One of the many reasons why people adopt guard dogs is personal protection. Sadly, guard dogs have a bad reputation for always being aggressive. Well, that’s not always true. In fact, many dog breeds make the best protectors and wonderful family pets at the same time.
Around 65% of locked-up criminals affirm that an intimidating guard dog will scare them away. Owning a protective dog blesses you with the peace of mind that someone is watching your kids and home, even in your absence. Many dog breeds are popular for their protective nature and loyalty.
No matter what guard dog breed you are going to adopt, make sure to give them the love and affection they need. Even the most aggressive and fierce dogs are vulnerable creatures who rely on their humans for basic needs like food and shelter.
Here are the 10 best guard dogs that are fiercely loyal and protective.
Family Guard Dog Breeds
1. Akita
Originating from Japan, AKC states that Akitas have been used for hunting and guarding for centuries. Triangle-shaped ears, double coat, and long tail are the distinguishing features of this breed. Thanks to their hunting heritage, Akitas are naturally protective.
Akitas form close bonds with their owners. If you socialize them early, they are able to differentiate between a friend and an intruder. These gentle giants get along well with small children as well as older kids.
Akitas are not friendly with other dogs, so we recommend keeping them as a single pet or a pair. This breed has a high prey drive and should not be trusted around other animals.
Akita’s Exercise Needs
Regular exercise not only keeps Akitas fit but also helps them fight boredom. Take your Akita for a 30-minute to 1-hour walk. They can be an excellent jogging partner.
2. Doberman Pinscher
Originally bred to accompany a German tax collector, Louis Doberman, on his visits, Doberman is a great dog. It has a sleek body, a noble wedge-shaped head, and triangular floppy ears. The Doberman is a fast and muscular dog with strong protective instincts.
Doberman makes a wonderful family dog who is ready to protect you and your loved ones against any danger. Socialization and early training can help Doberman pups to behave well around strangers. This royal canine will help deter intruders and protect your home.
Doberman’s Exercise and Trainability Requirements
This breed is into dog sports like agility competitions and is highly trainable. Energetic Dobermans need a lot of exercise and long walks for physical and mental stimulation. So if you love leisurely strolls, a Doberman is the perfect dog for you.
3. Rottweiler
Rottweilers originate from Germany, where they worked as cattle drovers and herd protectors. It is a self-assured and powerful breed. Rotties stay calm and gentle around their owners, but their glimpse is enough to intimidate strangers.
Rotties are large dogs with big brains. They can detect even slight variations in the appearance of objects, places, and even individuals. It means that they are pro at detecting the real threat. A well-trained Rottweiler is obedient, responsive, and stable.
Rottweiler’s Training and Exercise Needs
Rotties are well-mannered dogs. Proper training and socialization can turn them into wonderful companions for your family and friends. This breed needs at least two hours of physical activity every day.
Did you know? Rottweilers are prone to developing serious anxiety issues. They remain happiest in households where someone is present most of the day.
4. Appenzeller Sennenhund
Like rotties, Appenzeller Sennenhund is a herding dog bred to work on farms as a livestock guardian. The dogs of this breed are super fast and agile. They are highly intelligent and always eager to learn, which makes them easy to train. These traits make them ideal for obedience training.
This breed has strong protective instincts. They are capable of learning a lot of tricks and commands. CKCUSA notes that Appenzellers are a bit cautious of strangers. When in their watchdog mode, these dogs cannot be easily bribed. They do not show unprovoked aggression towards people.
Appenzeller Sennenhund’s Exercise Needs
Appenzeller Sennenhund is ideal for active households. Adopt these pups only if you have a large space where they can run and play all day long. To meet their high energy needs, these pups require one to two hours of exercise every day.
5. Australian Shepherd
Aussie is a medium-sized dog with beauty and bravery. This is a herding breed and loves to get other animals and even kids in line. Plus, they make wonderful playmates for your entire family.
With a keen and penetrating gaze in the eye, Australian shepherds make excellent guard dogs. They are clever, smart, and obedient. Aussies are well-suited for large homes with plenty of space to roam. These hyperactive playmates require a lot of daily activity and exercise.
