Nowadays, safety and security have become challenging aspects to handle because humans have become overly reliant on technology, but many intruders and bad guys have also become equipped to handle these hurdles by using different modernized tactics; they can breach your security firewalls, use your smart home technology, access your security cameras and damage your property or family in any way they can. Hence, in the era of cyberattacks, AI, deepfakes, and hacking, you need to think about different ways to protect your home from cybercriminals, intruders, and predators all at once.
When all security barriers and barricades that you have equipped your house with fail, and the digital fences stop working, the electricity goes out, or your home suddenly faces Wi-Fi disruption, there is only one security asset that does not waver or shut down, which is your stationed guards or guard dogs.
These guard dogs with their higher sense of smell are immaculate trackers and detectors, they can sense danger in the dark, sense danger, and ward off predators and intruders from your home efficiently. These exceptionally intelligent and agile species are incredible protectors and guardians for our homes.
Smartest Dog Breeds For Protection
Some notable smart guard breeds include:
1. Doberman Pinscher
VCA hospitals states that Dobermans, popularly known as the “tax collector’s dog,” originated in 1880. Dobermans are fearless dogs by nature. This German dog is a unique combination of speed, strength, and intelligence.
If you get a Doberman Pinscher, you instantly feel safe and have peace of mind. Dobies don’t bark loudly, obedience training and mental stimulation make them even better at their guarding skill. They need proper socialization and consistent physical exercise to keep them happy.
Doberman pinschers aren’t fond of strangers; they will perceive them as a threat. They are courageous and fiercely loyal, and well-suited for family homes with children. The Doberman Pinscher is a loyal and affectionate dog breed that can be an ideal family pet if given adequate attention.
2. Rottweiler
According to CKCUSA, the probable ancestor of the Doberman Pinscher and the descendant of the Roman Molossian, this dog is a born protector whose sole purpose is to fight and protect its owners.
In ancient Rome, a Rottweiler was a war dog who used to fight beside Roman legions, and it has also served in world wars as a messenger, ambulance, draft, and guard dog.
Hence, by studying history, we can see that rottweilers are versatile dogs who have helped and served humans for centuries. They have guarded livestock, carried weapons of warfare, transported cattle, protected homes, broken enemy lines, and safeguarded properties.
Nowadays, this loyal, expensive, and prized dog breed, the Rottweiler, is known as a military dog and police dog who works in the K-9 squad.
Rottweilers make excellent guard dogs that can protect you from other animals and intruders. Just provide them an ample space for playing and walking, along with proper training, and they will turn into the ideal protection dogs for you.
3. Akita
The popular Japanese hunting and guarding dog played a significant role alongside the samurai or warriors in the feudal era of Japan. Akita is a symbol of strength, nobility, happiness, and long life. These aloof in nature, loyal companions are of the smartest dog breeds on the planet, who make great guard dogs.
Akita is are large dog that was used for hunting bears and has the strength to take down adult humans easily. These hunting dogs are protective towards their owners but perceive strangers as a threat.
Akitas are known for being naturally suspicious of strangers and attacking intruders if they sense danger, and are silent and swift guardians. The Akita won’t bark when it is threatened, but rather calmly and confidently handles the matter on its own.
WebMD says Akitas are independent thinkers. Hence, they will need a solid reason to follow your command. They also have a tendency to get stubborn sometimes. Just provide early socialization and basic obedience training to your akitas, and they will turn out to be perfect guard dogs for you.
The most popular Akita is Hachiko, whose undying loyalty to his owner made him an icon, and he was honored as “the faithful dog” by the Japanese, who erected his statues all over Japan, the most notable being near the Shibuya Station, and Odate Station, the birthplace of the Akita.
4. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Britannica explains that the Staffordshire bull terrier is mistakenly seen as an aggressive dog. But it is not inherently aggressive; they might indeed need training and exposure to socialization from an early age to become good family pets, but that is also true for most dog breeds out there, famously known as the ‘nanny dog’, just like the Newfoundland.
