Best dogs for guarding a family: 10 Best Family Guard Dogs
What are the best guard dogs? Find Out!
Some dogs have a natural instinct to protect their homes and family, and make excellent guard dogs. Guarding (or guardian) breeds tend to have the characteristics of being loyal, fearless, and strong.
All dogs are protective of their owner and territory, but some are more protective than others, why? This is all down to years of breeding and socialisation. Guard dogs are dogs breeds that have strong character traits of loyalty, and are fearless as well as strong. These breeds can be counted on to be watchful over their territory as well as their families. Below is a list of guard dog breeds that will make sure you feel safe, no matter what!
It’s important to know that due to the size of these breeds, they need proper training and socialisation and they’re often not ideal for inexperienced owners. Below are a select few of the best guard dog breeds for anyone who wants a powerful, brave, and loyal pup.
Why do you need a guard dog?
Guard dogs are wanted to many reasons, not as a fashion accessory, and nor should they be considered as one. Many people seek out the best guard dog breeds because they want personal protection, protection of property, or simply to know when someone comes to the door. There are many negative reputations associated with certain guard dog breeds, but it is their temperaments and ability to protect that make the such sought after breeds as guard dogs.
What are guard dogs?
There are three types of guard dog breeds: watchdogs, protection dogs and guard dogs.
Watchdogs
Watchdogs are similar to guard dogs; however, they aren’t as aggressive in their protecting instincts. Watchdogs are breeds that tend to bark to alert their owners of intruders, rather than biting or attacking.
Protection dogs
These breed of guard dogs are trained to act upon your command only, such as a police dog.
Guard dogs
Guard dogs, are breeds that have a much stronger protective trait. They have been bred for hundreds or years to protect and defend their family, or land, this is usually done by biting or putting themselves in between threat and family.
Guard dogs are known to be some of the smartest and most loyal dog breeds to mankind. A guard dog is typically trained to stay in a particular place to guard it.
A guard dog is trained to alert their owners to any sort of dangerous or suspicious activity, and to also attack any intruders that choose to enter the property, uninvited.
Top 10 best guard breeds
When it comes to picking the best guard dog for you, there are a number of breeds to choose from. You may feel that a strong Bullmastiff is right for you, or maybe a speedy Doberman Pinscher. The options to choose from are numerous and below is a list of the top 10 best guard dogs to get you started.
Komondor
The Komondor, looks a bit like a mop, but don’t let this cord coated dog’s appearance put you off. They are a Hungarian bred breed, which were bred to guard livestock. The Komondor possesses a natural guard dog ability. The Komondor is a breed that is long-established in the guard sog breed category and are an active, courageous, loyal breed.
If properly socialised and trained in obedience, this breed makes a devoted family pet.
Doberman Pinscher
20 best guard dog breeds: Most protective pooches revealed
(Image credit: Getty Images)
The best guard dog breeds are the group for you if you’re looking for a strong and fearless canine companion to watch over your home and family. Supremely loyal and with outstanding protective instincts, these dogs act like one of the best outdoor wireless cameras, providing you with 24/7 peace of mind.
Not only do guardian breeds do a wonderful job of alerting you to when visitors arrive, they’ll also quickly let you know if there’s any potentially dangerous situation brewing around you that could pose a threat to you or your family. And while they do have a serious side, there’s more to these dogs than meets the eye.
Some of our favorite guard dogs are also some of the most affectionate dog breeds around, with many of them loving to clamber up onto your lap for a snuggle – in spite of their often ginormous size! When they’re not fiercely protecting their family, many of the pups on this list are serious softies who enjoy nothing more than giving and receiving bucket loads of love.
If you decide to welcome a guard dog into your home, it’s important that you’re a confident owner who will provide them with the early training and socialization they require in order for them to learn what behavior is and isn’t appropriate when they’re out in the world. A lot of these breeds are quite headstrong and you’ll need a lot of patience and a firm hand to let them know who’s boss.
Thankfully, some of the canines below also feature in our guide to the most obedient large dog breeds, so training these guys will be a piece of cake! And, as long as they know that you’re top dog, you’ll find that these dogs make wonderful family companions. Let’s take a closer look at 20 of the best guard dog breeds, so you can pick out the perfect companion to protect your property and your family.
