Discover The Seven Best Guard Dog Breeds
Guard dog breeds have a natural instinct to protect their home and family. In general, these dogs tend to be loyal, fearless, strong, and vigilant.
Do you want a breed that will not only alert you when a visitor arrives, but also intuitively know when to protect you from a dangerous situation? In that case, guard dog breeds are for you.
Because of the strength and size of guard dog breeds, it’s very important to keep in mind that they need proper training and socialization. Below, we’ll present you with the seven most suitable dog breeds for the job of protecting your home.
1. Akitas, one of the most popular guard dog breeds
These muscular dogs with a double coat are of Japanese lineage, famous for their dignity, courage, and loyalty. In their homeland, the Japanese revere them as protectors of family and symbols of good health, happiness, and long life. Akitas are quiet dogs and distrustful of strangers, and unfortunately, they’re also intolerant of other animals.
2. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
The specimens of this breed are robust and imposing. Their strong territorial and protective instinct defines them, as they were bred to fight against predators of the sheep flock, there in their native lands.
These animals are intelligent, patient, and deeply loyal. They will protect their flock (be it cattle, children, smaller dogs, or even the family cat) with intensity before any adversary.
3. Beauceron
Although they stand out for their imposing and powerful build, these dogs are also remarkably intelligent, energetic, and versatile. This breed has a powerful instinct for watching and protecting and is especially good with the young and defenseless.
Because of all these attributes, women have a special love for these dogs as loyal and sensitive companions and protectors. That being said, it’s a dominant dog breed that requires training and socialization.
4. Boxer, an icon of guard dog breeds
Among guard dog breeds, the boxer stands out for its loyalty, affection, intelligence, work ethic, and good looks. This race is an all-in-one. It’s a brilliant and alert dog, sometimes mischievous, but always courageous. The boxer has been among the most popular dog breeds in America for a long time.
5. Doberman Pinscher
Elegant and powerful, this breed has a magnificent physique and acute intelligence. The Doberman Pinscher could undoubtedly belong to the canine nobility if it existed. This incomparably brave and vigilant breed proudly ranks among the best guard dogs in the world.
6. Staffordshire bull terrier
The dog resembles those that once ruled the fighting pits in England. Today, responsible breeders have selected a variety of this sweet and family-oriented breed.
From its quarrelsome past, the Staffordshire bull terrier retains its muscular but agile body and the traits of courage and tenacity. Fortunately, good breeding transformed this former gladiator into a gentle and playful companion with a special sensitivity for children.
7. Thai Ridgeback
This breed stands out for its intelligence, endurance, and energy. Its nature is very athletic because it possesses an excellent jumping capacity. What’s more, it has a strong survival instinct and is a loyal family dog.
Today, Thai Ridgebacks still maintain many of the same instincts they developed centuries ago: hunting and watching. These dogs tend to be independent, self-reliant, and seek their own food. They have strong survival instincts, a high predatory impulse, and a remarkable level of intelligence.
A loyal companion
No wonder that as soon as dogs were domesticated, humans used them to protect their livestock and homes. The mark of guard dog breeds is loyalty. While some develop a special bond with their owners, others develop a bond with the whole family and will protect each member.
Even so, it’s important to emphasize that no dog is an instrument. Even though you want your dog to work as a protector, every canine has a series of requirements and needs. You should never acquire a dog for the sole purpose of protection. Rather, this should be an accessory effect associated with the interaction between dog and owner.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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- McGreevy, P. (2008). Comment: We must breed happier, healthier dogs. New Scientist, 200(2677), 18.
- MacInnes, J. W. (1949). Guard dogs. Boxers-Alsatians-Bullmastiffs.
- Green, J. S., & Woodruff, R. A. (1988). Breed comparisons and characteristics of use of livestock guarding dogs. Journal of Range Management, 249-251.