Best dogs for family and protection: 15 Best Guard Dog Breeds

Опубликовано: December 16, 2022 в 8:36 pm

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15 Best Guard Dog Breeds

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These pups will help protect you and become beloved members of the family, too. 🐕

By
Leigh Crandall

Apr 18, 2022

Having a well-trained dog to help watch over your home can provide peace of mind—and a loving, loyal companion to greet you when you walk in the door. Some dog breeds are natural guarders, born with the instinct to protect their humans. To help you decide which guard dog breed is best for you we’ve rounded up a list of top dogs for the job, based on recommendations from the American Kennel Club (AKC). From smaller breeds like the hairy, lovable Puli to larger dog breeds like the bullmastiff, these dog breeds are smart, fearless, and faithful.

Keep in mind that, before you adopt any dog, you’ll need to be able to commit to extensive training and ongoing socialization, as they are especially important for guard dog breeds who tend to be more territorial. You’ll also want to choose a breed that fits your lifestyle. Some breeds, like the Appenzeller Sennenhund or Australian Shepherd, require lots of exercise, while pups like the Briard need frequent grooming. Once you’ve decided on a type of guard dog, be sure to research reputable, responsible breeders via the AKC website to make sure you adopt a healthy, happy puppy.

Akita

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Akitas represent happiness and long life in Japan where the breed was developed in the 17th century, and are known for being courageous and loyal to their owners. They’re independent thinkers and don’t always mix well with other dogs or strangers, so it’s especially important to provide consistent training and socialization from an early age.

Height: 24-28 inches
Weight: 70-130 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years

Appenzeller Sennenhund

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Appenzeller Sennehunds are quick and agile, bred to work on farms and drive cattle. They’re intelligent and quick to learn, making them easy to train, and also very active, so they’re better suited to homes with plenty of space to run and play.

Height: 19-22 inches
Weight: 48-70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Australian Shepherd

Popular with ranchers thanks to excellent herding instincts, Australian Shepherds also make great guard dogs as they’re clever, obedient, and protective of their families. Aussies are best suited to homes with plenty of space to roam as they’re high energy and require plenty of daily activity and exercise.

Height: 18-23 inches
Weight: 40-65 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Bergamasco Sheepdog

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Bergamasco Sheepdogs are social creatures, affectionate with their families as well as other animals. They’re signature coat is long and layered—and surprisingly low-maintenance—requiring just a few baths per year and zero brushing as they don’t shed.

Height: 22-23.5 inches
Weight: 57-84 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years

Boxer

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Keen, alert, and fearless, boxers are natural guard dogs. Their patient, protective, and playful nature—and the fact that boxers crave lots of time with their humans—makes them a good fit for families with kids.

Height: 21.5-25 inches
Weight: 65-80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Briard

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Sometimes called “a heart wrapped in fur” briards are a well-suited to kids thanks to a loyal, lovable nature. They also love to be active, making them perfect for owners who like four-legged companions while running or hiking. They’re also a good fit for humans who don’t mind grooming duty, as their long coats require frequent brushing and baths.

Height: 22-27 inches
Weight: 55-100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 years

Bullmastiff

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A mix of mastiff and bulldog, bullmastiffs were originally bred to ward off poachers on estates in England. They’re devoted family dogs and natural protectors.

Height: 24-27 inches
Weight: 100-130 pounds
Life Expectancy: 7-9 years

Cane Corso

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With a history that dates back to the Roman Empire and a name that translates from Latin as “bodyguard dog,” the Cane Corso is a noble, intelligent, and sweet-natured breed with excellent guarding instincts. In addition to early and consistent training and socialization, they also need plenty of exercise and excel at canine sports like dock diving or tracking.

Height: 23.5-27.5 inches
Weight: proportionate to height
Life Expectancy: 9-12 years

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Bred to retrieve ducks from the cold waters of the Chesapeake Bay, these athletic pooches make excellent companions for outdoor enthusiasts and are loyal and clever, too.

Height: 21.5-26 inches
Weight: 55-80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years

Doberman Pinscher

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Smart, strong, and fast, Doberman Pinschers make excellent guard dogs, and their sweet nature and ability to learn quickly make them excellent companions too. They need plenty of exercise, so owners should plan for long daily walks or hikes.

