Looking for a guard dog or dog breeds for protection your family and property? With so many different dog breeds available, it can be hard to decide which one is best for you. Luckily, there are certain breeds that are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature – making them perfect for the task of keeping you and your family safe.
Now we will discuss the best protection dog breeds. They usually work well as protectors and companions, as these breeds are very alert, strong, intelligent, fearless, and observant. You wouldn’t think of these dogs as just watchdogs, they also make great pets.
Before considering one of these dogs, it is important to understand the characteristics associated with breeds that make them good guard dogs, as well as how to ensure your pet is safe and trained properly.
What guardian or protective dog mean?
A guardian or protective dog is a breed of dog that has been specially bred to protect its family and property from any danger. These dogs have a natural instinct to guard their family and/or territorial space, but they can also be trained in various ways, such as barking to alert their owners of intruders, patrolling their perimeter and physically defending against threats. Examples of breeds often used for this purpose include the Great Pyrenees, Rottweiler and German Shepherd.
When talking about guardian or protective dogs, it is important to note that their primary purpose is to be a deterrent for potential intruders and provide security for one’s property. Nonetheless, proper training and socialization are essential in order to ensure that guardian dogs behave appropriately around people and other animals.
In addition, not all breeds of dog may be suited for this role, so it is important to take into consideration the temperament and behavior of the individual dog before deciding on using them as guardians or protectors.
What to consider before I get a guardian or protection dog?
Before getting a guardian or protection dog, it’s important to consider the following:
- Breed: Different dog breeds have different temperaments and some are more suited for this type of role than others. Popular breeds to choose from including German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers. Make sure that the breed you select suits your lifestyle and is compatible with the training goals and personal preferences you have in mind.
- Purpose: Before getting a guardian or protection dog, identify the purpose for the dog’s use. This includes determining what it will be protecting – family, home, or business – as this affects the type of training that must take place and the specific skills it needs to possess.
- Training: A canine companion must be taught obedience and socialized in order for them to properly serve their protective role. Additionally, specialized protection training such as personal defense, property defense or both may also be necessary. Given the high investment of time and money needed for dog training, it is advisable to work with an experienced protection dog trainer.
- Time and commitment: It is important to consider the amount of time and commitment that will be required. Ensuring your pup’s health and wellbeing requires ample exercise, proper nutrition, regular vet visits, and plenty of socialization opportunities. Commitment and consistency are key if you want a companion that can both provide safety and be a beloved pet!
- Legal and liability considerations: Depending on your location, there may be laws and regulations that need to be followed as well as special permits or insurance needed. Additionally, you must be prepared to take on the responsibility should your animal cause harm to another person or property.
It’s important to carefully consider all of these factors before getting a guardian or protection dog to ensure that you can provide a safe and stable home for your dog, and that the dog is well-suited to your needs and lifestyle.
How do I know if my dog will protect me?
While there is no way to guarantee that a dog will protect you in every situation, there are some things you can do to assess your pup’s protective potential. Look for signs of alertness and attentiveness, such as:
- Breed: Certain breeds such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers have been known for their protective instincts and may be better suited for protection roles. Before choosing a breed for protection, it is important that you look into the traits and behavioral characteristics of each one and find one that fits your lifestyle and needs.
- Socialization: Get your puppy used to lots of different people, animals and situations while they’re young to help build their confidence. With the right socialization during the early months, your pup will be more likely to show affection and protect those that it is close with.
- Training: Training is an important part of knowing if your dog will be able to respond to protection commands and be effective. Working with a professional dog trainer with experience in protection training for your specific breed is key. Obedience training is also essential for safety and building a strong bond with your pup.
- Observation: To get an idea of whether or not your dog will protect you, take note of their behaviour in different scenarios. Does your pup bark and seem to be more alert when someone is around the house or when out on a walk? These may signal that your dog has protective instincts. Keep an eye on their reactions and decide based on your observations.
The best advice is to observe its behavior around people and other animals. Look for signs of obedience when asked to heel, as well as any aggressive or territorial behaviors. Also, try playing games like hide-and-seek so that your pup can practice seeking out and alerting you when it senses something or someone unfamiliar in the area.
Finally, make sure that your pup gets plenty of socialization with people and pets so they know how to appropriately interact with their environment.
Dog breeds for protection
1. Akita
- Group: Working
- Height: 24-28 Inches
- Weight: 70-130 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 10 to 13 years
- Coat: Short, thick, double-layered coat
- Color: Brindle and pinto (each with white markings)
- Origin: Japan
Once upon a time, in the wild and mountainous regions of Japan, Akitas were known to hunt animals such as wild boars and usury brown bears. Now the Akita is one of the most trusted guard dog breeds in the world.
