Did you know? In 2022, U.S. homes saw 13.4 million property crimes, more than in 2021 but about the same as in 2018. (Bureau of Justice Statistics)
Home invasions are unfortunately a common occurrence throughout the nation, and the boldness and violence of criminals, their tactics for infiltrating properties, and their skills have only enhanced over the past few decades.
Just imagine opening the door of your peaceful and seemingly safe abode to find an armed and dangerous trespasser inside seeking money, valuables, and threatening your kids and family members for physical assault, kidnapping, or even murder.
The possibility, although it might have never occurred in your whole lifetime, isn’t as far-fetched or mind-boggling as it seems. We often shrug it off and say we’ll deal with it when such a situation presents itself.
But such a horrifying experience filled with anxiousness, fear, and uncertainty doesn’t give you time to think of what you should do and how you should handle it, which inevitably leads to a harmful psychological and emotional impact.
Guard Dog Breeds That Can Outsmart Intruders
But what if we say you can escape and survive this terrifying, traumatic event unscathed without so much as a scratch? Seems unbelievable, right, because such dangerous events always leave an indelible scar behind.
But what if you didn’t have anything to worry about and had a guardian at hand to help you in strengthening your surveillance, safeguarding your entry points, and identifying impostors and tricksters dressed as delivery guys, mailmen, and utility employees with laser-focused precision.
What if locking doors and windows, along with some minimalistic security cameras, weren’t enough to deter potential intruders and navigate through this risky business?
If you have doubts and still can’t trust us, then read ahead and find why you can rely on these heavy-duty bodyguards that aren’t just keen about keeping you safe but can also outsmart the burglars, trespassers, and intruders with their burly, strapping bodies and proficient minds.
1. Akita
A product of generations of selective breeding, the large and versatile hunting dog, the Akita, is a powerful pup with a strong work ethic and a sturdy heart who worked in packs for subduing large game such as wild boar, deer, and the fearsome Yezo bear.
Chewy notes that this quiet, dignified, and devoted yet chill pup has been an object of myth and legend and occupies a special place in Japanese culture.
Why is Athe kita a great guard dog and protector?
Akitas are world-class family guardians and cherished symbols of happiness, long life, nobility, and loyalty in their native land and all around the globe.
These pups are independent thinkers who are hardwired to protect those they love and are filled with courage, steadfastness, and a burly, heavy-boned, imposing stature covered in a thick double coat.
These broad-headed, massive pooches are fastidious, highly wary of strangers, and capable of outsmarting threats with their high intelligence and whip-smart strategies.
Known for their expression of alertness and silent pursuit, these purebred dogs are not only cautious and aloof around strangers and intruders, but they are also introverted at heart, which makes them wonderful family pets.
With an impressive physical presence, these muscular dogs, when properly trained, will prove to be a great deterrent for unwanted visitors and criminals at the same time.
2. Bullmastiff
Loyal and gentle family pets, the bull mastiff is a confident and fearless protection dog with a large build. A world-class protector known for its intelligence, alertness, and confidence is a biddable and reliable creature who were known as the “Gamekeeper’s Night Dog.”
Purina notes that equipped with chunky paws, an attentive gaze, and a gentle heart, this wrinkled working dog with floppy ears and a square muzzle forms a strong bond with their family and is an adorably faithful pet for its dog owners.
Why are Bullmastiffs seen as excellent watch dogs and guard dogs?
60 percent mastiff and 40 percent bulldog, these big, brave, and swift pups were originally developed to pursue and pin a man prowling on the grounds in the dead of the night.
They are smart enough to work on command, tractable enough to hold but not maul a poacher, and big enough to scare the heck out of any intruder.
With proper training, these catch dogs showcase the understanding of boundaries, incredible protective instincts, and the delicate balance of protecting and attacking.
Their engagement with intruders is also sudden and absolute, hence the perfect dog to surprise and deter unwanted visitors.
3. Doberman Pinscher
The honorable assistants of the US Marine Corps during WWII, this energetic breed is a symbol of deep devotion and care, who take their security job very seriously. Notoriously protective, with a long, enduring history as police dogs and military dogs.
Continental Kennel Club notes that the Doberman gained a reputation as the best guard dog ever due to its sleek yet muscular and powerful appearance. The Doberman is distinct from other guard dogs because it is a refined breed with abundantly adept traits that it gained from its ancestors.
Compact, attentive, and observant with a badge for being the 5th most intelligent in the dog world, the Doberman is here to rule.
Why are Doberman Pinschers seen as the best guard dogs ever?
The dobie is a working dog supreme and a guard dog extraordinaire. Fearless, formidable, alert, athletic, and intelligent, this naturally protective and loyal companion excels in police and military K-9 duty.
Where great guard dogs should be equipped with loyal and energetic traits, the Doberman pinscher makes a wonderful family protector who is competitive in every job it works in. Whether it be search and rescue, therapy, service, dog sports, or a literal war zone, this good-looking, muscular pooch wins high regard and prestige.
Imposing yet dependable, this guard dog bonds closely with its owners and has Velcro tendencies.
4. German Shepherd
The ultimate multi-purpose working dog with a strong protective instinct, the German Shepherd, who were born to be a natural herder, now serves as smart heroes and super pups.