Height: 24-28 inches
Weight: 60-100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Estrela Mountain Dog

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Named for the Estrela Mountains in Portugal where it hails from, this breed was originally a flock guardian, and can be just as protective of its family. Estrela Mountain Dogs are especially lovey dovey and are great choices for families with young children.

Height: 24.5-29 inches
Weight: 77-132 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years

German Shepherd

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Loyal, loving, and intelligent, German Shepherds make excellent pets and are quick to protect their family. With adults measuring between 22-26 inches, German Shepherds one of the most popular larger dog breeds, and are also one of the most common police dog breeds.

Height: 22-26 inches
Weight: 50-90 pounds
Life Expectancy: 7-10 years

Giant Schnauzer

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Originally bred in the Bavarian Alps to watch over homes, inns, and farms, Giant Schnauzers remain excellent guard dogs, and are affectionate with their families, intelligent, and easy to train. Giants need plenty of exercise, as well as weekly grooming.

Height: 23.5-27.5 inches
Weight: 55-85 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Puli

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They may be on the smaller side for guard dogs, but Pulik make a big impression with their distinctive corded hair and their excellent herding instincts. They’re quick, clever, and faithful, and their energetic nature makes them great playmates for kids.

Height: 16-17 inches
Weight: 25-35 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years

Rottweiler

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Weighing up to 135 pounds, Rottweilers certainly look imposing, but they’re generally calm, confident, and loyal family members. They can also be playful and cuddly, just be sure to provide plenty of socialization and training as Rotties can be territorial.

Height: 22-27 inches
Weight: 80-135 pounds
Life Expectancy: 9-10 years

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10 Best Dog Breeds for Protection

If you are searching for the right dog to protect you, your family, or your property, some dogs are born with instincts to act as guard dogs. The best dog breeds for protection usually have a strong sense of loyalty to you and your family, are highly alert, observant, and act obediently. An ideal guard dog is typically large, fearless, and responsive to training.

Here are 10 dog breeds that generally serve well as protectors and companions if you are considering getting a guard dog.

Tip

Fearless dogs make for excellent guard dogs, but they must never be aggressive. Large, strong dogs can cause injury or worse. Your dog should have obedience training so you learn how to control your dog and strike the delicate balance between protecting and attacking.

01
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Danita Delimont / Getty Images

Akitas are one of the most loyal dog breeds. Bred for guarding royalty and nobility in feudal Japan, this courageous and alert breed is naturally suspicious of strangers. Akitas will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills. As with all dogs, it will require proper socialization to help prevent unnecessary standoffishness or aggression.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)

Height: 24 to 28 inches

Weight: 70 to 130 pounds

Coat and Color: Thick double coat; colors include black, fawn, red, and more

Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
02
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Tara Gregg / Getty Images

Intense and athletic, the Belgian Malinois is a favorite breed of police and military K-9 units for its agility, search and rescue abilities, and trainability. This dog has a high energy level and thrives when it has a job to perform. It must get specialized training and proper socialization to be at ease in new or unfamiliar situations. This dog must get plenty of exercise every day.

Breed Overview

Group: Herding (AKC)

Height: 22 to 26 inches

Weight: 40 to 80 pounds

Coat and Color: Short double coat; colors include fawn, mahogany, and red with a black mask

Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
03
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Danita Delimont / Getty Images

Gamekeepers initially developed the loyal and brave bullmastiff to protect their game from poachers. The bullish looks of this large breed can be intimidating to intruders. In actuality, this dog is naturally affectionate towards its family, making it an excellent companion. The bullmastiff is a born protector that needs structured training to reinforce its natural guarding instincts.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)

Height: 24 to 27 inches

Weight: 100 to 130 pounds

Coat and Color: Short coat; colors include fawn, red, and brindle with a black mask

Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years
04
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Damjan Gosak / Getty Images

The cane corso (pronounced “KAH-nay KOR-so”) is an Italian dog breed historically used as a guard dog, war dog, and hunter. Its large size, heavy build, and deep-toned bark help ward off trespassers. The breed possesses an instinct for guarding. Its training should focus on obedience and honing its natural skills.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)

