and it’s endurance and strength make it an excellent option for a guard dog.
Besides guardian instincts that are natural to rottweilers, they are quick learners and don’t do well will strangers. The best thing is to introduce your visitor to your dog, so it understands there is no cause for alarm.
Doberman pinscher
A Doberman pinscher is a very handsome and intelligent dog. In fact, according to the American Kennel Club rating, the Doberman pinscher is the fifth smartest dog amongst all dog breeds. They are not just that; they are alert, courageous, and super fast.
Most people who have a sizeable property opt for the Doberman pinscher because of its speed and strength.
Best Guard Dogs for First Time Owners: Puli
The Puli breed never does well with intruders. They are always alert and suspicious of any and everything out of the normal. A Puli will bark severally to alert its family if it sees anything suspicious.
Plus, these dogs are very loyal and friendly to their owners. They do not like being left alone for long and lead a very active life. They are excellent for an active family that can take them hiking, running, etc.
Komondor
Komondors have always been guard dogs from the onset. The sheepherders used this breed to protect the herd. The komondor dog breed is agile, independent, courageous, and robust.
However, because of their overly protective instincts, they tend to require intense training before they can become loyal and obedient. After the correct training, you have yourself an excellent guard dog.
Best Guard Dogs for First Time Owners: Giant Schnauzer
If you ever walk into a giant schnauzer, your first instinct will be to run to safety. This dominant dog breed possesses an astonishing amount of strength and courage.
The giant schnauzer loves attention and constant physical and mental exercises to stimulate it.
Although they look quite intimidating, giant schnauzers are very loyal to their families and hence make an excellent guard dog.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Do you know that the Rhodesian ridgebacks were initially bred to track down lions? Imagine such a courageous dog explicitly trained to guard you and your family!
They make perfect family pets and guard dogs, but they are independent and tend to be disobedient sometimes.
Hence, they need the correct training while they are still puppies. A Rhodesian doesn’t bark much, except it is essential. Therefore it must be taken seriously. For such a stubborn guard, a Rhodesian is quite friendly with its family and likes cuddling too.
German Shepherd
German shepherds are very fearless and bold dog breeds. They are smart and quite intelligent too. They make excellent guards and find it relatively easier to understand commands better than other breeds, no wonder they have become the favorites of law enforcement.
Don’t be hoodwinked by the superficial calmness of German shepherds. Once they feel their loved ones are in danger, they react and switch temperaments quick.
Best Small Guard Dog Breeds
When the term ‘guard dog’ is mentioned, your mind first races to the big mean breeds. I mean, a guard dog is supposed to be able to fight off and disarm or even hurt an intruder or burglar if need be, and only the medium to large-sized dogs seem to have such capacity.
An intruder will scarcely be wary of a tiny barking dog, as you may want to think.
Well, you’re not wrong.
However, the sizes of dogs you can breed sometimes depend on your lifestyle. In some trailer courts, management has a say in the size of dogs you can have.
It implies that if you cannot have a big guard dog, you can find a small, tough one that can alert you when it senses danger so you can get yourself prepared.
Below is a list of some of the best small guard dog breeds.
Best Small Guard Dog Breeds: Beagle
Beagles are stubborn, single-minded dogs that have initially been hunters. They have a strong drive towards smaller prey, and when not on their leash, it’s hard to stop them from running off.
The natural aggression in this breed can be an asset; however, it needs to be taught social values, so it doesn’t become a problem to humans.
Beagles are also known for their barks, which sound deep – too deep for the small dog. Despite the beagle’s stubbornness, it can be very loyal when taught to know its place as the least in the family hierarchy.
Chihuahua
A Chihuahua possesses too much aggression for its size. It might be hard for an intruder to take a yapping Chihuahua seriously. However, the dog doesn’t back down when it senses danger.
A Chihuahua’s instincts tell it to protect its owner, and the dog doesn’t relent. It is a perfect family dog and also an excellent guard dog if all you want is a small companion watching your apartment.
