At A Glance
Dogs have always been protectors of humans and their properties. However, certain dogs have special capabilities that make them stand out for this task more than the other breeds. Let’s take a quick look at the best guard dog breeds in today’s times.
Let’s take a quick look at the best guard dog breeds in today’s times.
Last Updated on: Jun 06, 2022
Bullmastiff
Doberman Pinscher
Rottweiler
Great Dane
German Shepherd
Boxer
Dogo Argentino
Giant Schnauzer
Dogs have been guarding humans for centuries. Their loyalty, coupled with intelligence and eagerness to please their humans, make them ideal for this role.
While most dogs have a protective streak, not all are best suited to become guard dogs due to size and varying levels of intelligence.
Despite the advent of CCTV cameras and other high-tech security, humans still prefer a dog guarding their property. But only dogs that possess an advanced sense of strength and obedience are the best guard dogs. Presenting a sneak peek at the top guard dog breeds.
Bullmastiff has an ideal temperament to be molded into a fine guard dog. This breed is possessive, protective, and loyal.
This dog’s physical toughness, courage, and instincts let it distinguish easily between its family members and intruders.
Your Bullmastiff will make a great household pet. They will be gentle in familiar surroundings and will constantly stick around you. You will have to make special efforts to tame the protective side of a Bullmastiff from day one.
Origin: England
Breed Group: Working dog breeds (AKC), Guard dog breeds (UKC)
Size Type: Large & big dog breeds
Life span: 8 to 10 years
Weight: 110 to 130 pounds
Height: 24 to 27 inches
Exercise: Has high exercise requirements
Originally bred in 1860 by a German tax collector, Dobermans are one of the finest security dog breeds.
With a sleek and muscular build, this medium-sized dog is useful for several dog sports, military, and police activities. We give bonus points for the breed’s loyalty.
This breed is sensitive, fearless, and responsive to training, also has been declared the fifth smartest breed in the world.
With early socialization and adequate training, they can be groomed into excellent guard dogs.
Origin: Germany
Size: Medium/ large dog breeds
Breed Group: Working dog breeds (AKC)
Life span: 10 to 14 years
Weight: 70 to 100 pounds
Height: 24 to 26 inches
Exercise: 30 to 45 mins daily.
Initially bred by herders, Rottweilers were inducted into the war by Romans.
This breed is committed and intelligent, along with quick grasping skills. The dog has a powerful physique.
They are not welcoming towards strangers. However, once familiar with your surroundings, the dogs become close-knit companions.
A Rottweiler is stern and often self-assured. This may result in the pet being stubborn and overprotective. The breed demands regular exercise, proper training, and socialization.
Origin: Germany
Size: Medium/ large dog breeds
Breed Group: Working dog breeds (AKC)
Life span: 9 to 10 years
Weight: 95 to 135 pounds
Height: 24 to 27 inches
Exercise: 30 to 50 min
Also Read: Top 8 Dog Breeds with the Best Immunity
Renowned as the tallest dogs in the world, Great Danes are excellent pets and guard dogs.
This breed has attractive, attentive, and faithful personalities with the ability to pick up commands quickly.
The dog is a wonderful fighter and can restrain intruders. With great speed and agility, they display quality running abilities.
Your Great Dane is often calm and docile. With adequate training, the canine can put up a protective front and bark at strangers.
Origin: Denmark and Germany
Size: Large dog breeds
Breed Group: Working dog breeds (AKC)
Life span: 8 to 10 years
Weight: 140 to 170 pounds
Height: 28 to 32 inches
Exercise: 50 to 90 mins
This furry breed has made a mark through history by serving in the military or police.
This breed is a well-known American dog with a high work drive and inquisitive demeanor. They are versatile, intelligent and go to great extents in protecting their owners.
This breed comes in various colors. These dogs are swift and agile. They have great potential in being security dogs and follow commands to the utmost perfection.
Origin: Germany
Size: Large dog breeds
Breed Group: Herding dog breeds (AKC)
Life span: 9 to 13 years
Weight: 60 to 90 pounds
Height: 24 to 26 inches
Exercise: 30 to 50 min
With a large body and head, Boxers are one of the top guard dog breeds. A square muzzle and a tight jaw let them gain enough control over their prey.
This breed can be easily trained and displays great energy and playfulness.
The dog is actively used to guide blind people. In a family setup, the Boxer often adopts a quiet and protective nature, making them ideal pets. They are gentle and intelligent companions of your children. The working breed thrives on an active lifestyle and strenuous exercise.
Origin: Germany
Size: Medium dog breeds
Breed Group: Working dog breeds (AKC), Guard dogs
Life span: 10 to 12 years
Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
Height: 22 to 25 inches
Exercise: extensive exercise routines
A large muscular breed, the Dogo Argentino is the alpha of the pack.
This breed upholds great strength and are bred for hunting the ferocious pumas or wild boars.
The breed is always keen on having their hands full. Whether it’s a hunting expedition or running in open fields, the dog loves being occupied with extensive activities. The pet may get extra protective of its owners.
With systematic training, the aggressive behavior can be toned down when you are introducing your pet to a new family member.
Dogo Argentinos naturally demonstrate a high prey drive and need routined exercise to keep up with their athletic body.
Origin: Argentina
Size: Large dog breeds
Breed Group: Working dog and Guard dog breeds (UKC)
Life span: 10 to 15 years
Weight: 77 to 100 pounds
Height: 24 to 27 inches
Exercise: 45 to 60 mins running
The thick and bushy coat gives Giant Schnauzer a sturdy and robust personality. They are calm and composed and also makes a wonderful family dog.
This breed can easily tackle intruders, but also are the most friendly being with your family and friends.
The breed has enormous courage and resistance to pain. If you are adopting a Giant Schnauzer, ensure that it is the only pet in the house. The dog tends to get territorial and aggressive when encroached in their space.
Origin: Germany
Size: Giant dog breeds
Breed Group: Working dog breeds (AKC), Guardian Dog (UKC)
Life span:12 to 15 years
Weight: 65 to 85 pounds
Height: 18 to 26 inches
Exercise: 45 to 60 min
We hope this article will help you decide on which of these guard dog breeds is best for you and your home. Guard dog breeds over the years have shown their immense bravery and unwavering faithfulness.
Also their ability to scare unwanted intruders and yet be gentle around family members is what makes them so endearing.
Meet Paul, a devoted dog dad to the delightful French Bulldog, Cofi. With a flair for humor and a deep understanding of Frenchie quirks, Paul brings a lighthearted touch to his writings. His relatable stories and practical insights are a blend of laughter and valuable advice and resonate with fellow dog owners.
Through his words, Paul aims to celebrate the joys and challenges of being a dedicated pet parent, reminding you that life is simply better with a four-legged, snorting sidekick by your side.