Height: 23.5 to 27.5 inches

Weight: 80 to 120 pounds

Coat and Color: Short, coarse coat; colors are black, gray, fawn, and red; brindle is possible in all colors; may have black or gray mask and small patches of white

Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
05
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The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Similar in looks and temperament to the Belgian Malinois, the German shepherd is another intense, active breed also favored as a police or military working dog. This breed exhibits a deep sense of loyalty toward its family members. Just like other protective dogs, training is critical to keep these dogs focused on being guard dogs. You will need to socialize your German shepherd to avoid fearfulness and nervousness. This dog also needs about two hours of exercise daily.

Breed Overview

Group: Herding (AKC)

Height: 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 60 to 100 pounds

Coat and Color: Coarse, medium-length double coat that comes in a variety of colors; pointed ears that stick straight up

Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years
06
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Tara Gregg / Getty Images

Historically, the Doberman pinscher has had a bad rap as an aggressive dog breed. But with its human family, it is affectionate, docile, and even goofy. Most are not even hesitant towards strangers unless they sense danger. Dobermans can often do an excellent job of protecting with little to no formal training. With a structured training program, you can hone your dog’s protection skills and turn your dog into an excellent guard dog.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)

Height: 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 65 to 100 pounds

Coat and Color: Short, smooth, sleek coat that comes in red, blue, black, and fawn

Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
07
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Agency Animal Picture / Getty Images

Known for its signature “dreadlocks,” the Komondor’s white corded coat makes this breed look a lot like a mophead. However, don’t let its looks fool you. The Komondor is a large, strong, and courageous working dog that originated in Hungary to guard livestock and property. Affectionate with its family, it is reserved around strangers. You can shape its natural desire to protect with a structured training program. Socialization will be essential to help expose this breed to different situations.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)

Height: 26 to 28 inches

Weight: 80 pounds and up

Coat and Color: White corded coat

Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
08
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Frank Schrader / Getty Images

Historically a hunting dog for large game and lions, the Rhodesian ridgeback has an intense loyalty to its family, making it naturally inclined to protect. This dog is an affectionate and noble breed that makes a beautiful companion. This breed does not need guard dog training; it heightens its protection instincts too much. However, basic obedience training is essential to give this dog structure. This breed needs to be able to listen to you and follow your commands.

Breed Overview

Group: Hounds (AKC)

Height: 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 70 to 85 pounds

Coat and Color: Coats are short and smooth, coming in light wheaten to red wheaten colors

Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
09
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Danita Delimont / Getty Images

A Rottweiler is another breed that has a reputation for being aggressive. This breed can be a big goofy lovebug one moment and an intimidating defender the next. If a Rottweiler trusts you, the dog will likely be loyal and affectionate with you. Rotties are usually hesitant toward strangers until the dog verifies the person poses no threat. This dog can become an excellent guard dog when adequately trained. This breed needs socialization, structure, and a task driving its daily activities.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)

Height: 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 80 to 130 pounds

Coat and Color: Short double coat that comes in black with tan, rust, or mahogany coloring

Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years
10
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Juergen Kolk / Getty Images

A Tibetan mastiff is the ultimate guard dog. No one is getting past this giant, watchful, powerful, and intimidating dog. Historically, this Tibetan guard dog protected caravans of people and herds in the Himalayas against wolves and snow leopards. Today, the Tibetan mastiff is easygoing around family but tends to distrust strangers and may exhibit territorial behavior if threatened by a stranger. Though not the most affectionate breed, this is a loyal dog that will protect you and your family. This dog also needs structure through training and socialization.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)

Height: 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder

Weight: 70 to 150 pounds

Coat and Color: Fine double outer coat with heavy, soft, and woolly undercoat; black, brown, blue/gray, or gold coloring

Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Breeds to Avoid

Dogs that do not make great guard dogs are those that are usually calm or low-energy breeds that will likely ignore strangers or welcome them into your home. Super friendly canines like Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and Irish setters are usually happy-go-lucky dogs that will welcome anyone to their home. Basset hounds tend to be lazier, and this breed may not get out of its dog bed when someone enters the house.