Best Small Guard Dog Breeds: Bull Terrier
A bull terrier is blessed with so much energy for a small dog. Initially, it was used for pit sports. The bull terrier is so aggressive, especially towards strangers. It, therefore, implies that the owners must be very stern and authoritative to control this dog effectively. Teaching it to socialize early is also an excellent idea.
The bull terrier is regarded as one of the best small guard dogs because of its strength, loyalty, and prey instincts.
Dachshund
Do not blame your dachshund for being so stubborn for its size because it comes from a background of hunters. They were initially bred to be ruthless in hunting vermin and other smaller animals. However, these days, that prey drive and aggression can be channeled towards family protection.
Dachshund will bark at anything it perceives as a potential threat or game, and despite its size, it is ready to fight to finish.
Dachshunds also become attached to their owners and require moderate exercises to keep them fit, making them perfect family pets.
The best way to help your dachshund live longer?
Watch our video to find out!
Best Small Guard Dog Breeds: Lhasa Apso
This cute, cuddly Lhasa is a small dog breed that makes an excellent guard dog, especially for small spaces. Do not be fooled by its beautiful fur or exotic looks; it can get pissed when it perceives danger on its loved ones.
The Lhasa Apso was initially bred to be a guard dog and doesn’t fail in the genetic responsibility. It is an independent dog and hence might be a little stubborn and suspicious of strangers, hates noisy or crowded places, and isn’t good with kids.
That is why your Lhasa must acquire proper training so that it can be social and accommodating of kids.
The Lhasa also gets bored quickly and often suffers separation anxiety, so you mustn’t leave your dog for more than a couple of minutes except you have a dog-sitter.
Manchester terrier
It is a small dog breed with a very high prey drive. It has a long history of vermin hunting, which is evident in its aggressiveness.
A Manchester terrier loves kids and can cope around them, but its strong hunting instincts make it quite problematic around smaller animals. So if you have a smaller pet, you might want to introduce it to your puppy on time to save you regular brawls or even save the life of your other pet.
Best Medium Sized Guard Dog Breeds
We have seen the best small guard dogs; now, it is time to find out the best medium-sized guard dogs. There is a thin line between being a small or medium-sized dog. Some dogs like the Chow-Chow and Shar Pei are on the upper end of small dogs and can be classified as medium in some texts.
Quickly, let us touch down on the best medium-sized guard dog breeds.
Shar Pei
The ‘Chinese Wrinkle Dog’ Shar-Pei is a descendant of the Chow-Chow and has a background of fighting – boar hunting and fighting off other species of dogs. Do not be deceived by the wrinkly weak look of this dog; it is a stubborn, aggressive animal.
The Shar-Pei is a territorial dog and a natural fighter and might be hard to train except you’re a professional dog trainer.
This breed is rare because it was almost on the brink of extinction during the Communist Revolution in China. However, people managed to sneake the remaining Shar-Peis to America.
Kerry Blue Terrier
This breed originated in Ireland and isn’t common to see. The thick-coated medium-sized dog is good around kids, and although it acts very docile, it can switch to attack mode if it senses danger on its loved ones.
They have a high prey drive and tend to be territorial, making other animals unsafe around them. However, with proper training, the dog’s aggressiveness can be channeled to become a great guard.
Best Medium Sized Guard Dog Breeds: Chow-Chow
Extremely loyal and protective to a fault, the Chow-Chow is one of the best small guard dog breeds. They do not hesitate when they sense danger. They react immediately. That’s why it is essential to socialize your chow-chow even while it is still very young.
The muscular and aggressive nature of the dog is similar to that of wolves, and it comes from a background of herding and hunting dogs.
Standard Schnauzer
The bark of this dog will make an intruder think twice about coming to your apartment. It is medium-sized, energetic, and springs into protection mode as soon as its loved one is in danger – whether real or imagined.
A standard schnauzer requires regular exercise, so it doesn’t become destructive (due to boredom), plus they are also great with kids. Their natural defense against common dog diseases makes them a guard that you can have around for a long time.
