Are you looking for a loyal and affectionate jogging partner? Some muscular and agile dogs make the best buddies to accompany you on the track. Especially if you are running early morning or late at night, these canine companions will serve as your natural protectors.
Guard dog breeds with strong protective instincts can be a good fit for your next jogging adventure. These alert and fearless creatures form strong bonds with their owners. They not only run with you, but they also protect you from all the potential threats on the trail.
The best guard dogs are devoted, brave, and alert to their owners whenever they sense danger. But that does not mean they are viscous. Properly trained and well-socialized guard dogs will offer you unlimited love and lifetime protection.
Here are the top 7 loyal and protective guard dog breeds that will protect you against jogging threats.
Dog Breeds to Protect Against Jogging Threats
1. Cane Corso
Breed Profile
Height: 24 to 26 inches
Weight: 88 to 110 pounds
Life Expectancy: 9 to 12 years
Cane Corso, also known as the Italian Mastiff, is a powerful and fearless dog weighing up to 110 pounds. Their large size and intimidating presence will keep you safe from all the potential threats on a jogging trail. Their name can be translated from Latin as “bodyguard dogs.”
Originally bred as working dogs, Cane Corsos have a fiercely loyal, protective nature. Their intelligence, combined with their calm demeanor, makes them one of the best guard dog breeds. These warm, affectionate, and loving companions form strong bonds with their family members.
According to Britannica, Cane Corso is a territorial dog—it does not get along well with other dogs, particularly of the opposite sex. They are wary of strangers and are not well-suited as a pet for kids or seniors. Specialized training can turn them into well-behaved pups.
2. Boxer
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 25 inches
Weight: 50 to 80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Boxers are muscular dogs with a protective and affectionate nature. With a strong build, watchful eyes, and high energy levels, they make excellent guard dogs. Their powerful presence and intimidating appearance provide you with the much-needed protection on a jog.
Boxers are incredibly loyal companions who form strong bonds with their owners and thrive on companionship. So they are more than happy to accompany you while running. Boxers are gentle, playful, and highly intelligent dogs, making them a great family pet.
Since Boxers are energetic dogs, the American Kennel Club recommends plenty of daily exercise for them to provide adequate mental and physical stimulation. Never let your Boxer run loose—it is very likely to chase the wild game it encounters on the track because of its hunting heritage.
Boxers excel at dog sports like obedience training, agility, and herding.
3. German Shepherd
Breed Profile
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 50 to 90 pounds
Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years
One of the popular guard dog breeds, German Shepherds are extremely intelligent, loyal, and protective fellows. Originally bred as herding dogs, GSDs excel at various roles, including military and police work. They are overly powerful, athletic, and active dogs.
Since German Shepherds are fast learners, they do well in obedience training and specialized tasks. The homes that have this protective breed as a pet are likely to experience fewer break-ins. German Shepherds closely bond with their owners and love accompanying them in any outdoor activity, including a jog.
Due to their high energy levels, GSDs need extensive exercise of 1.5 to 2 hours to stay happy and healthy. Exercise can include activities like walking, playing fetch, and other games for mental stimulation. German Shepherds have an easy-to-maintain coat that should be brushed every few days.
4. Rottweiler
Breed Profile
Height: 22 to 27 inches
Weight: 80 to 135 pounds
Life Expectancy: 9 to 10 years
Originating from Germany, Rottweilers are great guard dogs. These loving, loyal, and protective breeds will happily come along on your next jogging trip. It will also make sure to protect you from potential threats, such as wild animals on the track.
Rottweilers are known for their intelligence, stamina, and endurance. With a strong build and defensive nature, they need proper training starting at an early age so that they do not become overprotective. Positive reinforcement methods and treats work the best for these guard dogs.
Rotties are active dogs who need one to two hours of exercise every day. Rottweilers exhibit destructive behaviors like excessive barking and chewing if they do not get enough physical and mental stimulation.
5. Doberman Pinscher
Breed Profile
Height: 24 to 28 inches
Weight: 60 to 100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
The sleek and athletic dogs, Doberman Pinschers are known for their strength, elegance, and laser focus. These highly intelligent, loyal, and protective fellows make effective guard dogs. They are a good choice for owners with an active lifestyle.
Dobermans love outdoor activities like running off the lead and long walks. According to PetPlan, jogging can be a great way to keep your Doberman fit and healthy. However, it is not recommended for puppies younger than 18 months.
Doberman Pinschers are loyal protectors strongly attached to their people. They are easy to train and eager to please their owners. Although they are calm and even-tempered, Doberman Pinschers might not be the right choice for first-time dog owners due to their large size.
6. Bullmastiff
Breed Profile
Height: 24 to 26 inches
Weight: 100 to 130 pounds
Life Expectancy: 7 to 9 years
Bullmastiff is another strong and protective dog breed hailing from England. They are known for their courage, confidence, and loyalty. Their intelligence, intimidating appearance, and suspicious nature make them great guard dogs.
According to WebMD, Bullmastiffs have been serving as domestic guard dogs since the 19th century. Their highly territorial nature and strong protective instincts let them detect potential jogging threats. Bullmastiffs do well with other dogs, but they need obedience training and early socialization.
Bullmastiffs are highly energetic dogs. They need regular exercise, including walks and play sessions within a fenced yard. However, make sure you do not over-exercise your dog. Bullmastiff is a perfect walking partner.
7. Belgian Malinois
Breed Profile
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 40 to 80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
Belgian Malinois are intelligent and smart dogs, known for their agility and protection duties. These highly trainable dogs with excellent search and rescue abilities make them one of the most effective guard dogs.
Due to their high energy levels, athletic build, and love for doing things, they make excellent jogging partners. Apart from accompanying you on the track, they also protect you from potential threats such as wild animals while jogging.
These alert dogs bond firmly with their humans. These hardworking dogs need a lot of daily exercise for adequate physical and mental stimulation. Around 40 minutes of daily exercise will suffice. They enjoy activities like herding, tracking, and scent walks.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a loyal and protective jogging partner, one of the dog breeds mentioned in this article will be a paw-fect fit for you. However, whatever dog you adopt, make sure to take care of them. Also, train and socialize them properly, so that they turn into well-behaved canine companions.