15 Best Dog Breeds for Kids and Families

20 Best Guard Dogs For First Time Owners & Families

Are you looking for the best guard dogs?

With so many breeds and information, it can be challenging to know where to turn.

But have no fear. We’re here to help you find the perfect pooch to keep you safe.

Feeling protected ranks among the main reasons people get a pup, but you still need to know what exactly you’re looking for.

In our book, there’s no such thing as the best dog. Still, some breeds are better at specific tasks than others.

Best Small Protective Dogs

When you think of the guard dogs, you probably don’t imagine a small pup. But despite their pint-sized appearance, some of these breeds can do the job.

1. Chihuahua

They’re famous as ankle biters and for a good reason. Chihuahuas hate situations they aren’t familiar with and can be aggressive at times. While these are usually seen as negative qualities, the tiny wonders will always let you know when the danger gets close.

Chihuahuas are also known for standing up to animals and humans about 100 times their size. Somewhat of a Napoleon complex, it’s still one of their brilliant characteristics.

These are the best guard dogs for seniors in our book. Plus, they’re easy to walk, meaning they won’t be walking you, and there’s less chance of accidental falls.

Chihuahuas are the smallest on our guard dog list, weighing a mere six pounds on average. They don’t tolerate cold weather well, so we recommend looking into dog house heaters or calming dog beds.

2. Jack Russell

These are some of the cutest pooches globally that are also the best dogs for home protection.

The Jack Russell is a proud breed that won’t go quietly. If they’re upset or feeling forced into a situation, they’ll let you know the second they’re unhappy.

Besides, they’re incredibly loyal and build unbreakable bonds with their owners.

This small breed is slightly bigger than the other two in the category, weighing around 13–17 pounds.

Although their bark may not be as intimidating as larger breeds, they’ll sound off if there’s any danger, no matter how small.

3. Pomeranian

I keep a big place in my heart for these tiny furballs. My friend owned four of them, and they could fill the house with barks for hours on end.

I know from personal experience that these pups are some of the best guard dogs for apartments. Any noise or sight that’s out of the norm will set them off like your very own alarm system.

Usually weighing around seven pounds, these dogs are tiny, but their long and luxurious hair makes them look much bigger.

Pomeranians are bold and curious, so you can rest assured that they’ll protect every inch of your home.

Best Medium-Sized Guard Dogs

Moving up a size, let’s explore some of these sweet but fearless breeds.

4. Chinese Shar-Pei

They might look like our grandparents but don’t let the wrinkles fool you.

These pups are known as some of the best guard dogs throughout history. Bred as a fighting dog, the Chinese used them for palace protection for over 2,000 years.

While the Chinese Shar-Pei is compact, it’ll always defend you if needed. They weigh between 45–60 pounds and are well known for their sweet nature and love for families.

The puppies are the best. Their wrinkles don’t fit, causing a roly-poly ball of cuteness.

5. Standard Schnauzer

There’s nothing standard about this breed. Considered one of the best hypoallergenic guard dogs, the Standard Schnauzer is perfect for people with allergies.

Highly trainable and full of energy, these pups will protect you and your family. Males weigh between 35–50 pounds, while the females are 30–45 pounds.

Their adorable face fur (or, as I like to call it, their mustache) makes them look like a Victorian-style detective, and that’s not too far from the truth. They’ll investigate anything out of the norm.

6. Chow Chow

This breed is pretty serious-minded. It’s hard to tell from its appearance that it’s one of the most protective dog breeds. These dogs keep it calm and tranquil, but they stay alert and ready to fight.

The Chow Chow has a very distinctive mane, making them look more like a lion, and trust us, they fight like one when it’s necessary.

They weigh between 45–70 pounds, and they’re generally very muscular, making them a great defense.

Fun fact: Their tongues are entirely black, so no need to panic if you see one. It’s one of the breed’s distinctive features. Their tongues have highly pigmented cells — a tell-tale sign that you have a purebred pup.