Staffordshire terriers are truly loving dogs and affectionate companions for their owners. Training with positive reinforcement is advised for this breed, and make sure to not punish them or raise your voice, because they don’t like to be told off and can get aggressive; this can also exacerbate their anxiety; hence, using a reward-based method for training them works the best.
A Staffordshire bull terrier is all muscle and is a strong and extremely intelligent dog breed. Hence, they also prove to be great guard dogs for protection. They love spending time and taking care of children. They are courageous and highly trainable, which makes them great protectors inside and outside of the house, and they just need a quiet and comfortable safe space, like a crate or a doggie bed, that they can retreat to when feeling overwhelmed.
5. Puli
These Pulik can also be confused with a komondor, because of their similar-looking dreadlocks and their similar origin from Hungary. Yes, you heard that right, these dogs have a weather-resistant double coat with a long corded outer coat and a woolly undercoat, which makes them look like they are covered from head to toe in “Davy Jones’ beard from Pirates of the Caribbean.
Puli puppies are born with soft, fluffy fur, and as they age, it starts to cord naturally. But looks don’t matter when it comes to security. Hence, these pulik are not only known for their unique looks are rare existence but also for their fiercely loyal and protective nature.
PetMD states that their ability to protect humans and animals from danger is exceptional, making them great guard dogs. They might be small in size, but Pulik is one of the smartest dog breeds. They are clever and faithful to their owners. They are incredibly light on their feet and are earning a reputation as the “Acrobat of the dog world”.
6. Appenzeller Sennenhund
The Appenzeller Sennenhund, which is a rare and native mountain dog breed of the Swiss Alps, can be mistaken for a Bernese Mountain Dog or the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog because it is one of the four tricolored Swiss mountain dog family members, as the Appenzeller Sennenhund.
The breed name of this dog shows the place it originated from, Appenzell is a region in Switzerland, and ‘Senn’ stands for herders and farmers, hence this hound is a herding dog from Appenzell. This dog belongs to the working dog group that helps in herding and driving cattle on farms.
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is another extremely intelligent dog breed that is a fast learner, is easy to train, and is better suited to homes with a lot of space, like a big garden with a sturdy fence. The Appenzeller Sennenhund is extremely caring and protective of its family.
Hence, if danger approaches, these dogs will do whatever they can and more to protect, even if it harms and ends their life. These dogs are also not fond of strangers and require training and socialization from a very young age to curb their barking at the slightest movement.
7. Boxer
The Boxers seem quite intimidating, but in reality, quite goofy in nature. They are extremely friendly and emotional dogs that are also used by the police and the armed forces in their K-9 units, and also as service dogs due to their fearless and confident attributes. This dog, with his big, round eyes and muscular build, is used for hunting large game.
They are patient protection dogs that also have a playful nature, quite unique, isn’t it? These pooches love spending time with their owners and also make weird noises to get their attention. These keen and alert, doe-eyed puppies are irrevocably in love with their owners, because of which they’ll do just about anything to protect them.
These puppies are also loud and expressive. Hence, if you own a boxer, it’s quite inevitable that your neighbours will never love you. They have a loud bark, and also have different types of vocalizations like howls, yips, and growls to communicate their needs, feelings, or just to alert their owners.
The Boxers hate intruders and are not big enthusiasts of strangers. Hence, you’d better alert your friends not to suddenly leap towards you or your children because chances are that your boxer will see them as a threat and jump into action and knock them down or something.
Conclusion
Nowadays, the importance of guard dogs has made them true parts of our packs, and they are now regarded as family members. When these excellent guard dogs sense danger, they think quickly and react to keep you protected. Some of the other best guard dog breeds out there are the Belgian Malinois, the giant schnauzer, the Rhodesian ridgeback, the great dane, and the cane corso.
However, it is to be noted that these smartest guard dogs often come with high maintenance requirements, like daily or weekly grooming needs. These dogs require time and your attention. Along with adequate training, exercise, and socialization from a very young age, they can hone their skills. Dog owners who have kids should look for affectionate dog breeds that work great with children.
