Dogs have been providing security, companionship, and loyalty to mankind for hundreds of years. Some courageous canines possess the instincts to protect. They are alert, obedient, and observant of their surroundings.
These brave pooches make excellent guard dogs. While watchdogs simply bark or inform their humans about perceived threats, guard dogs will go to any extent to protect their humans. They can bite and even put themselves in danger, only to safeguard their favorite people.
Guard dogs have honed instincts like strong prey drive, territoriality, and wariness towards strangers through selective breeding and evolution. They use their keen senses to detect potential dangers. Such dogs need proper training and socialization due to their strength and large size.
Here are the top seven guard dog breeds with built-in survival instincts.
Guard Dog Breeds With Built-In Survival Instincts
1. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
This imposing flock guardian is known for its territorial nature and makes an excellent protection dog. The American Kennel Club describes the Anatolian Shepherd Dog as an independent, reserved, and loyal canine. This courageous dog stands 27 to 29 inches tall and weighs around 150 pounds.
Anatolian Shepherd dogs are prized by dog lovers due to their intelligence, patience, and muscular build. These devoted dogs protect their livestock, children, smaller dogs, and even family cats with intensity. They are adaptable and highly responsive to training.
Note: Anatolian Shepherds should never receive guard dog training as it can exacerbate their tendency towards aggression.
They form strong bonds with their humans and are naturally wary of strangers. Anatolian Shepherds are large enough to scare away intruders with their mere presence. Due to this, they make amazing guard dogs.
2. Kangal
The Kangal Shepherd, also known as the Turkish Kangal, is a big dog known for its unwavering loyalty and outclass guarding instincts. These muscular dogs have an intimidating appearance. They can easily deter intruders and scare away predators, making them excellent guard dogs.
Their distinct double coat comprises a short and dense undercoat and a longer outercoat. It provides them with adequate insulation to survive in harsh climates. Kangal Shepherds bond firmly with their owners and display a calm and gentle disposition as family pets.
Broad heads, powerful jaws, and a sturdy body are a testament to their strength and agility. Kangal Shepherds have a rich history as working dogs. They closely resemble Anatolian Shepherds in appearance, but are slightly larger and heavier. Also, their head exhibits a more domed shape.
3. Caucasian Shepherd
Caucasian Shepherd is a fearless and bold canine hailing from the mountainous terrains of the Caucasus region. These massive dogs are serious guardians and should never be taken lightly. They are extremely territorial and don’t back off from a fight, even against wolves or bears.
These self-confident dogs are known for their intelligence, strong protective instincts, and alert nature. They make calm and devoted pets for families. But Caucasian Shepherds are independent thinkers and can make their own decisions regarding survival.
They are naturally suspicious of unfamiliar faces and other animals and need early training and proper socialization to overcome this behavior. Caucasian Shepherds are not recommended for novice pet owners as they are a bit difficult to train. They need lots of obedience training, explains PetMD.
4. Tibetan Mastiff
This watchful, aloof, and intimidating canine is the real guardian dog. The Tibetan Mastiff is an imposing and large dog weighing more than 100 pounds and standing at least 26 inches tall. These powerful, muscular, and substantial dogs have surprising agility.
Their survival instincts are so strong that they can take down three wolves and scare away large animals like leopards and bears. Tibetan Mastiffs offer unwavering loyalty, devotion, and unparalleled protection to their family.
Tibetan Mastiffs are suspicious of strangers and protective of their family and their territory, making them good guard dogs. Their guarding instincts are heightened at night, so they bark loudly and excessively. Provide your dog with a spacious and fenced yard for roaming day or night.
5. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a large-to-giant-sized dog that was originally bred to protect flocks. Standing up to 32 inches tall and weighing up to 100 pounds, these working dogs today are the mellow companions and vigilant guardians of their families.
Pys have a laid-back and easygoing temperament. Independence is deeply ingrained in their DNA. They tend to make their own decisions, but this can make training a challenge. Pys are highly intelligent and affectionate companions who offer nothing but loyalty and protection to their loved ones.
According to Hill’s Pet, their guarding roots have left them with a strong instinct to bark, especially to alert their owners about potential threats. Otherwise, Pyrs are the gentle and calm dogs who need moderate daily exercise, including long walks and hikes, to stay happy and healthy.
6. Kuvasz
Kuvasz is a majestic guardian from Hungary that was originally bred to guard flocks and kings. This beautiful white dog of an impressive size belongs to the working group. Their profound loyalty, intelligence, and deep-rooted instincts to protect make them good guard dogs.
One of the tallest dog breeds, the Kuvasz stands 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 70 and 110 pounds. Despite their large size, they are quick and nimble-footed when meeting a threat. These brave and high-spirited canines can quickly learn human commands.
Do you know? Kuvasz served as guard dogs for nobility in the late 15th century. Matthias Corvinus, the king of Hungary, loved and valued these dogs so much that he only allowed a few families to keep them. He trusted these pooches more than he trusted his own guardsmen.
Kuvasz are sensitive to praise and criticism. Like other dogs on our list, they have an independent streak and may suddenly act on their own. Considering their size and power, they need lots of daily exercise for physical and mental enrichment.
7. Komondor
Komondor is a powerful Hungarian livestock guardian covered in profuse white cords from head to toes. They are often called “mop dogs” due to their distinctive coat. Komondors are large, with males standing more than 27.5 inches and weighing over 100 pounds.
Komondors’ heavy bones, deep chest, and muscular body make them well-suited as protection dogs. These agile dogs have a gentle, watchful, and alert temperament. They tend to be a bit independent and initially reserved towards strangers.
Their intelligence and independence can sometimes translate into stubbornness. Consistent and patient training is required for these athletic dogs. Komondors require free running in a secure yard, daily walks, and play sessions to stay in shape.
Note: Dog parks are a bad idea for Komondors due to their strong guarding instincts. They can react badly to other stranger dogs in the park. Proper training can help overcome this behavior.
Conclusion
Numerous dog breeds are popular for their strong protective nature, loyalty to their owners, and wariness towards strangers. With guarding instincts deeply ingrained in their DNA, such canines make good guard dogs.
These dogs possess built-in instincts for survival, such as intelligence, independence, alertness, and watchfulness. Regardless of the guard dog breed you adopt, make sure to train them properly and socialize them at an early age to avoid potentially aggressive behavior.
Remember: with love, patience, and regular exercise, every dog can make a wonderful family pet!
