Guard dog breeds are well known for their instinct to protect their family. They are extremely fearless, strong, loyal, and watchful. They are not only alert when a visitor arrives but will also intuitively know when to protect their owner from a harmful situation.
Not only as a watchdog, these dogs will also make a great companion. These breeds of dogs need proper training and socialization due to their strength, size, and purpose. A nicely trained guard dog can act like a soldier in a time of need. Some of the best guard dogs are:
1. Akita
Akita is a big and powerful dog breed that originated in Japan and is known for their loyalty, courage, and independence. They are typically brown, white, or brindle color. They have a thick, double coat that is weather-resistant. They were originally bred for hunting large animals such as bears and boars.
Akitas were used as guard dogs for a long time. They are very courageous and natural guardians of their family because they won’t back down from any challenge. They normally don't bark unless there is a reason, but also vocal making amusing grunts.
- Height: 24-28 inches
- Weight: 70-130 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10-14 years
2. Rottweiler
Rottweiler is considered one of the best guard dog breeds. They are comparatively large and muscular dogs that are known for their loyalty and strength. They originated from Germany, where they were used for pulling carts and herding dogs.
One of the common misconceptions regarding Rottweiler's behavior is that it tends to be aggressive. They are not much more aggressive than any other dogs used for protection. They require extensive socialization as puppies to be familiar with their surroundings and daily exercise as an adult.
- Height: 22-27 inches
- Weight: 80-135 pounds
- Life expectancy: 8-11 years
3. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are an extremely intelligent and adorable breed of guard dogs used for guarding sheep. This breed is especially popular with ranchers due to its excellent herding ability.
They make great guard dogs as they're obedient, clever, and protective of their family. They are best suited to homes that have plenty of space to run around as they're very high in energy. They require a lot of daily activity and exercise to burn them.
- Height: 18-23 inches
- Weight: 40-65 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
4. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are powerful, sleek, fearless, and fast dogs making them an excellent choice for guard dogs. They are considered the fifth smartest dog breed in the world. The Doberman pinscher has always had a bad reputation as an aggressive dog breed.
But with its human family, it is affectionate and even goofy and also isn't hesitant towards strangers unless they feel in danger. They tend to bark a lot. They usually take a threat seriously and will pin an intruder against the wall or corner it, until humans take charge and control the situation.
- Height: 24-28 inches
- Weight: 60-95 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10-12 years
5. Cane Corso
Cane Corso is a Latin name whose English translation is bodyguard and has been bred for protection. They are enormous and often weigh more than 100 pounds. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature and are also gentle and loving with their human family.
However, they can be wary of strangers and need early training and socialization to be well-behaved. They originate from Italy and are also known as Italian Mastiffs. They are very aggressive with strangers and are said to be so pain-resistant that even an electric fence won't stop them.
- Height: 24-28 inches
- Weight: 85-120 pounds
- Life expectancy: 9-12 years
6. German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherds are medium-sized guard dog breeds famous for their loyalty, intelligence, and protective instincts. They are even considered great police dogs. Due to their great intelligence, police use them in search and rescue operations in official police matters.
Originating in Germany these animals were first brought to America in the early 20th century. German Shepherds are also very famous family pets, but they need a lot of training and exercise. German Shepherds are also popular choices for moviemakers as they can be seen in many movies performing major roles.
- Height: 22-26 inches
- Weight: 50-90 pounds
- Life expectancy: 7-10 years
7. Appenzeller Sennenhund
Appenzeller Sennenhund is originally from Switzerland and is considered one of the best medium-sized guard dogs. They are very smart, cheerful, and energetic pets. Packed with a lot of energy and strength, these dogs require an ample amount of exercise and early socialization training.
These dogs are versatile and have done great in various roles over the years, including guarding properties, herding livestock, and serving as working dogs on Swiss farms. Appenzeller Sennenhunde is one of the best guard dogs and is often gentle and playful with kids.
- Height: 19-22 inches
- Weight: 50-70 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
8. Black Russian terrier
Black Russian Terriers were a super dog by Russian armies during 1930. A team of scientists used genes from 17 different breeds to develop this friendly-looking fiercely protective dog to guard its borders. They are also known as "The Black Perl Of Russia" and have a shock of shaggy black fur covering their nose, mouth, and eyes.
They can adjust in both large and small living spaces, including apartments. However, they need to receive daily exercise and mental stimulation through training, playing, or sporting activities. They are extremely loyal and closely bond with their owners more so than many other breeds.
- Height: 26-30 inches
- Weight: 80-130 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10-12 years
9. Airedale terrier
The Airedale Terrier is also referred to as the “King of Terriers,” as they are the largest of all terrier breeds. Airedales are loyal and loving companions, and they make one of the best family pets. They have great athleticism and are highly trainable, leading them to excel in various dog sports, including obedience, tracking, and agility. This makes them a great choice for a guard dog.
Airedales terrier originated in the Aire Valley of Yorkshire, England during the mid-19th century. They were mainly bred to hunt otters and other vermin but soon became popular as show dogs and working dogs as well.
- Height: 21-23 inches
- Weight: 50-70 pounds
- Life expectancy: 11-14 years
10. Caucasian shepherd
Caucasian shepherds are known to be loyal, strong, and courageous dogs that are great family protectors. They are also considered one of the best guard dogs for livestock. They go by many names as Russian Bear Dogs, Caucasian Mountain Dogs, Baskhan (Karachay) Pariy, and Caucasian Ovcharka Dogs.
