Guard dogs have been a popular choice among dog lovers for the protection of property and loved ones. Over hundreds of years, guard dogs have retained their natural instincts to protect. They inform their owners about the potential intruders and stand firm against them.
Guard dogs have a loyal and courageous nature. Their keen senses enable them to ensure the safety of their loved ones. These loving pooches ensure security and offer companionship at the same time.
They aren’t just pets; they are human shields with lots of personality. Their intelligence and observant nature make them perfect for their job. But some breeds are underrated due to their rarity.
Do You Know? Not all guard dogs are large in size. Some small dog breeds also have the potential to serve as guard dogs.
Have a look at these 7 underrated guard dog breeds that protect with power.
Most Underrated Guard Dog Breeds That Protect With Power
1. Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier (BRT) is a brawny guard dog that was originally bred to protect property and people. These heavy boned workers can tip the scales at 140 pounds and stand up to 30 inches tall, explains the American Kennel Club.
Temperament
BRT’s intimidating appearance and watchdog temperament enable them to ensure your protection. They will definitely alert you and make intruders turn tail. These loving pooches are loyal towards their owners and like spending time with their human “pack.”
These bearded canines have a keen sense of smell, and their thick double coat allows them to protect you in cold and harsh weather.
Exercise Needs
These fantastic dogs possess steady energy. They are calm and alert throughout the day, but never hyperactive. A healthy BRT requires an hour or more of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Best Suited for
Black Russian Terriers are best suited for experienced owners who know how to bring out their best qualities.
2. Estrela Mountain Dog
This livestock guardian is a Portuguese Mastiff-type dog, considered one of the most ancient breeds on the planet. You can easily recognize an Estrela with its characteristic black mask, rose ears, and a hook at the end of the tail, explains PetMD.
Temperament
Estrelas are devoted mutts who are known for their love for children. They love playing with kids and can share their home with other pets. Estrela dogs tend to protect a child with their lives, which makes them responsible and perfect guard dogs.
Estrelas thrive on human interaction but are not overly demanding. Their guarding instincts are strong, but they can be a bit noisy, so proper training is required.
Exercise Needs
These calm yet playful doggos require an hour or two of daily exercise, including regular walks and playtime in the backyard.
Best Suited for
These loyal pooches can be somewhat independent and strong-willed at times, so experienced owners are better suited. Due to their affinity for children, they are also ideal for homes with kids.
3. Beauceron
Beaucerons are large dogs with lots of power and personality. Their muscular stature and traits like obedience and loyalty make them ideal guard dogs for families. Beauceron was originally bred to herd and protect sheep against predators like wolves.
Temperament
These protective watchdogs are quite intelligent and tend to learn quickly. Beaucerons can be territorial around other pets, so you must introduce them to other dogs or pets in early training. New people and unfamiliar faces make them suspicious.
Exercise Needs
These playful mutts have high energy levels and thrive when they have a job to do. An adult Beauceron requires two to three hours of vigorous exercise every day to keep their body and mind stimulated.
Best Suited for
They are well-suited for pet parents with an active lifestyle and families who have the time and energy to take them out for activities like running, biking, or hiking.
4. Tibetan Mastiff
With a majestic appearance, lion-like mane, and a strong estimated bite force of 550 pounds per square inch (PSI), Tibetan Mastiffs are one of the most powerful guard dogs out there. These gentle giants can weigh up to 120 pounds and possess a thick double coat for protection against harsh weather, as per WebMD.
Temperament
Tibetan Mastiffs are smart and independent dogs who can go to any extent to protect their families. Their agility, territorial nature, and wariness towards strangers make them suitable for the role of a guardian.
Tibetan Mastiffs possess strong protective instincts, but are not overly aggressive. Their guarding instincts are heightened at night, due to which they can bark excessively and loudly at night. So, better keep your Tibetan Mastiff indoors if you don’t want to bother your neighbors.
Exercise Needs
These large yet moderately energetic fellas need at least an hour of exercise every day. You can split the day into two to three walks with some off-leash playtime.
Best Suited for
Tibetan Mastiffs are not recommended for first-time dog owners. They are ideal for adult-only homes or families with teens. These mighty paws are unaware of their strength, so it is better to keep them away from kids.
Note: Always watch out for your Mastiff around children and vulnerable adults to prevent accidents.
5. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is one of the four types of Sennenhund breeds, explains the American Kennel Club. Having a history as a herding, guard, and utilitarian draft dog, this pooch is recognized by its typical tricolor markings.
Temperament
These bold pups love their people and love spending time with them, but they do not like strangers. The Greater Swiss Mountain dog has a high prey drive, so make sure your pup is always on a leash when outdoors.
These cuddly buddies are bred for protection and make attentive and responsible guardians. However, aggressive or anxious behavior is alien to them.
Exercise Needs
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not an overly energetic breed. Purina recommends two hours of steady walking involving games and training along the way for these canine friends.
Best Suited for
They make wonderful companions for families with older kids. They are also perfect for homes located in rural areas, having lots of space to roam and exercise.
Since GSMDs remain puppies for too long, they are not recommended for households with smaller children, as they can knock them over.
6. Appenzeller Sennenhund
Appenzeller Sennenhund is an all-purpose mountain dog and the rarest of the four Sennenhund breeds. These medium-sized pooches are agile and muscular herding dogs. These eager-to-please pups are quite adaptable and like learning new things.
Temperament
Appenzeller Sennenhund is a fearless and watchful dog who is very protective of its territory and its people. These athletic dogs make excellent cuddly buddies and have a friendly disposition. They are quite attached to their families, but do not trust unfamiliar faces.
Exercise Needs
These high-energy and high-spirited canines require lots of exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Appenzeller Sennenhunds are capable search and rescue dogs and excel in agility, obedience, and all sorts of canine sports.
Best Suited for
Appenzeller is not a breed for everyone. They are highly trainable and learn commands quickly, but have a stubborn streak. So, they are not ideal for first-time or inexperienced owners. Appenzellers make loving companions for handlers who can provide firm leadership.
7. Bergamasco Sheepdog
Bergamasco Sheepdog is an intelligent and sociable canine originating from the mountains of Bergamo, Italy. Their distinctive long and felted coat comprises three types of hair: woolly, oily, and harsh. The fur naturally weaves into mats.
Temperament
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are the vigilant guard dogs with a strong protective instinct. These watchful and loyal dogs are capable of thinking independently and making decisions under pressure. While they are not aggressive, but are aloof towards strangers.
Exercise Needs
Bergamascos are intelligent dogs with a good deal of energy. They need at least one hour of daily exercise, including hiking, walking, jogging, and playtime. These pooches excel at various canine sports.
Best Suited for
These eager-to-please and patient dogs are ideal for owners looking for an affectionate, trustworthy, and quiet companion. Bergs are low-maintenance dogs, but not well-suited for first-time owners. They do well with experienced pet parents due to their strong-willed personality.
Conclusion
Many canines make wonderful guard dogs, but are underrated due to their rarity or other traits. Breeds like Beauceron, Estrela Mountain Dogs, and Appenzeller Sennenhunds possess the power and stamina to deter potential threats.
If you are planning to adopt a dog breed that protects with power, make sure to provide them adequate exercise and mental enrichment.
