It’s a scary world out there. Large families often ponder whether getting a dog will help keep any intruders away. Thankfully, many dogs have an instinct to protect their owners and safeguard their homes. In this article, we’ve listed different breeds that are fiercely loyal, extremely protective, and make watchful family pets.
With one of these breeds guarding the house, you can be sure that your small children will be safe from strangers. These protective dogs have been subjected to proper training and socialization, making them fit for family life and capable of deterring intruders.
We’ll dive into different guard dog breeds that are naturally protective, and you can decide for yourself which best suits your family. Most canines that were originally bred to be livestock guardians or police dogs are great guard dogs. However, there might just be a few surprises on this list that you don’t want to miss.
Confident Guard Dog Breeds For Large Families
1. Great Dane
Coming from Germany and NOT DENMARK (despite their name), Great Danes are one of the best dogs to keep in your home for security purposes. Its huge size, loud bark, and highly alert nature make it the best dog for guarding you and your family.
Part of the working breed, the AKC states that Great Danes can weigh up to 110-175 pounds (weight differences for both sexes apply) and reach up to 28-32 inches on average (varies for males and females). Their large size makes them excellent guard dogs, as intruders tend to run away at just seeing these dogs.
Best Dogs for Families and Home Security
These dogs are highly intelligent and filled with energy. Keeping them in your home is like adding a new family member.
Although it is a large dog, the Great Dane is a gentle one. They are extremely affectionate with families and are fun playmates for your kids.
These family pets are just protectors and loyal companions; all wrapped into one!
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
Adorable and loyal, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a great option for those who want a hard worker with a big heart. Bernese Mountain dogs were originally bred as flock guardians, cattle drovers, and all-around farm animals. These hard workers are excellent guard dogs for large families.
If they can take care of cattle, then your small children won’t be too much of a hassle for these family guard dogs. Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, but their imposing build and size only deters strangers, not family members.
The Best Family Guard Dog
As a loving family guard dog, it is highly trainable and highly adaptable. Early socialization is pertinent so that their naturally protective instincts are only directed at strangers.
As one of the smartest breeds, it requires daily mental stimulation to maintain its sharp intelligence.
Its eager-to-please personality translates to its easy obedience and hassle-free training. One just needs to start early training and be consistent. In no time, you’ll have the best guard dog for your home.
3. Doberman Pinscher
Developed by a tax collector in Germany, Dobermans are iconic for their breeding history and sleek, muscular build. Just the sight of this large dog will make any intruder think twice before trespassing. Moreover, their history of police service and military work makes them one of the best family guard dogs.
Although this breed is notorious for being aggressive just because of its sheer size, it’s actually not true. With consistent training, it’ll form deep bonds with owners and protect them at all costs.
Loyalty and Companionship; All in One
Dobermans are super smart and highly trainable. With consistent training, they are not just incredibly loyal companions but also excellent running partners.
They require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They do best with active families who enjoy long treks or hikes.
Unlike other pets, this protective dog breed is strong-willed and independent. Therefore, they require training from a young age to become even-tempered.
4. Great Pyrenees
Another dog that offers effective protection is the Great Pyrenees. They were originally bred to be protection dogs for livestock, but their protective nature extends to all family members with whom they share strong bonds.
The Great Pyrenees is a majestic, calm dog that is naturally wary of any predators or strangers. These dogs are extremely intelligent and are able to react to their surroundings without excessive training. They also don’t have high energy, so any moderately fit family meshes well with them.
Extremely Protective and Well Behaved Pets
Daily exercise in the form of walks is more than enough for these family pets.
Their deep bark and big size are what make them one of the best guard dogs. Otherwise, you won’t see them attacking or barking just for the fun of it. They are calm guard dogs.
This dog breed excels at two things: protection and therapy/search and rescue operations.
5. German Shepherd
Any list of best guard dogs is incomplete without German Shepherds. It’s probably the only dog that you’ll always see with associated words such as ‘fearless’, ‘confident’, and ‘best guard’. If you’ve got a German Shepherd by your side, all home security-related worries go away.
German Shepherds are the right breed for large families who live in high-risk neighborhoods. This dog will make sure nothing harms you or your family. These also make loyal and playful pets. However, they don’t get along so well with other dogs.
The Best Family Guard Dog
It’s got everything a family guard dog needs: loyalty, bravery, high intelligence, and confidence.
German Shepherds require early training to ensure they are patient with young kids.
Having other pets in the house might prove to be a bit difficult at first, but with early socialization, these large dogs will get used to other animals. This breed might think of other pets as threats if proper introductions are not made.
It is an energetic breed that can run up to 30-32 miles per hour, according to PetMD, making them fantastic fitness partners or top contenders in dog sports.
6. Belgian Malinois
Also called “Mal”, these dogs are proud and powerful, standing at about 22-26 inches on average, according to the AKC. The Belgian Malinois is also a fast runner, having a top speed of 35 miles per hour over short distances. Their enthusiasm to keep moving makes them first-class training partners for sprints and other fitness relays.
It is easily trainable and loves a solid work routine. It needs a job to do, otherwise it might get bored and resort to destructive behaviors (separation anxiety and aggression).
Regal, Powerful, and Confident Guard Dog
These powerful and energetic dogs can be affectionate pets if given adequate training and socialization. Otherwise, it is best to supervise their interactions with kids or other pets, as accidents can happen due to their high prey drive.
They have a short, waterproof coat that is easy to maintain and care for. They also only shed twice a year, so they aren’t too much of a hassle.
The Belgian Malinois is a generally healthy breed that loves chasing moving things. Therefore, keep it on a leash or it might chase a car on the street.
7. Rottweilers
Last on the list doesn’t mean that they aren’t as good at protecting your home as the other breeds. Rottweilers are thought to be descended from drover dogs (cattle-driving dogs) left by the Roman legions in Rottweil, as mentioned by Britannica.
They were used by the army to guard and drive livestock. The soldiers needed a consistent supply of food, and what better way to attain that than to have a cattle drover by their side?
Having a job to do is the greatest accomplishment of Rottweilers. They have also been used as therapy dogs, helping veterans and tragedy survivors in daily tasks.
Loyal and Protective
These powerful dogs have high endurance. They are athletic but not incredibly fast. However, their speed is enough to catch and chase any attackers.
It has a double coat that helps it to survive both hot and cold weather. Its outer layer has “guard hairs” which repel water and dirt. Therefore, if any attacker comes and pelts the Rottweiler with water, it won’t be affected much.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog for your family isn’t always easy. You have to make sure that your kids will get along with them. You worry if they will protect rather than scare away your household members. And most of all, you ponder if you can handle taking care of the dog and meeting its needs.
For large families who require an extra level of protection, guard dogs are the best option available. These guard dogs receive proper training to make them affable with other residents. Otherwise, they are already hard workers and take their jobs seriously.
They are mostly from a working breed or herding breed, and their history makes them fantastic candidates for safeguarding your home. With these courageous dogs, you can increase your home security.