Because their calm, playful, and affectionate side makes them a good pet for your family and friends. This breed keeps an eye on you and your family at all times and does its guard duty without any training. But some training should be considered to sharpen his skills.
Pros:
- Loyal
- Natural guardians
- Intelligent
- Clean
- Affectionate
Cons:
- Not suitable for first-time owners
- Dog aggression
- Intolerant of strangers
- Prey drive
- Stubborn
- Big shedders
2. Belgian Malinois
- Group: Herding
- Height: 22-26 Inches
- Weight: 40-80 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 14 to 16 years
- Coat: Short, smooth double coat
- Color: Fawn, mahogany, red, red sable, black mask
- Origin: Belgium
Belgian Malinois are known around the world as a favorite dog breed of police and military K-9 units for their search and rescue abilities and training. The Belgian Malinois descends from the native shepherd dogs of Belgium and was first recognized as the breed of choice for herders and shepherds in Belgium in the late 19th century. The Belgian Malinois is a strong, intelligent, and loyal dog breed, with proper training the Belgian Malinois makes an excellent guard dog.
Pros:
- Extremely intelligent
- Great protection dogs
- Highly trainable
- Smaller than German Shepherd
- Encourage active lifestyle
Cons:
- Require a lot of exercises
- Not your standard pet
- Could need professional training
- Aloof, suspicious around new people
- Need structure
3. Doberman Pinschers
- Group: Working
- Height: 24-28 Inches
- Weight: 65-100 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
- Coat: Short and smooth
- Color: Black, red, blue, or fawn with rust markings, small patches of white
- Origin: Germany
Doberman Pinschers are considered one of the best guard dog breeds because of their sleek, strong, fearless, and fast movements. They are considered to be the fifth-smartest dog breed in the world due to their affectionate, docile and intelligent nature.
They are always loyal and vigilant to protect you. They have high energy needs and make great running companions, so to make your Doberman Pinscher an excellent guard dog and improve protection skills, take help with training.
Pros:
- Beauty and Brains
- Versatile
- Loyalty and Protection
- High Energy
- Low Maintenance
Cons:
- Health Problems
- Stigma
- Separation Anxiety
- First Time Owners
- Same-Sex Aggression
4. Bullmastiff
- Group: Working
- Height: 24-27 Inches
- Weight: 100-130 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 8 – 10 years
- Coat: Short, dense coat
- Color: Fawn, red, or brindle with accents of black
- Origin: England
The Bullmastiff is a strong, loyal, and powerful breed of dog. The breed originated in 19th century England by crossing the English Mastiff with the now-extinct Old English Bulldog. This created a dog that was both gentle but fearless when necessary and able to protect large properties from poachers.
Boasting a short coat, solid colors, rounded ears, and a black mask, the Bullmastiff is an impressive sight and stands about 25 inches tall at the shoulder. Today, this working breed can be found as faithful family members as well as guard dogs around the world.
Pros:
- Huge shape
- Strong breed
- Short coats are easy to care for
- Calm and quiet inside the mature owner’s home
- Makes an impressive watchdog
- There is no need to do much exercise
Cons:
- Homes and cars take up a lot of space
- It is a heavy dog
- He wants to sit on his owner’s leg and his weight is vulnerable to the owner’s leg
- Too much jumping at a young age
- Acts destructively when bored or lacking attention
- Can be aggressive towards humans if not socialized
- Possible aggression towards other animals
- Snoring loudly
- Gaseousness
- Serious health problems
- Short life span
5. Cane Corso
- Group: Working
- Height: 24-27 Inches
- Weight: 80-120 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Coat: Short and coarse
- Color: Black, gray, fawn, and red; brindle black or gray mask, small patches of white
- Origin: Italy
Can Corso is a breed that originated in Italy. They have been known as ideal guard dogs since ancient times. They are also very popular as fighting dogs and hunting dogs. This breed is very good at repelling intruders in your home.
Because they have a guarding instinct. Can Corso is a sweet and loving dog with a large size. Cane corrodes require large houses and fenced yards. So they may not be the best breed for apartment life.
