Do you ever wonder if a powerful pet dog can really protect your home and belongings from robbers and burglars? You probably see your neighbor on the sidewalks, showing off his or her giant guard dog, and wonder if you should get one. Or maybe you have some security concerns and want to add a furry layer of protection to your security system.
Dogs are no joke when it comes to protecting and tackling danger. A study by Nicolo Pinchak states that people walking with their dogs on the sidewalks of streets discourages crime, making the neighborhood safer.
So, if you needed one more excuse to adopt a strong and protective dog, this is it. Dogs aren’t just companions that make your family life more fulfilling and even make loneliness go away; they not only bring a feeling of security to your home but also to your neighborhood.
Here are 7 badass dogs that can keep off burglars and thieves and protect your property.
Strongest Dog Breeds To Deter Burglars
1. Belgian Malinois
Originally bred in Malines, Belgium, this breed is the right match for an owner who isn’t afraid of taking care of a strong and energetic pet. Belgian Malinois are known for their confident nature and are protective of their homes and owners.
Mals were originally herding dogs; their strong protective instincts and trainability can be channeled into turning them into one of the strongest guard dogs. If you have enough time to give this pup its regular physical and mental stimulation, you will have an unwavering ally by your side who’ll keep you safe.
PetMD warns that if a Belgian Malinois isn’t getting enough exercise, it can become destructive to burn off the pent-up energy. Mal might not be your best partner for long, lazy days indoors; this doggo needs to stay engaged and enjoys activities like hiking and trail running.
2. Bullmastiff
Crossbred between Bulldog and Mastiff, this pup comes with the distinct physical and facial features of both breeds. While we adore the droopy face, it’s better to remember this dog’s a strong and sturdy canine that needs to be trained on leash from an early socialization.
Bullmastiffs are loyal dogs that not only make good family pets but are also one of the best guard dog breeds if well-trained. They’re naturally protective and have an alert nature; it will be next to impossible for any burglar to get past them unnoticed.
While this pup will help you sleep at night, it also needs your attention and care. As a flat-faced breed, it can face breathing difficulties when it’s hot and humid. Also, being left alone for long periods of time can make it destructive and cranky.
3. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a dog breed with a rich history of protecting humans; it was bred by a German tax collector to be his personal guard dog. This dedicated pup doesn’t back away from a fight when needed and will protect its human and property from any danger.
This athletic dog breed is also one of the smartest ones; learning your special cues and commands is just another Tuesday for it, if you know how to train it. Dobies don’t just make excellent guard dogs; they’ve also been used as military and police dogs due to their ability to master any training.
AKC recommends long daily walks and runs to keep your Dobie healthy; a fenced yard is also recommended, where it can stretch its strong legs.
Dobies are easy to maintain, with their short coat; daily quick brushing keeps them looking Insta-ready.
4. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog better suited to experienced dog owners. This African hound was used to hunt large game, including lions, and is one of the bravest and strongest canines.
It needs proper obedience training due to its strong prey drive, which can make it challenging for it to coexist with other small pets in the house.
These intelligent and watchful dogs can’t just sense danger and intruders, but also can deter them due to their confident nature. With consistent training, they can turn into the perfect guards of your property and family.
They thrive when they’re getting a lot of daily exercise but need only some basic coat care and grooming, nothing overwhelming.
When they’re not guarding your home, they can be fantastic contestants in dog sports and make you proud. Rhodesian Ridgeback isn’t popular just for its strength, but has a distinct ridge across its spine that got it its name and makes it stand out.
5. Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is a brave protector with natural instincts that allow it to detect threats and can prevent break-ins with its imposing appearance.
According to Britannica, this breed was developed by Bavarian cattlemen as the larger version of the Standard Schnauzer. It hasn’t just been used as a cattle dog but also as a brewery guard and a butcher’s dog.
It’s not just a formidable deterrent to burglars, but also makes for a loyal companion and capable police and military dog. These pups can form strong bonds with their human family members, especially if they’re adopted and socialized as puppies.
This pup does need some regular grooming due to its double coat, including its fascinating beard-like facial hair.
They are quite versatile when it comes to the kind of environment they prefer; from staying indoors to spending time outdoors, they can stay happy as long as they have a balanced routine and are getting enough exercise.
6. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
These compact but stocky doggos are strong but cuddly pets that enjoy the company of humans and are pretty good with children. With their clownish personalities, they bring a playful energy to any household and are one of the most family-friendly pups.
Though they can maintain a joyful and calm demeanor with their humans, Staffordshire Bull terriers are dogs that come from dog-fighting ancestors and still carry some of the instincts. With the right training, these fiercely loyal pups can become pretty good guard dogs and keep off burglars and thieves.
Staffies are a better option for you if you don’t have other pets at home; they have a strong prey drive, which can be hard to manage if they aren’t well-trained from an early age.
If you’re taking your Staffie on a walk outdoors, it’s better to keep it on a leash as it can get triggered by the sight of stranger doggos.
7. Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiff is a majestic dog with strong instincts to protect, and an intimidating presence that can make break-ins less likely to happen. They’re the OG guardian dogs that are always ready to come between any potential threat and their loved ones.
Despite their imposing size, they are quite gentle and loving with their families and can make great family pets for people who know how to take care of large dogs. They’re surprisingly good at agility and can tackle any danger swiftly and confidently.
According to the American Kennel Club, conventional training methods aren’t the best route for these mutts.
They’re very smart, though, and once they’ve learned something, they will remember it and respond to their human’s commands. They are independent dogs; it’s better not to let them off-leash, especially without proper leash training.
FAQs
Do these guard dogs require special training to be effective?
Yes. All dogs need some amount of training. While these dogs are naturally protective, with proper training, they can learn to follow commands and turn into exceptional guardians.
Do guard dog breeds always need to be aggressive to deter intruders?
Aggression isn’t a must-have when it comes to deterring intruders. Many dog breeds can calmly stay watchful and handle a threat when it comes to it.
Besides strength, what qualities make a good burglary deterrent dog?
Watchfulness, trainability, and the ability to take initiative independently and remember commands are abilities that help a dog become a powerful burglary deterrent.
Conclusion
When it comes to safeguarding your home, a strong and loyal dog can be an invaluable companion. The breeds listed here, from the Belgian Malinois to the Tibetan Mastiff, not only bring strength and protection but also serve as trustworthy guardians.
With the right training, these best dog breeds can effectively deter burglars, providing both security and peace of mind. Whether you’re looking for a guard dog for home security with a protective nature or one that’s highly trainable, there’s a perfect canine defender to suit your needs.