Australian Cattle Dog
Not many people think of the Australian cattle dog as ferocious and hence look the other way when looking for a medium-sized guard dog. However, you might not be aware of the potential of the long-bodied dog. Its selling point is its intelligence and quickness to learn its commands and tasks.
The Australian cattle dog is notorious for being amongst the top biters in the country. The German shepherd is the only breed higher on the list.
An Australian cattle dog is always aloof and suspicious of strangers, but it is well behaved around kids and leads an active life. Which means it can become unhappy and destructive if confined in an apartment or the suburbs.
Best Large Guard Dog Breeds
It is a well-known fact that large guard dog breeds are more likely to intimidate an intruder. That is why, in general, the large breeds dominate in the list of best guard dogs. For that reason, let us see a few other large guard dogs besides the ones we have earlier listed.
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is considered an elite dog and mostly favored by the U.S S.E.A.L.
When the military is onto their toughest missions, they depend on the strength and aggressiveness of this breed.
Bred in Belgium (Malines), this breed isn’t just a livestock herder but possesses strong guard dog instincts, making them perfect for families.
Best Large Guard Dog Breeds: Cane Corso
The Cane Corso comes from a long line of warrior dogs and possesses so much strength, smartness, and aggressiveness to be a herder, hunter, and guardian. They are often dedicated and loyal and aloof to strangers.
However, they need a stern owner and proper socialization to be able to cope with other animals and strangers.
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is ugly with wrinkles and a large head – a look that intimidates intending intruders and wards them off. They come from Molussus, a breed that fights with tigers and lions and also has genetic ties with the Roman war dogs.
Best Large Guard Dog Breeds: Kuvasz
If you want a large dog that can guard your home properly, the Kuvasz is another excellent option.
This territorial dog doesn’t like intruders or strangers but can be very friendly and loving when it is with its loved ones.
Staffordshire Terrier
The Staffordshire terrier wasn’t bred to be a guard dog initially. However, modern breeds can be trained to love and protect their families.
The breeders initially created the Staffordshire terrier to use it in bull and bear fighting. Their aggressiveness is what makes them stand out as excellent guard dogs. While they can be violent at intruders or when protecting family, they are very docile within the home.
As said earlier in this article, there are several hundreds of guard dogs out there, but those listed above are the best pics and also the most popular ones around, plus they all make great family pets.
Best Guard Dog Breeds for Families
Since we are more concerned about the best, we are not going to have a lot of picks in this category except the best!
Some guard dogs only bark when they sense danger, thereby warning an owner. Some, however, can protect a family because it is their primal instinct.
Here are the top-family protecting dog breeds.
Best Guard Dog Breeds for Families: Akita
The breeders created Akita to protect their loved ones. They are large and fearless, and earliest use was when they were protectors of the royal folks in feudal Japan.
If you want your Akita to be comfortable around people or other animals, early socialization is the key.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese is a cattle herder and seems friendly – an attribute that makes him a family sweetheart. However, when it senses danger, its large size and over-protective instincts come to play, and it can ward off intruders easily.
This dog loves an active life and is very social even with little training, but you mustn’t threaten it; otherwise, it switches to a deadly opponent.
Other best family guard dog breeds are ones we have already discussed before, and they include;
- Chow-Chow
- Belgian Malinois
- German shepherd
- Doberman pinscher
- Rottweiler
- Bullmastiff
- Rhodesian ridgeback
- Staffordshire bull terrier and
- Puli
Conclusion
Family protection is paramount, and guarding your home against intruders can be effective if you have a proper guard dog in your household.
One thing is that these dogs are not only ruthless, brave, and strong; they can be your best companion and are always ready to please you.
Careful research is essential if you want to own a guard dog. From our list of the best guard dog breeds, you can choose one that is best suitable for you and your family!
Getting a dog is a very exciting experience, and you might want to learn about other types of dogs to choose from. In this case, you might be interested in reading our detailed articles “Best Dogs For Kids”, “Best Hunting Dogs”.