These dog breeds with scary barks are all excellent choices. But if you’re mostly after having a dog with strong protective instincts but are relatively low maintenance, consider low-energy guard dog breeds.
Apart from volume, the anatomy of large dogs makes them better at producing lower pitches. So apart from being louder, they are also more menacing because of the lower frequencies.
Larger dogs have longer vocal folds, which allow them to take in larger breaths of air. They also have larger lung capacities, skulls, and chests. All this contributes to louder barks in comparison to smaller dogs.
But if you want a serious watchdog that will frighten the living daylights out of anyone who even comes near your property, you’ll want to get a dog that produces louder, more menacing sounds.
Keep in mind, however, that dogs offer much more than their barks. Make sure you know how much care and attention having a dog will require before committing to one.
Protection Dogs Vs. Dogs That Provide Protection
True protection dogs are exquisitely trained (read: expensive) four-footers, who can be taught to physically intervene against an attacker.
Such dogs are trained to use all of the tools at their disposal (strong jaws, bone-crushing teeth and powerful neck muscles) to stop an attack; some even received specialized training and learn how to restrain assailants until help arrives.
These kinds of dogs are used by K9 police officers, military units, potential kidnapping targets and others who may expect potential danger around every turn. But most people do not need or want such a powerful and potentially dangerous companion at their side – most simply need a dog as a form of deterrence.
Videos like the one below show just how well-trained true protection dogs can be, but this isn’t what most owners have in mind when they’re considering a dog for added security.
Just about any big dog will make the average criminal think twice – many bad guys will even avoid confrontations with small dogs, given their predilection to bark incessantly at any perceived threat.
Because of this, most average people are probably better served by acquiring an intimidating or scary-looking dog breed, who has been trained in basic obedience and little more – that’s really all most folks need for deterrence!
The Most Restricted Dog in the United States: American Pit Bull Terrier
The pit bull’s name comes from the fact that it was originally used in the bloody sport that could take the form of either bull-baiting or dogfighting. Due to this reputation as one of the most aggressive and most powerful breeds available, legislation banning or restricting the breed has been pushed through in nearly a thousand cities in the United States. But many of those restrictions are being reconsidered as public awareness grows about the actual risk of raising a pit bull. They may have some of the strongest bite strengths out of the various dog species, but they haven’t been proven to be any more dangerous than other breeds. That said, their history as fighting dogs means that they don’t always do well with other dogs in the house.
Like any breed, pit bulls need proper exercise and socialization to be well adjusted, which you can learn more about here.