Did you realize that more than 68 million families in the U.S. have a dog, and a large number select protection breeds?
The APPA survey indicated that dog ownership is on the rise, especially among families seeking loyal companions that also provide a sense of security. Not all guard dogs are aggressive; some gentle giants can also serve as protection dogs.
As home security has become a top priority today, there are certain guard dog breeds that deter strangers. They are not only pets but also protectors, and are fiercely loyal to their families.
In this guide, we will show you seven of the most spectacular guard dog breeds that are naturally guard dogs and will always be the best guardians in their moods of protecting their people.
Dog Breeds That Deter Strangers
Not every dog is suitable for home protection. All seven of these breeds are loyal, alert, and instinctively protective, making them the best guard dog breeds against strangers.
1. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher has been one of the most excellent guard dogs in the world, known for its sharpness, streamlined build, and exceptional speed. Dobermans are distrustful of strangers because they are brilliant, have a solid build, and thus make excellent working dogs.
Purina finds the Doberman to be very loyal to the family and that they also respond well to consistent training, thus becoming both obedient and protective. The reason for their historical use in police and military service was their lack of fear and loyalty.
This dog breed is naturally vigilant and makes a good watchdog. They aren’t usually aggressive dogs, but will bark loudly to alert their owners and defend their home and family when needed.
Dobermans are the kind of dogs that require mental stimulation, regular exercise, and a firm yet caring owner; these needs enable them to showcase their best characteristics. Not only are they guard dogs in the right home, but they are also an integral part of the family.
2. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a massive and muscular breed, known for its strength and silence. They are the perfect mix of English Mastiff and Old English Bulldog. The breed does not bark unnecessarily; instead, it stands calmly between its family and potential threats.
Bullmastiffs possess a sharp instinct that protects without aggression, which is very attractive to families. They are naturally gifted family guardians, with their confident demeanor and loving nature. They are usually peaceful indoors, although they are large and form strong bonds with children.
Bullmastiffs require training and early age socialization. They will prove faithful and protective, second-nature guardians who, like the danger, instinctively intercept and will back off intruders not with hostility, but simply by being there.
3. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a highly active working breed with watchful eyes and commitment, renowned for its popularity in the military and police departments of nations worldwide. They are originally bred to herd and guard sheep, which makes them more common as household pets.
They are among the best dogs to ward off strangers, as they possess protective instincts, making them obedient when well-trained. The breed is best suited to an environment where it is exercised and provided with structure and purpose.
Belgian Malinois are naturally suspicious of strangers and are highly attentive to movement or any noise within the residence. A first-time owner should not own a Belgian Malinois. Yet, when in the right hands, they turn into incredible guardians and very loyal pets that will go to great lengths to protect their family.
4. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a small-sized dog with a lot of heart (and muscle). It is known for being a bold dog breed and is also called a Staffie. These best guard dog breeds are incredibly loyal and, with proper training, can be highly effective watchdogs in a family setting as they remain composed.
Staffies are friendly towards family members yet reserved towards strangers. These dog breeds also have rough skin, a fierce nature, and a powerful jawline, but they can be pretty gentle with children and enjoy the cuddly moments after playing.
It can be a great family pet and a protection dog with proper socialisation and training at a young age.
They are also smaller in size and, as such, are easier to manage than the larger breeds, but still require proper training, a lot of exercise, and positive reinforcement to ensure that their protective nature is expressed without being overly aggressive.
5. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is of Italian origin and is a confident, powerful, and independent dog. Their alert eyes, large bodies, and reserved nature are natural forms that intimidate those with ill intentions. This protective dog breed is loyal, protective, and clever.
According to Britannica, they are called intelligent, affectionate, and protective. Corsi are also inherently suspicious of strangers and can easily detect possible dangers. These are large dogs and need ample space to move around and exercise.
These dogs require strict limits, daily physical and mental stimulation, and knowledgeable working. They are the best guard dogs and can live happily in family environments when properly trained and socialised with a variety of people and other animals.
6. Boxer
Looking for the best guard dog breed can be a difficult task. Boxers are one of the effective guard dogs that can be the perfect mix of your ultimate protector and a devoted companion. They are fun-loving clowns with their silly grins and boisterous play, but do not be misled; the Boxer is a born defender.
Boxers have been traditionally trained as a hunting and guarding breed, merging boundless playful affection and the desire to confront strangers in favour of their families.
According to Hill’s Pet, Boxers are bold, faithful, and immensely perceptive. They have a reputation for being wonderful with children. They are especially close with their own families and are very observant of what is around them.
Boxers learn positive training easily. As compared to other breeds, this guard dog breed is very adaptable to new situations. They need to be very active and perform best when involved in family activities. They are excellent watchdogs.
7. German Shepherd
Bright, courageous, and trainable, the German Shepherd has also become the breed that people tend to think of when addressing security concerns. It is one of the best guard dog breeds, and it is best-suited for the alert owner. It is known for its high intelligence breed, often used as police working dogs, search and rescue, and also excel as herding dogs on farms and ranches.
German Shepherds are trainable and versatile, and they are loyal. They are very attached to their families and tend to act as a protector of the family; therefore, they are perfect for both urban and rural homes.
German Shepherds need basic obedience training to be excellent guards, but when it comes to those people they love, they are gentle and loving.
Conclusion
The size of a dog and its presence are not the only factors in choosing which dog will stand its ground and keep strangers away; it is also an issue of loyalty and intelligence. The breeds mentioned above are not only defenders; they are also close companions that are firmly attached to their owners.
They are naturally inclined to protect those things that are important to them. Being taught well and put in the right setting, any of these breeds could serve you well as a very reliable member of your family, standing tall, silent, waiting to attack.
They can be fierce hunters or calm family pets, offering protection and devotion in all their varieties, whether you are looking after a watchful guardian like a Doberman, a kind and friendly Boxer, or a strong and handsome Cane Corso.
