While dogs generally provide friendship and companionship, some breeds specialize in protection.
Such breeds are referred to as the guard dogs and trust me, every home needs one. They will protect your family and home against unwanted intruders.
In this post, I described the top 10 guard dogs you can pick from. I also talked about the qualities that make them fit for the role.
Are you ready to see the list? Let’s jump right in!
Qualities Of Guard Dogs
- They possess a degree of aggressiveness and understand the right time to display it.
- Guard dogs are super alert. They can easily detect when a stranger is approaching.
- They have a protective instinct and as such, they are still and ready to defend their loved ones in the face of an attack.
- These dogs always maintain a confident stance.
- Once they have gotten accustomed to you, they never forget their owners. Guard dogs are super loyal.
- Guard dogs are fearless, intelligent, and very easy to train.
Now that you know the qualities, join me in the next section to find the list of the top 10 guard dogs.
List Of The Top 10 Guard Dogs
- Doberman Pinscher
- Bullmastiff
- German Shepherd
- Giant Schnauzer
- Rottweiler
- Belgian Malinois
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Boxer
- Cane Corso
- Akita
I gave a brief description of these dogs below.
READ ALSO: Australian Shepherd Dog Breed Information: Characteristics & Health Problems
Doberman Pinscher
The first dog on my list of top 10 guard dogs is the sociable Doberman Pinscher.
This breed is popular all over the world and it possesses striking qualities that make it an excellent guard dog.
It is smart and trainable, always alert and fearless.
Most importantly, Dobermans are very loyal and willing to guard family members against attackers.
Plus, they are super-fast and will take down an intruder in no time.
Despite their large and intimidating appearance, these dogs are obedient and sociable.
They will not mind having other dogs around.
Origin: Germany
Height: 25 – 27 inches
Weight: 70 – 88 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 – 13 years
Bullmastiff
The second dog that made my list is Bullmastiff, a hybrid of Bulldog and Mastiff.
These dogs are large-sized with a solid build and short muzzle. They are popular for their strength and agility.
Bullmastiff dogs are very good at tracking, carting, and therapy. And they make excellent guard dogs.
Origin: United Kingdom
Height: 25 – 27 inches
Weight: 99 – 119 pounds
Life Expectancy: 8 – 10 years
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Rottweiler
We have here the favourite of many homes and a guard dog indeed.
The Rottweiler is a strong, calm, confident, and loving dog. Guarding loved ones comes naturally for this breed.
It is best to train this dog very early so that it will understand how to properly channel its aggression.
Where it is not properly trained, the Rottweiler may hurt family members. And I’m sure you don’t want that.
Socialization should form the major part of the training that you will give your dog.
Thankfully, these guys are very intelligent and trainable.
They are also alert and willing to serve humans. Don’t miss this dope guard dog.
Origin: Germany
Height: 22 – 27 inches
Weight: 85 – 130 pounds
Life Expectancy: 8 – 10 years
Giant Schnauzer
Another dog that made my list of top 10 guard dogs is the Giant Schnauzer.
A Giant Schnauzer conveys a commanding appearance with its large-sized body and rugged build.
Over the years, this dog has earned a good reputation for guarding his territory.
They are strong and very energetic. Not just that, they are also obedient and loyal, which are top qualities one should look for in a guard dog.
Giant Schnauzers are not very vocal and will only bark when they feel imperilled.
Also, these dogs require adequate training to give their best. And their coat will demand lots of grooming time.
Overall, the dog has a huge personality and makes an excellent family member.
Origin: Germany
Height: 27.5 inches
Weight: 95 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
READ ALSO: 25 Healthiest Dog Breeds [New Version]
German Shepherd
You know this dog, don’t you?
The German Shepherd is popular for its role in the police and military K9 units.
Nevertheless, it will also do well as a family pet and will not fail in guarding its own.
They are super intelligent and require lots of training to stay on track.
A German Shepherd that is not properly socialized may become overly protective of family members and cause havoc.
These dogs are curious, intelligent, loyal, and courageous. Don’t miss this one.
Origin: Germany
Height: 22 – 27 inches
Weight: 75 – 95 pounds
Life Expectancy: 9 – 13 years
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois is another dog that is popular in the police and military K-9 units.
They are intense, athletic, and will make excellent guard dogs for the home.
All that is required is the right training and proper socialization for your Malinois to perform optimally.
Exercising daily will also help this dog remain active.
Initially, it was bred as a shepherd dog so you can be sure that a Malinois will do a great job in guarding your family.
Origin: Belgium
Height: 22 – 26 inches
Weight: 40 – 80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14 – 16 years
READ ALSO: French Bulldog Breed Info: History, Characteristics, Personality Traits and Care.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is another dog that made my list of top 10 guard dogs.
It is large with an intimidating appearance. Also, it is intelligent and independent.
Initially, the Rhodesian was bred to hunt lions (Cool!)
There’s no doubt that this breed will make an excellent guard dog.
They also have a reputation for being loyal and protective of family members and properties.
A Rhodesian will most likely react to an intruder with loud barks, jumping around, and chasing.
Origin: Southern Africa
Height: 25 – 31 inches
Weight: 88 – 110 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
READ ALSO: Belgian Malinois Dog Breed: Characteristics, Temperament & Its Care
Boxer
Fondly called “hearing” guard dog, the Boxer dog breed also made my list of top 10 guard dogs.
This dog has a frightening look with a muscular body. That notwithstanding, it has an adorable personality.
Boxers are smart, playful, friendly, strong, bold, loyal, and calm. They are also very alert and watchful.
All they need is adequate training and you will have a great guard dog at your beck and call.
Origin: Germany
Height: 23 – 25 inches
Weight: 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
Cane Corso
Cane Corso is an Italian phrase for “dog of the guard”. The name already portrays the dog for this role (LOL).
In addition to its well-defined physique, this breed is intelligent and trainable. Canes are sturdy and athletic with a large head.
Talk about an overwhelming impression of power and guarding instincts. Only a look can set trespassers on the run.
They play security roles in their home country.
Just like the others, this dog will do better with adequate training.
Origin: Italy
Height: 22 – 27 inches
Weight: 99 –110 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Akita
Lastly on my list of top 10 guard dogs is the Akita. A brave, sharp, and attentive dog.
They are originally bred to be guard dogs. Always alert, this dog will investigate every distraction.
Akita takes its guard work seriously and requires only little training to remain at its best.
Origin: Japan
Height: 24 – 28 inches
Weight: 70 – 130 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 – 15 years
Take Away!
All the dog breeds described above are very powerful and require adequate training and socialization to ensure safety.
Also, make sure you’re able to bear the responsibility of caring for a dog before bringing one home.
And breeds like Cane Corso and Rottweiler should not be adopted by first-time dog owners.
Conclusion
We have now come to the end of our discussion on the Top 10 Guard Dogs. I hope you enjoyed the read.
It’s your turn: which dog breed from my list is your favourite? And what other breeds do you know that make effective guard dogs?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments section right away.
Also, share this post with fellow dog lovers, thank you!