Pros:
- Low Maintenance Coat
- Peerless’ Watchdog
- Good family dog
- Easy to groom
- Protective
- Smart
- the instinct to protect
- well balanced physical attributes
- energetic and athletic
Cons:
- Needs socialization and training
- Separation anxiety
- Not Suitable For First-Time Owners
- Require lots of exercises
- Find a responsible breeder
- Require strong leadership
- Shorter lifespan
- Need lots of companionship
- Strong-willed so can be tough to train
- Excessive droolers
6. German Shepherd
- Group: Herding
- Height: 22-26 Inches
- Weight: 60-100 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 7-10 years
- Coat: Coarse, medium-length double coat
- Color: Bicolor, black and tan, black and cream, black and red, black and silver, solid black, gray.
- Origin: Germany
The German Shepherd, or Alsatian, is a striking and versatile breed of dog that has been popular in Germany for over a century. They were originally bred for herding sheep but are now commonly used as guard dogs, search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and even police K-9s. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and loyal pets that typically live between 10 to 14 years of age.
Pros:
- Intelligence
- Easy to train
- Loyalty & Great guard dogs
- Beauty & Affectional
- Highly trainable
- Good with family and kids
- Protective
Cons:
- Require lots of exercises
- Health problems
- Shedding
- Nervousness around strangers
- Prone to illness
- Ownership is expensive
7. Komondor
- Group: Working
- Height: 25-28 Inches
- Weight: 80-100+ lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Coat: Long, corded hair
- Color: White
- Origin: Hungary
The Komondor is a large, muscular breed of sheepdog originating in Hungary. Its white corded coat gives the appearance of a mop and serves to protect it from predators and bad weather. The Komondor is known for its loyalty and excellent guarding instincts, as well as its remarkable ability to blend in with herds of sheep or goats. It is an intelligent and courageous dog that requires extensive training and socialization for it to be properly managed.
Pros:
- Very good watchdog & guard dog.
- Little to no shedding
- Excellent family dog
- Good With Kids & Other Pets
- Friendly & Loving
Cons:
- Requires professional grooming
- She is very lazy
- Can be a one-person dog
- Stubborn nature
- Prone to Health Problems
8. Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Group: Hound
- Height: 24-28 Inches
- Weight: 70-85 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Coat: Short, smooth
- Color: Light wheaten to red wheaten; may have white markings and/or black mask
- Origin: Africa
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, muscular dog that originated in southern Africa. It was bred by farmers in what is now Zimbabwe to be a hunter, guardian, herd dog and family companion. This breed can easily be recognized by its distinctive ridge of hair running down their back in the opposite direction of the rest of the coat.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known for their loyalty and intelligence, making them excellent guard dogs. They require regular physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Pros:
- Can be territorial
- Large and well-muscled
- Calm in the home
- Athletic
- need vigorous exercise
- Hunting dog
Cons:
- Rowdy during youth
- Can be difficult to train
- Stubborn
- Separation anxiety
- Potential aggression toward animals
- Chasing instincts
- Strong-willed
9. Rottweiler
- Group: Working
- Height: 22-27 Inches
- Weight: 80-130 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 8-10 years
- Coat: Short double coat
- Color: Black with tan, rust, or mahogany
- Origin: Germany
The Rottweiler is a large and powerful breed of dog originating in Germany. This breed has a long history of being used as working dogs, most famously as a highly capable guard dog and herder.
It has an imposing presence with its muscular body and short coat that may be black or a tan and black combination. As one of the oldest herding breeds, Rottweilers are strong, sturdy, loyal, courageous, and devoted companions—traits that appeal to many pet owners.
Pros:
- Quite intelligent
- Great as guards
- Doesn’t need much grooming
- Not much vocal
- Social
- Highly trainable
- Very affectionate with owners and families
- Usually happy and playful
- Attractive looks and personality
Cons:
- Prone to some health issues
- Stubborn and aggressive if not trained properly
- Known for Shedding and drooling
- Require much Exercising or workouts
- Need proper socializing and training
- Not perfect for strangers and small kids
- Requires much space
- Prone to heatstroke
- You can’t leave a Rottweiler alone
- Dominative to other dogs and pets
10. Tibetan Mastiff
- Group: Working
- Height: 24-26 Inches
- Weight: 70-150 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Coat: Double outer coat is fine but hard, straight, and stand-off; undercoat is heavy, soft, and woolly
- Color: Black, brown, blue/grey, or gold
- Origin: China (Tibet)
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large and powerful dog breed that originated in the mountainous regions of Tibet. The breed is renowned for its loyalty, strength and protective qualities, making it an ideal guardian.
Tibetan Mastiffs have thick double coats which can come in multiple colors such as black, red and brown. They are generally confident, courageous and independent dogs but they are also devoted to their families and make excellent guardians who will defend their home at any cost.
