Dogs have always been the most loyal protectors and wonderful companions for humans of all ages. However, if you’re looking for a canine specifically bred for being a protection dog, there are several factors you must consider before deciding on the breed you want to bring home.
We have gathered 7 of the best guard dog breeds that have natural guarding instincts and also make great family pets. They have all the traits that make them excellent guard dogs. These strong canines do not back down when it comes to risking their lives to protect you, which makes them an ideal choice to adopt.
Read on to learn more about these family guard dogs who have a fearless nature, form deep bonds with their owners, and learn ways how you can cater to their energy needs.
Protective Dog Breeds: A Guide To Home Security
1. Great Dane
The first breed on our list is the Great Dane, which is known to be the “Apollo of dogs,” as stated by the American Kennel Club. These canines have an imposing presence, size, weight, and strength, which can be intimidating for some, but these gentle giants are a joy to live with.
These canines are alert dogs who can sense danger from afar and have strong protective instincts, which allows them to assess situations and act accordingly. Any intruder would think twice before approaching you with these protection dogs by your side.
Danes have a gentle nature, which makes them ideal for family life. They get along well with children and keep a very soft and sweet attitude around them. However, it is recommended that you teach your children how to behave around these large dogs to prevent any mishaps.
2. Leonberger
Easy-going, incredibly loyal dogs with a balanced temperament, Leonbergers are self-confident and strong canines who were originally bred to be guard dogs. These powerful yet friendly canines always stay alert, which makes them excellent watchdogs.
They are protective and warm dogs that get along well with everyone in the house and don’t show any signs of aggression towards strangers either. According to Purina UK, they are patient and surprisingly playful, being a large dog breed.
This breed was established as the most powerful property guard dog and was made to resemble the heraldic lions of the town of Heinrich Essen. Only five of these canines survived after World War II, and great care was taken to re-establish these protection dogs.
3. Belgian Malinois
Elite, highly intelligent, and a fearless breed with a protective nature, the Belgian Malinois was frequently utilized by the police and military for its instincts, undeniable loyalty, and agility.
These canines have natural protective instincts, and they’re strong, which is why they must be provided training and early socialization to keep these fiercely protective dogs in control.
Belgian Malinois are vigilant and have a tendency of staying alert around strangers. Their intelligence makes it easy for them to learn new tricks and cues, and they are highly trained protection dogs as compared to other dogs on the list.
It is recommended to start training and socializing Belgian Malinois from an early age to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved canines. You need to be patient and provide consistent training while using positive reinforcement methods to keep these natural protectors in control.
4. Cane Corso
Ancient Roman dogs with natural guarding instincts, Cane Corso are massive and energetic canines who benefit from both physical and mental stimulation. These pups need consistent training and socialization from a young age to stay happy, satisfied, and keep their head in the game.
These are trained protection dogs with strong territorial instincts, which is why they require an experienced dog owner who understands their needs and can provide them with what they require.
According to Orvis, they have a muscular build, a broad chest, and alert expressions, which are key to being the best guard dogs to deter intruders.
Cane Corsi are properly trained to guard livestock, property, and offer personal protection for families seeking a strong breed. Other than being great guard dogs, these canines are incredibly gentle with their family members. They have a keen sense of protection, which makes them act aloof around strangers, but are never aggressive without a reason.
5. Rottweiler
They’ve been bred for the job for centuries, making Rottweilers the best guard dogs to ever exist. These high-energy breeds and naturally alert dogs have the ability to be territorial, but with structured training and an experienced owner, these security dogs turn out to be the most loving and gentle giants for active families.
The temperament of these dogs depends on how you train them. Without exercise and mental stimulation, these dogs can become easily bored and may tend to show unwanted behaviors, which is why proper training and socialization are essential to ensure they maintain their title as the best guard dog breeds.
Their temperament ranges from being big-time clowns to being reserved to just one person. They make great pets for family life, but proper socialization is a must to ensure they stay well-behaved. They must know how to interact with kids, other pets, and dogs in the vicinity.
6. Giant Schnauzer
One of the most popular guard dogs from the canine world, the Giant Schnauzers are loyal, courageous, has strong physical strength, and is resistant to pain. If given proper training, these pups turn out to be the best security dogs as well as great family pets. They also get along well with children, given that they know how to behave around large dogs.
These dogs are great if kept in a single-pet home, as they have very little tolerance for cats or other canines in the house. They should be kept in a fenced yard and on leash in outdoor spaces so they don’t wander off after prey.
Firm leadership is required for these pups. They are highly trainable, but you would have to use reward-based systems to keep them engaged. Basic obedience training is also a must to ensure they listen to your commands.
7. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Excellent natural watchdogs and wonderful family companions, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have the loyalty and courage to be the best guard dogs. They were originally bred to hunt lions and be great protectors. All they need is a little obedience training to keep them in control.
These giants are kind and gentle with their loved ones while being aloof around strangers. They are highly active dogs and require a lot of physical activity to stay happy, satisfied, and in control. These powerful dogs are very playful and require open spaces rather than small confined houses.
They are an intelligent breed and respond well to positive reinforcement and reward-based training processes. They need an experienced owner to handle them, and it is not recommended to leave them alone for a long time, or they may develop separation anxiety.
Conclusion
When it comes to protection dogs, these breeds stand out and prove to be the best security dogs from the canine world. They are loyal companions and provide you with peace of mind. All you need to provide is training and proper socialization to stay well-behaved.
These protection dogs are not only great for home security, but they are also great family pets who get along well with everyone, and also older kids who know how to behave around canines. So, what are you waiting for? Bring these reliable defenders home today!
