Best Guard Dogs

Looking for the best guard dog? For those in the market for a guard dog, LoveToKnow is here to help by giving you a list of the top breeds experts believe are suitable for this purpose. To become a guard dog, these furry friends need to have specific training to protect businesses, property, people or work in law enforcement. The best dogs for the job are larger in frame and physically strong.

Train Your Guard Dog

However, they are not necessarily the kind of dogs you would want to protect your home, since their training promotes aggression, and they may be more prone to attack people (friends or foes) who may venture onto your property. For home protection, you would need a watchdog who will bark and threaten an intruder by intimidation, but will not viciously attack.

1.

 According to dog training experts, Bullmastiffs are one of the best guard dogs due to their powerful build, strength, endurance and alert nature. They were originally a mix of the Mastiff and Bulldog that were crossbred by English gamekeepers to protect them from poachers. Their calm, even-tempered nature makes them easy to train, and with strong handling and socialization with people, they can learn how to distinguish a threat from a friend and be great property protectors. Visit Bullmastiffs Online for more information.

2.

 A Doberman Pinscher is a medium-sized, muscular dog with a square body that has a lot of power, endurance and speed. Fearless and assertive, they are extremely loyal, highly intelligent and easy to train as a guard dog. However, care must be taken when handling them, since they can be a bit pushy if you let them get their way all the time. With socialization and positive reinforcement, these elegant dogs will be a great addition to your security measures.

3.

 Known for its aggressive nature, the Rottweiler’s powerful build, agility and endurance make it one of the best guard dogs. The breed originated from the Italian Molossus dog, who was used to serve the armies by protecting their cattle and to fight lions in the Roman Amphitheatre. Despite an over-hyped reputation for being bad tempered, with proper training, patience, firm handling, socialization and upbringing, the Rotweiller can be an extremely loyal and effective guard dog. Bad training and treatment of some Rottweilers by their owners has led media and law enforcement to ban the dog in certain areas. However, the American Rottweiler Club works to bring information and awareness to the public about these loyal, and often misunderstood, dogs. Like anything else, use your own judgment to decide if the breed is best for you.

4.

 The Komondor is a large Hungarian dog that was used to guard livestock. They are large dogs, standing about 27½ inches at the shoulders. Physically, they are very muscular with their coat draped in long, dense fur cords. According to the Komodor Club of America, they are extremely protective and thrive on keeping their friends and family safe. Intelligent dogs, they will be wary of strangers, but will not attack if it is clear to them that there is no danger.

5.

 The Giant Schnauzer is a large and powerful compact dog with short, wiry fur. The Dog Breed Information Center states that they are very dominant dogs that need firm training and handling. Although extremely loyal and protective to their friends and family, their nature can make them think they are in charge, so they are best suited for people that have experience working with alpha dogs.

6.

 Agile, aggressive and strong, the German Shepherd is a great protector due to its alert nature. They are natural guardians, and have a deep, powerful bark that can scare off a potential threat. These loyal companions originated from German shepherding and farming dogs. According to GermanShepherds.com, they are an intelligent breed able to distinguish between right and wrong, making them a perfect protector. Commonly used in law enforcement, military, and search and rescue, they are a versatile breed. As with other aggressive, energetic dogs, care must be taken when selecting, training and socializing them for your specific needs.

7.

 An active, strong, even-tempered dog, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a devoted guard dog with a lot of endurance and speed. Crossbred in the 16th and 17th centuries from Great Danes, Mastiffs, Greyhounds, Salukis and Bloodhounds, their strong nature was used to hunt lions and guard settlements of the time. A short, reddish coat and a characteristic ridge on their back distinguish this dog breed. With socialization and firm obedience training, these dogs can be a great asset to your security.

8.

 The Kuvasz is a beautiful white, large dog with wavy to straight coarse fur. They are great, loyal protectors, but not a dog for the inexperienced. They are intelligent, calculating dogs who must be trained and handed with firm control. Many Kuvasz are independent and do not need as much socialization with friends and family like other breeds, although some can be very affectionate. Anyone considering this type of dog should be strong-willed, or the dog may walk all over you. For more information, check out the American Kuvasz Association.

9.

 A muscular and stocky dog, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a powerful, agile breed. Good-natured and friendly, they are fierce guard dogs with extreme loyalty to their companions. They have a high tolerance for pain, and if pushed too far by a threat, will fight to the death to defend their turf. However, their breed can be hostile towards other dogs if not socialized properly. Consider this type of dog if you have a lot of experience working with dogs of similar temperment. Learn more about these dogs by visiting the Staffordshire Terrier Club of America.

10.

 Strong-willed and independent, the Chow Chow is a good guard dog, but prone to being bossy. They are dogs that prefers not to share their attention with other dogs or people. Due to their stubborn nature, they are not the easiest dogs to train, so they require a calm person who is patient, but firm with them. For more information on Chow Chows visit ChowChow.org.

• LoveToKnow Dogs

By Sheila Robinson