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1. German Shepherd
(Image credit: Amol Khedgikar)
One of the first breeds many people think about when they imagine a guard dog is the German Shepherd.
A favorite of the police, these dogs are easy to train, fiercely loyal, have great stamina, and are great under pressure.
Their size, strength, and biting power also come in handy for warding off any potential home invaders. Not only that; they make wonderful pets who love to play with toys. Just make sure they’re robust enough to cope with rough treatment (try the Nuts for Knots Extreme 2 rope tugger toy). So as well as a great guard dog, a German Shepherd is also a brilliant friend.
Nuts for Knots Extreme 2 rope tugger toy
As most of the dogs in this list are strong, powerfully-jawed pooches, they’ll need a good workout. This rope toy is incredibly strong, so will withstand the roughest of treatment, and provide some fun, interactive training for your guard dog.
2. Cane Corso
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Let’s be honest: it only takes one look at a Cane Corso to understand why they make such good guard dogs.
At around 65cm tall, they may not be the biggest vertically, but they are incredibly muscular and powerful animals. The Cane Corso is Italian in origin, was bred as a fighting dog to protect Roman soldiers, and its name comes from the Latin for ‘bodyguard dog’, so there is a lot of guarding heritage in this breed. It’s also a docile pet until called into action.
3. Akita
(Image credit: Getty Images)
The Akita may not be the most intimidating guard dog breed in this list, but sometimes a bit of brain is needed alongside all the brawn. Akitas were bred centuries ago to stand by the side of Japanese royalty and keep them safe from enemies. They are incredibly inquisitive and suspicious animals, so are ideal for alerting you to any danger posed by a stranger they don’t like the look or smell of. If you aren’t keen on a big, powerful guard dog then the Akita may be the one for you.
4. Bullmastiff
(Image credit: Getty Images)
You’ve probably heard of the phrase, “his bark is worse than his bite.
” This may be true for many dog breeds, but the same can’t be said for the Bullmastiff. This breed has the highest amount of bite force of any dog at 552 pounds per square inch – that’s around three times higher than the average dog. The Bullmastiff is a natural guard dog, as it was bred to guard large estates, but if properly trained and socialized, it is gentle and laidback with its owners.
5. Doberman Pinscher
(Image credit: Amalie Bonsaksen)
The Doberman Pinscher was a breed created in the 1800s by German tax collector Louis Dobermann, who needed a pooch to protect him. While its size, obvious power, speed, and alertness may look like its strongest attributes, it’s actually the Doberman’s intelligence that makes it a great guard dog, as it can protect effectively with little training. The Doberman’s naturally aggressive trait was bred out of it, making them highly affectionate dogs for the family, while also retaining the ability to protect.
6. Komondor
(Image credit: Agency Animal Picture)
OK, stick with us here, because although it may not look like a great guard dog, the Komondor is an unexpected ally against intruders.
This Hungarian-bred dog is much more than just a sheep herder; it is innately protective, and determined to keep an eye out for the family, so if you have children that you want to keep an eye on, the Komondor will happily do that for you.
They have also developed a loud bark to alert shepherds, which although not ideal if living in an apartment, is perfect for warning you of any impending danger.
7. Giant Schnauzer
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You may be more familiar with the Miniature Schnauzer, so say hello to its bigger cousin, the Giant Schnauzer. These dogs were bred to herd cattle, so they are naturally brave animals, capable of standing their ground against larger creatures.
They’re strong and resistant to pain, but also intelligent, meaning that it won’t take much training for them to learn which visitors are friends and which are foes not to be trusted. They’re one of the most dedicatedly loyal pets you can own, and are sure to grab attention with that iconic beard.
8. American Staffordshire Terrier
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There are few more misunderstood dogs than the Staffy. Lovable, caring, devoted, and adorable, these dogs make for wonderful pets. However, they do have a reputation for aggression due to bad owners forcing them to be fighting dogs due to their muscular bodies and strong jaws.
They are incredibly protective of their owners, which does make them excellent guard dogs, but good training and a firm hand is essential in keeping them under control when they feel the need to keep you safe from harm.