Pros:
- Excellent guard dogs
- Bit hard to train but much easier to housebreak
- Great family dogs
- Good Guard Dogs
- Good With Senior Citizens
- Easy to Housebreak
- Large and Imposing
- Strong Temperament
Cons:
- Common health problems known to large breeds
- Highly aggressive
- Health Problems
- Highly Aggressive and Loud
- Incredibly Territorial in Nature
- Heavily During Spring Time
11. Appenzeller Sennenhund
- Group: Herding
- Height: 19-22 Inches
- Weight: 48-70 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Coat: Short, smooth double coat
- Color: Black, brown, and white
- Origin: Switzerland
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a breed of mountain dog from the Swiss Alps. It belongs to the Sennenhund class, which are large working dogs traditionally used for herding and guarding livestock. This breed is considered one of the oldest Swiss breeds and has a long history of contributing to the economy in rural areas.
The Appenzeller possesses a loyal and strong character, making it an excellent family pet or guard dog, and competed in different dog sports including agility, drafting, obedience, and rally.
Pros:
- Is medium to large & Powerful and athletic
- Short easy-care coat in a striking color pattern
- Thrives on vigorous athletic activities and exercise
- Steady, dependable temperament
- Vigilant watchdog
- Highly intelligent and a quick learner
- Few health concerns
- Easily adaptable to new tasks for work or play
Cons:
- Vigorous exercise requirements
- Rowdiness and exuberant jumping
- Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
- Suspiciousness toward strangers
- Strong-willed mind, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
- Barking & Can be wary of strangers
- Difficult breed to find
- Needs lots of activity and mental stimulation
12. Australian Shepherd
- Group: Herding
- Height: 18-23 Inches
- Weight: 40-65 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Coat: Medium double coat
- Color: Blue merle, red merle, black, or red; all colors may have white markings and/or tan (copper) points
- Origin: United States
The Australian Shepherd, also known as the Aussie, is an intelligent and versatile herding dog. Bred in the United States to assist with farm work, this active, playful breed is still a working dog at heart. With its origin story shrouded in mystery, it’s believed this obedient canine has either descended from shepherds dogs of Europe or a combination of Basque Shepherds and English Collies that were brought to America during the 19th century. Recognized for its agility and endurance, the Aussie comes in a variety of colors and works efficiently in various climates.
Pros:
- Loyal, Energetic, Intelligence
- Working Dogs, Friendly and Loving
- Not Too Big Not Too Small
- Beautiful Coat
- Great Family Pets
- Can Be Trained Very Well
Cons:
- Needy & Socialization
- Herding Instinct
- Needs A Lot of Exercise and Mental Stimulation
- Can Become Destructive
- Prone to Health Problems
- Excessive Shedding
13. Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Group: Herding
- Height: 22-24 Inches
- Weight: 50-95 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 10-14 years
- Coat: Short, smooth
- Color: Black, blue, blue merle, brindle, chocolate, red, yellow, red merle, white merle, or yellow merle with/without tan markings and/or white trim
- Origin: United States
The Catahoula Leopard Dog, also known as the Catahoula Cur, is an American dog breed that originated in the state of Louisiana. The breed was developed from dogs brought to the region by Spanish settlers and is termed a ‘herding dog’, as it was traditionally used to herd cattle and other livestock. It has a distinctive coat of leopard-like spots or mottled merle pattern along with bright eyes that come in alongside shades of blue and amber. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is unique, intelligent, and loyal—and makes an excellent family pet.
Pros:
- Be attentive while working in the field
- Protective at home with family
- Playful and affectionate
- Not aggressive towards humans
- Best suited for families with older children or teenagers
- Can participate in training
- Makes excellent guards
- Athletic dog
- Smooth coated and easy to keep groomed
Cons:
- Tends to be cautious and aloof around strangers
- May become aggressive with dogs of the same sex
- Strong defensive instincts
- It is important to treat these dogs fairly,
- Tendency to bark
- Intense hunting tendencies
- At a young age tends to be energetic to the point of restlessness
- Chews, digs and destroys when bored
- Tends to chase other animals
14. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
- Group: Working
- Height: 23-30 Inches
- Weight: 99-170 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 10-13 years
- Coat: Medium-length double coat
- Color: Agouti and white, black and gray, cream, fawn, gray, grizzle, red, rust, sable, or white with/without white markings, piebald, or brindle markings
- Origin: Europe/Asia
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a large, powerful breed of dog originating from the Caucasus mountain range between the Black and Caspian Seas. Bred as guard dogs, they have thick double coats that protect them from harsh weather conditions such as snow and icy temperatures. They are strong, loyal, and devoted to their families but can be aggressive toward strangers if not properly trained. Due to their strength and size, they require an experienced owner who is willing to devote time and energy to training them properly.