7. American Staffordshire Terrier

Even if this breed is one of the best dogs for protection, it’s also part of the Pitbull family, which holds a lot of controversy in the US.

But Pitbull breed characteristics aren’t all bad. They’re tenacious, protective, energetic, obedient, agile, and love their families.

Because of the Pitbull’s protective nature, early training is a must to socialize these pups.

Unfortunately, many owners mistreat Pitbulls, which leads to dog behavioral problems. So if you adopt this breed, make sure you’re willing and financially able to train your pet properly.

Best Large Guard Dogs

I don’t know about you, but the following breeds are the first that come to mind when I hear about top guard dogs.

8. Rottweiler

These pups look scary. With a weight of up to 100 pounds and their infamous bark, they’ll frighten off anyone trying to invade your home.

But they’re one of the best loyal guard dogs you’ll ever find. Rottweilers are super loving and will protect you with all they have if there’s a need.

Keep in mind that dogs can’t differentiate situations, and often they can react negatively to a non-threatening event. That’s why you need to train your animals. Keeping your pets safe on your property is paramount, so consider getting a wireless fence for dogs..

9. Boxer

This muscular breed is one of the more popular protective dog breeds for families. It ranks number 11 out of 197 breeds in the US.

They have a loving nature and build fantastic bonds with children from a very young age. Boxers are brilliant and can be very playful, so you’ll want to keep them busy with indestructible dog toys.

They take their job very seriously and always do their best to protect your family.

10. Boerboel

Here’s a breed that originated from my home, South Africa.

Boer is the Dutch word for a farmer, and these dogs were initially trained to protect farmers. They’re one of the best farm guard dogs you can get — calm, confident, and intelligent.

With this breed, what you see is what you get. While they enjoy playing, Boerboels won’t hesitate to attack an intruder.

They can weigh as much as us (150–200 pounds), so be ready for some rough and tumble come playtime.

Best Mixed Breed Guard Dogs

Some mixes are just as great as pure breeds at protecting us.

11. Borsky

This breed is a mix between a Border Collie and a Husky, hence the name. They’re beautiful and, thanks to their parents, come with unique personality traits.

The Borsky is very clingy and will become obsessed with their owner, especially if kept alone without another dog in the house. This breed would be fantastic for those looking into the best guard dogs for women.

They’re also brilliant so prepare lots of dog puzzles to keep them busy.

A Borsky can spend hours playing outside, so if you’re considering this breed make sure you can set aside enough time and energy for your animal companion.

12. Golden Shepherd

Now, here’s one of the best guard dogs for families.

As the name suggests, it’s a mix between a Golden Retriever and a German Shepherd.

This breed gets the best of both parents. It’s more protective than the Golden Retriever but more chill than the German Shepherd.

These pups love to play and get along great with older kids that can keep up with their need for high-energy play. Also, they’re super protective of the ones they love and will always be there when you need them.

13. German Shepherd Pit Bull

It’s another German Shepherd mix, but this time with the American Pitbull Terrier. This breed tops my list of best guard dogs.

Besides, if you get the German Shepherd mix with Pitbull, you’ll have a hardworking, intelligent, and loyal pet.

Either breed needs proper training, but that’s easy to achieve as they always strive to impress their owner. It’s also why the police force prefers this breed.

The German Shepherd Pit Bull can be aggressive if left untrained. So always remember that safety comes first.

Best Home Guard Dogs

14. Akita

This breed is known throughout history as the ultimate protector, particularly in the Japanese culture. The pups have a fantastic work ethic and weigh between 100–130 pounds. Since they were bred for work since the 17th century, they have excellent instincts.

Akitas are some of the best family-friendly guard dogs when it comes to their own family. They’re very apprehensive of new people and don’t do well with children teasing unless they’re part of their family.

Since that’s what they were bred for, Akitas are first and foremost protection animals. Plus, your family will gain one of the most loyal companions out there.

15. Australian Shepherd

Always in the top 20 of the most popular dogs in the US, this breed is also among the best guard dogs for families with small children.

The Australian Shepherd is incredibly smart, but that doesn’t stop its goofy side from showing. It’s a breed that loves to play, and that makes them great with kids.