9. Rottweiler
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Similarly to the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Rottweiler has a reputation for being an aggressive dog, but they are loyal and affectionate when raised with a family. They are naturally wary of strangers but take time when introducing them to friends and they will quickly learn who is to be trusted and who isn’t.
This intelligence, when matched with obedience, makes them ideal guard dogs as they can be taught to bite and hold onto an aggressor, although this can only be done by a trained dog handler.
10. Rhodesian Ridgeback
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In terms of pure size and stature, you can’t go far wrong with the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Its original purpose was to hunt lions, so your average burglar isn’t going to pose much of a problem to this breed.
They are fearless and natural protectors, and can switch from loving pet to furious guard dog in seconds, so they must be well trained to heed commands. They rarely bark, which is good as an owner, but doubly useful as when you hear your pet make a noise, you’ll know it’s for a very good reason.
11. Dogo Argentino
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Originally bred to hunt big game, these will need some serious training early on in their lives, not to mention lots of exercise, but they’re one of the best guard dog breeds around for a reason.
Weighing between 70 and 100 pounds, they’re capable of taking down wild hogs up to six times their size, so protecting your family will be a picnic for them.
You will need to show them early on who’s the alpha, otherwise they won’t respect you, but as you can see from this video, the results are something to behold when training is done right.
12. Great Dane
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An obvious choice due to their size, perhaps, but there is more to the Great Dane than a seriously impressive stature. The German nobility used to use them as bodyguard dogs, and their origins stretch back to ancient times when they were used for hunting.
Beyond these origins, however, Great Danes are loyal, noble, and caring. They are also patient, but protective when they need to be, making them ideal for keeping around young families. Like many other dogs, they can become defensive when threatened, and while displays of this are rare if trained well, they represent an obstacle for any would-be threat.
13. Great Pyrenees
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Having been originally bred in the Pyrenees mountains, the shepherds dwelling there needed a tough and loyal breed that could survive a tough environment – and they certainly got that with this dog.
Having been bred to look after flocks of sheep, they may well wake up during the night.
Barking during the night isn’t generally welcomed by dog owners (or their neighbors), but it will have the effect of deterring potential burglars. Brave and patient, they are another breed that is ideal to keep round young families, making them a good choice should you be in need of protection.
14. Dogue de Bordeaux
(Image credit: Getty Images)
If you’ve ever seen the Tom Hanks movie Turner and Hooch, you know what a Dogue de Bordeaux looks like. Also known as a French Mastiff, the Dogue de Bourdeaux was bred as a guard dog for centuries. Big, wrinkly, and often full of drool, they may be gentle giants, but they are inherently protective and loyal and can be incredibly effective guard dogs.
They are protective of their families and their territory, and they tend to be unaware of how large they actually are – but they have a sweet disposition that would be a great fit for any home.
15. Boxer
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Brave Boxers are inherently incredibly protective dogs. If they’re properly socialized and trained they can make great guard dogs, as they form strong bonds with their family members and are especially protective of any kids in the family.
The Boxer’s high energy and athleticism makes them great guard and police dogs, but they are considered by some as “gentle” guard dogs in that they’ll alert you to sounds and tend to confront intruders with their barks and bodies rather than their bites.
16. Belgian Malinois
(Image credit: Getty Images)
The Belgian Malinois is a great tracking dog that was initially bred to herd animals, but today they are one of the most popular breeds used by the police and military. Similar to a German Shepherd, the Belgian Malinois is protective, loyal, and very alert. They require consistent training in order to be well-mannered and happy pups, but under the right tutelage make great companions and guard dogs.
17. Tibetan Mastiff
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Tibetan Mastiffs were bred as guard dogs for property and livestock, and still perform that role to this day! They are reserved and aloof with strangers and protective of their family, and can also be quite territorial. This makes them great guard dogs, especially if properly trained from puppyhood.
18. Australian Shepherd
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Australian Shepherds are herding breeds, which means they are excellent watchdogs. If you’re looking for a dog that will alert you to an intruder or anything they deem unsafe, Australian Shepherds are a great option. They are technically bred to be watchdogs, not guard dogs, however, so if you want them to exhibit more guarding behaviors, you’ll have to train them to do so.
