Dogs are man’s best friends and faithful helpers. Representatives of some breeds steadfastly serve on a par with people, participating in search and guard activities. A sharp scent, a strong psyche, courage, and endurance are the qualities that a real guard dog breed should have.
Of course, these guard or police dogs can also be kept as companions. Cynologists recommend that owners of guard dog breeds take at least a general training course for the pet to become obedient and well-mannered.
Does your heart belong to the service breed? Well, we have prepared a list of the best and great guard dogs out there.
What Breeds Are Guard Dogs Breed?
The best guard dogs, as per the American Kennel Club (AKC), are courageous, loyal, and mindful of the time to repel an invader, however, they are not always vicious. These dogs will go above and above to keep you safe if you provide proper training to them when they are young.
A service dog will be ready to shower you with love and affection for the rest of your life, simply like any dog are when they’re not on duty. Check out the top guard dog breeds that also make wonderful companions if you’re looking for a big, furry friend who isn’t strictly bred to guard only.
Some of the best guard dog breeds are Doberman Pinscher, Australian Shepherd, Catahoula Leopard Dog, Tibetan Mastiff, Giant Schnauzer, Estrela Mountain Dog, Golden Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Belgian Malinois, Appenzeller Sennenhund, Japanese Akita, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler Rottweilers, Giant Schnauzers, Cane Corso, American Staffordshire Terrier, Caucasian Shepherds, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, German Shepherds, etc.
Characteristics of guard dogs
A guard dog is capable of signaling an impending threat, an intruder in the yard or home, or the approach of a predator. The pet uses a voice or a certain stance to warn – conventional signs that are clear to her and the owner. In addition, dogs suitable for guarding a private home are distinguished by the following qualities:
- good health, strength, and endurance, to tirelessly explore every corner of the master’s possessions;
- courage, fearlessness;
- distrust of strangers;
- high level of intelligence to quickly learn new things and remember commands;
- observation to control the territory and notice the slightest changes;
- goodwill, and love towards the owner and members of his family.
List Of Top Guard Dogs Breed
If you’re thinking of getting a guard dog breed, here is a complete list of the top 12+ best guard dog breeds that generally make good protectors and companions.
Doberman Pinschers
Doberman Pinscher dogs are reliable bodyguards who are devoted and strongly attached to all family members. Doberman Pinscher dog breeds love to learn, so they are easy to socialize with from an early age. And thus, you can easily train them to get rid of the aggression in an adult pet.
Energetic representatives of the powerful breed run faster than other breeds, so the stranger has no chance to go unnoticed by them. Dobermans scare away strangers with a terrible bark but do not attack the offender thus, they make great family guard dogs.
The dog unquestioningly obeys the owner, clearly following all his commands, ready to engage in training all the time than other dogs. They are natural guard dogs who need obedience training at a young age.
You can also use this dog as a bodyguard-dog, as well.
Giant Schnauzer
Large representatives of this breed are particularly balanced and easy to train, therefore, in addition to protection, they are also used for search work in special services. Good health and well-developed vision and hearing contribute to the performance of watchdog functions.
Giant Schnauzers react negatively to intruders but are loyal and devoted to their owners, which allows them to be excellent guard dog breeds. These dogs are active, hardy, and happy to be constantly trained.
Australian Shepherd
Good-natured dogs that, despite their mischievous nature, will never offend themselves or family members. They prefer to dominate, so the owner will have to be patient to find a common language with the pet.
Australian Shepherds have historically been used as herding dogs (used to protect livestock), making them responsible babysitters. They are often recruited into the border guard and also trained as guide assistants. This is the ideal guard dog for your family. They are also very obedient and excellent guard dogs for other guard dogs.
Tibetan mastiff
This ancient breed was bred specifically for the protection of houses in settlements on mountain ranges. Tibetan mastiffs have a luxurious, lush coat, and the one that is around the head resembles a lion’s mane.
With an athletic build and powerful paws, they like to feel constant control of the territory and will warn the owner of the intruder’s intrusion with a loud bark. Puppies should be trained as early as possible because this breed is distinguished by a special stubbornness and independent character.
Akita Inu
The large-sized Japanese breed has been specially bred for guard work for several centuries. Akita Inu does an excellent job with the role of vigilant guard, hardy, ready to work day and night, and do not bark for no reason. They are suspicious of strangers and may be aggressive toward a stranger. But the breed has its drawbacks.
They are difficult to train due to their wayward nature. Dogs can be unpredictable in their behavior and will instantly attack an intruder in a dangerous situation. Only a well-organized upbringing process will teach a pet to obey the owner and treat his family members kindly.
Russian black terrier
Unpretentious in content, a dog with thick hair also easily tolerates any weather conditions but does not like to sit on a chain. The Russian Black Terrier is friendly and sociable, he needs a lot of attention and constant communication with his owners.
Dogs are easy to train and memorize commands and have excellent reactions and powers of observation. The protective qualities of black Russian terriers are laid down by their grandparents, they are distrustful of strangers and make their own decisions in a particular situation.
