There are many reasons people consider adding a guard dog to their homes; some just want some extra sense of safety, while others want their real estate or family protected. One thing’s for sure: dogs with protective instincts are the cherry on top of your home security system (if not a complete replacement).
Dog breeds can be sweet, loving, outgoing, or introverted. However, certain dogs were just bred to guard and were developed to have traits that make them super-alert, quick to take action, and fearless.
Whether you want a watchful dog just so you can sleep a little bit better at night, or are just interested in knowing about these canines, this article is all about introducing you to nine such amazing breeds.
Most Hyper Guard Dog Breeds That Excel In The Field
1. Belgian Tervuren
Belgian Tervuren is a breed that navigates its job as a herding dog and guardian with confidence and resilience. From search and rescue dogs to amazing family pets, these canines are versatile in the way they offer their companionship to humans.
Quick facts
Size: 22-26 inches and 45-75 pounds.
Tervs are distinct due to their triangular heads, pointy ears, and long, thick, double-coated fur that needs regular grooming.
While Tervs are all about getting their families’ attention as family dogs, in the field, they’re ferocious and alert. Tervs are intelligent dogs that need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to satisfy their laser-sharp instincts and high energy levels.
As per PetMD, Tervs have also served as war sentries, couriers, and guide dogs; all these tasks require a dog’s ability to get a job done, and Tervs are all about that.
2. Akita
Akita is a beautiful dog, originally bred in the mountainous regions of Japan, and is immediately recognizable due to its foxlike looks.
Quick facts
Size: 24-28 inches and 70-130 pounds.
Akita’s thick, furred coat comes in gorgeous colors like brindle, white, and pinto, etc.
Throughout its history with humans, Akitas have worn many hats, including hunting, guarding, and police dogs. With proper training and socialization, it’s also a loving family protection dog that loves to look after its people. It’s rather aloof towards strangers and prefers to be the center of its family’s attention.
As per Britannica, despite being somewhat aggressive towards other dogs, Akitas aren’t fierce barkers.
3. Weimaraner
Weimaraner is an elegant and regal-looking breed that carries a short and sleek coat over its balanced, lean body. According to Purina, they’re the tallest dogs in the gun dog category and are known for their stamina and endurance.
Size: 23-27 inches and 55-90 pounds.
Apart from the short-haired Weimaraner, there’s also a less common long-haired variety.
Weimaraner is a favorite among dog lovers as a friendly and easy-to-train pup, and makes a wonderful companion for active owners. Well-trained Weimaraners make for excellent guard dogs and follow cues and commands perfectly if you take the time to understand what makes them tick.
AKC suggests placing running above walking when it comes to providing them with the daily vigorous activity they need.
4. Belgian Malinois
When it comes to protective dog breeds, we have to save a spot for our beloved Belgian Malinois. They’re gorgeous and athletic dogs for families who love to stay active and can give their Mals the robust lifestyle they need.
Quick facts
Size: 22-26 inches and 40-80 pounds.
Mals have a short, water-resistant coat that makes them a breeze to take care of.
These medium-sized, energetic mutts are better paired with experienced pet parents over first-time dog owners. Want a canine bestie who’ll help you sleep peacefully at night? Bring a Belgian Malinois home; this pup will stay on the watch as you take a snooze and drift into Dreamland.
Apart from police and military work, Mals have also been used as tracking and drug detection dogs. You might not have these jobs for your Mal, but you can always engage them in obedience training and agility; that will keep them happy.
5. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are herding dogs by origin, but they mean business when it comes to their jobs as guard dogs. They’re not only confidence-boosting companions, but also one of the best options if you need a mutt to protect your property.
Quick facts
Size: 22-26 inches and 50-90 pounds.
Apart from their erect, triangular ears and masked face, German Shepherds have a distinct double coat that sheds a lot and needs excessive grooming.
These intelligent dogs not only make empathetic companions as therapy dogs who’ll sense your moods and feelings, as guard dogs, they have unbeatable instincts. Make sure that your mutt receives early socialization training and enough opportunity to stretch its legs.
German Shepherds have a pretty strong prey drive; a fenced yard is a must when giving them their play sessions and workout. Keeping these dogs on a leash when walking outdoors is also a must.
6. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are agile and enduring dogs that were bred to be protection dogs by a German tax collector. This dog breed isn’t just known for its unwavering protective instincts and bravery, but also has a distinct glossy black coat that makes it stand out.
Quick facts
Size: 24-28 inches and 60-100 pounds.
Dobies have gorgeous rust markings on their coat that can be seen on the head, chest, feet, and throat.
Dobies are a complete package when it comes to looking out for their home and family members. They take brave action in the face of a threat, and their instincts, like scenting, make them sniff out anything suspicious out there.
Whether you want a canine sidekick to take long on a stroll outdoors, or a good guard for your home, Dobies have got you covered.
7. Giant Schnauzer
While this dog’s human-like mustache and beard might make it look comical, it’s one of the bravest and confident dogs that won’t let any intruder pass undetected.
Quick facts
Size: 23.5-27.5 inches and 55-85 pounds.
Giant Schnauzers are the largest Schnauzers, with two smaller varieties: Standard and Miniature Schnauzers.
If you have enough time on hand to give your Schnauzer’s wiry coat proper care and take it to a groomer often, this dog will make an amazing, watchful addition to your household. Guarding was their original job, so they can be somewhat suspicious of strangers, but when it comes to their families, Giant Schnauzers are very loving.
Giant Schnauzers can adapt well to indoor time, but if you have a fenced yard where they can play, they’ll be more than happy.
8. Boxer
The Boxer is a muscular and strong dog with a clownish, wrinkled face and a cheerful nature. They’re vibrant and playful in nature and make amazing doggos for families with children. Boxers have pointed ears that enhance their appearance as an alert dog that’s always aware of its surroundings.
Quick facts
Size: 21.5-25 inches and 50-80 pounds.
Boxers come in easy-to-maintain, short coats that have colors like brindle, fawn, and white etc.
Boxers are dogs with a strong work ethic and natural protective instincts; they take their guarding gig seriously, and they face threats with courage. Despite their strength and resilience, these brachycephalic dogs (aka flat-faced dogs) might face some challenges, like breathing difficulty, especially in hot and humid weather.
Keeping them indoors in such conditions is a great strategy for keeping them safe and healthy.
9. Beauceron
Beauceron, also known as “Berger de Beauce,” originated in France as a sheepdog and is a very trainable and energetic breed. It has an athletic and balanced body covered with a short and thick coat that comes in black with tan markings.
Quick facts
Size: 24-27.5 inches and 70-110 pounds.
These pups can exhibit a strong tendency to herd, whether it’s smaller animals or children.
Beaucerons are pups with a lot of fondness for their humans, especially children, and possess deep protective urges towards them. They have a history of working tirelessly on farms all day as herding dogs; they will exhibit similar dedicated tendencies when it comes to watching over their homes.
These pups follow their humans like shadows and will happily lounge next to them on a sofa. This doesn’t mean they’ll let you bail out on giving them their daily exercise and play sessions.
Conclusion
These protective dogs aren’t just companions that ease out worries from your heart; they’re also loving friends worth cherishing in many activities. With their instincts, they can become even more efficient as trained protection dogs, especially in the hands of experienced trainers.
All the dog breeds mentioned in this article make awesome guard dogs that excel in guarding instincts. If you need a security dog for your home or to watch your kids playing in the playground or nearby park, these guard dogs can be trained to keep a keen eye on your kids.