19. Boerboel
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Hailing from South Africa where they work tirelessly to protect remote homesteads from predators, the Boerboel may look intimidating but they are also confident and calm.
They have a bright nature and are eager to learn, which makes them a joy to train, and they are hugely devoted to those they love.
Their highly intelligent nature and training and socialization needs means this isn’t a great breed for a first time or novice owner. However, if you’re able to be firm and quickly establish your place as leader of the pack, this affectionate dog will never leave your side.
20. Beauceron
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Faithful, gentle and obedient, the Beauceron is a powerful and imposing looking dog who is also smart, spirited and wonderful at herding. Incredibly loyal and protective, they make outstanding watchdogs and guardians and they are especially good with children.
But, the Beauceron is definitely not for the novice owner. This breed tends to want to exert their dominance and they’ll run rings around an owner that lacks confidence. Early training and socialization is a must, along with a firm hand, but as long as you get that right, you’ll find this intelligent dog makes for a wonderful companion.
Guard of honor
Guard dogs can be a range of sizes, strengths, and skills, from big powerful brutes with a heart of gold, to watchful, suspicious guardians that have an eye for danger. The kind of guard dog you get depends on the space you have, the time you have for training, and the kind of protection you need, so be careful when making your decision.
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Zara is Editor on bookazines and covers a range of topics from cookery to travel and animals. Her latest first edition, What Your Dog Wants You To Know, is the ultimate guide to understanding your dog’s body language.
Former editor of World of Animals magazine, she has over 8 years of experience in publishing inspiring children and adults about the wonders of the animal kingdom as well as teaching them about their pets. She also has over 5 years experience working with vets, wildlife experts and animal behaviourists in her comms roles for various animal charities.
A keen animal lover, Zara can often be found researching her next wildlife destination to travel to. Having just moved into a bigger house she is currently looking at which dog and cats breed would suit her new family so she can fill her house with pets.
Appenzeller Sennenhund are very smart and quick-witted dogs, they learn quickly and learn commands well.
History
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is an ancient breed of dog native to the Swiss Alps. There are different opinions about the origin of these animals. So, researchers Ann Rogers Clark and Andrew H. Brace believe that these big, kind dogs are descended from Roman shepherd dogs. The Romans delivered them during the conquests of Julius Caesar’s successor – Octavian Augustus, and then the locals really liked these useful animals. nine0003
Due to their size, they were used not only for grazing, but also for other purposes – guarding estates and even a draft dog capable of moving loads in small carts.
There are now four indigenous breeds of Sennenhunds in the Swiss Alps, and the Appenzeller Sennenhund is the rarest. The first serious references in the literature can be found in the middle of the 19th century, but only in 1989 the breed was officially recognized by international organizations. Moreover, if the International Cynological Federation classified them as cattle dogs, then the American Kennel Club did not recognize them at all, like some other English-speaking clubs. nine0003
Description
These are large dogs with a powerful, developed chest, muscular build and strong paws of medium length. They have a thick neck, triangular ears, bent forward, falling on the cheeks. The tail is bent upwards and curled as usual. Color tricolor – black-white-brown.
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Personality
The Appenzeller Sennenhund breed is distinguished not only by its strength, but also by its kindness of character.
If you have a big family, this kind man is guaranteed to be the best friend of the kids. Although, in fairness, we note that the smallest should be allowed to approach the dog under the supervision of adults or older children, since due to its large size and weight, it can inadvertently knock over a child.
In addition, cattle dog instincts are very deep in these animals, and sometimes they can manifest themselves in the fact that your dog can lightly nibble on children’s heels. Perhaps, in the mind of a dog, responsibility for sheep or cows is akin to responsibility for a child. By the way, the Appenzeller Mountain Dog takes this very responsibility very seriously. So seriously that in order to protect the herd entrusted to him, and, moreover, to protect children and his family, the dog is ready to give his life. nine0003
The protective qualities of these pets make them a good choice for keeping in a private house with its own fenced area, especially since they have an inherent distrust of strangers.
