Are you worried about your safety, or just need someone to watch over your home while you’re away? Well, you’re in the right place!
It’s true that some dogs will protect you with their lives. These high-spirited breeds never step back when faced with danger. Whether they’re doing it for humans or not, these dogs just have naturally protective instincts in them.
While the term, fearless does not apply to them being a guard dog only. Their bravery, intelligence, devotion, and faithfulness are required for many purposes that contribute greatly to humanity.
Fearless Dog Breeds Standing Up Against Threats
1. German Shepherd
Courageous, smart, and confident. Well, these are not our words; the American Kennel Club has described this breed with such words.
German shepherds are literally seen everywhere, whether it’s as a search and rescue dog, a household companion, or any service dog. They have truly earned their title as versatile dogs.
Natural Instincts
German Shepherd makes a great family pet; Ask their owners what makes them special, and they would say, It’s all that I wished for. This breed is a mix of intelligence, loyalty, and fearlessness.
There are countless incidents where this breed has proven its loyalty and determination. Recently, an Indian dog named Bentho saved his owner from a life-threatening situation where a tiger came out of nowhere. Bentho, the German Shepherd, sacrificed its own life to save him.
Historical Reference
Back in the 1890s, a dog breeder named Max Von Stephanitz had an image of an ideal breed, more likely an all-purpose working dog breed. Guess what, he succeeded, and now you know them as the German Shepherd.
Before the modern era, this breed was originally bred for herding and guarding livestock such as sheep. With time, they had an evolution from farm dogs to an all-rounder dog breed.
Over the years, this German breed was primarily used for work only. However, times have changed, and now, they are praised for almost every purpose.
2. Rottweiler
Better call them the Butcher’s Dog, as they have a reputation for being aggressive. Let’s discuss that later; whether this myth is true or not, focus on them being valiant for now.
Natural Instincts
Rottweilers are strong, muscular, and powerful dogs. Their alertness makes them a perfect choice for being a watchdog. Are they fearless? Yes, Rottweilers are afraid of nothing!
Rottweilers have awe-inspiring bite force, actually an average of 328 measured in pounds per square inch. They have excellent natural balance and bark only when necessary.
Today, we see a rottweiler being used for several motives, such as:
Military and police forces
Dog fighting
As personal protection dogs
Also, for security and police work.
Historical Reference
One of the oldest surviving dog breeds, these dogs worked as herders in Roman Times. For the people who think they are aggressive, Rottweilers have been protecting both humans and cattle for a long time. The butchers had this dog bred solely for its strength and working ability.
3. Belgian Malinois
Are you a novice owner? Then you might want to skip this one. Belgian Malinois aren’t for the weak, definitely not a first timer’s choice. However, if you want to admire them from afar, sit back and enjoy! 🙂
Natural Instincts
Belgian Malinois are one of the hard-working and athletic dog breeds. They wake up bursting with zealousness, ready to gear the day. They can handle any task assigned to them. They might have a similar appearance to a German shepherd, but are much more powerful and agile.
They have a natural tendency to be in motion. Their strong sense of smell is useful for many search and rescue operations, detecting narcotics, and chasing.
Historical Reference
They are named after their birthplace, Malines. Back in Belgium, the Malinois were given the responsibility to protect the farm, pull carts, and protect the flock from any danger.
Later in 1911, they were brought to the United States. After that, they have been diversified into many categories and are well known for their versatility.
Let us tell you about a two-year-old sweet Eva, a Malinois who lost her life while protecting her owner from a mountain lion attack. This proves the courageousness of this incredible breed, which, even as a puppy, has shown such untiring constancy.
4. Doberman pinscher
One thing we love about this breed is how firmly they stand their ground with their four legs and are always alert. They have a magnificent physique, a gentle nature, and keen intelligence.
Natural Instincts
Dobermans are among the fastest dogs in the world. They can run at a speed of 32 miles per hour and are highly trainable. Their hearing sense is strong too; they can hear you calling their name many yards away and would come running towards you.
Dobermans have natural traits to protect their family and allies. They are very intelligent and extremely loyal. With proper obedience training and socialization, they ensure the qualities to be suitable for their role as guard dog breeds.
Historical Reference
With origins in Germany, this breed is said to have been created from several different breeds to gather the characteristics we have in today’s Doberman Pinscher. The desire for this breed came from a tax collector back then, named Dobermann. It was first adopted as an official war dog in World War II.