You’ll need to start training them from an early age. Otherwise, the pup will herd your kids like a flock of sheep, which might sound pretty adorable, but with a weight between 50–65 pounds, it’s not the best idea to encourage.

These tough pups will protect your family, and especially the kids.

16. Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinschers might not be as fluffy, but they’re sleek and shiny, making them one of the best short-haired guard dogs.

When I think of a protective dog, they’re the exact picture that comes to mind. With a weight of 75–100 pounds, they look scary and will attack if threatened.

These pups remain vigilant and on constant guard to ensure their owners’ safety. They’re fast, too, giving intruders no chance of even attempting to run away.

The breed, known as a protector worldwide, is a massive deterrent for home invasion.

Best Guard Dogs for Kids

17. German Shepherd

These pups are built for training and love to learn. Their instinct to protect in a way that won’t harm their family is why they’re considered one of the best kid-friendly guard dogs.

German Shepherds are often used as service dogs because of their keen environment awareness, solid physical features, and ability to learn quickly.

With a weight between 65 and 90 pounds, they can take down a human in a few seconds if their family needs protection.

This muscular breed is courageous and loyal without fault. It’ll bring your family lots of fun but, above all, protection.

18.

Saint Bernard

It turns out that Disney’s Peter Pan had a point. The Saint Bernard classifies as one of the best guard dogs for babies.

This giant breed weighs between 140–180 pounds, making it one of the largest on our list, but that doesn’t mean it’s the most aggressive.

Saint Bernards are kind, sweet, and caring. They’re patient with children and usually keep watch over everything the little ones do.

If you’re looking for a kid companion, they’d be the best choice, but only if you have enough space. Saint Bernards require a lot of room and need daily walks to stay in good shape.

Best Guard Dogs for First Time Owners

19. Rhodesian Ridgeback

I have a lot of personal experience with this breed, and let me tell you, the protective instinct is there from the moment they open those puppy eyes.

If this were a competition, the Rhodesian Ridgeback would be my number one pick for the best guard dogs of 2022. The pups look fearsome, generally weighing about 95 pounds, but they’re the most loveable and affectionate breed once they get comfortable with you.

Bred to track lions, the Ridgeback will alert you to any danger, from the squeak of a mouse to a home intruder. They’re an easy-going breed that can handle different situations well, making them suitable for first-time owners.

20. Border Collie

The Border Collie is one of the best guard dogs since it’s in their DNA to serve and protect their owners.

The breed has high energy, so it needs a lot of attention and exercise. But you’ll find it on constant alert to any out-of-the-norm situations.

Border Collies weigh around 30–55 pounds. They’re not the biggest, but they’re one of the most intelligent breeds and love completing tasks.

When it’s downtime, this fluff ball will snuggle you half to death, so if you want a loveable yet easy-going breed, this could be a great option.

So, What Is a Good Guard Dog?

You’ll find protective instincts in breeds of all sizes, weights, or coat types.

Plus, a well-trained pup is a must. Dogs that thrive off completing tasks do well here.

But the most significant aspect is loyalty. If you build a close bond with your pup, it won’t let anything happen to you, and that’s why it might become aggressive if the situation calls for it.

The trick is finding the balance between an all-around aggressive dog and one that can put on a fighting face when needed. That’s where training comes in.

Wrap Up

The question is — what are the best guard dogs for your needs?

Small breeds are like little alarm systems, including the Chihuahua, Jack Russel, and Pomeranian. Some of the best medium dogs with solid protective instincts are the Chinese Shar-Pei, Standard Schnauzer, and Chow Chow.

That said, people usually imagine large dogs when they think of the best guard dog breeds, like the Rottweiler, Boxer, and Boerboel.

If you want to protect your home, the Akita, Australian Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher are breeds to look into. Keep in mind that the German Shepherd and Saint Bernard are also great company for kids. Lastly, if you’ve never had a protective dog, consider the Rhodesian Ridgeback and Border Collie.

There’s a great variety when it comes to the best guard dogs. The trick is finding one that fits your lifestyle and needs.

The White Swiss Shepherd is a strong, intelligent and confident dog.

