Feeling safe at home starts with knowing someone’s always looking out for you, and for many families, that ‘someone’ is their dog.
A 2013 study showed that dogs that have formed an emotional bond with their owners are more watchful when a stranger approaches their home. In fact, certain breeds such as Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Dobermans were originally bred for this specific reason.
These guard dog breeds are more protective, even putting themselves between their owners and the threat. Moreover, research also suggests that due to oxytocin, dogs become more loyal and are motivated to protect their family members.
Dog owners reap a variety of benefits from having a guard dog at home. Burglars also tend to avoid homes with protection dogs, especially if the dog is alert and barks loudly. Find out what makes the best guard dogs and choose one that suits your family life.
Dog Breeds That Face Dangerous Situations Protecting Kids
1. German Shepherd
Physical Traits
One of the best guard dog breeds is the German Shepherd. They are about 22-24 (females) and 24-26 (males) inches in length.
German Shepherds typically weigh about 50-70 pounds (females) or 65-90 pounds (males). They have a double coat that is usually tan and black. They can live up to 12-14 years.
What Makes Them Good Guard Dogs?
They are incredibly smart and can be easily trained. With early socialization, German Shepherds get along with families, especially children.
Creating a strong bond with their family leads to better protective instincts. They were often used in police and military work. Their muscular build wards off any perceived threats.
2. Rottweiler
Physical Traits
Another protection dog on our list is the Rottweiler. A rather large dog, the Rottweiler is approximately 22-25 inches (females) and 24-27 inches (males). They typically weigh about 80-100 (females) and 95-135 (males) pounds.
They are easily identifiable because of their short, dense coat. The color is usually black with mahogany markings. Its average life span is 9-10 years. They are really energetic, love mental and physical stimulation.
What Makes Them Good Guard Dogs?
Let’s not forget that Rottweilers were initially bred for guarding property and cattle. Therefore, their protective nature comes at an early age. Rottweilers are very loyal and brave. They have a guarding tendency without any professional training.
Although they are not prone to barking as they are quiet and calm dogs, they shouldn’t be underestimated when it comes to protecting the family. Due to its calm demeanor, they make good family pets for those homes that can provide both a structured environment and strong bonds.
3. Cane Corso
Physical Traits
According to PetMD, a Cane Corso is a large and loyal dog that is known for its work ethic. They worked as home security, soldiers, and herding dogs. Their name translates to “guard dog of the courtyard”.
They weigh over 100 pounds and stand at 28 inches tall. They shed very minimally. Their major health issues are obesity, joint problems, and eye conditions. If given proper care, they can live up to 9-12 years.
What Makes Them Good Guard Dogs
A Cane Corso is a good protection dog. This is because they are incredibly loyal and protective without being too clingy. They are also highly intelligent and highly trainable, responding well to positive reinforcement.
Their imposing presence deters intruders and any other potential threats. The Cane Corso is strong-willed and considered one of the most confident protection dogs.
4. Great Dane
Physical Traits
Lo and behold, make way for the Great Dane. Coming to us from Germany, this gentle giant is another animal in the working-class category. They have also been famously nicknamed as the “Apollo of dogs”. Great Danes are elegant, calm, and friendly.
They have an average life of 7-10 years. They can suffer from a few health conditions such as hip dysplasia, wobbler syndrome, and heart disease. They weigh about 110-140 (females) and 140-170 (males) pounds and are 28-30 (females) and 30-32 (males) inches tall.
What Makes Them Good Guard Dogs
As we mentioned before, these gentle giants are really good with families, especially younger household members. This breed will bark if it feels threatened. Moreover, they form strong bonds with their family members, making them intuitive protectors.
The Great Dane isn’t a very energetic breed, but its mere presence makes any intruder think twice before doing anything. They enjoy long walks but also like their rest time.
5. Doberman Pinscher
Physical Traits
Let’s call onto the stage a dog that has natural guarding instincts. Originally bred to protect tax collectors, the Doberman Pinscher is an obvious choice on our list. Although it is not widely kept as a family dog, these make excellent police dogs.
The Doberman Pinscher is a large breed. They weigh about 60-90 (females) and 75-100 (males) pounds. They are 24-26 (females) and 26-28 (males) inches tall. Their average life span is 10-12 years.
They have high energy and shed a lot. Their coat is short and smooth. Since they are curious, intelligent, and energetic, it is important to provide them with mental stimulation and regular exercise. They get bored without it!
What Makes Them Good Guard Dogs
They are easily trainable and can learn complex routines or commands quickly. Moreover, with early training, they become good with families, too. They are large and active, but they are recommended for owners with children.
They also have a strong protective instinct and respond quickly to any potential threats. These dogs are athletic, and their appearance alone is quite intimidating. So, if you’re looking for a dog that will keep you active but also guard against criminals, pick a Doberman Pinscher.
6. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Physical Traits
Now, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier might be a good choice if you want a protection dog, but one that can also fit in your lap. This dog has some great qualities you don’t want to overlook!
Staffies (their nickname) are about 24-34 (females) and 28-38 (males) pounds and stand at 14-16 inches.
According to the AKC, these dogs are extremely lovey-dovey with families and get along with children. They are also less likely to drool and shed moderately. They have a smooth and short coat which comes in a range of colors including blue, black, and brindle (black stripes on a red base).
What Makes Them Good Guard Dogs
Not your typical protection dog, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is actually nicknamed “nanny dog”. This is because of its world-famous affability with children. Also, they get along with other animals. Their behavior is heavily based on proper training and socialization.
Although they are not as large or muscular as the other dogs on this list, they are agile and respond easily to proper training. They might not look it, but they are loyal and protective and will bark if something feels wrong.
7. Anatolian Shepherd
Physical Traits
They weigh about 80-120 (females) or 110-150(males) pounds. The Anatolian Shepherd stands at 27 (females) or 29 (males) inches tall. The Anatolian Shepherd possesses a medium double coat. Common colors are light brown and black.
They can live up to 11-13 years. This dog is susceptible to digestive issues such as gastric dilation and volvulus.
What Makes Them Good Guard Dogs
The Anatolian Shepherd was used to guard livestock in Turkey back in the day. They require basic obedience training and fit better with experienced pet owners. Quiet and calm, but also great protection dogs as they have been properly trained to guard what’s theirs.
Conclusion
These protection dogs are great choices for family life and security. While some are more independent guardians and others are clingy, they all have something to offer to their humans.
Getting a dog that can assess situations with keen intelligence is a good deal for anyone looking to keep themselves and their families safe. Dogs have a long history of being territorial best friends who give peace of mind and keep you happy, too!
