Dogs have been our true, loyal protectors and guards for centuries, guarding castles, protecting livestock, and our lives from all kinds of harm. These puppies are hard-wired with an instinct to protect in threatening situations. Their keen sense and strong skills deter intruders in a mere second.
These independent dogs help protect societies from dangerous criminals, keep the little ones safe, and also have great attacking qualities if they detect your nemesis in the dark of the night, trying to sabotage you.
Now, of course, a healthy environment and proper training are crucial to groom these dogs for their protection roles. But once they are properly trained and socialized, they make all the extensive efforts worth it. These pooches are versatile and one of the smartest companions you’ll ever have.
Smartest Watch Dog Breeds You Should Know
1. Doberman Pinscher
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you see a Doberman? Its cropped, erect ears and gleaming gaze of intelligence, with a lean, muscular body, remind us of a well-built and fast terminator or a sleek jiu-jitsu champion.
The Doberman is ranked as the 5th smartest dog breed in canine intelligence, and is capable of comprehending and learning a command in 5 to 15 repetitions, as mentioned by DobermanPinscher.com.
Hill’s Pet US says the Doberman Pinscher is a great watchdog that can guard the most valuable things in your life, aka your family, with so much determination that you won’t have to be in a constant attention mode 24/7 after a Doberman enters the scene. These pups were born for guarding and are fearless when it comes to being your security partners.
Extraordinary Qualities That Make Doberman Pinschers The Best Protection Dogs
Long muzzle, graceful gait, fairly tall, lean and muscular, square frame, this dog breed embodies the stereotype for a guard dog. Because not many pooches were bred to be fiercely confident, powerful, and downright dangerous like the Dobermans.
Even if a Doberman is calmly sitting in your beautiful yard with its laser-focused piercing eyes scanning every rustle and swoosh around your home. It’s highly unlikely that a sane criminal would step into your yard, seeing this big, black canine in the vicinity.
This bold family pet packs a punch in the matter of strength, with powerful legs and a muscle-bound chest, with a strong booming bark. One look at the Doberman Pinscher is a dead giveaway of the breed’s guarding capabilities.
Add to that the bite strength of 228 PSI or some even say 600 PSI, anyone would think twice before stepping into those sharp and strong jaws.
Moreover, if you think you’re ever getting away, then this Doberman runs at an average speed of 30 mph.
2. Rottweiler
These pups are perfectly apt for leaning on for security, support, guidance, and companionship. Rotties make great family pets and have courage running in their veins for centuries. These herding dogs not only guide cattle in the right direction but can equally guide you to the right place of comfort, peace, and protection by being your knights in shining armor.
Rottweilers are natural guard dogs that are affectionate with family but reserved with strangers. They have all the right qualities, from a loud bark to a high perception through which they swiftly identify normal and threatening situations.
Station these pups outside the door to guard the sorcerer’s stone, or tie some money around their neck, and no thief would even dare to go near these intimidating dogs, who have the intelligence of a wise owl and the strength of a cape buffalo.
The American Kennel Club says Rottweilers make amazing service dogs, therapy dogs, obedience competitors, guide dogs, custom dogs, and devoted friends. Hence, what more can a person ask for?
Special Quirks of Rottweilers That Make Them Effective Guard Dogs
This pup is always on high alert; they love spending a lot of time observing their surroundings and taking long walks to scan the perimeter of your yard.
Proper obedience training with positive reinforcement works the best, but these black and tan drover dogs are incredibly easy to train.
Make them stand beside a hefty bodybuilder, and they’ll give the guy a run for their money. Because in the matter of strength, these guys are titanium. Rottweilers have a bite force of 328 PSI and can inflict a lot of damage with their teeth.
3. Boxer
Confident and fearless, this great rescue dog and furry breed is famously known as the comedians of the dog world. But they are also headstrong, stubborn, strong, and courageous dogs with a dash of indifference for the bad guys and strangers and a whole lot of energy and rambunctiousness.
Purina UK recalls this pup with a bigger brain and a high drive for agility, who is great at problem-solving. But not only that, it is one of the most perceptive and expressive pups out there, which might learn a new command within 25 to 40 repetitions. But it is highly adaptive and versatile if equipped with proper training and early socialization.
Unique Traits That Make The Boxer A Great Family Pet And Guard Dog
Boxers bond well with small children and perfectly fit into your day-to-day family life. Just provide these pups with mental stimulation and consistent positive reinforcement obedience training from a young age.
Boxers need diligent and experienced owners because these naturally dominant and possessive pooches might take over the household if not treated with persistence.
The Boxers have a PSI bite force of 230-250 and a tendency to react in an instant by pouncing over a person who seems like a threat. Hence, don’t underestimate this goofy dog, as it can transform into a kung fu master in no time.
4. Giant Schnauzer
First developed in Germany in the agrarian kingdoms of Bavaria and Wurttemberg as working farm dogs, the Giant Schnauzers were originally bred to be all-around workers that are often employed in many important jobs as police dogs, military warriors, and search and rescue dogs.
Highly trainable dogs often exhibit intelligence through their ability to learn commands and skills quickly, and even though these giants need a lot of consistency in training and a lot of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
These dogs are one of the popular guard dog breeds among other dogs. Giant Schnauzers are energetic and strong-willed, serving as effective family guard dogs and watchdogs.
