Dogs are pretty amazing. They give us love, make us smile, protect us… And all they require in return are some dog treats and belly rubs. In case protectiveness is one of the strongest attributes that you are looking for in a dog, guard dogs and guard breeds may be the way to go.
But there isn’t one universal guard breed out there.
There are many different types and breeds of dogs that could work perfectly for you. From small breeds to large breeds, family dogs to watchdogs. There is something basically for anyone.
It doesn’t matter if you’re afraid of human or animal intruders, or just want a dog to protect your kids — in this article we will introduce you to all of the powerful animals that you can absolutely count on.
Smaller breeds guard dogs that make perfect alarm systems
Chihuahua
In fact, they have a good reason to be known as “ankle biters“. Chihuahuas don’t like situations they aren’t used to, and they can be angry at times. These are usually seen as bad traits, but the little wonders will always let you know when the danger is near. This is why they are so important.
Chihuahuas are also known for being able to stand up to animals and people about 100 times their size. They have a little Napoleon complex, but it’s still one of their best traits.
This is what we think are the best guard dogs for old people. Plus, they’re easy to walk, which means they won’t be walking you, and there’s less chance of an accident.
It’s the smallest dog on our list, with an average weight of just six pounds on average. You might want to look into getting a heater for your dog’s house or a calming dog bed.
Jack Russel
Did you know that Jack Russell is the name of the person who made this breed?
It’s a good idea to have a dog to protect your home. These are some of the world’s cutest dogs.
There is a lot of pride in the Jack Russell breed, and it won’t go away. As soon as they’re unhappy or angry, they’ll tell you about it right away. Besides, they’re very loyal and form strong bonds with their owners.
This breed is a little bigger than the other two in its category. It weighs between 13 and 17 pounds.
Even though their bark isn’t as scary as that of bigger dogs, they’ll let you know if there’s any danger, no matter how small.
Pomeranian
Keep in mind that these little furballs have a big place in my heart. They could bark for hours at a time. My friend had four of them.
Because I’ve lived in an apartment myself, I know that these pups are some of the best guard dogs for them. Every time there’s a noise or a sight that’s out of the ordinary, they’ll go off just like your own alarm.
These small pups may be tiny, but their long and luxurious hair makes them look bigger than they are.
It’s safe to say that Pomeranians are bold and curious, so you can be sure they’ll protect your home.
Some popular breeds of dogs are both sweet and brave, so let’s look at some of them.
Shar-Pei
There are wrinkles on the face of a Shar Pei, but don’t let them fool you. This is one of the first breeds written down in history and they have been with us from ancient times.
These dogs have been called the best guard dogs in history. Dogs that were trained to fight were used by the Chinese to protect their palaces for more than 2,000 years.
While the Chinese Shar-Pei is small, it will always protect you if you need it to. They are between 45 and 60 pounds and are known for their sweetness and love for families.
They are the best. It looks like a ball of cuteness but their wrinkles don’t match. Everyone will want to squish their faces.
The Schnauzer
Nothing about this type of dog is standard. The Standard Schnauzer is one of the best guard dogs for people who have allergies. They are great for young families with small kids
These pups are very easy to train and have a lot of energy. They will protect you and your family. Men weigh 35–50 pounds, and women weigh 30–45 pounds.
I like to call their mustache their “face fur.” It makes them look like a Victorian-style detective. That’s not too far from the truth, either! Anything that isn’t normal will be looked into by the people who work for them.
Chow-Chow
This kind of animal is very serious. It’s hard to tell from its looks that it’s one of the most protective breeds of a dog. These dogs keep it calm and peaceful, but they are always ready to fight.
The Chow Chow has a very unique mane, which makes them look more like lions. They fight like lions when they have to.
At 45–70 pounds each, they’re very strong, which makes them a good defense.
Fun fact: Their tongues are all black, so don’t be afraid if you see one. It’s one of the things that make the breed unique. Their tongues have a lot of cells that are very dark. This is a sign that you have a purebred dog.
The American Staffordshire Terrier
Even though this breed is one of the best dogs for protection, it’s also part of the Pitbull family, which is very controversial in the United States, so people don’t like it. They also aren’t recognized by the American Kennel Club.
But Pitbull breed traits aren’t all bad. Their families are important to them. They’re protective, energetic, obedient, agile, and they love them. Their muscular bodies give them an intimidating look. The use of dogs that look frightening is definitely to scare strangers away.
