One of the many reasons why people adopt dogs is for personal protection. Breeders created several dog breeds to serve as guard dogs. These natural guardians protect you and your property from all sorts of burglaries, robberies, and carjacking.
Guard dogs often bark when they sense a potential danger or when a new visitor arrives. They have earned a bad reputation for being furious or vicious, but that is not true. In fact, the traits that make them excellent guard dogs also make them wonderful family pets.
Loyalty, fearlessness, and courage are some of the prominent traits of great guard dogs. They are usually very intelligent and can be trained very easily. Give them proper training when they are young, and they will do anything to protect you.
Here are the top 7 canines that behave like bodyguards.
Dog Breeds that Behave like Bodyguards
1. Boxer
Boxers are highly intelligent dogs—they possess the intellect required to assess a situation and respond accordingly, making them one of the most effective guard dogs. They are obedient, so you can easily train them to follow your commands, especially in a dangerous situation.
Boxers are fearless and quickly react when they sense a potential threat. They are extremely loyal to their owners and will put themselves in danger to protect them. Boxers are wary of strangers and need to be exposed to various situations, people, and other animals during puppyhood.
They have natural protective instincts that enable them to guard their pack or family. Boxers are high-energy and playful dogs who need plenty of exercise daily. They do best with firm owners who set limits, maintain control, and use reward-based training.
2. Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is a bearded dog that stands up to 28.5 inches tall. Their high energy and intelligence enable them to perform a variety of jobs, including driving cattle, carting, and protecting their owners. They make loyal companions and are instinctively territorial.
According to the American Kennel Club, Giant Schnauzers make the best guard dogs, who do not welcome every visitor with a wagging tail. However, they are quick learners, so you can train them to differentiate between a friend and a foe.
Do you know? Giant Schnauzers were used as police dogs during World Wars I and II.
Giant Schnauzers are loving companions who bring joy and laughter to every home. But they tend to show aggressive behavior towards other dogs and cats. These high-energy dogs require 1.5 to 2 hours of daily exercise to stay healthy.
3. Cane Corso
The next bodyguard dog on our list is a Cane Corso. The majestic dog’s Latin-derived name roughly translates to “guardian dog.” They are highly intelligent, loving, and loyal. Their protective nature and intimidating appearance make them one of the best guard dogs.
Cane Corsi are muscular dogs who will defend their loved ones and their territory with determination and fortitude. Their alertness and keen sense of situational awareness allow them to respond well in unforeseen circumstances.
These brave dogs are known for their courage, fearlessness, and eagerness to please. According to Britannica, they are strong and courageous, but may not be suitable for homes with children or seniors. They are wary of strangers and need proper socialization to behave well around them.
4. American Bulldog
American Bulldogs are powerful, alert, and agile dogs, known for their endurance. These affectionate and loyal dogs form strong bonds with their humans. Due to their strong protective instincts and territorial nature, they make wonderful guard dogs.
American Bulldogs are devoted to their family members but are a bit suspicious of strangers. They need obedience training and socialization to become well-behaved around unfamiliar people and be easy to control in all situations.
They are well-suited for experienced pet parents. Just like many other guard dog breeds, they have earned a bad reputation for being aggressive. In fact, they are downright friendly and even clownish if trained and raised well.
5. German Shepherd
Originally bred in Germany, German Shepherds were meant to herd and protect sheep on farms. These loyal and energetic dogs thrive when they are given a “job” to do. They excel at every task, from helping farmers to serving as military and police dogs.
These highly intelligent dogs easily learn commands and know how to respond in dangerous situations. Their strong protective instincts, confidence, fearlessness, and courage make them excellent bodyguards.
German Shepherds possess strong and muscular bodies. Due to their imposing stature, they are likely to deter an intruder merely by their presence. Their excellent problem-solving skills, independence, and obedience make them a reliable guard dog.
6. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois is an intense, intelligent, and loyal dog breed. They excel at problem-solving and enjoy learning new commands. Belgian Malinois were originally bred for herding and guarding livestock. They love their owners and form strong bonds with them.
They have strong protective instincts and an innate desire to defend their owners. They behave well around kids, but sometimes feel the need to herd younger kids. This desire can be overcome with proper training.
Belgian Malinois are high-energy dogs and require plenty of exercise every day, explains Omlet. Around one to two hours of extensive physical activity and mental stimulation can help prevent anxiety and destructive behavior. Mals excel at police work, search and rescue operations, and drug detection.
7. Doberman Pinscher
One of the highly valued protection breeds on the planet, the Doberman Pinscher makes a wonderful guard dog. Dobermans are large and imposing dogs. They form strong bonds with their family members and have a strong instinct to protect them.
Dobermans are highly intelligent and loyal pooches who respond well to training and do great in obedience competitions.
Both male and female Doberman Pinschers make excellent guard dogs, but males are more protective of their territory while females are more protective of their owners.
A well-socialized Dobie is great with children and other pets. These highly energetic dogs need plenty of exercise to get physical and mental stimulation. Dobermans are quick learners, which makes training easy. However, they can easily get bored, so you have to find ways to keep the sessions interesting.
Conclusion
Several dog breeds are very protective of their owners and make excellent guard dogs. These canine bodyguards often have an imposing presence, high intelligence, and responsiveness towards basic obedience training.
If you are planning to adopt a guard dog for you and your family, one of the breeds mentioned in this article might be the right fit for you!
