Thousands of years ago, dogs were domesticated to provide companionship and protection to mankind. Some dogs have instincts to protect their people and territory from all sorts of danger. They make excellent guard dogs and are known for their loyalty, fearlessness, and strength.
Jaguars are one of the most furious predators with a bite force of 1,500 PSI, as mentioned by BBC Science Focus. They can attack livestock and even humans. Guard dogs can help defend against these large predators. There are three types of guard dogs:
Watchdogs: Watchdogs are similar to guard dogs, but they are not very aggressive. They bark to alert their owners of intruders, but do not attack.
Protection Dogs: These breeds can be trained to act on commands, like police dogs.
Guard Dogs: They have strong protective instincts and can bite or attack.
Have a look at these 7 large guard dog breeds for protection against jaguars.
Large Guard Dog Breeds For Protection Against Jaguars
1. Anatolian Shepherd
Anatolian Shepherd is a large livestock guardian hailing from Turkey. These imposing dogs stand 27 to 29 inches tall and can weigh up to 150 pounds. These muscular avengers are immensely loyal and protective.
Temperament
Anatolian Shepherds possess natural guarding instincts, endurance, and strength required to stand guard against powerful predators like jaguars. They know how to react calmly under stressful situations, making them one of the most level-headed guardians.
But if you are looking for a canine companion that makes an excellent cuddle partner, an Anatolian Shepherd might not be a good fit for you.
Training Needs
Anatolian Shepherds are quite intelligent. These independent thinkers can be a bit challenging to train. Proper training and socialization are required to channel their guarding instincts effectively. Obedience training is a must.
2. Kangal
Kangal Shepherd Dogs or Turkish Kangals were initially bred in Turkey to protect livestock and villagers from predators. It is a large and powerful breed with muscular stature. Kangals stand 27 to 33 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 145 pounds, as per the United Kennel Club.
Do you know? The AKC recognizes Kangals and Anatolian Shepherds as the same breed, but other kennel clubs like UKC recognize them as a separate breed.
Temperament
Kangals are independent and intelligent canines having a territorial nature. They do not rush into fights; instead, they plan, assess, and then strike with precision. This strategic approach enables them to protect against large animals like wolves, bears, and jaguars.
Turkish Kangals bark to inform their owners when they sense a threat. These fearless pooches possess strong protective instincts and get provoked if they see their humans in danger. Kangals bond closely with their family.
Training Needs
One of the best guard dogs, Kangal Shepherds are hard to handle for first-time owners due to their size and stubborn streak. Training should be based on positive reinforcement and patience. You need to keep the training sessions fun, engaging, and consistent.
3. Tibetan Mastiff
Standing 24 to 26 inches high at the shoulder and weighing between 70 and 150 pounds, Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their lionlike mane and watchful expression. Hill’s Pet describes them as muscular and agile dogs.
These big, fluffy dogs have been protecting livestock in the Himalayas against wolves, snow leopards, and even big cats for centuries. Due to their imposing appearance, their sheer presence is enough to deter intruders.
Temperament
Tibetan Mastiffs exhibit a sweet and loving disposition towards their owners. However, they get aggressive, menacing, and territorial when they detect a potential threat. Being the best guard dog, this breed is naturally wary of strangers and does not like daily visitors.
Training Needs
These independent dogs are not driven by the need to please, so they are not recommended for first-time owners. They require a strong hand and a firm owner who can provide consistent training.
4. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Caucasian Shepherd is a bear-like watchdog that might scare away intruders with its mere presence. That is why they have been used to guard livestock against large and small predators like wolves and jaguars.
They can reach a height of 23-30 inches and weigh between 99 and 170 pounds. Caucasian Shepherds are heavy-boned and muscular dogs with a sturdy build.
Temperament
Their incredible loyalty and strong protective instincts make them reliable watchdogs. They make devoted companions for families and have a soft spot for kids. Caucasian Shepherds are low-energy dogs, but they get excited during playtime.
Training Needs
Since your safety is their foremost priority, Caucasian Shepherds remain aloof towards strangers. Regular training and early socialization can help set clear boundaries for your dog. Never subject your Caucasian Shepherd to protection dog training, as it can make them unnecessarily aggressive.
5. Great Pyrenees
Like other breeds on our list, the Great Pyrenees has also been serving as a livestock guardian for hundreds of years. The farmers of the Pyrenees mountains also used them as herding dogs. You can trust them to stay guard against fierce predators like jaguars through the darkest nights.
Pyrs make devoted and well-mannered family pets. These immensely powerful working dogs stand 25 to 32 inches tall and weigh between 85 and 100 pounds. The Great Pyrenees are the mellow companions and vigilant guardians of your home and family.
Temperament
The Great Pyrenees are quite intelligent and are capable of making split-second decisions in emergencies. They calmly assess the threats and respond only when necessary. These affectionate and trustworthy pooches do not hesitate when it comes to protecting their family or territory.
Training Needs
The Great Pyrenees make calm and gentle pets with proper training and socialization. Training should start at an early age. We recommend using obedience training based on positive reinforcement for the Great Pyrenees puppies. Make sure to expose your dog to a variety of situations, environments, and people.
6. Boerboel
Boerboels are strong and muscular canines that were originally bred to guard the homestead in Africa. Male Boerboels stand 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder, whereas females can reach a height of 22 to 25 inches. The dogs can weigh somewhere between 150 to 200 pounds.
Temperament
Being a guard dog, Boerboels have strong protective instincts, due to which they never back down from a fight. They will go to any extent to protect against small and large predators, including big cats.
According to WebMD, these intelligent and calm dogs stay loyal to their loved ones. Boerboels are tough dogs who can adapt to changing situations.
Training Needs
Their intelligence and obedience enable them to learn new commands quickly. The trainer should have ample knowledge about handling the breed. Train your Boerboel with determination, but avoid shouting or treating them aggressively, as it can have a negative effect.
7. Central Asian Shepherd Dog
These strong and fearless dogs are probably one of the ancient breeds on the planet. Central Asian Shepherds are courageous and self-confident dogs who stand 25.5-27.5 inches tall and weigh 88 to 110 pounds on average.
Traditionally, these dogs were used for herding goats and protecting sheep against large predators like wolves, bears, and jaguars.
Temperament
Central Asian Shepherds are the intimidating canines who are very possessive of their favorite humans. Their strong protective instincts, territorial nature, incredible intelligence, and fierce loyalty make them excellent guard dogs.
Training Needs
Central Asian Shepherd Dogs need proper training and socialization to behave nicely. They are strong-willed, independent, and large. These traits make training a bit challenging, which makes them suitable for experienced owners.
Conclusion
Dogs not only offer unconditional love to their human counterparts but have also served as formidable guardians for several decades. From Anatolian Shepherds to Tibetan Mastiffs and Great Pyrenees, several large dog breeds make the best guard dogs.
If you are planning to adopt a fearless guardian for your family, make sure to provide proper training before bringing them home. Socialize your dog properly, but abstain from providing watchdog training as it can unleash an aggressive dog.