They are originally from The Caucasus Mountains, between Europe and Asia. They can make great family companions, strong watchdogs, and even therapy dogs. These majestic dogs will reward patient, experienced, and consistent pet parents with joy and gentle love.
- Height: 23-30 inches
- Weight: 100-700 pounds
- Life expectancy: 9-12 years
11. American Staffordshire terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier are small guard dog breed that is muscular and known for being strong for its size. They are muscular and powerful, and have a reputation for being unagitated by pain. They have a long history as fighting dogs and their natural drive to hunt prey makes them dangerous.
They belong to the pitbull family. These breed of dogs enjoy mental stimulation and are packed with great strength and energy. They need a lot of exercise to burn their energy but easily get overheated in hot weather.
- Height: 17-19 inches
- Weight: 40-70 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
12. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a preferred breed of police and military K-9 units for its search and rescue abilities and trainability. They are very instance and athletic dog breeds. This dog has an extreme energy level and thrives when there is a job to perform.
They must get specialized training and proper socialization to be relaxed in new or unknown situations or else can be dangerous. They possess a loyal nature, great work ethics, and great herding ability but are often confused with German Shepherds.
- Height: 24-26 inches
- Weight: 55-70 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12-14 years
13. Boxer
Boxers are medium-sized guard dogs that are playful, patient affectionate, and great with children. They look very intimidating and not as aggressive as perceived. By providing proper training they can be a great watchdog.
They have a very high energy level and need frequent activities and exercises and are very competitive as well. They are always excited to please their owners which makes them quite easy to train with positive reinforcement methods.
- Height: 20-25 inches
- Weight: 50-80 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10-12 years
14. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff dogs are large muscular dogs bred in England in the late 1800s as guard dogs. Mainly for protecting gamekeepers and their property from intruders and looters. Bullmastiffs have a gentle and loyal nature but they can also be very protective of their family and home.
Their natural protective instinct makes them a great choice for a guard dog. Bullmastiffs make an outstanding house pet for families with children regardless of its size. They are gentle and patient which makes them well-suited around children.
- Height: 24-27 inches
- Weight: 80-130 pounds
- Life expectancy: 8-10 years
15. Great Dane
Great Danes breed of dog belong to the large guard dog breeds. The Great Dane is a gentle giant known for his intelligence, loyalty, and trainability. They are the tallest dog breed in the world originating from Germany.
They were bred to hunt wild boars due to their athleticism and strength. They are also extremely courageous and have dense barking voices just enough to scare anyone. Combining this voice with their gigantic size, they make a perfect combo for a watchdog.
- Height: 28-32 inches
- Weight: 110-175 pounds
- Life expectancy: 6-10 years
16. Chesapeake Bay retriever
The Chesapeake Bay retriever is the most naturally protective sporting dog breed, according to The American Kannel Club. Though they are devoted and loving animals but sometimes can be stubborn. They are a versatile and hardworking breed known for their fantastic retrieving and hunting abilities.
They make a great hunting companion as well as a watchdog. With a great muscular and athletic build, these dogs are perfectly suited for sports. Their ability to smell and sharp instincts make them great trackers, capable of locating even in difficult environments.
- Height: 21-26 inches
- Weight: 55-80 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10-13 years
17. Tibetan Mastiff
Originating from Tibet, Tibetan Mastiffs were used as guard dogs in tough Himalayan terrain. They were mainly used to protect livestock from wild animals. Despite their huge size, these dogs have good hearts, especially for their human families.
Tibetan Mastiffs are popular for their steadfast loyalty and affection towards their owners. They have a striking look with a thick double coat, a gorgeous lion-like mane, and a bushy curled tail in different colors. They are very beautiful and scary at the same time.
- Height: 24-30 inches
- Weight: 75-160 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10-12 years
18. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a South African breed that is the product of crosses among the native ridged Khoikhoi dogs and dogs brought to Africa by European settlers like Mastiffs, Great Danes, Bloodhounds, etc. They are a superb hunting companion as previously they were used for pursuing lions.
They have an excellent tracking ability. Not only did the original breed hunt in the wild but they were also used for protection in Boer farms and families. The Ridgeback’s formidable presence will make any intruder reconsider before breaking in.
- Height: 24-27 inches
- Weight: 70-85 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
19. Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzer dog breeds are great watchdogs as they are very determined protectors of their family and home. Their size and strength do help them. They like constant attention and have an extremely high need for both mental and physical stimulation.
Due to their intelligence and energy, they can perform many different jobs. They were mainly used to drive cattle from the farm to market, carting, and protecting the farm and family. They are also very easy to train breed of dogs.
- Height: 24-28 inches
- Weight: 55-85 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
20. Belgian Laekenois
The Belgian Laekenois were originally bred to herd sheep in Belgium in the 1880s. They recently got recognition and are considered the rarest among the four Belgian shepherds. They distinguish themselves from other Belgian shepherds in terms of texture, coat color, length, and region of origin.
They have also been used in world wars because of their strength and intelligence. The Belgian Laekenois served as guardians of sheep and herders at the Royal Castle of Laeken. which gave them a reputation as an upper-class breed.
- Height: 22-26 inches
- Weight: 44-46 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12-14 years
Petjurni Team