Pros:
- Easy To Train
- Intelligence
- Tendency To Bark Or Howl
- Wanderlust Potential
- Easy To Groom
- Great watchdog
- Great guard dog
- Perfect for solitary living
- Great for living in mountains, forests, and other wild areas
Cons:
- Unsuitable near kids or other pets
- Unsuitable for cities & crowds
- Needs lots of outdoor space to roam freely
- Prone to obesity if not properly monitored and exercised
- Can be difficult to socialize
15. Briard Dog
- Group: Herding
- Height: 23-26 Inches
- Weight: 55-100 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Coat: Double coat with wiry, wavy outercoat and soft undercoat
- Color: Solid black, gray, tawny, white, or combinations of two colors
- Origin: France
The Briard is a large, historical French herding dog whose earliest records date back at least 800 years. A fiercely loyal, protective, and independent breed, it was used primarily as a sheep and cattle guard/herder but has since become increasingly popular as a family pet due to its affectionate nature and friendly disposition. The Briard has an ancient history of being treasured by French royalty.
Pros:
- Active dog
- Individual nature
- Very intelligent
- Makes good kennel dogs
- Likes to stay with owners
- Good surveillance
- Good guard dog
- He is loyal to those he knows
- Can tolerate cold
- They do not tend to wander
Cons:
- Not known for loyalty
- A high level of physical activity is required
- Destructive behaviors such as chewing and digging
- Needs to be kept in a large fenced backyard
- May try to dominate people
16. Central Asian Shepherd Dog
- Group: Guardian Dog
- Height: 50-60 Inches
- Weight: 130-165 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Coat: Both short and long haired
- Color: White, black, grey, russet, straw, grey/brown, brindle or flecked
- Origin: Central Asia
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is an ancient breed of guard dog originating in the deserts of Central Asia. It is believed to have descended from ancient Mastiff-type dogs that were brought to the region by nomadic tribes hundreds of years ago. The breed is known for its loyalty and courage, and is used by shepherds and farmers as a guardian for their livestock. Central Asian Shepherds are highly intelligent and alert, with a willingness to attack if they deem it necessary to protect their human masters or flock.
Pros:
- Good family dog
- Very loyal and quite affectionate
- Territorial and defensive
- very confident,
- Has a very independent personality
- Easy to groom
- Good with other animals
- Protective
- Used as a guard dog
- Can be used as a shepherd’s dog
- Also used to protect the family and property of nomads
Cons:
- Very large breed and will require a lot of space and food.
- Can be challenging to train
- Very large breed
- Health Issues
- May exhibit aggressive behavior
- Not suitable for homes with small children
17. Estrela Mountain Dog
- Group: Guardian Dog
- Height: 24-30 Inches
- Weight: 77-132 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Coat: Both short and long haired
- Color: Fawn, wolf gray, brindle and yellow with a dark facial mask
- Origin: Portugal
The Estrela Mountain Dog is an ancient breed of herding dog that originated in the Portuguese mountain range, the Serra da Estrela. Dating back to Roman times, the dogs were used as guards and livestock dogs by shepherds. They are characterized by their loyal and protective nature and are very intuitive when it comes to herding and protecting animals. They have a long, silky white coat that helps protect them from the elements in their rugged mountain home.
Pros:
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent watchdogs
- Well with children and other dogs
- Friendly With Other Dogs
- Faithful companion dog
- Calm and loving
Cons:
- Stubbornness makes them difficult to train
- High tendency to become overweight
- They are not cat-friendly
- Exercise Needs
- Separation Anxiety
- Prone to health problems
- Tendency to Chew
- Continued socialization is required
- Consistent leadership required
- Tendency to bark
18. Boxer
- Group: Working
- Height: 21-25 Inches
- Weight: 55-70 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 9-15 years
- Coat: Short, shiny, smooth, close-lying
- Color: Fawn or brindle, and white
- Origin: Germany
The Boxer dog is a muscular, medium-sized breed belonging to the working group. It is thought to have originated in Germany during the late 19th century, where it was originally bred as a guard and defense dog. Known for their strong personalities and playful yet protective natures, Boxers are today beloved family companions across the world. They come in several colors with short hair and have expressive eyes that make them look devoted and loyal.
