Have you been asking the question, “What is the best guard dog?” If so, you have come to the right place. Together, let’s explore the top 10 best guard dogs and which breed may be the best guard dog for your family.

Throughout history, one of the main jobs of domesticated dogs has been to protect their owners and guard against unwanted people or animals. Although many modern dogs will instinctually act as home guardians, there are many specific breeds known for possessing the characteristics needed to ward off unwanted intruders.

Due to their temperament, physical strength, courage, loyalty and resistance to pain, expert dog trainers consider the following breeds to be the top 10 best guard dog breeds.

Our List of the Top 10 Best Guard Dogs

When it comes to selecting the best guard dog to have, there are a number of breeds to choose from. From the strong Bullmastiff to the speedy Doberman Pinscher, the options to choose from are numerous. Below, we’ve created a list of the top 10 best guard dogs for protection of your home and yourself.

Bullmastiff 

Known for physical strength, protection instincts, courageousness and extreme family loyalty, the Bullmastiff is one of the best guard dog breeds to have. If an intruder crosses the premises, a Bullmastiff will typically use his strength to knock them over or block their path. When it comes to being in a family environment, however, the breed is very docile and makes a great household pet.

Doberman Pinscher

If you have a large piece of property that you are trying to protect, a Doberman pinscher is a great guard dog for you. This breed is incredibly fast and is able to reach an intruder in a short amount of time. Known as the fifth-smartest dog breed in the world, Dobermans are fearless, alert and loyal dogs. Because they need a lot of exercise, however, they’re best suited for families with large yards and active lifestyles.

Rottweiler

Originally bred as cattle-protecting dogs, Rottweilers are known to be relentless protectors of their pack. They are an intelligent breed and extremely loyal to their owners. Rottweilers are known to be aloof with strangers until properly introduced to them. Additionally, they are very quick learners, thus making them one of the best guard dogs for families.

Komondor

Traditionally used to protect herds of sheep, the Komondor possesses a natural guard dog ability. This breed is active, courageous, loyal and known for his dignity and strength. If properly socialized and trained in obedience, this breed makes a devoted family pet.

Puli 

Originally bred for herding, Pulis are extremely smart and make excellent guard dogs. They are always on guard and will bark to alert their owners of anything out of the ordinary. Due to their high intelligence, Pulis require constant companionship. They make great additions to families with active lifestyles, as they love hiking, running and outdoor activities.

Giant Schnauzer

Giant schnauzers are strong, powerful and dominant dogs, thus making them one of the best guard dogs for homes and families. They are very intimidating to strangers but extremely loyal to family members. Keep in mind, however, that this breed requires a lot of mental and physical stimulation as well as constant attention.

German Shepherd 

Due to their high intelligence and quickness to learning commands, German Shepherds are one of the best protection dogs. They are bold, confident and fearless, hence making them a favorite police dog breed. Additionally, German Shepherds have a calm demeanor when in a household but will quickly react when their family or home is threatened.

Rhodesian Ridgeback 

Originally bred to hunt lions, this dog breed has a strong prey drive and tends to be independent in nature. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are loyal to their family and make natural watchdogs. They are known for being selective in their barking, so when a Ridgeback does bark, it needs to be taken seriously. Rhodesian Ridgebacks must be properly trained and managed, as they are not naturally obedient. Furthermore, this breed loves to cuddle and often likes to act as a lapdog.

Kuvasz

Kuvasz was initially bred to guard livestock but, over the years, has been increasingly found as guardians of homes. This breed is very territorial and has a strong instinct to guard his family members. The Kuvasz tends to be aloof with strangers but craves affection from his family. In addition to desiring constant companionship, the Kuvasz is very energetic and therefore needs plenty of exercise.

Staffordshire Terrier

Often confused with the American pit bull terrier, the Staffordshire terrier is one of the best guard protection dogs. They were originally bred for bear and bullfighting; hence, they have an aggressive and protective nature. Because of this, they must be properly socialized and trained from an early age. And although they are intimidating to strangers, Staffordshire Terriers make great household pets, as they are known to be aggressive only when protecting a family member.

Beyond Top 10 Best Guard Dogs: Other Dog Breeds Known to Be Natural Family Protectors

Still looking for the best guard dogs for home protection? Here we’ve listed the best guard dogs in the world beyond the top 10 best guard dogs for protection.

  • Chow Chow
  • Dogue de Bordeaux
  • Belgian Malinois
  • Belgian Sheepdog
  • Belgian Tervuren
  • Tibetan Mastiff
  • Anatolian Shepherd Dog
  • Black Russian Terrier
  • Great Pyrenees
  • Neapolitan Mastiff
  • Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)
  • Akita Inu
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Cane Corso
  • Tosa Inu
  • Bouvier des Flandres
  • Ca de Bou

Dog Breeds Known to Make Excellent Watchdogs

Are you looking for a dog breed that will simply alert you of intruders? If so, a watchdog may be exactly what you need. Below is a list of the best dog breeds known to make fantastic watchdogs.

  • Terriers
  • Poodle (standard/miniature)
  • Shih Tzu
  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • Dachshund
  • Chihuahua
  • Miniature pinscher

As with any pet, owning a guard dog comes with added responsibility. Although all the aforementioned breeds are known to make good family pets, owners must take into consideration the fact that these are very powerful dogs. In order to ensure the safety of family members, guests and neighbors, guard dogs must be properly socialized and trained. Moreover, guard dogs need to view their owners as their pack leaders.

If you’re looking for a dog that will alert you of intruders, a watchdog may best fit your needs. Unlike guard dogs, watchdogs won’t intervene if there is a threat approaching the premises. Several dog breeds are known for their persistent barking as well as their ability to alert their owners and scare away trespassers.

Do you own a guard dog or watchdog? Tell us all about her in the comments below.


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