Representatives of the breed can serve in conditions of temperature fluctuations and adverse climates.
East European Shepherd
Our “compatriots” – East European Shepherd Dogs – are born guards and watchmen. With such a dog, you don’t have to worry about your safety.
If you decide to get an East European Shepherd, be prepared for the fact that you will have to go through a training course with it, and more than one – they need to periodically consolidate the acquired skills. Friendly to children and wary of strangers, this breed makes excellent companions.
American Staffordshire Terrier
Strong and hardy staff are distinguished by high intelligence. Despite the formidable appearance, this dog never attacks just like that – it is quite difficult to get him out of himself. Aggression will be manifested only in case of a clear danger.
The training of the Staffordshire Terrier should begin at a very early age – the dog must be aware of how to behave with family members and with other people. The character of the guard, laid down by nature, makes representatives of the breed reliable companions with whom you can feel completely safe.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
They are also called wolfhounds – they are ready to defend their master to the last. The nature of Caucasians is complex, and sometimes aggressive, so they need a firm hand. Despite the harsh disposition and outward brutality, these four-legged pets are infinitely devoted to their family, they treat children with sensitivity and care.
They are quite loyal to other pets, especially representatives of miniature breeds. They are wary of strangers, but they will show aggression only in case of a real threat.
Boxer
Fearless boxers are excellent watchdogs, therefore they are often used by law enforcement agencies as service dogs. These are dogs that will be faithful to their owners until their last breath. With the right upbringing, a reliable family member, active and friendly, grows out of a boxer.
Another distinctive quality is increased alertness toward strangers. However, you should not be afraid of a boxer: he always feels those who pose a real threat. Boxers love children, take part in their games with pleasure, and in case of danger, they will be the first to come to the rescue.
Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Alabai)
One of the largest dog breeds in the world, which can scare just by its appearance. A powerful muscular physique, covered with thick hair, which does not prevent them from enduring heat well. Bred specifically for gladiator fights, Alabai is very fast and hardy.
The main character trait is an innate developed mind. Proud and wayward, they do not tolerate violence towards themselves, and demand recognition and respect. At the same time, they are very affectionate and good-natured.
Especially to children, as they feel the need to protect them. They do not pay attention to strangers and do not show unreasonable aggression. Gradually observing what is happening around them, at any moment they are ready from a friendly dogs to turn into a fierce defender.
Alabai is prone to dominance, and therefore there may be problems when training a dog. You can avoid problems if you start education from a young age. Independent and very cunning, dogs of this breed tend to follow commands only if they understand the validity of the required task.
With daily and proper upbringing, Alabai subsequently themselves understand what is right and what is not. And they grow up to be worthy members of the family.
German Shepherds
The best home guard dog that protects the home. She is an ideal guardian, easy to train breed with a balanced psyche, excellent reaction, ability to work in a team with the owner. The owner’s guard is distinguished by a sharp mind, excellent training and education, love for small children, good protection of the owners, unpretentiousness of content, and endurance.
The German Shepherd is friendly, it quickly becomes a true friend, easily contacts any member of the family, and is loyal to other animals. They treat strangers with suspicion and vigilant observation.
Due to the developed coat, the German Shepherd can be in an open-air cage on the street. Dogs of this breed can be used to protect the owner’s house territory. The downside of German dog breeds is considered to be excessive activity, the need for great attention, and the arrangement of a spacious shepherd enclosure.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The days when they were bred to be a small, agile combat dogs in 19th-century Britain are long gone. Today’s Staffordshire Bull Terriers are excellent companions and are renowned for their bravery, intelligence, and affection for kids.
Despite being a purebred dog, you may find it in shelters or maybe with some rescue organizations. Do not forget to adopt! In case you wish to take one of these dog breeds home, stop here right now. Because they are not meant to be a pet. These protective dogs are for police or military services.
FINAL WORDS
If you decide to get a dog to guard a private house, first decide on its role – watchman or security guard. In any case, dogs are originally bred to protect private territory, but their behavioral skills are slightly different. What exactly:
- The main function of guard dog breeds is to warn the owner of a threat. First of all, the guard dog breeds must have the ability to bark loudly. For such a role, it is not necessary to get a large breed; representatives of medium breeds will also cope with the role of a watchman.
- Guard dogs not only warn the owner of danger but are also trained to attack an intruder to prevent encroachment on the territory. Guard dogs will do everything to protect the owner, and if his life and health are threatened, they can harm the intruder. Larger guard dogs are needed for this role.
The dog must also understand its role, so from the very beginning you need to set boundaries and educate the puppy, taking into account his future service. The skills of a guard dog or watchman dog do not prevent the pet from becoming a family member, therefore, in addition to training and activity, it is important to find a common language to understand him.
Before you get a guard dog, plan where it will live and how it will guard. Will it be tied to a chain or freely bypass the territory inside the house? Consider whether it will have a booth or a spacious aviary. Take care of a cozy place to relax and sleep in any weather.
