Dogs are not just our best friends; they’re also great protectors of our homes and us. You might wonder, “Do burglars really avoid houses with dogs?” Yes, they do! Dogs are naturally loyal and protective, making them perfect for keeping an eye on your home.
Home security experts, like ADT, say that dogs help protect your home by making a lot of noise, looking intimidating, and sometimes even by standing in the way of trouble. Even just a sign that says “Beware of Dog” can make burglars think twice. Deep Sentinel, another security company, agrees that dogs can really slow down burglars until help comes.
A KGW3 study from Oregon talked to 86 burglars and found that big, loud dogs are a big no-no for them. One burglar even said that dogs that look like they mean business are a total deal-breaker.
7 Scariest Guard Dogs
A dog that just looks tough can be enough to keep your home safe. Some dogs are also trained to take action if needed. Below, we’ll introduce you to some of the scariest dog breeds that can be your family’s best protector.
1. Pitbull
Pit bulls, encompassing dog breeds like Bull Terriers, American Bullies, and American Staffordshire Terriers, have found their place in our homes and hearts. Despite their tough reputation, which stems from their past use in illegal dog fighting, pit bulls are actually sweethearts who love nothing more than a good cuddle and lots of affection as per ASPCA.
But don’t let their gentle nature fool you. While they’re known for being loving lap dogs, their scary appearance alone can be enough to deter anyone up to no good. People often mistakenly think of pit bulls as fierce, which works in your favor if you’re looking for a dog that can protect your home.
This breed is known for its eagerness to please, a trait that has unfortunately made it a popular choice for dog fighting pits throughout history. When the situation calls for it, a pit bull’s strong build, loud barking, and determination can provide the protection you need, proving that they’re not just great companions but also reliable guardians.
2. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler, a sturdy and powerful dog breed from Germany, embodies the classic image of a “scary dog,” a perception often amplified by movies and TV. Their large size, predominantly black fur, muscular build, and cautious nature around strangers contribute to their intimidating presence. However, this tough exterior is frequently a result of poor treatment and inadequate socialization.
Beyond their formidable appearance, Rottweilers are incredibly affectionate, sensitive, and loyal pets. They thrive on close companionship with their owners, making them less suitable for families who are away from home often. These dogs are deeply loyal and protective, traits inherited from their mastiff ancestors who served alongside Roman armies.
While they have a high prey drive and can be territorial, Rottweilers are not impulsively aggressive. They are brave and protective, ready to defend their loved ones, but with proper training and socialization, they channel their protective instincts in positive ways.
3. Great Dane
The Great Dane stands out as one of the tallest and most muscular dog breeds, known for their surprisingly gentle nature. Despite their friendly demeanor, the combination of their towering size and deep bark is often enough to deter potential intruders or signal an alert to their families. Great Danes can become fiercely protective and territorial when they feel their home or loved ones are under threat, sometimes showing aggression to protect their space.
These gentle giants require a lot of exercise and room to move around. They thrive on social interaction and playful activities, becoming unhappy if not provided with enough stimulation. Due to their size, Great Danes are not well-suited to small living spaces where their enthusiastic tails might cause chaos among household items.
Despite the potential challenges their size brings, Great Danes are considered one of the best breeds for families. They are wonderful with children and serve as excellent watchdogs.
4. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso, a large and muscular breed, carries a formidable presence, often associated with aggression due to its history as a guardian dog. Renowned for their loyalty, Cane Corsos are deeply protective of their families, showcasing territorial behaviors and possible aggression towards strangers.
Their impressive bite force, sheer size, and the natural intimidation they exude make them excellent protectors. Indeed, the mere sight of a Cane Corso can deter would-be intruders, their intense gaze alone capable of unsettling even the most determined.
However, their strong-willed and robust nature means they are not the easiest breed to manage. Cane Corsos are naturally suspicious of strangers and require consistent socialization and training from an early age to integrate well into family life. Without this, they can become overly protective and potentially dangerous. It’s worth noting that due to these characteristics, the Cane Corso is considered a restricted breed in some places.
5. Dogo Argentino
The American Kennel Club characterizes Dogo Argentinos as loyal, courageous, and athletic. These large dogs are the epitome of strength, with their muscular builds, sizeable heads, and prominent jaws showcasing their power. Despite their formidable appearance, Dogo Argentinos possess the agility and speed of hunting dogs, making an intruder think twice before attempting to enter a home protected by one.
They create deep connections with their human families, always standing ready to guard and keep them safe. While they might look intimidating, Dogo Argentinos have a surprisingly playful and affectionate side.
These dogs have a strong instinct to chase, requiring ample physical and mental activity to keep them content. Due to their high prey drive, Dogo Argentinos might not be the best fit for households with other small animals, as they tend to chase anything that moves.
It’s important to note that Dogo Argentinos have a history of being used in dog fighting, leading to their ban in several countries. This aspect of their past, combined with their need for significant exercise and stimulation, makes them a breed that requires responsible ownership and understanding.
6. Kangal
The Kangal, hailing from the Anatolian hills of Turkey, has a history as a fearless protector of livestock. Its muscular frame and formidable bite force of 743 PSI, the highest among all dog breeds, make it a true guardian against predators like mountain lions, wolves, and bears. This innate ability to defend its charges requires no formal training, as the Kangal is naturally predisposed to protect.
Despite their intimidating appearance and protective instincts, Kangals are known for their warm and friendly nature towards their family members. However, they can become anxious or uneasy with a high volume of visitors, indicating that they are not the best fit for apartment living or the bustling city environment.
While they show loyalty and affection towards their human companions, they can also exhibit stubbornness or defiance. To ensure that Kangals grow into well-adjusted and confident dogs, effective training and thorough socialization from an early age is crucial.
7. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff carries an undeserved negative reputation, stemming from its origins when it was bred by farmers to track down and detain poachers. Despite this formidable background, a well-trained Bullmastiff is often a gentle giant, showing kindness and a laid-back attitude toward familiar faces.
However, their protective instinct can kick in around strangers, making them effective guardians. Bullmastiffs were not bred to harm but to hold trespassers until help arrived, a task their sheer size made quite persuasive in deterring would-be criminals.
One of the Bullmastiff’s admirable qualities is its intelligence and eagerness to learn, paired with a strong desire to please its owners. Unlike many dogs, Bullmastiffs are not known for being vocal, so any sound they make is worth paying attention to.
For these guardian breeds, it’s essential to start obedience training and socialization early. While daily physical activity is crucial for maintaining their health, some Bullmastiffs may show a preference for lounging rather than exercising. Encouraging them to stay active is key to preventing a couch potato lifestyle.
Conclusion
While some scary dog breeds like the German Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher, and Tosa Inu have been originally bred as working dogs, including roles as farm dogs and excellent guard dogs, their intimidating breed qualities don’t overshadow their ability to be great family pets.
The scariest dog breed often comes with a reputation as a dangerous dog. However, with proper training and socialization, these scariest dog breeds can transition from scary dog breed to beloved protective family members. Their history as working dogs, whether for protection or as farm dogs, adds to their appeal, proving that an intimidating breed can also offer love and security.
