Guard dogs: Born to protect
Dogs have been protecting their humans at least since the days of Plato and Aristotle. Our needs for security, companionship, and loyalty haven’t changed much since then, making dogs a popular choice for protection of our loved ones and our property.
Watchdogs will bark or otherwise alert their people to perceived intruders but usually won’t attack. Guard dogs have a protective instinct for their families, honed over hundreds of years, says Gina DiNardo, executive secretary at the American Kennel Club (AKC), and they will bite or otherwise defend against threats. The best guard dog breeds display fearlessness and also look the part, with an intimidating size and appearance, perhaps even belonging to one of the giant dog breeds. They may also rank among the smartest or most loyal breeds.
If you’re seeking a dog for protection, the same rules of dog ownership still apply. You’ll want to give this dog the love and affection you would give any pet, and never, ever keep it chained up or locked in a basement or yard. Even the fiercest dog breeds are still vulnerable living beings who rely on humans for everything, including food, shelter, and trusted companionship. Here are some great examples of protective pooches who will be the loving, watchful eyes and ears in your home.
The “king of terriers,” the Airedale is friendly and exuberant—sometimes seeming to have no “off” switch, according to VetStreet.com. But Airedales are great with kids, quick learners, and generally thought to be hypoallergenic, too, making them one of the best guard dogs for families. During World War I, the breed earned a reputation for bravery and focus, thanks to the dogs’ roles as sentries and couriers, notes the AKC. If they sense a threat, Airedales will bark relentlessly and will put their powerful jaws to use if necessary, but they’re ready to love on anyone the family accepts. Airedales don’t like being alone, though, and if bored, can resort to chewing and digging. They also can be aggressive toward other animals, and even play a little too rough with their family, unless trained otherwise. With their bearded chin and folded-down ears, Airedales have won the Westminster Dog Show four times—although the last time was in 1933.
| Height: | 23 inches |
| Weight: | 50 to 70 pounds |
| Life expectancy: | 11 to 14 years |
The Tibetan mastiff, bred in the Himalayas to guard people as well as livestock, is one of the best guard dogs around. Aloof, mentally sharp, watchful, and a little bit primitive, according to DiNardo, this massive breed is also strong-willed and very territorial. Be aware that if you keep a Tibetan mastiff in your home, it may not allow anyone else to visit. But it will have a mellow, sweet disposition with family members. The Tibetan mastiff is also one of the most expensive dog breeds.
| Height: | 24 to 30 inches |
| Weight: | 70 to 160 pounds |
| Life expectancy: | 10 to 12 years |
The medium-sized Aussie is both beautiful and brave. Most at home on a ranch or in a rodeo, these dogs are natural herders and will take any opportunity to get other animals (or even kids) in line. Whats more, they make energetic playmates for the whole family.
These massive pups know exactly how to respond if they sense a threat to your house or family members, so dont underestimate their disarming fluffiness. The Caucasian Shepherd dogs are a great option if you have kids and other animals, because theyre loving and careful around people they know and trust.
Though smaller than some of the other large dogs on our list, Appenzeller Sennenhunds still make a great guard dog due to their agility and energy. They were originally bred to work as farm dogs, so their intelligence and obedience can do double duty if youve got some land.
This powerful pup boasts a wavy, waterproof coat that sets it apart from other retrievers. However, you can still expect the loyal and energetic traits that make Golden Retrievers and labs one of the most popular pets. Chessies are polite with strangers, but still cautious and not overly affectionate with those they dont know — all of which makes them excellent watch dogs.
Not everyone has the space for a large animal in their home, but that doesnt mean they dont need a powerful guard dog. Generally weighing in at less than 40 pounds, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are muscular, brave and natural fighters when they need to be. They also have lots of energy, so long walks and plenty of playtime will keep them (and you!) in tip-top shape.
This Portuguese dog was bred to protect livestock, making them natural guard dogs. Theyre definitely not for small spaces, though: these fluffy dogs can weigh up to 132 pounds!
This beautiful breed isnt all looks! They make great guard dogs thanks to their incredible trainability and their tough work dog bloodline.
Click through this gallery to find the best guard dog thats just right for you and your family. Once you find your perfect pup, show your appreciation for them by showering them with lots of love, dog treats, and even dog birthday parties to thank them for keeping you safe and sound!
This loyal working dog breed is identifiable by their rough, tousled coat. Theyre know for being protective of their people and property.
Dont judge this breed by its small size. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are descended from the fighters in Englands dog fighting pits, and they still have that fighting spirit!
Top 10 Best Guard Dog Breeds to Protect Your House and Family
There are many reasons people want to get a dog: as a play-friend for children, companionship, or perhaps protection.
For those hoping their dog will guard their family and property, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has rounded up breeds that are well-suited to the role.
The Australian Shepherd is not only an extremely beautiful breed, but also makes a great guard dog. The breed is described as a “lean, tough ranch dog” by the AKC and is medium-sized.
These canines have a need to herd everything, according to the AKC. They are intelligent, good with young children, and is pretty vigilant – making them a great breed for families wanting a watchful eye over their home.
