Perhaps you’re looking for a guard dog breed that can defend you, your home, and your family. After all, most canines have been trained to safeguard their owners and their property from intruders throughout history.
A good guard dog is usually loyal, and protective, but not aggressive, smart, attentive, and obedient. While some dogs can be trained to be guardians, others are born with the ability to defend.
If you’re looking for a dog breed that can be both a companion and protection, let’s explore the top ten guard dog breeds.
Rhodesian ridge back
The dog native to South Africa is number ten on our list. The Rhodesian ridgeback is a breed of dog that was bred to hunt large game and lines.
It is known for being very loyal and independent, making it an excellent natural watchdog and protector. This breed does not require any training.
The Rhodesian ridgeback is cuddly loyal and protective despite their muscular body, and they love to cuddle with their owner.
Basic obedience training is essential for them to learn to listen to your commands because they tend to be stubborn and domineering. If not properly trained this dog will easily attack a stranger.
The Rhodesian ridgeback is aloof towards strangers they also don’t bark often so once they do it should be taken seriously at home with their families.
Pulley
Poolies are medium-sized herding dogs with extreme intelligence recognized for their long corded coat that make excellent companions for active owners because this breed is hyperactive and enjoys hiking, running, and other outdoor activities.
Poolies are brave, loyal, and protective of their families, they will bark to alarm their owners if anything out of the norm occurs, and they are wary of strangers.
However, without sufficient socialization and training, they may become overly cautious, resulting in bites. Pulleys, like intelligent dogs, require regular mental stimulation and friendship.
Belgian Malinois
A breed that looks and acts like a German shepherd but is smaller. Because of its high energy, strong protective instincts, agility, search and rescue abilities, and trainability, the Belgian Malinois is a popular choice for police and military duties. Because of their high energy level, this breed needs regular exercise. Because they are intelligent and quick learners, they would also benefit from having a home job.
They are intelligent, loyal, robust, and active creatures who are apprehensive of strangers but also stubborn.
As a result, early socialization and training are essential. Belgian Malinois, when educated with obedience training, understand tricks and orders quickly and are excellent guard dogs.
Commodore
The commodore is another guard dog that originated from Hungary. Don’t be fooled by the commodore’s mop head appearance; this dog with its trademark dreadlocks is fearless, active, and loyal. They were originally used to defend houses and livestock, such as sheep herds.
The commodore is devoted, affectionate, gentle, and kind as a member of the family, and they are also patient with youngsters. Though they can be apprehensive of strangers due to their muscular bodies and large stature, if not properly trained, this breed can be harmful to strangers, including animals and people. Early socialization is essential for dogs to be calm and relaxed around new people.
Rottweiler
Athletic, attentive, and obedient. The rottweiler is a friendly guard dog who has a natural protective sense. When it comes to their families, they are friendly and lively, but when it comes to strangers, they are the polar opposite. Because of this, early socialization and training are critical, as a Rottie will only listen to its owner.
This breed can be dangerous to other humans and animals if it is not properly trained and guided. They should be able to control their emotions and know when to be calm and when to be aggressive. Because they are rapid learners, training should be simple. They may be apprehensive of strangers unless they are certain that they are not a danger.
German shepherd
The German shepherd, which is similar to the Belgian Malinois, is ranked 5th on the list. This breed is especially well-known for its service in the police and military; at home, they are calm and kind, but will also be confident and courageous if confronted with a scary stranger. They are smart, have a loud bark, are loyal, and are quick learners.
This breed is, without a doubt, one of the best protection dogs available. Of course, the German shepherd, like all other guard dogs, needs training and socialization. Because of its size, this breed is capable of putting down any intruders or burglars if necessary. Owners may, however, choose to train their German shepherds so that they do not react aggressively to strangers.
Akita Akira
Akita Akira is a huge and athletic Japanese mountain dog that is robust, loyal, and vigilant. They are, however, tough to raise, but with patience and consistency, this breed will make a wonderful companion as well as a family guard dog.
Akitas are recognized for being loving, humorous, and lively, as well as being respectful. After all, they are social animals who can be distrustful of outsiders and are always prepared to act if necessary.
Fortunately, a well-trained Akita will greet a visitor without hesitation, as long as the owner commands it. They also aren’t known for barking unless there’s a good reason for it.
Giant schnauzer
The intimidating aspect of this breed, which is large, muscular, and powerful, is adequate to deter thieves and robbers.
The big schnauzer, as natural protectors, will bark to warn its family of any threats, and they will not hesitate to take down and bite their foe if necessary.
As a result, they’re one of the best guard dogs around. While the enormous schnauzer may be frightening to some, it is devoted to and protective of its family.
This breed, on the other hand, is demanding in terms of care; they require mental and physical activity or they would acquire destructive behavior, which is not ideal given their enormous size. They also have a tendency to chase smaller animals, so it’s best if they’re the only pets in the house.
Doberman
Known for being a superb military guard and family dog. The Doberman’s capacity to be swift, fearless, and powerful is enough to make it one of the most effective security dogs available.
If the Doberman does not have a strong link with his family, he will not be as lively and attentive as he should be.
Because they are rapid learners, training and socializing should be a breeze for them. When a visitor approaches, a well-trained Doberman will listen to its owner and will not show unexpected hostility until necessary, thus they will remain calm on your instruction.
Intruders that attempt to enter the house will be scared away by their threatening bark; but, if the intruder persists, the Doberman will not hesitate to attack due to their speed. In no time, the evil person will be caught.
Bullmastiff
The first on the list is famous for its protective instincts, physical strength, bravery, great dedication, and familial loyalty.
The bullmastiff is bred to be a guardian, but it requires organized training to increase its innate protective instincts, despite its intimidating appearance.
They are also very affectionate and loving to their family, and they are bright, so teaching them should be simple.
Given these features, the bullmastiff is an ideal companion for owners who require both protection and friendship. When it comes to youngsters, this breed may be a fun playmate if properly trained.
If the bullmastiff is not a family member, he or she will become destructive. This breed requires extensive socialization in order to distinguish between good and bad people.
When confronted by a suspicious stranger, the bullmastiff will give an intimidating growl, but if the intruder persists, he is most likely searching for trouble, since the bullmastiff is always ready to strike.
Keep in mind that constant training and early socialization are the keys to a well-rounded dog, regardless of breed. Wait patiently and you’ll be rewarded with a wonderful partner.