Unique Attributes That Make Giant Schnauzers Apt For Both Companionship and Protection:
These pups are not only hard-wired for protection but also have a high resistance to pain. Imagine this wise dog as a bulletproof knight who’ll shield you due to its protective nature, but also won’t get weak if hurt in combat.
The versatility of the working dog made it a popular choice for farmers, who used it as a herding dog, a pulling drover dog, and a guard dog simultaneously.
Although Giant Schnauzers need a lot of socialization, when properly trained, they make excellent guard dogs and family pets that are reliable with children and respectful with boundaries.
5. Cane Corso
Another of the highly intelligent dog breeds equipped with adaptive intelligence and quick learning abilities, the Cane Corso is the right dog breed for guarding and holding a vigil for night watch.
These Italian Mastiffs have descended from the Roman war dogs and have an incredible amount of strength, coupled with an independent attitude, which lets them take initiative even in the absence of owners.
Cane Corsos have an intimidating presence and are known to bond closely with their families as protective dogs. However, early training is key for the Cane Corso to shape their instincts into effective protection roles.
Britannica states, their name translates to “bodyguard dog” or “guard dog of the courtyard”. This massive dog breed is also versatile and can subdue large prey, including wild boars and badgers, and can herd livestock.
The temperament of the Cane Corso reflects its long use as a guard dog and warrior. It is particularly not very trusting of strangers, nor is it too friendly towards other dogs or animals. The Cane Corso is fearsome when provoked and naturally watchful and attentive when it comes to their family.
Super Protective Abilities of the Cane Corso That Make It The Best Guard Dog and Protective Dog
Just for context, the bite force of this Roman war dog is around 650-700 PSI, which is higher than a cheetah, which has a PSI bite force of 475 PSI.
Although the Cane Corso is not the most obedient dog in the canine kingdom, it excels in problem-solving tasks and situational awareness. The Cane Corso can pick up commands and routines faster than other dumb breeds out there.
Its strong, athletic, and muscular body is one of its superpowers if trained and harnessed appropriately with proper obedience training and positive reinforcement.
They tend to be more strong-willed and independent, but can hold their own in front of intruders and predators effectively.
Hence, if you have other pets or small dogs, this dog might not be the ideal choice for a multi-pet household, but it is a great family pet for people who are looking for a strong and intimidating personal protection dog.
6. German Shepherd
The most common defender and protector from the canine realm, the German Shepherd was originally bred by a military personnel, Max Von Stephanitz, to be a great herding breed and working dog. But it rose in ranks and popularity due to its dynamic capabilities and extremely high intelligence.
It stands as one of the smartest dog breeds in the world, ranking third on the canine intelligence scale. The German Shepherd can guard livestock, property, and family with precision and vigilance. The German Shepherd is known as one of the best guard dog breeds and is a staple in police and military work.
Moreover, it is quite famous for its machine-gun style loud bark and is known for its loyalty and protectiveness. Incredibly easy to train and manage, the German Shepherd is a highly intelligent dog with a heavy shedding, thick coat that might seem a bit difficult to groom, but regular brushing along with a de-shedding tool like the Furminator can lessen the hassle effectively.
Why is the German Shepherd the Top Choice for all K-9 Protection Companies, Businesses, and Homeowners?
Although the German Shepherd might need a lot of mental stimulation, it is inherently protective and clever when it comes to protecting and safeguarding their owners.
On search and rescue missions, the incredible 225 million scent receptors of these pooches, along with their smart tracking skills, prove to be the most effective in finding victims.
These hard-working workaholics are so enthusiastic about their jobs that there is less in this world that they cannot do.
These furry detectives have spent years problem-solving in the field and excel in many stressful and demanding jobs that need high trainability, endurance, and dedication.
7. Belgian Malinois
Did you know? The cognitive ability and intellectual prowess of the Belgian Malinois are so high that it aced the ten tasks that were given for measuring cognitive and behavioral responses in 13 dog breeds and over 1000 specimens, as mentioned by the BBC.
PetMD says the Belgian Malinois is fast, brilliant, and highly trainable, making it a top choice for guarding. If you are looking for a high-quality family pet and protection dog all wrapped up in one light-weight, fast pup, then the Belgian Malinois is the perfect choice for you.
Protective Qualities of the Belgian Malinois
With an incredible amount of stamina and proper obedience training from a young age, this smartest breed is the one to watch.
The Belgian Malinois is not only highly intelligent and obedient but also alert, self-assured, and focused. It has all the right traits for becoming the best guard.
This personal favorite of the US Navy SEALs is a powerful dynamo packed into a lightweight pup.
It has a serious and protective temperament and is not ideal for a family that has small pets like a cat or small children. These pups also require a lot of exercise.
Conclusion
These smartest breeds make excellent guard dogs and personal protection dogs for your family members, with the right training and early socialization. But it is to be noted that not every smart dog can become a true watchdog or guard dog.
A true watchdog has intelligence along with several other attributes like strength, vigilance, fearlessness, intimidation, and territorialness, all packed in one furry companion in a delicate balance that makes these pooches right for this job.
These pups are always patrolling their turf, are proactive and courageous with a loud bark and daunting presence that helps in the deterrence of intruders. Moreover, these dogs aren’t aggressive but assertive when necessary, with raised hackles and a stiff gait and a perfect combo of intelligence and protective instincts.