Pros:
- Boxers don’t shed very much
- Short hair is easy to maintain by brushing
- Very funny and quirky
- Affectionate
- Good with kids
- Gentle, patient, and protective
- Observant watchdogs
- Highly intelligent
- Playful
- Low maintenance
- Easy-care coats
Cons:
- High activity needs
- Need plenty of opportunities for exercise
- Shedding
- Excitability
- Health issues
- Stubborn tendencies
- Aggressiveness towards other dogs
- Boredom and behavior problems
- Destructive chewing and digging
- Needs lots of mental and physical stimulation
19. Hovawart
- Group: Working
- Height: 23-29 Inches
- Weight: 66-110 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 10-14 years
- Coat: Long, thick coat
- Color: Blonde, black, or black and tan
- Origin: Germany
The Hovawart dog is a large, intelligent working breed that originated in Germany. It has shaggy, medium-length fur and is typically black, golden, or black and tan in color. These dogs have an overall muscular build and an agile, athletic appearance. They are loyal, gentle, and devoted to their families which makes them good guard dogs. The Hovawart breed excels at obedience training as well as other activities such as agility and search and rescue.
Pros:
- Low maintenance
- Not much undercoat
- Search dogs
- Great companion dog
- Confident dog
- Playful and
- Active dog
- Good with children
- Close bonds with family
- Protective
- Friendly nature
Cons:
- Tired of being alone all day
- Needs lots of socialization
- Training takes some time.
- Stubborn tendency
- A lot of exercise is required
- A very long walk is required every day
- The coat needs to be brushed a few times a week
20. Tornjak
- Group: Guardian Dog
- Height: 23-28 Inches
- Weight: 62-110 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 12-14 years
- Coat: Double coat with long, thick, coarse, and straight fur
- Color: White, sometimes with black or tan markings
- Origin: Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia
The Tornjak dog is an ancient herding breed that first originated in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This majestic breed is a devoted and loyal companion who excels as a guard dog. As followers of the Packleader, they are intelligent, gentle, and calm creatures who enjoy bonding with their owners. Due to their protective instincts, they are also strong guardians of livestock, families, and other pets. Despite their size, Tornjaks are known for being very mild-mannered and affectionate towards those they trust.
Pros:
- Excellent watchdogs
- Very adaptable
- Can adapt well to different living environments
- Calm and obedient nature
- The perfect breed for first-time owners
- Loyal and protective
- Effective herd guardian
- Adapts well to different living environments
- Child-friendly dogs
- Good for elderly people
Cons:
- Highly trainable
- Tornjacks are a lot of droll
- Very rare, hard to find
- Ongoing socialization is required
- May not get along with other pets
- Frequent health problems.
- Not apartment-friendly dogs
- A lot of grooming is required
- Potential for weight gain
- Separation anxiety
- Not the best breed for an office environment
21. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Group: Terrier
- Height: 14-16 Inches
- Weight: 24-38 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 12-14 years
- Coat: Short and smooth
- Color: Red, fawn, white, black, blue, or brindle, with or without white
- Origin: England
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a small, active and agile breed of dog native to England. They are friendly and fearless and make great family pets or watchdogs due to their loyal and protective nature. They are among the most popular breeds in the United Kingdom, with a history that dates back to at least the 19th century. With proper exercise and attention, these spirited pups can thrive in many situations.
Pros:
- Unlimited love for the owner
- Fairly easy to train
- Love for children
- It is convenient to keep this dog in large houses and medium-sized apartments
- No special care is required
- Courage and fearlessness
- Like a small pit bull
- Muscular and strong
- Friendly with people
- Usually friendly with strangers
- Funny & Smart
- Very loyal and protective
- Minimal Grooming
Cons:
- Can be aggressive
- Training is mandatory
- Obedience skills need to be taught
- Destructiveness if disturbed
- Does not adapt well to hot weather
- Needs frequent socialization with humans and other animals
- High exercise requirement
- May be aggressive towards other pets
- Prone to chewing and digging
- Not recommended for first time owners
22. Giant Schnauzer
- Group: Working
- Height: 23-27 Inches
- Weight: 55-95 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Coat: Short double coat
- Color: Solid black or salt-and-pepper
- Origin: Germany
The Giant Schnauzer is a large, powerful breed of dog originally from Germany. It was bred for herding, guard dog work, and carting. The Giant Schnauzer has a dense double coat that is either pepper or black in color and has a distinct look due to having long facial hair around its muzzle. They are an active, intelligent breed that needs lots of mental stimulation and physical activity to be happy and healthy.
