Dogs have been protecting humans since the times of Plato and Aristotle. Since our need for loyalty, protection, and security has not changed since then, several dog breeds were bred solely for protection.
Best guard dog breeds possess traits like loyalty, obedience, alertness, and fearlessness. These intelligent canines are generally easy to train. While watchdogs simply bark or alert owners to potential threats, guard dogs have strong protective instincts. They can even bite to defend.
Various guard dog breeds are perfect for night security. Sometimes their mere appearance is intimidating enough to scare away intruders. From the gentle giants, Cane Corso, to the Brainiac of the dogdom, Australian Shepherd, many dogs are ideal candidates for night patrols.
Have a look at these 7 dog breeds for perfect night security patrols.
Dog Breeds Perfect for Night Security Patrols
1. Akita
Akita is a distinctive, large, and powerful dog with a fox-like appearance. The Japanese variant is known as “Japanese Akita” or “Akita Inu,” whereas the American bloodline is called American Akita. Akitas were developed in the 17th century and are known for their courage and unwavering loyalty.
These alert dogs are naturally suspicious of strangers, so they will watch over you and your family at all times. Their protective instincts and intelligence make Akitas ideal for nighttime strolls. Akitas are strong-willed dogs with an independent nature, explains PetMD.
Akitas take their role as guard dogs quite seriously and perform it with little or no training. However, they need obedience training. You can also give your Akita the guard dog training to polish their guarding skills. Proper socialization is required to prevent unnecessary standoffishness.
2. Cane Corso
Cane Corso is an ancient dog breed whose history dates back to the Roman Empire. Its Latin name literally translates to “bodyguard dog.” Cane Corso is intelligent, sweet-natured, and has strong protective instincts.
Their intimidating appearance, heavy build, and deep and resonant bark make them ideal for nighttime patrols. Cane Corso possesses the endurance and strength required to serve as fighting, guarding, and hunting dogs. They excel at dog sports like tracking and dock diving.
Cane Corsos are energetic dogs having an eagerness to please, but are too tough for novice handlers. They need proper training and early socialization to behave well. In addition, they need plenty of exercise to stay healthy.
3. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a smart and muscular dog. Its strong build and sleek body are perfect for night security patrols. One of the best guard dog breeds, the Doberman’s sweet temperament, ability to learn quickly, and keen intelligence make it stand out.
Dobies are loyal and affectionate towards their family members. With their loved ones, they are docile and even goofy, and are not hesitant about strangers. But when they sense danger, they can go to any extent to protect their loved ones.
Dobermans were originally bred by a German tax collector, Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, to accompany him on his visits or tax collection, as per HillsPet.
You need a structured training program to hone your Dobie’s protection skills. According to the American Kennel Club, the Doberman Pinscher is an energetic athlete. They need around 90 to 120 minutes of daily exercise, including hikes and daily walks, to stay healthy.
4. German Shepherd
German Shepherd is a loyal and loving fellow. These intense and active guard dogs have been working as military and police dogs for several decades. Their muscular and athletic build makes them well-suited for patrolling at night.
German Shepherds were originally bred as herding dogs. Their intelligence, obedience, and high trainability make them the most versatile and adaptable breed. Early socialization and proper training can help overcome their fearfulness and nervousness.
German Shepherds are well-suited for owners who have an active lifestyle. They need freedom to run, but they will take off if given too much freedom. They need at least 90 minutes of daily exercise to get adequate physical and mental stimulation.
5. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are popular for their muscular bodies and imposing appearance. They have earned the bad reputation of being aggressive, but in fact, they are calm and confident lovebugs. Rotties are intensely loyal to their families and serve as the imposing defenders for their loved ones.
Playful and goofy around their loved ones, Rotties are suspicious of strangers. They make excellent guard dogs and are ideal for night security patrols. Rottweilers have a potential for aggression if they are not properly trained or socialized from an early age.
Rottweilers are known as “Metzgerhund,” a German word for “butcher’s dog.” Hundreds of years ago, they used to protect the butcher’s money when he travelled to the market.
However, they are generally docile and laid-back dogs who form strong bonds with their owners. According to WebMD, Rottweilers need at least 60 minutes of daily exercise. They love activities like hiking, running, tracking, and agility.
6. Boerboel
Boerboel, also known as the South African Mastiff, is a domesticated working dog. This muscular breed has a stocky and strong appearance. It was originally bred for guarding homesteads in hard African conditions.
These loyal dogs do well around children. Boerboels are confident and intelligent, but are not well-suited for first-time owners. They make ferocious guard dogs and are good candidates for night security patrols. Boerboels defend their families to the death in case of a potential threat.
Boerboels’ strong protective instincts, size, and strength can scare away potential intruders. Properly trained and well-socialized Boerboels can differentiate between a friend and a foe. These energetic dogs require 1.5 to 2 hours of exercise per day.
7. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds were originally bred as herding dogs in the 19th century. They’re sharp, alert, and always on duty. For night patrol, they move with quiet confidence, picking up on sounds and shifts before you do.
Aussies are high-energy dogs who need plenty of exercise and physical and mental stimulation. Their loyalty runs deep, and when it’s dark and still, they’re the watchful presence you didn’t know you needed.
Australian Shepherds are loyal and strong working dogs, well-suited for night security patrol. They love having a task to do and prefer spending time with their families. Their caring nature and easy-to-train personalities make them effective guard dogs.
Aussies are generally well-behaved, but can be aggressive towards things they perceive as threats, if not trained properly. Due to their strong drive, they are not suitable for first-time owners.
Conclusion
Several dog breeds are known for their strong protective instincts, intelligence, and easy trainability. Their strength and endurance make them effective guard dogs and ideal candidates for night security patrols.
Such breeds might be a perfect choice if you are looking for a protection dog. However, make sure to train and socialize them properly.