However, the dog needs early socialization – familiarity with different people, their smells and emotions, otherwise it can become too distrustful and show increased aggression and anxiety even on minor occasions. And this means that both your neighbors and your guests will feel uncomfortable, and your peace will not increase. nine0003
The Appenleller Mountain Dog has a huge reserve of internal energy and needs constant activity. They cannot be closed at home for the whole day, otherwise the dog will become destructive, her character will deteriorate, she will suffer internally and pour her suffering outwardly. Training, long walks, playing with family members and other dogs is what you need.
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Training
Dogs of this type certainly need both obedience development and command training, which will provide the necessary food for the mind and body. Team training, education and socialization should begin at an early age, at about 5-6 months.
Then training will be most effective, and successes – the most pronounced.
Appenzeller Sennenhund – very smart and quick-witted dogs, they learn quickly and learn commands well. In this process, it is important for the owner to remain patient, and start with a playful form, which is most acceptable at an early age. If you do everything with kindness and without nerves, there will be no problems in education, since this breed has an obedient and inquisitive character by default. nine0003
Gradually, formative restrictions can be added to the learning process. That is, do not give what you want until the pet does it right, but demonstrate a willingness to provide it. The simplest example is a treat after the successful execution of commands, and its absence when not executed.
Grooming
The Appenzeller Sennenhund does not require too much grooming, as it is not very long.
Brushing once a week will suffice. Be sure to keep your dog’s nails trimmed and his ears and eyes clean. You need to bathe your pet at least once a week, and preferably two. nine0003
Common diseases
Appenzeller Sennenhunds are known for their excellent health and endurance. They have an excellent metabolism, high energy levels and good immunity, so you are unlikely to have to visit the veterinarian except for the necessary vaccinations.
Top 10 Guard Breeds
Throughout history, one of the main tasks for a domestic dog has been to protect its owners and protect the home from wild animals and strangers. And today, dogs show protective qualities at the level of instincts, but there are also breeds in which protective qualities are most pronounced. nine0003
We have selected the top 10 dog breeds with the most pronounced signs of protection.
These sales are characterized by such qualities as temperament, courage, physical strength, high pain threshold and devotion.
1. Bullmastiff . This breed is renowned for its physical strength, courage, protective instinct and loyal devotion to its owners. If an intruder crosses the territory, the Bullmastiff will use all of its strength and power to knock down and block the intruder. At the same time, this breed is very obedient in the family and loves all household members. nine0003
2. Dobermann . If you have a large country house, the Doberman is a great guard dog for you. Dobermans are very fast and can take out a mugger in a very short amount of time. Dobermans are among the five smartest dog breeds, they are fearless and ready to complete their task at any moment. Dobermans are also very loyal to their owner.
3. Rottweiler (German Rottweiler). This breed was originally bred to protect and protect livestock.
Rottweilers will tirelessly defend their flock. They are also highly intelligent, easy to train and loyal to their owners. Rottweilers have earned a reputation for being unloving outsiders. nine0003
4. Komondor (Hungarian Shepherd). Traditionally, this breed is used to guard a flock of sheep. Komondors by nature have such qualities as activity, courage, devotion, and have also earned themselves the fame of a noble and strong dog. If trained in obedience and socialized, they will make devoted family pets.
5. bullets . This breed is one of the best herding dogs. They are always on the alert, and when they notice danger, they bark to warn their owners. Bullets are very smart and require constant communication. They are perfect for families with an active lifestyle, as bullets love hiking, running and outdoor activities. nine0003
6. Giant Schnauzer (giant schnauzer). They are powerful, strong and dominant dogs that require rigorous training.
Giant Schnauzers require a lot of mental and physical stress, constant training and attention. They are very devoted to the family and make excellent guard dogs.
7. German Shepherd . These dogs are very brave, self-confident and do not know fear. German Shepherds are very smart and quickly learn commands, which is why this is the best breed for police service. German Shepherds are very calm in the family, at the same time, they react with lightning speed if the family is in danger. nine0003
8. Rhodesian Ridgeback . Originally bred to hunt lions, this breed has an independent nature and excellent hunting instincts. Ridgebacks are very loyal and make excellent watchdogs. Ridgebacks are difficult to train and teach obedience, as these dogs are not distinguished by obedience.
9. Kuvasz (Hungarian kuvass). This breed has a strong instinct to guard its territory, home and family. Kuvasz do not like strangers, but they really need the attention of family members.