The Beauceron has the appearance of a classic guard dog: dark coat, upright, sensitive ears, and a muscular body.
The dogs are large and, according to the AKC, are “especially beloved by women as a dashing but sensitive companion and protector.”
This dogs dark coat with red, fox-colored marking on the feet and mouth, gave it the charming nickname of “Bas-Rouge,” meaning “red stockings” in French.
Boxers are affectionate, loyal and intelligent. They can reach up to 25-inches-tall and often have an extremely protective nature.
“Their patience and protective nature have earned them a reputation as a great dog with children,” the AKC says of the breed. “They take the jobs of watchdog and family guardian seriously and will meet threats fearlessly.”
Rottweilers have an impressive lineage and are descended from the mastiffs of the legions in Rome.
These dogs often get a bad reputation, however the AKC says that “a well-bred and properly raised Rottweiler will be calm and confident, courageous but not unduly aggressive.”
These dogs are extremely vigilant and adaptable, while their stature and appearance is a result of breeding Bulldogs and Mastiffs together.
The resulting breed is, according to the AKC, a dog whose physical appearance and personality “all combine to present the intelligence, alertness, and confidence that make the Bullmastiff a world-class protector and family companion.”
Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are a prestigious breed. They are thought to be the oldest known group of dogs still in existence today; artifacts documenting their presence have been found going back 5,000 years.
Now, nomadic people use these majestic creatures as guard dogs. According to the AKC, they are “territorial guardians bred to guard people and their possessions.”
“They seek out human attention, thus bonding with their humans first and the flock second, and they guard whatever is placed in their perceived territory.”
The Doberman Pinscher is a powerful, loyal and fearless breed of dog. They are also affectionate and good with young children, according to the AKC.
The AKC calls this breed “one of dogkinds noblemen” and remarks that “this incomparably fearless and vigilant breed stands proudly among the worlds finest protection dogs.”
German Shepherds are large, agile, and are bread to be herders. These dogs are great with children, affectionate and are extremely vigilant.
They are high-energy, so will need lots of walks and playtime. According to the AKC, they are highly intelligent and have a noble character.
The AKC says of this special breed: “Their defining attribute is character: loyalty, courage, confidence, the ability to learn commands for many tasks, and the willingness to put their life on the line in defence of loved ones. German Shepherds will be gentle family pets and steadfast guardians.”
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are short but are certainly no less imposing for it. They are compact, yet muscular and they are brave and tenacious, according to the AKC.
The Staffordshire Bull Terriers face is drawn into a near-permanent smile, giving them a sweet appearance.
However, these dogs were bred for fighting in Englands dog-fighting pits. They make great guard dogs, but the AKC says: “These are true-blue loyal companions, but the old fighting instinct still lurks within, making it vital that Staffie pups be socialized with other dogs to learn good canine manners.”
Another ancient breed, the Tibetan Mastiff is a working dog with a thick, fluffy coat, bred for the chilly Tibetan climate.
Tibetan Mastiffs are loyal and affectionate to their close circle, but are chilly and aloof with strangers, making them a great option as a guard dog.
Despite their size and stature, Tibetan Mastiffs are still quite agile. AKC says of the breed: “Its impossible to discuss them without leaning on words like powerful, muscular, massive, and substantial. And yet, Tibetan Mastiffs are quite light-footed and will meet a perceived threat with surprising agility.”
Estrela Mountain Dogs are huge and fluffy. They look almost bear-like, and are imposing in their size and stature.
They are affectionate and sociable, and are also good with children. This breed is named after the Estrela Mountain range in Portugal and are one of the oldest breeds in the region.
According to the AKC, the Estrela Mountain Dog is “an inseparable companion of the shepherd and a faithful flock guardian, bravely protecting it against predators and thieves. A wonderful farm and house guard, this dog is distrustful towards strangers but typically docile to its master.”
The Caucasian Shepherd dog is bred especially as a guard dog. They ooze confidence, are bold and fearless in the face of a threat – but are loving and devoted to their family members.
These dogs are traditionally used to protect properties from animals and trespassers. However the AKC warns: “The Caucasian Shepherd dog is a serious guardian breed and should never be taken lightly.”
They are a powerful dog with strong instinctsm but they are loving to those in their inner circle.
The Cane Corso dog is a protector, through and through. Their lineage is traced back to the Roman times, and their name even means “bodyguard dog” in Latin.
They have an imposing appearance, with a strong muscular body, a large frame and a square head and jaw.
The AKC says that these dogs are “intelligent, loyal, eager to please, versatile, and intensely loyal to their humans, but are also assertive and willful, and can end up owning an unwitting owner.”
These dogs are a type of mastiff, and are among the most agile in the mastiff family. These dogs are not recommended for novice owners, owing to their strength and playfulness.
The AKC says: “The imposing Boerboel is devoted to protecting the people and places they love.”
Akitas have a thick coat and are an iconic Japanese breed. They are extremely vigilant, and are quite playful with a good amount of energy.
These dogs love human companionship, and while they are often wary of strangers, they can be hugely playful with people and dogs they know well.
AKC says of the dog: “in their native land, theyre venerated as family protectors and symbols of good health, happiness, and long life.”