With a determined motto for working and playing hard, these working dogs with thick coats are the most preferred and used personal protection dogs. This powerful pup boasts an aura of authority and nobility.
VCA Animal Hospitals mentions that known for bravely protecting and finishing every job on a high note, these large, agile, muscular yet mushy pooches are intimidating guard dogs in the day and loving companions at night. The German Shepherd stands among the most popular and common breeds, which are known for their unwavering loyalty.
Why do German shepherds make excellent guard dogs?
This steady dog is a constant favorite among dog lovers who seek companionship and security.
Incredibly smart and equipped with high-pitched barks, this pro scent worker serves as a natural alarm system and guard for your property.
Socialization and training bring out the best attributes of this guard and attack dog out which is known for being highly protective and building strong bonds with its family.
Standing at the front rank of canine royalty, the German Shepherd has an ability to learn commands for many tasks and roles and exhibits a willingness to lay their life on the line for the defense of their loved ones.
Capable of aloofness, the German Shepherd is discriminating in the matter of friendship and doesn’t trust or bond with a stranger too quickly.
5. Giant Schnauzer
Bold and valiant, stellar worker and companion, hailing from the Bavarian Alps, the Giant Schnauzer was a farm dog in the German mountainside and countryside. These large and high-energy dogs are not ideal for a first-time dog owner.
Because they not only need a lot of space to live, and a tall fence over which they cannot hop. But Orvis says they are also known for their cleverness and smartness, which can make them unrelenting, stubborn, and mischievous.
Was a Giant Schnauzer originally bred to be a guard dog?
Pet parents searching for family dogs that are determined, wise, and stylish should consider getting the giant schnauzers, who was originally bred to guard property, farms, and inns in Bavaria.
The pride and joy of the European police and military k-9 units, this pup with a high pain tolerance, amiable and commanding presence, is one to watch.
Great companions for adults and even kids, these loud barking alarm systems and protectors are highly intimidating guard dogs that always need a job to do.
Rugged drovers, eye-catching show dogs, and the winners of obedience competitions, these pups are filled with a boatload of courage and wisdom. (Hence, intruders beware! when this guard dog is near!)
6. Rottweiler
Emotionally complex cuties turned guard dogs. These calm, confident but not unduly aggressive rottweilers are reliable guard dogs and helpers from ancient Roman times.
Hill’s Pet US notes that these self-assured, effortless, and endearing dogs are iconic when it comes to protecting their loved ones. These pooches have a long history of dealing with bandits and rustlers, hence they are the ideal dog breed to deal with unsuspecting intruders on your turf.
Positively territorial, these bright pups also assisted the Roman legions in times of war by guarding and driving their food supply on hoofs.
Why is a Rottweiler a good guard dog and protection dog?
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), these descendants of the Asian Mastiffs are one of the best guard dogs due to their strength, high trainability, and eager-to-please nature.
These dogs are serving as police dogs, personal protectors, and all-around blue-collar dogs in modern times, handling heavy-duty tasks; hence are highly adept at protecting your home and family.
The helping and caring nature of these dogs gained them a position as the first guide dogs for the blind, and these noble dogs also helped in many search and rescue operations.
Big in stature with a top cop persona, these dogs are truly obsessed with their loved ones and make highly loyal and needy pups who are adorably known for their deep rumbles or growls that actually sound like cat purrs.
7. Tibetan Mastiff
Brainy, majestic, loyal, and introverted, these densely coated giants are powerful, muscular, and massive in size yet quite light-footed and agile in their trot. These independent dogs might treat you as their equal, but will love and protect you, nonetheless.
PetMD says these dogs aren’t just wary of strangers; they are downright ignorant and aggressive if they see some sneaky guy infiltrating their home ground.
Known for enduring brutal temperatures and guarding Tibetan villages and monasteries, the Tibetan mastiff is an incredible guardian. They love to have a job to do, hence make sure they have their own little paradise to oversee and supervise.
Is the huge Tibetan mastiff one of the most powerful guard dogs?
This ancient behemoth is a watchful guard with a fluffy bear-like appearance, a lion-esque mane, alert and expressive eyes, and an impressive stature. They are known for protecting herds and owners from the strong Himalayan wolves, dangerous snow leopards, and weaseling mustelids. Hence, they are one of the most powerful guard dog breeds on this list.
Proper socialization and training make the Tibetan mastiffs adaptable to various environments, which is a bonus to their already extraordinary guardian qualities.
These heartwarming and floofy pups match a four-legged sasquatch, hence might be the greatest way to inflict fear in the hearts of bold and brutal intruders.
Conclusion
All these pooches have one thing in common: their fearless attitudes, high vigilance, endurance, speed, strength, and responsiveness. They are high on the energy side, wise and sagacious, quick in detecting potential dangers, and are a great non-technology-reliant manual first line of defense for your home. Most of these strong canines might need extensive training, grooming, and socialization, but using them to strengthen your security system is highly worthwhile.
Moreover, if you want to know more about the best guard dogs on this planet you can explore the dog world a bit further by learning about Catahoula leopard dogs, Staffordshire bull terriers, Puli dogs, Estrela Mountain dog, Caucasian shepherd dogs and Romanian mioritic shepherd dogs or the cane Corso who also make wonderful guardians and intruders deterrents that will keep your home safe from getting invaded and terrorized in any neighborhood or vicinity.