Because of the Pitbull’s protective nature, early training is important for these pups to be able to get along with other dogs and people.
Unfortunately, a lot of people mistreat Pitbulls, which leads to bad dog behavior. They have been used as attack dogs for many years. So, if you decide to get this kind of dog, make sure you’re both willing and able to train your pet the right way.
What kind of dog comes to mind when you hear about the best guard dogs? Probably these ones.
Large breeds that make excellent guard dogs
Rottweiler
These powerful animals look scary to me. With a weight of up to 100 pounds and their well-known bark, they’ll scare away anyone who tries to break into your house.
Then again, they’re one of the most loyal guard dogs you’ll ever come across, too. Rottweilers are very loving and will do everything they can to protect you if there’s a need for them to do so.
Keep in mind that dogs can’t tell the difference between good and bad things, so they can react badly to things that aren’t dangerous. That’s why you need to train your animals. Keep your pets safe on your property by getting a wireless fence for dogs.
Boxer
This robust type is one of the most popular defensive dog breeds for households. There are 197 breeds in the United States. This one is number 11.
They are very kind and build strong relationships with children at a very young age. Boxers are clever and may be extremely playful, so you’ll want to keep them busy with unbreakable dog toys.
They take their work extremely seriously and always do their utmost to safeguard your family.
Boerboel
Boer is the Dutch name for a farmer, and these dogs were first trained to defend farms. Some people say they’re one of the best farm guard dogs you can get. They’re calm, confident, and very smart.
With this breed, you get what you see. When the Boerboels are having fun, they won’t be afraid to attack an intruder.
They may weigh as much as humans (150–200 pounds), so be ready for some rough and tumble come playtime.
The best mixed-breed guards
Some mixtures are just as great as pure breeds at defending us.
Borsky
This breed is a cross between a Border Collie and a Husky, hence the name. They’re beautiful, and thanks to their parents, they have a lot of different personality traits that make them unique.
When Borsky is left alone without another dog in the house, they will become very attached to their owner. This breed would be great for people who want to find the best guard dogs for women.
They’re also very clever, so make a lot of dog puzzles to keep them busy and keep them happy.
Make sure you have enough time and energy for your pet if you want to get a Borsky.
Golden Shepherd
When it comes to protecting your family, this is one of the best guard dogs.
As the name implies, it’s a combination between a Golden Retriever and a German Shepherd.
This breed has the best of both parents. It’s more protective than the Golden Retriever but more relaxed than the German Shepherd.
These pups love to play and get along nicely with older kids who can keep up with their demand for high-energy play. Also, they’re incredibly protective of the ones they love and will always be there when you need them.
German Shepherd Pit Bull
It’s a mix of a German Shepherd and an American Staffordshire Terrier. My favorite guard dogs are dogs from this breed.
Besides, if you obtain the German Shepherd mix with Pitbull, you’ll get a diligent, clever, and loyal pet.
Both breeds need to be properly trained, but that’s easy to do because they always want to show their owners how much they care. It’s also why the police like this breed.
The German Shepherd Pit Bull may be violent if left untrained. Make sure that safety comes first.
If you are a fan of crossbreeds, check out our similar content:
- Doberman Rottweiler Mix: Breed Info
- Corgi Beagle Mix: The always happy Beagi
- Colorado Bulldog: What You Have To Know
- Bully Pitbull Mix: The dog that is not for everyone
- Black Pitbull: Elegant And Fierce
- Newfypoo: The Adorable Hybrid
The best dogs to keep your home safe
Here are our recommendations for excellent watchdogs.
Akita
This loyal breed has been known for a long time to be the best protector, especially in Japanese culture. The pups have a great work ethic and weigh between 100 and 130 pounds, so they’re a good size. Having been used for work since the 17th century, they have a lot of sense.
In terms of protecting their own family, Akitas are some of the best dogs to keep an eye out for them. They’re quite nervous of new people and don’t deal well with children taunting unless they’re part of their family.
So, because that’s what they were bred for, Akitas are very protective. Plus, your family will receive one of the most faithful companions out there.
Australian Shepherd
Always among the top 20 of the most popular dogs in the US, this breed is also among the greatest guard dogs for families with small children.
The Australian Shepherd is very smart, but that doesn’t stop it from being a little goofy. Because they like to play, they’re great with kids.
When they are young, you’ll need to start teaching them how to do things. You don’t want your dog to treat your kids like sheep and herd them like a herd. With a weight of 50–65 pounds, that’s not the best idea.