Pros:
- Large & Athletic
- Alert & Loyal
- Light shedder
- Easy to train
- Keen watchdog
- Stamina to work from dawn to dusk
- Excellent Partner
- Great candidate for dog sports
- Long life expectancy
Cons:
- Rowdy when young
- Vigorous exercise requirement
- May be aggressive with strangers
- May be offensive to other pets
- Can be hard to manage if not properly socialized
- Stubborn
- Can be destructive when bored
- Grooming will require regular clipping and trimming of the wiry coat
23. Black Russian Terrier
- Group: Working
- Height: 26-30 Inches
- Weight: 80-130 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Coat: Medium to long, curly double coat
- Color: Black
- Origin: Russia
The Black Russian Terrier is an impressive breed of working dog originating from Russia. They were created by the Soviet Red Army for military and protective purposes using a variety of breeds such as Airedale Terrier, Giant Schnauzer, Rottweiler, Newfoundland, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, and others. Black Russian Terriers are easily recognizable due to their stocky build, luxurious black coat, and intelligent expression. They are highly active, loyal, and fearless dogs that make great companions for those willing to invest the time into training them.
Pros:
- Loyal and affectionate with family
- Generally calm demeanor
- Good watchdog
- Strong and large
- Very able-bodied and enduring
- Halanced & Healthy
- Unpretentious & Intelligent
- Easily controllable
- Gets along with other animals
- Suspicious of strangers
- Adapts to any climate conditions
- Perfect sentinel and guard dog
- Companion & Bodyguard dog
- Excellent breed for exhibitions and shows
Cons:
- Prone to aggressive behavior
- Requires plenty of training and socialization
- Somewhat involved grooming needs
- Hair requires trimming and brushing
- Puppy up to one year of age requires a careful upbringing
24. Boerboels
- Group: Working
- Height: 22-27 Inches
- Weight: 150-200 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 9-11 years
- Coat: Short, smooth
- Color: Brindle, brown, cream, red, reddish brown, or tawny with/without white markings, black mask, piebald, and/or Irish marked
- Origin: South Africa
Boerboels, also known as South African Mastiffs, are large and powerful guard dogs from South Africa. They were traditionally used by farmers and homesteaders to protect their livestock and property. Boerboels are an intelligent breed that thrives on love, loyalty, and plenty of exercises, making them the perfect family companions. Boerboels have thick coats that vary in color and lightning-quick reflexes that enable them to respond quickly to situations, making them excellent watchdogs.
Pros:
- Training commands are learned quickly
- Low maintenance coat
- Affectionate with all family members
- Good with older kids
- Boerboels are a healthy dog
- Has a good level of intelligence
- Boerboels love to play
- Suitable for children over 9 or 10 years old
- Tolerates hot weather better than most varieties
- Loving and tender-hearted
Cons:
- Can be dominant and stubborn
- May stay away from strangers
- Not always friendly with other dogs
- Socializing is essential
- They need to be trained in obedience classes from a very young age
- Not suited to apartment living
- Does not have access to grassy areas
- May become aggressive
- Not a breed for the first-time owner.
- Suspicious of strangers and other dogs
25. Thai Ridgeback
- Group: Hound
- Height: 20-24 Inches
- Weight: 35-60 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Coat: Short, smooth
- Color: Black, blue, fawn, or red
- Origin: Thailand
The Thai Ridgeback is a medium-sized dog native to Thailand. It has short, smooth fur and an unusual ridge of hair running down its back which sets it apart from other breeds. This breed of dog is known for its loyalty and protective nature. They are also intelligent, alert, and strong-willed, making them excellent guard dogs. They are social animals who enjoy spending time with their owners and other dogs.
Pros:
- Very energetic
- Don’t shed very much:
- Good watchdogs
- Minimal grooming required
- Adapts very well to all living environments
- Kid-friendly dog
- Good for elderly people
Cons:
- High prey drive
- Expensive and hard to find
- Difficult to train
- Training is somewhat difficult
- Frequent health problems
- Causes allergic reactions
- Not the best watchdog
- Not cat-friendly dogs
- Not friendly dog
- Not the best dog breed for an office environment
- Not good for newbie owners
26. Puli
- Group: Herding
- Height: 16-17 Inches
- Weight: 25-35 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 10-15 years
- Coat: Dense, weather-resistant
- Color: Solid colors only: black, rusty black, gray, or white
- Origin: Hungary
The Puli is a medium-sized dog originally from Hungary. This ancient breed is thought to have been around since the 9th century, and boasts a silky coat that is made of loosely hanging cords or ropes. The Puli is an extremely smart and active breed, known for its energetic personality and strong herding instincts. They are demanding when it comes to tasking, yet obedient if trained properly. With their intelligence, agility, and trainability, this breed excels in activities such as agility and obedience competitions.
