When you’re exhausted after a long day, finally let your babies explore the outdoors or play in the gardens so they can expend some of their excess energy in nature. Your mind still cannot relax, because what if they fall and get hurt or stumble on the road nearby? Venture too far off where you cannot see or protect them?
Keeping your little ones safe while playing outdoors in the garden is a huge responsibility, as you cannot supervise your kids 24/7 to safeguard them. But some guard dogs can do it for you, as they have more strength, agility, scenting, and hearing skills than you do.
Do not worry, these working dogs are born with an innate desire to protect and cannot resist the urge to be highly alert in all situations. Hence, they are the perfect solution and saviors for your busy parenting life. Let’s read to discover these guard dog breeds.
Dog Breeds That Guard Kids Playing in Gardens
1. Doberman Pinscher
This strong and energetic breed needs a lot of exercise and long walks to keep them happy and healthy. They love to be of use to their humans and are always eager to please. Hence, you can assign these Doberman Pinschers to keep an eye out for you, while your children play and catch up on your favorite show or read that remaining book you left unfinished while relaxing on the porch.
Doberman Pinschers form strong bonds with their owners and will be more vigilant guardians for your kids than you are. They are natural protectors and highly trainable, swift in action, responsive, and extremely protective dogs that will not stand on the side if your little one is nearing a dangerous spot.
Professional Advice:
Although surprisingly athletic and great in agility sports, these pooches hate the cold, and their short, smooth coat does not protect them from harsh temperatures. Hence, make sure to keep these pooches warm as the weather turns colder.
They are prone to boredom; hence, make sure they receive proper training and socialization. This will help them bond with your kids in the right way.
2. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd stands as an excellent guard dog or family dog for many active households in the U.S. This agile, perceptive, and focused dog, which was born a herder to protect sheep, is usually used as a K-9 police dog or military dog nowadays.
PetMD says the German Shepherd is a highly intelligent pooch that has a keen sense of smell, which makes it excel in tracking and detection work. Their double-layered, thick coat needs regular brushing and maintenance that can be a bit overwhelming for owners.
However, a well-trained and socialized puppy makes an exceptional guard dog for kids because of its wariness of strangers and loud bark, and protective personality.
Professional Advice:
They need to be properly trained and exercised every day to control their aggressive and destructive tendencies.
There is a certain aloofness in their temperament that doesn’t allow them to bond too quickly with other animals, pets, or humans. Ensure exposure from a young age to tame their territorial behavior and reserved attitude.
3. Great Pyrenees
Want an immensely strong mountain dog that is bred to deter sheep-stealing wolves and predators on snowy mountain tops to protect your kids from danger? Meet the Great Pyrenees. They are extremely good with children and protect them like their own pups.
WebMD says the Great Pyrenees is a livestock guardian that is possibly the most beautiful, endearing, and respectable breed out there. They make great guard dogs for families with kids and will constantly watch over your children to ensure their safety.
The Great Pyrenees are loving dogs and gentle giants, and are known for their protective nature and unique way of loving from afar. These big dogs have a double-layered waterproof coat and can sense strangers and predators venturing into their turf from afar.
Professional Advice:
These white pooches are strong-willed and independent. Hence, be patient, consistent, and apply positive reinforcement when training a Great Pyrenees.
They are highly energetic, hence provide them ample space to run, play, and fetch, along with proper exercise every day to ensure they don’t get bored or frustrated.
4. Saint Bernard
Another fluffy mountain dog and rescuer hailing from the Majestic Alps of Switzerland and Italy. The Saint Bernard is not only a protector but a rescuer of mountaineers stuck in avalanches and buried under the freezing snow.
These large dogs have a gentle and affectionate disposition and wonderful guard dog qualities, which make them an ideal contender for keeping an eye on your kids.
These dogs are quite sociable and form strong bonds with owners and families. Saint Bernards are not wary and protective, but welcoming and loving towards people.
Professional Advice:
These extremely gentle and tolerant pooches drool a lot; hence, make sure to give them frequent baths and groom them properly.
These sturdy dogs need ample space to live and ample exercise, and mental stimulation to stay happy.
Though generally calm and friendly, early socialization is important to ensure good behavior around other animals.
5. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are famously called ‘nanny dogs’ due to their gentle and watchful nature around children. This Landseer or black and white pooch with its highly affectionate and calming presence can be the perfect multi-tasking solution for an active and busy family.
AKC mentions that these dogs have a strong affinity for kids and are the perfect dogs that are kind, calm, and patient with your kids. Thus, they’ll watch over your kids while you run errands or complete that project that is nearing the deadline.
Professional Advice:
Grooming, exercise, and a lot of TLC are important for these dogs.
Sure, it’ll take over your watchful role and guard the kids, but they need proper training and socialization before that.
Newfies respond well to gentle guidance; hence, don’t be strict with them. Instead, make sure to take them out to the pool for swimming to enhance their mood, and then train these webbed-feet pups.
6. Boxer
Need a protector, companion, fighter, and goofy class clown in the form of a dog all at the same time? This multi-talented pooch is here to be at your service. These slightly stubborn yet extremely expressive and lovable dogs crave a lot of time beside their owners.
Pawlicy Advisor states Boxers are dedicated and serious in their working roles, and make great watchdogs. They are upbeat and playful dogs at home and fearless and suspicious evaluators outside.
They don’t let even the most innocent-looking human or animal near your kids without some thorough inspection.
Professional Advice:
These popular Velcro dogs don’t like staying apart from their owners for a long time and are quite people-oriented.
Originally bred for hunters and fighting dogs, Boxers need a lot of mental stimulation and exercise to keep them happy. Hence, provide them with at least 2 hours of exercise a day.
7. Australian Shepherd
This tough and lean rancher gets a 5 out of 5 score for kid-friendliness according to the American Kennel Club. Hence, what better pooch can you get than this strong and sturdy cowboy assistant?
These merle-coated dogs are a rocket of energy, and can keep up with your high-energy kiddos perfectly. These great dogs love to have a job to do and adore keeping things in line; hence, handling your babies will be a welcome task for these family pets.
Professional Advice:
Australian Shepherds are known for herding everything from small pets to small children and might nip at the heels or bite to discipline your children. Hence, training and socialization are extremely important for these trailblazers.
Also, make sure to install sturdy fences in your yard and garden because these sneaky pups call pull and Houdini on you.
Conclusion
These intimidating but not overly aggressive dogs are equipped with fierce loyalty, high energy, and a strong desire to provide personal protection to their family. They require consistent training and exposure from a young age to excel as a guard dog.
Their protective instincts reign supreme, and their patient and gentle nature is a common attribute in all these majestic pooches. Certain breeds make the best guard dogs and are the most ideal for home security and protection of all family members, including kids.
