Adopting a dog can bless you with peace of mind on many levels. A dog is not only your cuddly buddy, but also a protector for your kids. Canines possess the natural instinct to guard their family and deter intruders from their territory.
The best guard dogs have a protective nature. These fearless animals usually have an intimidating size and appearance. They are highly alert and at the same time, true “gentle giants,” intensely loyal to their owners.
Do you know? Police and military favor guard dogs due to their aggressive nature. A furious canine can apply 750 pounds of pressure in one bite, tearing through your muscles and tendons. This ability has earned them the title of “Killer dogs.”
This article sheds light on 7 breeds that make great guard dogs.
Most Active Guard Dog Breeds
1. Australian Shepherd
Breed Overview
Height: 18 to 23 inches
Breed: Herding Group
Shedding: Moderate
Energy Level: Very high
An Australian Shepherd is a beautiful and brave medium-sized dog. It has a penetrating gaze. It is an energetic herding breed that will take any opportunity to herd other animals. Aussie thrives in a working environment and is ideal for owners with an active lifestyle.
One of the most loyal dog breeds, Aussies prefer being busy. You should stimulate your pup with daily exercise. Take them for fun-filled, high-energy activities like playing fetch and long walks or hikes. If proper diet and exercise are followed, they tend to survive up to 15 years.
Aussies are highly trainable and make wonderful family dogs. However, they might not be the right dog for households with small children as they nip at the heels of kids. These playful and remarkably intelligent dogs make excellent companions.
2. Doberman Pinscher
Breed Overview
Height: 24 to 28 inches
Breed: Working group
Shedding: Moderate
Energy Level: Very high
With a compact and muscular build, a Doberman stands 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder. Its sleek body is covered in short and smooth fur. Dobermans make excellent guard dogs. They are usually not aggressive towards strangers, but can be very intimidating when they sense danger.
However, they are all lovey-dovey and incredibly loyal to their humans. They are very protective of their family without proper training. However, little training can further enhance their guarding instincts. Dobermans are ideal partners for hiking and jogging.
Doberman Pinscher is a highly active breed that needs a lot of exercise. Engage them in at least 2 hours of physical activity every day. Consistent training and proper socialization are required for Doberman puppies to become well-socialized.
3. Belgian Malinois
Breed Overview
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Breed: Herding group
Shedding: Moderate
Energy Level: Very high
Belgian Malinois is yet another alert and highly energetic dog breed. A top-class worker with a square build, Mals have been popular as military and police dogs. Since a police job requires high activity and staying in shape, Mals are very active.
They need daily exercise and a lot of it for adequate physical and mental stimulation. Mals are the happiest when they have a task to do. They form an unbreakable bond with their owners. Their agility, searching skills, and rescuing abilities make them wonderful natural guard dogs.
Once trained, Belgian Malinois behaves well in new or unfamiliar situations. They are intelligent, strong-willed, and protective. PetMD explains that mals were originally bred as livestock guard dogs. Later, they adapted to many other roles such as bomb and drug detection.
4. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Breed Overview
Height: 24 to 27 inches
Breed: Hound group
Shedding: Moderate
Energy Level: Hyper
Rhodesian Ridgebacks were used for hunting large game such as lions. It is a powerful runner and is capable of keeping up with a bike. They can handle warm temperatures better than many other dogs. Some members of this breed are not good with other pets.
It is a noble and affectionate breed that makes wonderful companions. They are highly energetic dogs with a short and dense coat. Minimal grooming is required to maintain their coat. They have high energy levels and need at least two hours of vigorous exercise every day.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are naturally suspicious. They are known for their stubbornness and can be very difficult to train. However, once trained, they become well-behaved and loyal hound dogs. All you need is to have some patience, love, and some basic obedience training.
5. Catahoula Leopard Dog
Breed Overview
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Breed: Herding group
Shedding: Moderate
Energy Level: Hyper
Catahoula leopard dog, also known as Catahoula cur or Catahoula hog dog, is a medium to large breed with a short coat. Their name has Choctaw origin, and it means “sacred lake.” This is the only dog breed to have originated from Louisiana state.
Their independent, territorial, and protective nature makes them wonderful guard dogs. They have a high prey drive. Male members of this breed are very aggressive towards the male dogs of other breeds. However, they behave well with other dogs that are raised along with them from a young age.
Catahoula curs are very high-energy dogs, so they need an ample amount of exercise to stay well-behaved and content at home. They can become destructive if their energy is not consumed in a constructive manner. For that, you can engage your dog in activities like:
Walking
Running
Playtime
Agility
Dog sports
Rally
Puzzle toys
6. Boxer
Breed Overview
Height: 21.5 to 25 inches
Breed: Working group
Shedding: Moderate
Energy Level: Active
Boxers are the real beauty with brains, loyalty, affection, and whatnot! The American Kennel Club describes them as a highly protective and courageous dog breed. At the same time, they can be a bit goofy around their owners.
These deep-chested dogs are very active and require around two hours of exercise every day. Thanks to their short coat, they require minimal grooming. They excel in dog sports such as agility, lure coursing, and rally.
They form strong bonds with children. Boxers make an adorable pet with a mischievous sense of humor. They have the ability to adapt to different environments. Despite their hunting background, they have an even temperament.
7. Weimaraner
Breed Overview
Height: 23 to 27 inches
Breed: Sporting group
Shedding: Moderate to heavy
Energy Level: High
Originally bred in Germany, Weimaraners are known for their high physical strength. This “gray ghost” has incredible hunting, swimming, and long-distance running abilities. Weimaraners have a loving nature, but they can become neurotic and barky in the absence of adequate exercise.
Weimaraners have a strong sense of smell. They are good predators and can be a little bossy with their owners. They get along well with the owners who provide enough exercise and attention. However, PDSA suggests that first-time dog owners should consider getting their dogs trained before adopting.
The males of this breed can have a height of 25 to 27 inches, whereas females can be 23 to 25 inches tall. Velvety ears, bluish gray eyes, and silvery gray coat are the distinguishing features of this breed. Some dogs might have a white spot on their chest.
Conclusion
Several other dog breeds, apart from those mentioned in the article, are very active and make wonderful guard dogs. Some of them include German Shepherds, Giant Schnauzers, and Anatolian Shepherds. Having a guard dog assures home security. If you want to adopt an active guard dog, consider giving your dog early training for proper socialization.