Pros:
- Confident dog
- Pulis is surprisingly athletic and energetic under their furry coats
- These dogs are very gentle and affectionate and are also fantastic child guardians and Therapy dogs
- The Puli breed is quite healthy, especially when it’s well taken care of
- The most intelligent of all species
- Very confident
- Most demanding and tricky
- Is conveniently-sized
- Sturdy and durable
- Athletic and agile
- Sheds less than many other breeds
- Energetic and curious
- Thrives on exercise and athletic activities
- Confident attitude
- Extremely keen watchdog
Cons:
- Those dreadlocks need care!
- The Puli can be distrustful of strangers
- Vigorous exercise requirements
- Adequate socialization is required
- Aggression toward other animals
- Requiring a confident owner who can take charge
- Prone to barking
- Long coats require a lot of grooming
- Hard to find
27. Romanian Mioritic Shepherd
- Group: Herding
- Height: 22-29 Inches
- Weight: 100-130 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 12-14 years
- Coat: Thick fluffy hair
- Color: White, White and pale grey, White and cream patches, Cream patches and Pale Gray
- Origin: Romania
The Romanian Mioritic Shepherd is a large, long-haired breed of sheep-dog that originates from Romania’s Carpathian Mountains. It is a formidable flock guard, correctly combining strength and intelligence to protect its herd. Its rugged protective nature combined with its loyal temperament makes it an excellent choice for guarding livestock. The breed has low aggression levels towards people, but will fiercely defend its flock against predators. With correct socialization and training it can develop into an adaptable family companion that is loving and devoted to its owners.
Pros:
- Has great intelligence
- Training is very easy
- Adapts well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
- Very kid-friendly dog
- Good for newbie owners.
- The best breed for older people
- Very Tolerant & Intelligent
- Very professional guard dog
- Very cold weather tolerant
Cons:
- Does not work well with allergy sufferers
- Not apartment-friendly dogs
- Requires a lot of grooming
- Heavy shedder dog
- Drool too much
- Prone to obesity
- Not the best breed for the office environment
- A lot of vigorous and intense exercise is required
- Huge in size
- Not hypoallergenic
- A lot of space is needed
- Daily grooming is required
- Not good for apartment living
28. Spanish Water Dog
- Group: Herding
- Height: 15-20 Inches
- Weight: 31-49 lbs
- Estimated Lifespan: 12-14 years
- Coat: Medium length, curly, corded
- Color: Black, black and white, brown, brown and white
- Origin: Spain
The Spanish Water Dog is a breed of dog originating in Spain. They are generally alert and lively dogs, with merled or solid curly coats that range in colors from black to white. This intelligent breed is known for its versatility and ability to adapt, making them suitable for a variety of tasks and activities, from hunting to agility courses. Although they require daily exercise, Spanish Water Dogs are affectionate companions who are fiercely loyal to their families.
Pros:
- Intelligent and easy to train
- Watchful and protective
- Minimal shedding
- Adapts well to small spaces
- Playful and kid-friendly
- Low maintenance grooming
- Training is easy
- Works well with allergy sufferers
- Does not require much decoration
- Good watchdog
- Adapts well to different living environments
- Good for first-time owners
- Likes to be on a boat
- A sailor dog
Cons:
- Needs a lot of exercises
- Not always friendly with strangers
- Not the best choice for young children
- Very energetic
- Nip and chew a lot
- Prone to health problems
- Not the most kid-friendly dog
- Not the most cat-friendly dog
- Not the best dog breed for an office environment
- Not the best breed for older people
When it comes to selecting a protection or guard dog, there are many breeds to choose from. Each one has its own positive traits and abilities that can be beneficial for protection. To ensure you get the right breed for your needs and lifestyle, carefully consider your goals for training and select the best choice for your circumstance.
Dog Breeds: Resource
Breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Giant Schnauzers, and Bullmastiffs are all popular options due to their loyalty and protective instincts. However, even once you’ve chosen the breed that is right for you it’s important to ensure the dog gets proper training and socialization in order for them to fulfill their role as protector effectively and safely.
Remember, owning a protection or guard dog is a serious responsibility, and it requires a significant amount of time, effort, and commitment. With the right breed and training, however, a protection or guard dog can be an invaluable addition to your family and provide you with peace of mind and security for years to come.