History

The White Swiss Shepherd is a direct descendant of German Shepherds, and, in fact, both the former and the latter were considered to be the same breed. At the end of the 19th century, when the German Shepherd breed was formed, all colors were accepted for standardization, including white. It is now believed that the White Shepherd and the White Swiss Shepherd, as well as the German Shepherd, are three different breeds, although they have the same origin.

The separation process began after 1920, when the German Shepherd breed, with a white coat color, was rejected for participation in dog shows. By the way, it is interesting to know that the first officially registered German Shepherd named Horand von Grafrath had a classic color, although the maternal great-great-grandfather of this dog was pure white. After 1970, breeders appeared who began to purposefully breed white shepherd dogs, and American enthusiasts played a big role in this.

Paradoxically, some individuals born in the USA were initially registered in Switzerland – apparently to emphasize the ancestral roots. Although, in their homeland they were registered as a subspecies of German shepherds, and the first association of the white shepherd breed appeared in America, and not in their homeland, which again is paradoxical. In Switzerland, these dogs, as a separate breed called the White Swiss Shepherd, were registered and officially recognized only in 1991. After Switzerland, in 1992, Holland and other European countries recognized the breed.

Description

This breed is very similar in outline to the German Shepherd, and there is practically no difference in physique and size. The paws are slightly longer than average, the tail is pulled up and bent, the neck is long, the muzzle resembles a wolf, the ears are triangular, erect. German Shepherds generally resemble wolves in many ways.

Personality

All German Shepherds are highly intelligent, and the White Swiss Shepherd is no exception. They are very inquisitive and intelligent dogs with a balanced and balanced character. Many believe that the German Shepherd as such is generally the ideal of a companion dog – the best friend of a person who can always be relied upon and who will never betray and help out in difficult times.

The Swiss White Shepherd is very trainable and very loyal to its owner and family. By the way, usually these dogs clearly understand the difference between the family and the owner, who, in their mind, is something like the leader of the pack. A high level of energy requires training, long walks, and a developed intellect requires learning commands and mind games. These are strong and self-confident dogs, but if the owner disappears for a long time, they are very bored.

The White Swiss Shepherd treats strangers with caution, observes their behavior, but does not experience hostility without a reason. If you raise an animal in the right way, you can not worry about unreasonable aggression, unfriendliness and other similar manifestations.

On the contrary, your dog will feel great both in the family circle and in the circle of your friends or strangers. To do this, the dog needs early socialization – getting to know other people of all ages, as well as constant communication with other dogs. By the way, it is also better to introduce this breed to cats at an early age. The White Swiss Shepherd Dog treats children well, being a good nanny and a reliable protector.

A deep understanding of responsibility is possible thanks to the legendary mind and intelligence of these dogs, as well as their soulfulness and kindness with which they perceive their family. They are used as guard dogs, as guide dogs, just as a companion for the whole family – you can say, in a sense, a shepherd dog is the embodiment of the best qualities of a dog. And it depends only on you in what direction to develop them.

Training

Although the White Swiss Shepherd Dog breed needs early socialization, it accepts the learning process well, and if the owner does everything right, he will not have any problems. Training can begin at an early age, at about six months, with the formation of behavior, acquaintance with other people and animals. Gradually, you can introduce basic commands into classes.

If you need special skills, you can wait until the age of one. Complex commands, skills to help people with special needs, skills to attack or protect the owner, the White Swiss Shepherd learns well and quickly, enjoying the learning process. Complex specialized skills are usually trained by trainers.

Grooming

The White Swiss Shepherd needs to be brushed at least once a week. Also, do not forget to trim your pet’s claws in time, and make sure that the ears and eyes of the animal always remain clean, removing deposits. Bathe your dog at least once a week.

Common ailments

This breed is in good health, but some problems still occur. Among them:

hip dysplasia;
elbow dysplasia;
osteoarthritis as a complication of the above two diseases;
cauda equina syndrome;
degenerative myelopathy – many scientists believe that German shepherds, and therefore whites, have a hereditary tendency to this disease;
von Willebrand’s disease – a disease of blood clotting, also belongs to the investigative type;
exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.