Well, you are right to think all dogs are protective of their owners. But, there is one more truth associated with it.
Some dogs are naturally more protective than others, and guarding their loved ones is a part of their character. This is a result of their specific breeding, specialized training, and a history of being herding or guard dogs.
No matter whether they are big in size or small, they are always there to keep an eye on what’s happening around them. They are perpetually alert and always ready to spring into action whenever something weird happens. However, this doesn’t mean these dogs are aggressive!
If you are looking for a dog that has a protective nature, be sure you are ready for this responsibility. A protective dog requires proper training, socialization, and an abundance of exercise to direct their instincts in healthy ways.
Let’s check out some of the most protective, excellent guard dogs you can adopt.
Seven Protective Dog Breeds
1. Boston Terrier
Boston Terrier, originating from the United States of America, is a happy dog that knows how to protect the people it loves. These dogs have a disposition to develop a strong bond with their families. They get so close to them that they want to protect them fiercely and become perfect guard dogs.
Boston Terrier will alert you that strangers are around, rather than being aggressive and pouncing on them. Physical confrontation is not their thing! This American Gentleman comes with a friendly and playful nature.
It is mainly owing to its joyful demeanor that people prefer having this dog as a family pet over other dogs. The dog has a long life span, usually around 11-13 years. This means you are well-protected for a long period in your life, with this guard dog mostly being around you.
2. Pug
With its short-muzzled face that is super wrinkly and a curled tail, the Pug makes a phenomenal guard dog. It is small in size, and that makes it highly portable. You can take it anywhere you want. This is why you can easily use them as protection dogs even when you go on camps and outdoor adventures.
Owing to being small, they won’t aggressively attack a stranger. Rather, they will be super quick to bark and warn their owners of guests or possible threats. This makes a Pug an excellent guard dog.
They have great protective instincts built into them. They will automatically get stern on listening to some unusual sound. A stranger doesn’t hold a chance of entering their territory!
It is adorable that a lot of times, these protection dogs showcase possessiveness for their owners and are jealous to see their favorite humans mingling with someone else.
3. Chihuahua
Though this Mexican dog breed is pretty small, it makes the best guard dog for homes, especially when you have kids. Now you may think, how would they possibly save you from an intruder with the petite bodies of their?
Well, they would bark loudly and alert you. They are always watchful, keeping an eye on everything around them, and thus make the best protection dogs.
These fiercely loyal dogs have the tendency to choose their favorite person and then be close to them, physically and emotionally. They exude their love and loyalty by always being vigilant and watchful for their loved ones and keeping them protected, being their guard dogs.
Chihuahuas also have bold personalities. They are not easily intimidated by a stranger or a weird activity happening around them. Hence, their popularity as protection dogs is indeed increasing not only in States but also across the globe.
4. Dachshund
This sausage dog has short legs but a super-bold personality for a protection dog. It’s instinct to protect the dog’s owner, making it a favorable option when compared to other pets.
Alongside this, Orvis mentions these dogs are affectionate and relish spending time with their owners. Their favorite is interactive play.
They are extremely intelligent and protective. Their way of protecting you is to bark aggressively and incessantly when they observe a threat; thus, they make excellent guard dogs.
They also have a territorial nature and wouldn’t let an unknown person step into their territory.
Dachshund is a fearless dog. Don’t trust me? Well, we must remind you that these dogs were originally bred to hunt badger hunters. Hence, there is no denying the fact that these rescue dogs are fearless.
5. Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons are small guard dogs. This guard dog breed from Belgium is an alert canine and makes a good protection dog, as vouched for by PetMD. However, they would mostly just bark at strangers to alert their owners. It is not an attack dog.
The American Kennel Club calls this dog super-intelligent and sensitive. However, these are not the only defining features of this dog. It is super protective and makes sure to keep its loved ones guarded at all times.
But make sure you don’t leave this dog alone for too long. It tends to develop separation anxiety, and if you leave it alone too often, you’ll see its personality changing and becoming a bit too aggressive.
However, they are some of the best protection dogs out there as they’ll always be observant, making sure you and the other family members are always watched over by the best guard dog!
6. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodle is a little lap dog that is super adorable and charming. Well, not all dogs that prefer sitting on a lap are watchful, but the Poodle is. As much as it loves snuggling with you, being all cosy and comfy, it will still be super alert and active, watching over the living space keenly.
Thus, they prove to be great protection dogs because of their keen watchfulness. They are also pretty intelligent. They know how to behave during certain situations, and when compared to most other breeds, they will strategise and then take action.
Oh, and despite being small, it is a big barker. It will yelp and alert you every time it sees something strange happening around the house, alerting you to the situation. Socializing them properly at an early age helps them understand how to behave in various circumstances.
7. Miniature Schnauzer
Originally bred in Germany, the Miniature Schnauzer is a great dog for a multi-pet home. These dogs get along with all other animals in the house and become great protection dogs.
At the same time, these loving dogs are good for personal protection, thanks to their natural protective instincts. Hills Pet says the Schnauzers are considered to be intelligent dogs. Hence, they are also quite easy to train.
Schnauzers come with strong protective instincts that can be further managed with proper obedience training and socialization.
They were originally bred to hunt vermin, and you can imagine they must be really brave. As house pets, they are alert enough to deter intruders and bark incessantly to make them run for their lives.
Just like the giant Schnauzer, these protection dogs are capable of barking repeatedly, and that too at a very high pitch. This is another reason why they make excellent protection dogs.
Conclusion
Dogs that can protect you without faltering all the best kinds of pets to have. They will keep you safe while providing you with the best kind of companionship. These dogs are naturally protective and have all the qualities to guard their humans.
Other dog breeds, including the German Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher, Cane Corso, Golden Retrievers, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bulldog, Estrela Mountain Dog, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Belgian Shepherd, and Catahoula Leopard Dog, also make effective protection dogs.
Adopting any one of them keeps you and your family safe from the outside dangers.
