Are you ready to feel extra safe and cozy this winter by adding a strong and protective dog to your home security system? Protective dog breeds literally bring the best of both worlds as they are not just confident companions who’ll stand by your side, but also protect you and your family.
If you’ve always envied the neighbor who has a sturdy and intimidating dog in their yard, the good news is, you can also be the proud owner of one of those. The dog world is full of diverse breeds that bring in their own unique temperaments and traits.
If you’re wondering which guard dog is best for your household, we’ve compiled a list of 7 such breeds to help you make the right decision.
Best Dog Breeds for Providing a Strong Deterrent
1. Belgian Malinois
When it comes to deterrents, a dog’s appearance can do half the heavy lifting. Belgian Malinois is one of the most popular natural guard dogs, not just due to its strong instincts, but its confident and alert appearance also plays a huge role.
Mals are great family dogs for active families, and thrive with experienced dog owners, as these pups are very smart and active themselves. Belgian Malinois got their name from the Belgian city of Malines, where they were originally bred, as per PetMD.
As intelligent and highly trainable dogs, they are often used in police and rescue work, as well as detection-related tasks. As working dogs, they mean business when it comes to getting their job done. Having a Mal as your protection dog can be a huge privilege if you know how to take care of a high-energy breed.
2. Bullmastiff
Bullmastiff is a large dog known for its affectionate nature and loyalty to its pet parents and human family members. A crossbreed between Mastiffs and Bulldogs, this pup was bred specifically to be good at following commands.
Its imposing size and its ability to follow cues make it one of the most desired guard dog breeds trusted to keep off thieves and predators from properties. While they won’t make new friends the first day, they are really loving towards their humans, including children. They do need early socialization training and obedience training.
Taking your Bullmastiff along on daily walks doesn’t just make you feel safer, but also keeps your mutt healthy and happy.
Bullmastiffs tend to have a calm demeanor and won’t bark a lot unless they want to alert you or something.
3. Doberman Pinscher
There’s no better deterrent than a dog that was specifically bred to be a personal protection dog, like a Doberman Pinscher. One of the most protective dog breeds, Dobies are also one of the smartest dogs that learn to follow instructions fast.
When they are well-trained, Dobies can deter potential threats like intruders from your home and also take the initiative to protect you. With their protective instincts, they make pretty good family dogs for families with people of all age groups.
According to WebMD, Dobies can become overprotective of their families and are prone to separation anxiety. Make sure your doggo is getting enough physical and mental stimulation to keep it in high spirits.
4. Great Dane
Great Dane is gifted with one of the most impressive statures for a dog, with its athletic and tall build. One of the largest dog breeds to exist, the Great Dane has been nicknamed the “Apollo of Dogs” for its height and is one of the best guard dog breeds, acting as a deterrent.
Despite its imposing appearance, the Great Dane adjusts to family life splendidly and is one of the calmest and loving companion dogs. Great Dane puppies will surprise you with how fast they can grow, even within the first year.
If you want to bring a Great Dane home, make sure you have enough space to keep this large dog happy. Like many dogs of its size, the Great Dane is a breed with a short life span (7-10 years), but it can live a healthy life if given proper nutrition and a good living environment.
5. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are dogs with a distinct ridge of hair growing across their backs. This breed has been called the “all-purpose, Renaissance hound” by the American Kennel Club and is surely a versatile canine.
With a strong prey drive and a confident nature, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are amazing family pets for families looking for active guard dogs who aren’t afraid of anything.
Though these doggos are full of love for their human families, they need an experienced and strong trainer and proper socialization from an early age. As independent dogs, Ridgebacks can be a handful while training and need patience from their pet parent.
These powerful doggos need at least a medium amount of daily exercise to stay healthy; having them participate in dog sports is a great way of keeping them active.
6. Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzer is an incredibly loyal, extremely affectionate, and one of the strongest dog breeds. This dog is the largest variety in the Schnauzer family (the others being Standard and Miniature Schnauzers).
With consistent training, Giant Schnauzers make not only wonderful family dogs but also capable guard dogs that will deter threats.
This doggo’s stature and appearance can be very imposing, but its unique and noticeable dog beard also looks comical and cute. Their weather-resistant, wiry double coat does need weekly brushing to stay tangle-free.
As loving and dedicated canines, Giant Schnauzers can be a pleasure to train as they love to cooperate with their owners.
These dogs do well in homes where they are given a yard, preferably fenced in, to run around and live comfortably.
7. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Saffordshire Bull Terrier or “Staffy” is a sturdy and brave breed that was developed to fight in dog fighting pits. Despite its fierce natural instincts, this breed is surprisingly affectionate, especially towards its family members.
Staffies might pick fights with other dogs, especially if provoked, and it’s better to keep them on a leash. They’re a better fit for you if you don’t have other pups at home. As strong dogs, they might not be the best breed for a household with small children or elderly people.
As a strong dog, Staffies are a great choice for acting as deterrents, especially if they’ve been given proper training from an early age.
Staffies have a short coat that needs some weekly brushing and occasional bathing to keep it clean and healthy.
Conclusion
These strong and confident dogs make your home feel safer with their sharp instincts and their ability to deter intruders, even with their appearance. It’s important to know the nutritional and exercise needs of your dog, even the healthiest ones, and have their vet visits scheduled regularly.
If you’re ready to adopt your pup, go to your local rescue center or get in touch with a reputable breeder known for ethical practices. If your living environment and space can match the needs of your doggo, it’s going to feel like a match made in heaven.