Protect your family, especially the kids. These dogs are very strong.
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers aren’t as fluffy as other short-haired guard dogs, but they’re sleek and shiny, making them one of the best short-haired dogs to protect you.
When I think of a dog that is protective, they are the picture that comes to mind. At 75–100 pounds, they look scary and will fight back if they feel threatened, so don’t mess with them.
These dogs are always on the lookout to make sure their owners are safe. Their speed makes it impossible for intruders to run away, so they can’t even think about it. Because they are so overly protective, they require much training and socialization.
The breed, which is known all over the world as a protector, is a huge deterrent for home intruders.
Best Guard Dog Breeds for Kids
Some great guard dogs won’t have an easy time around small children. However, these ones aren’t like that. They won’t only protect your family, but they will also be a blast to have around youngsters.
German Shepherd
These dogs are made to be trained and love to learn. Their propensity to defend in a way that won’t hurt their family is why they’re rated one of the greatest kid-friendly guard dogs. And their high intelligence and calm demeanor also make them amazing therapy and police dogs.
German Shepherds are often used as service dogs because they are very good at paying attention to their surroundings, have strong bodies, and can learn quickly.
Their weight is between 65 and 90 pounds, which means that if they need to keep their family safe, they can take down a person in a few seconds.
This robust breed is fearless and loyal without flaw. It’ll provide your family plenty of pleasure but, above all, protection.
Saint Bernard
It turns out that Disney’s Peter Pan had a good point. If you remember, he too thought that these dogs are great with kids. And he was right about that. Saint Bernard is one of the best guard dogs for babies.
Between 140 and 180 pounds, this dog is one of the largest on our list, but that doesn’t mean it’s the most dangerous.
St. Bernards are kind, sweet and caring. They’re patient with kids and usually keep an eye on what the little ones do, so they don’t get in trouble.
You should choose them as your child’s best friend if you have enough space. Saint Bernards demand a lot of room and need regular walks to be in excellent health.
The best guard dogs for people who are getting their first dog.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
I don’t have a lot of personal experience with this breed, let me tell you: Their protective instinct is present from the minute they open their eyes.
If this were a competition, the Rhodesian Ridgeback would be my number one vote for the greatest guard dogs of 2022. The pups look scary because they usually weigh about 95 pounds. Once they get used to you, they’re the most loving and affectionate breed.
Bred to track lions, the Ridgeback will alert you to any danger, from the squeak of a mouse to a house invader. They’re a breed that’s easygoing and can deal with a lot of different situations, which makes them good for people who are getting their first dog.
Border Collie
Since they were born to serve and protect their owners, the Border Collie is one of the best guard dogs.
As a result, it needs a lot of attention, and needs to be worked out a lot, too. But you’ll find it on continual alert to any out-of-the-norm occurrences.
Border collies weigh between 30 and 55 pounds. They aren’t the biggest dogs, but they are one of the smartest and most loyal pooches.
Fluffy: When it’s time to chill out, this fluffy ball will snuggle up to you to death. If you want a loveable but easygoing breed, this could be a good choice.
So, What Is a Good Guard Dog?
It doesn’t matter how big or small a dog is; it has the same instincts to protect.
Plus, a well-trained dog is a requirement. Dogs who like to finish tasks do well here.
But the most important thing is to be loyal. In the end, if you build a strong relationship with your dog, it won’t let anything happen to you. This is why it might be aggressive if the situation calls for it.
The challenge is finding the balance between an all-around aggressive dog and one that can put on a fighting face when needed. A protective pet has to know when to step in.
Summary
The dilemma is, which guard dogs are ideal for your needs? The following breeds are all excellent choices.
Chihuahuas, Jack Russells, and Pomeranians are all little breeds that act as miniature alarm systems. The Chinese Shar-Pei, Standard or Giant Schnauzer, and Chow Chow are some of the best guard dog breeds.
When people think of great guard dogs, they generally think of enormous dogs like the Rottweiler, Boxer, Belgian Malinois, Bullmastiff, and Boerboel. But size isn’t everything.
The Akita, Australian Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher, Komondor are breeds to consider if you want to guard your property. Remember that the German Shepherd and Saint Bernard are excellent companions for children.
Finally, if you’ve never had a guard dog before, the Rhodesian Ridgeback and Border Collie are excellent choices as family guard dogs. All of these pups have a natural instinct to protect you and your family.
When it comes to the best protective dogs, there is a wide range of options. The key is to choose one that suits your lifestyle and requirements.