Aussie’s Exercise Needs
If you are a parent to an Aussie, be sure to take care of their food. Shepherd dogs with a high activity level require high-protein, fat-rich food to meet their daily needs. According to PetMD, their diets should be labelled as “sports” and “performance” based on vet guidance.
6. Bullmastiff
Bullmastiff is a mixed breed obtained by crossing bulldogs and Mastiffs. Dark eyes, deep muzzle, and upright V-shaped ears are the distinguishing features of this trait. These highly intelligent and reliable buddies should be trained and socialized early when they are small to control.
Your bullmastiff can accompany you on leisurely walks. Bullmastiffs might not get along well with other animals and people, so we recommend keeping them in fenced yards. Start training and socializing your bullmastiff as early as possible if you want them to be nice to your guests.
Bullmastiff’s Exercise Needs
But it is not an ideal companion for running or jogging since they are not built for sustained speed. Bullmastiffs have moderate exercise needs. An hour of exercise every day will suffice.
7. Boerboel
The South African mastiffs, Boerboels, are natural guardians. Their intimidating and discerning nature can easily scare away the predators. That is why South Africans used them to protect their homesteads from predators. The ferocious Boerboels can protect your property from invaders.
A well-behaved boerboel is a good choice for your family. They love spending time with their owners. Boerboels are dominant, confident, and smart. Although it is a versatile and trainable breed, avoid having a boerboel if you are a first-time dog owner.
Boerboel’s Exercise Needs
Boerboels are eager to learn; however, training and socialization should start early before they grow into an adult. This breed needs 1-2 hours of physical activity daily.
8. Estrela Mountain Dog
Named after a famous mountain range in Portugal, it is one of the oldest dog breeds. These gentle giants are very protective of their humans. Known for their love for children and family, Estrela mountain dogs are one of the best dogs for tightly knit families.
Shepherd’s companion and a faithful flock guardian, this dog is distrustful of strangers. It will scare away all thieves and predators that enter your territory. It is known for its loyal and alert nature.
Estrela Mountain Dog’s Exercise Needs
Estrela mountain dogs are a relatively calm breed, but they do require daily exercise. A daily exercise of an hour or two will be enough for mental stimulation. Daily activities can include daily walks or playtime in the backyard.
9. Puli
What’s better than a guard dog who can act like a mop when needed? PetMD mentions that the funny-looking Puli dogs are covered from head to toe with profuse, naturally occurring, hypoallergenic cords. These agile and faithful little creatures were originally meant for herding.
Also known as the acrobat dog of the world, a Puli is a fast learner. It does not allow any strangers to invade your property. It is a smart and affectionate dog that forms strong bonds with its family.
Puli Exercise Needs
A bored Puli barks a lot. So, a lot of exercise and mental stimulation are needed to keep them engaged. The dense coat requires regular grooming. Regularly brush the coat using a slicker brush to avoid matting.
10. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffy is a medium-sized dog popular for its courageous nature and tenacity. A Stafford has a short coat. Shedding is minimal, but may increase seasonally. That is why a Stafford requires minimal grooming. Trim your Staffy’s nails regularly for healthy and comfy feet.
Due to their muscular physiques, many people hesitate when introducing this dog to their kids. Surprisingly, Stafford is one of the most loving and gentle breeds on the planet. Happystaffyco suggests you just need to have a gradual interaction, and Staffy will develop a special affinity with your kid.
Staffy Exercise Needs
Stafford Bull Terrier is a muscular and brave breed that is naturally protective. It is highly energetic and needs long walks and plenty of exercise to stay in shape. If you are looking for a powerful guard dog but have limited space, a Staffy is the right dog for you.
Conclusion
Popular strong-willed and protective dog breeds include Akitas, Rottweilers, Australian and German shepherds, Doberman pinschers, and many others. If you are looking for a dog breed that offers love and protection at the same time, opt for a family guard dog. These affectionate canines, apart from being watchful, will steal your heart with their loyalty and courage.
