Some dog breeds have an instinct to protect their home and family members. They are fearless, courageous, and loyal friends who bark to let you know when the visitors arrive. Plus, they can go to any extent to protect you in a dangerous situation.
Guard dogs were bred thousands of years ago for the sole purpose of guarding. They were prized for their unique traits, including loyalty, intelligence, bravery, and courage. Today, these natural protectors have adapted themselves to fit well in family life.
While choosing the right protection dog for yourself, you need to consider various factors such as barking frequency, size, and shedding level. Shedding is a bane for many pet owners. They love their furry friend, but not the maintenance that comes with them.
Here are the top 7 minimally shedding dog breeds that make excellent guard dogs.
7 Best Low-Shedding Guard Dogs
1. Komondor
Komondor was originally bred in Hungary to guard sheep and cattle from wolves. This large fellow is fiercely loyal to its humans. Komondors are courageous and highly territorial; they thrive on responsibility. These muscular dogs make great guard dogs.
These giant mop dogs are known for their distinctive corded coat, which begins to cord when a puppy is 9 to 12 months of age. The dense double coat protects this dog from harsh weather conditions and predators with sharp teeth.
The white cords also help them blend in with the herd of sheep to surprise the predators when they attack. Surprisingly, their long coat sheds significantly less, explains WebMD. A Komondor’s coat is never brushed or combed; it is regularly washed to keep it clean.
2. Cane Corso
Cane Corso is a Latin word that means “bodyguard dog.” This medium-to-large dog has a muscular build and athletic appearance. It was bred to perform a variety of tasks, including hunting, fighting, and protecting the house.
Their intimidating size can easily deter potential intruders, making them good guard dogs. These energetic dogs are eager to please their owners, but are a bit tough to handle for first-time dog owners.
Cane Corsos have a short coat that repels dirt and protects them against cold weather. However, the double coat makes them prone to overheating. The thin undercoat is low-shedding, so you do not need to worry about cleaning all the time.
3. Bullmastiff
It is a majestic and strong guard dog breed that was developed by the English gamekeepers in the mid-19th century. These powerful and fearless canines helped gamekeepers to track down poachers. Their size was meant to capture them, instead of biting.
Bullmastiffs were known as “gamekeepers’ night dog” and lived with the gamekeepers as protectors and companions. Their calm demeanor, ability to sense danger, and protective nature make them true guard dogs.
Their coat sheds minimally and does not require extensive grooming. You need to brush their coat only once a week. They are generally clean and require occasional baths, about once every six weeks. The coat comes in various colors, including red, fawn, and brindle.
4. Great Dane
Great Danes are known for their impressive size and strong protective instincts. These gentle giants are known for their affectionate and friendly demeanor. They are very protective of their humans and their territory.
These wonderful guard dogs can scare away potential intruders with their mere presence. Great Danes are highly intelligent and observant of their surroundings—they will instantly alert you when they sense danger.
These vigilant dogs have a short and smooth coat that does not shed a lot and requires weekly grooming to stay in good condition.
However, shedding can become profuse during shedding season, once or twice a year. They also need occasional baths and nail trimming.
5. Boxer
These gentle and fun-loving fellows have a strong sense of loyalty, making them ideal protectors for families with kids. Boxers are energetic companions having a clown-like personality. They are quite energetic and need plenty of exercise to burn off their energy.
Boxers are medium-sized dogs known for their playful and affectionate nature. They look athletic and intimidating, but do not show aggressive behavior. With proper training and socialization, Boxers make excellent guard dogs for families.
A Boxer’s short coat remains clean and does not shed much. According to the AKC, it requires very little grooming. These wrinkly dogs tend to build up moisture in their skin folds that can lead to infection. Dog-friendly wipes come in handy for cleaning the wrinkles.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers, affectionately known as Yorkies, are great companions and lap dogs. Appearances can be deceiving, and this holds true for Yorkies! They make excellent guard dogs despite their compact size and adorable looks.
Their natural protective instincts enable them to guard their territory and their humans. Yorkies are quite vocal when it comes to spotting intruders. However, they tend to form strong bonds with their owners, which makes them susceptible to separation anxiety.
Yorkshire Terriers help you keep your home clean and tidy. They sport human-like hair that sheds minimally. Yorkies also produce less dander, making them ideal pets for allergy sufferers. Regular grooming helps keep the coat in ideal condition.
7. Briard
Briard is an ancient French breed that was initially bred as livestock guardians, explains Hill’s Pet. These large-sized dogs have a muscular build and an impressive head topped with a peek-a-boo hairdo, naturally parted in the middle.
Briards are smart dogs that can be trained easily. They exhibit a protective nature towards their family, especially kids, whom they refer to as their flock. However, Briards are suspicious of strangers and are one of the true guard dog breeds.
Make sure to provide adequate daily exercise for your Briard to keep it from getting destructive. These bearded dogs have a slightly wavy coat that can grow up to six inches. It repels dirt and water and, surprisingly, sheds less than many other dog breeds.
Conclusion
From the muscular bodyguards Cane Corsos to compact fluffballs Yorkies, several dog breeds make excellent guard dogs. Fortunately, some guard dogs shed less than other breeds. They make ideal pets for dog lovers who are vulnerable to allergies but want a guard dog.
If you are planning to adopt a low-shedding protection dog for your family, one of these breeds might be the right fit for you! They will not only provide you with their loyal protective ability but also keep your spaces clean and not full of mess to be cleaned all the time.
