Working dogs have become an important part of human life ever since dog domestication. Initially, man sought advantage from their instincts of hunting, tracking, and herding. Today, they make wonderful cuddly buddies and ferocious guardians who entertain us with their playful antics.
Guard dog breeds are incredibly loyal and friendly canines with an affectionate nature. Their bold temperament, protective nature, and sharp instincts enable them to excel in their role as guardians. Plus, they make loving companions who seamlessly integrate into family life.
Fearless canines make stealthy protectors and incredible guard dogs, but they are never aggressive. Give your guard dog obedience training and teach them to keep a balance between protecting and attacking.
Here are the top 7 dog breeds that are most reliable for guarding.
Dog Breeds Most Reliable For Guarding
1. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are agile and muscular dogs known for their roles as military and police dogs. One of the most protective dog breeds, German Shepherds are fiercely loyal and highly trainable canines who never hesitate to protect their loved ones.
Their loud bark, commanding presence, and alert expressions can make any intruder think twice before entering your property. GSDs are confident souls with strong work ethics and natural protective instincts.
Originally bred as versatile herding dogs, GSDs have a sterling character and an aura that exhibits pure grace. Being one of the smartest breeds, they quickly learn new commands and adapt well to different roles.
German Shepherds form unbreakable bonds with their owners and are the happiest while spending time with them, explains the American Kennel Club. Early training and proper socialization can help turn your GSD into the most reliable guard dog.
2. Rottweiler
Originally bred as working and guard dogs, the Rottweiler is an ancient breed. Rotties are incredibly loyal to their humans but leery of unfamiliar people. Their natural protective instincts and an impressive bite force of 328 PSI make them one of the best guard dog breeds.
Rottweilers balance their brave temperament and intimidating appearance with playfulness and downright silliness. But these are the traits they show to their loved ones only. Rotties tend to spend a lot of their time observing their surroundings.
They are highly alert and know what is going on around them. Their guarding instincts, combined with immense intelligence and highly trainable personalities, allow them to give their best as police and military dogs. Rotties have a false reputation of being aggressive dogs.
In fact, they are very affectionate to their owners, and some of them even think they’re lap puppies. Sometimes these stealthy protectors can be even clingy and cannot be left alone for too long.
3. Doberman Pinscher
One of the dependable guard dog breeds, Doberman Pinschers are sleek, powerful, and brave. Their agility, remarkable strength, and courageous personality make them excellent guard dogs, search and rescue pups, and service dogs.
Having keen senses and sharp instincts, the Doberman Pinscher has also been serving in the police and military. Dobermans show deep loyalty towards their owners and are naturally wary of strangers. They are so brave that they willingly enter dangerous situations, only to protect their handlers.
Many Dobermans have been killed in the line of duty. Dobermans are also capable of reading human body language. They are highly intelligent and perceptive; no wonder they can easily figure out what you are thinking.
Doberman Pinschers are highly trainable but require a confident handler and consistent training. Obedience training should be focused on basic commands and leash manners.
4. Bullmastiff
This wrinkly-faced, gentle giant is known for its strong guarding instincts and is one of the most protective dog breeds on the planet. Originally bred to guard estates, Bullmastiffs have a calm demeanor but are quick to act whenever needed.
Bullmastiffs make the best guard dogs due to their unwavering loyalty to their owners and wariness towards strangers. They form deep bonds with their humans and can go to great lengths to protect them. Their imposing appearance and muscular build are a major deterrent to unwanted people.
According to WebMD, Bullmastiffs are highly energetic and active dogs who need daily exercise and mental stimulation. Physical activity can include brisk walks and outdoor games. They can get strong-willed and difficult to train when they get older, so training should start at an early age.
5. Cane Corso
With this large size, imposing physique, and muscular build, Cane Corsi are the best guard dogs. Even their name, from Latin, translates to “bodyguard dog.” Reflecting strength, stamina, and an impressive amount of endurance in their personality, the Cane Corso is a good protection dog.
They form strong bonds with their pet parents. Their intense loyalty to their humans makes them a great family dog. Cane Corso is a versatile, intelligent, and eager-to-please dog requiring early socialization and consistent training.
Having a bite force of whopping 700 PSI, Cane Corsi make one of the best guard dog breeds. According to Britannica, they are not ideal dogs for children and seniors due to their strength and determination.
Cane Corso needs one to two hours of daily exercise and mental stimulation. They need serious physical activity and can become destructive otherwise. Cane Corsos make great family pets and companions for long walks and hikes.
6. Akita
Akita is a quiet and fastidious soul with alert expressions, shiny eyes, and a thick coat. Having an imposing stature, Akitas are hardwired to protect their loved ones. They make a good guard dog and one of the best protection dogs.
Their immense loyalty and affectionate nature towards their family members make them well-suited for family life. This Spitz-type Japanese dog breed is possessive about its territory and people and is always ready to take action in their defense.
Initially used as hunting and fighting dogs, Akitas are now trained as military and police dogs. They are not highly active and require moderate exercise to stay healthy and content. Akitas are intelligent but have a stubborn streak that can make training a bit difficult.
7. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Now used as protection dogs and guard dogs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks were initially bred to hunt lions in African landscapes. Recognized by a distinctive ridge of hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat, Ridgebacks are athletic, brave, and incredibly loyal.
Rhodesian Ridgeback makes a great guard dog due to its strong instincts, protective nature, and eagerness to defend its territory. Ridgebacks have a strong prey drive, making them unsuitable for homes with small children. But these excellent protectors are gentle and faithful to their owners.
Early socialization and proper training are important to turn your Ridgeback into a well-behaved pup. These active pooches require a minimum of two hours of daily physical and mental stimulation to stay fit. Activity can include long walks and plenty of off-lead exercise in a secure area.
Conclusion
From German Shepherds to Doberman Pinschers to Akita and Rottweiler, guard dog breeds are known for their fearlessness, bravery, and courageous personalities. Having one of these mutts by your side means you do not need to worry about your protection.
Their instincts to guard, devotion, loyalty, and determination enable them to excel as the most protective dog breeds. Are you planning to adopt a guard dog? Consider obedience training and early socialization for your dog, but do not provide them with guard dog training at any cost.
