Dogs who love kids and are also great at guarding can become a cherished part of any family with children. While adult supervision is irreplaceable, having a caring guard dog can enhance your child’s safety.
Dogs are smart and empathetic; these qualities, combined with their superior protective instincts, help them make us feel safe. If your family had a protective dog when you were little, you probably remember how much it made you feel safe on different occasions.
If you want to bring your kids a furry guard that will protect them not only at home, but also at bus stops, there are 10 breeds to pick from.
Protective Dog Breeds that Guard Kids at Bus Stops
1. German Shepherd
Whether the day is hot or cold, German Shepherd’s will to protect doesn’t fade away. These herding dogs are known for their tendency to be dutiful and guard their charge; they will watch over your little ones on bus stops vigilantly.
Quick facts:
Size: 22-26 inches and 50-90 pounds.
As per PetMD, German Shepherds have a soft undercoat and a rough topcoat; their coats shed a lot and need regular grooming.
German Shepherds are highly trainable pups with impressive intelligence levels; they can learn and understand their jobs perfectly. On top of that, their ability to bond with their family members means they’ll be the protectors for your kids, worthy of cherishing for life.
2. Great Dane
Great Danes are dogs that are usually called gentle giants due to their perfect combination of size and affection. If you’ve ever seen this graceful dog that stands taller than most canines and even people, it has most likely left an impression on you.
Quick facts:
Size: 28-32 inches and 110-175 pounds.
They were originally bred for boar hunting in Germany.
Great Danes have a short, smooth coat that comes in a Harlequin variety (black patches over white base).
The focus of the legendary comic strip, Marmaduke, Great Dane is a dog breed that keeps finding its way under the spotlight. They’re not just gentle and incredibly loyal to their humans; they will also pose with confidence next to your kids at bus stops, watching over them.
3. Boxer
Don’t worry: you weren’t imagining it when you saw a dog in the alley standing on its front legs as if sparring; you actually saw a Boxer. These dogs are one of the most powerful and muscular hunters, originally used for this purpose.
Quick facts:
Size: 21.5-25 inches and 50-80 pounds.
These mutts need only a little grooming due to their short coat that comes in fawn, brindle, and white colors.
With proper training, these pups become excellent guard dogs; alertness, strength, and agility, they’ve got all that it takes. They happily spend their days going on hikes, picnics, and playing fetch with their owners, who don’t shy away from an active lifestyle.
Boxers make amazing pets for kids due to their childish energy; as AKC mentions, they’re goofy and clownish and take years to mature. Once they’ve marked their favorite little human, they’ll fondly guard them against any danger.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are many things, including gentle protection, cuddles, and a friendship full of games and cozy moments. These pups have a Swiss origin and were used to pull carts and drive cattle as working dogs, according to Britannica.
Quick facts:
Size: 23-27.5 inches and 70-115 pounds.
These doggos come in a silky, long coat that keeps them warm in a cold climate.
Berners’ history as working dogs means they’re eager to please pups who love to cooperate with humans. But are they good with kids?
Though as big dogs, they can be a challenge to manage for children and seniors, they’re also easy to train and easygoing. So, yes, they can pretty much stay chill with any age group, and even get along with other dogs.
You most likely won’t see this pup suddenly taking a leap to attack an intruder, but they’re very alert. Their presence itself is very relaxing, and they will bark when they feel something’s off.
5. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or Staffies, are pups with a comical look and sturdy little bodies. Staffy is a medium-sized, but clever and courageous doggo with a loving nature towards its family.
Quick facts:
Size: 14-16 inches and 24-38 pounds.
Staffies were used in dog fighting pits; their strong prey drive means they need early, consistent training to adapt to living with other pets.
They have a short, smooth coat that sheds moderately and seasonally.
This dog has the heart of a fighter, and it doesn’t know its size is supposed to be on the smaller side. They are often referred to as ‘nanny dogs’ for their strong bond and protective instincts toward children.
6. Doberman Pinscher
If you’re into dogs with sleek and athletic looks that can do most of the protecting by standing there, looking fierce, the Doberman Pinscher is the best bet. When properly trained, they don’t just become amazing guards, but are also used as police, search and rescue dogs.
Quick facts:
Size: 24-28 inches and 60-100 pounds.
They have a gorgeous, short, shiny, and sleek coat that is often black with rust markings.
Originally bred as protection dogs for a German tax collector, they have a natural instinct to stay on duty as guards. Dobies, especially if given early socialization training, live amazingly in homes with kids.
They’re very human-centered and empathetic pups; they know when to snuggle close to your little one and when to make them feel safe.
7. Bullmastiff
Their expressive, cute faces can go from “I’m serious!” to “Please, pet me!” Speaking of range, right? Bullmastiffs are sturdy, big guys with wrinkled, masked faces, droopy ears, and a very affectionate nature.
Quick facts:
Size: 24-27 inches and 100-130 pounds.
Bullmastiffs have a smooth coat that comes in colors like fawn, brindle, and red, etc.
Bullmastiffs are famously awesome for families with kids, especially those who are looking for a dog who’s a natural protector.
They can be traced back to 1860 England, where they were developed to keep off poachers from estates. They’re a perfect mix of sweetness and confidence and will protect your children against any harm.
8. Saint Bernard
Having this dog by your kid’s side is like having a protective grandpa who will fondly watch over them everywhere. Saint Bernard is another one from the “gentle giant” category and is one of the best-suited pets for families with children.
Quick facts:
Size: 26-30 inches and 120-180 pounds.
They come in a short-haired and a long-haired variety. They come in gorgeous colors like brown, yellowish brown, and with white markings.
According to Purina, they were originally bred to rescue travelers during snowstorms from the freezing Swiss terrains.
While upkeep of this doggo is demanding with its heavy shedding tendency, its presence in your family will be as huge as its size (in a good way).
They’re low-energy, easygoing dogs, but their caring nature, especially for kids, makes their presence a confidence-booster at bus stops.
9. Rottweiler
Fierce, hard-working, and very loyal, Rottweilers are literally designed to be protectors with a playful twist. If you can handle a territorial canine that will go above and beyond looking after your kids, a Rottie is the right fit for you.
Quick facts:
Size: 22-27 inches and 80-130 pounds.
They have a gorgeous short, double coat that comes in colors like mahogany, tan, and rust, etc.
These mutts can be quite suspicious of strangers, which means they will be super-alert at bus stations, scanning the premises for unwanted individuals. They become amazing friends once they’ve warmed up to their families, but their love is exclusive.
10. Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees is a beautiful dog with a sweet nature, a tendency to work hard, and a huge, muscled body. When it comes to fondness for children, this breed is going to be among the superstars. Pyr is an amazing addition to your house if you can put up with some loud “woof woof” from time to time.
Quick facts:
Size: 25-32 inches and above 85 pounds.
They have a thick, fluffy white coat that helps them camouflage in the snowy terrains.
Pyrs are generally calm and don’t mind sitting indoors next to you, but if there’s an opportunity to roam about outdoors, they’ll take it.
As flock guardian dogs, they’ll offer a gentle, watchful presence to your kids at the bus stop; a dog this size walking by their side itself is quite a statement.
Conclusion:
These loving and watchful dogs make amazing companions to kids outdoors; they not only boost their confidence but also help them navigate the world. If you’ve decided to add one of these doggos into your family, get in touch with a reputable breeder or a local rescue center.