5. Akita
The American Akita is large in size, powerful, and alert, as mentioned by the Akita Club of America. They are also known as Noble warriors. This breed is among the seven breeds designated as a national monument in Japan, its birthplace.
Natural Instincts
You may find an Akita reserved or introverted at first, but their soft side is only open to people they love. They naturally possess protective instincts and do not need any special training to express this nature.
Akitas are also independent in nature; they won’t follow every command unless trained well, and they might try to take leadership themselves. Although Akitas are a symbol of health, their guarding instincts and remarkable history prove that they are very courageous, stand firm in every situation, and will never back off!
Historical Reference
They may be called American Akita, but their origins lie in the northern mountains of Japan. This breed has earned fame for guarding Japanese royalty and holds a long history in Japan’s ancient times. They rose to popularity in the early 20th century.
After World War II, the breed was brought to America, and now it proudly stands among the most popular purebred dogs in the country.
6. Cane Corso
This Italian breed is considered a man’s tried and true friend. These working dogs would probably protect you with their life. They like to stick around and consider you as a family once they get attached.
Natural Instincts
Cane Corso is very easy to live with, as long as they burn up some energy. Cane Corso is among the best guard dogs in the canine world and can be your loyal companion if you train it properly.
This breed requires a strong leader. If you are someone who finds it difficult to get up from bed and exercise, then the Cane Corso is not for you. It has a muscular build and needs a strong handler who can match its high-energy vibe.
According to Chewy, this breed has been used for various purposes for a long time, whether it’s to serve as protection dogs, war dogs, or even hunting large game. The AKC has also classified it as a working group.
Historical Reference
Cane Corso originated from an extinct mastiff-type dog molossus, back in ancient Italy. The name’s derived from an Italian word, cane, and the Latin term, cohors, as in protector. Their imposing presence might be intimidating for anyone, but they genuinely care for the family they’re part of.
7. Bullmastiff
This heavy guy is a domestic dog of the mastiff type. Bullmastiff is said to be tough at work yet calm and gentle at home. Sometimes, we are all like this, no?
Natural Instincts
The Bullmastiff has natural protective instincts of guarding their home and family. Here’s an interesting fact about them: they won’t bark to alert you of any threat. They like to be a silent guard, the one who would use his physical strength to take down any danger.
Historical Reference
Bullmastiff is also known as the Gamekeeper’s Night Dog. Long story short, they were bred by hunters to protect gamekeepers from poachers in 19th-century England. Born from a mix of Mastiff and Bulldog, it became a perfect combo of strength with loyalty.
Later in the early 20th century, experts started breeding them as a distinct breed rather than a crossbreed.
8. Boxer
Boxers are one of America’s most popular dog breeds. Boxers are lively, bright, and very energetic. They also entertain you by acting silly sometimes. Picture a dog as strong as a bull acting clownish, how could you not laugh?
Natural Instincts
Boxers are well known to stand their ground no matter the threat. They are confident, muscular, and have the agility to protect their family. They have a strong bite force, thanks to their ancestral instincts.
These natural guardians can be great family dogs; they love to play with kids and form strong bonds with family members. Once well-trained, they show unwavering loyalty towards their handler.
Historical Reference
This breed was originally developed in Germany, where it was used to assist hunters in tracking and capturing powerful prey and to act as a guardian. They were introduced to the United States in the late 19th century and later got registered in the AKC in 1904.
9. Great Pyrenees
White, furry, slightly larger than tall, owns a majestic personality; yep, we’re talking about The Great Pyrenees. They have a reputation of being reliable guardians, and have high endurance and effectiveness.
Natural Instincts
Great Pyrenees have a strong sense of territory and safety, which means that they can take action before your command when faced with a hazard.
They have high trainability and make great household companions. However, they can ward off any intruder, so beware before inviting any guests.
Historical Reference
These dogs were originally bred to become protection dogs, guarding herds and livestock in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain.
They were known as the Perennial Mountain Dogs in Europe. In the 1600s, they were declared as royal dogs by King Louis XVI. And that’s the story behind their heroic guarding instincts.
Conclusion
When all is said and done, it’s their strong instincts that showcase a perfect mix of athleticism with intrepidity. All of these dog breeds are quick and powerful enough to guard what’s “theirs” to protect.
They’re admired enough for their protective nature, but rarely for the valor they truly possess. Unfortunately, there are numerous incidents where these pets have lost their lives facing real threats.
It may be both good and bad, but these dogs truly deserve appreciation for their astounding bravery and fearless nature rather than being confined to their role of defenders.
