Are you looking for a guard dog but don’t know which breeds are best for the job? This article describes ten of the best guard dog breeds as agreed by a number of professionals in the dog breeding industry. That is not to say that these ten breeds are the only great guard dogs out there. This list is just a way to set you on the right direction. There are many more breed choices out there to choose from.
What is a guard dog? Well, he isn’t simply a watch dog. A guard dog not only watches but also threatens intruders. It is instinctive for them to protect their masters and their territory. If their persuasive barking and intimidating appearance don’t do the trick, they will eventually attack. Guard dogs are normally wary of strangers, and a good guard dog will be fiercely loyal to its owners.
So which breeds made my list?
Rottweiler – The Rottweiler is a breed with a large, powerful body. They are both athletic and muscular, with a rounded forehead and broad head. They have hard, short, thick coats that are black with brown markings on the muzzle, paws, legs and cheeks. A red color with brown markings also exists. With respect to temperament, these dogs are generally mellow, courageous, loyal, and intelligent. This dog is a strong fighter and will protect his family fiercely. They are seemingly immune to pain. Good training is essential with a Rottweiler. Without proper training this breed tends to be overly aggressive and extremely powerful. With firm training at a fairly young age however a Rottweiler can make for a great companion for both adults and children. This dog is wary of strangers but friends and family will normally be welcomed. They should be kept on leashes when in public as they can be aggressive towards other dogs. Rottweilers need companionship and socialization.
Doberman Pincher – The Doberman is a muscular and powerful breed. It has a well proportioned chest, and short back and a slim neck. It has a short, hard, close-fitting coat that comes in a variety of colors. The teeth are strong and closely spaced. This breed was bred to be a guard dog for a century. Dobermans generally have lots of energy, intelligence and strength. They are assertive and naturally protective, but not vicious and aggressive as their reputation leads you to believe. When properly trained they are loyal and affectionate creatures. Dobermans MUST be consistently trained through positive reinforcement and they need owners that aren’t going to be afraid to discipline. All family members should learn how to handle the dog since this breed tends to be pushy when it can be. Dobermans can be great family dogs if they are trained properly and raised with children from puppyhood. Temperament does vary in this breed. Female Dobermans are more difficult to train than males. This dog needs interaction with people and should not be abandoned in a backyard.
German Shepherd – This breed is also well proportioned and strong. Its coat can be black and tan, sable or completely black and less commonly blue, liver and white. The nose is most often black. This dog will have a muscular and slightly longer body with a light, solid bone structure and a bushy tail. The coat comes in three varieties: long-haired, rough-coated and long rough-coated. German Shepherds are used as sheepdogs and guides for the blind. They have also been used in police work, in the military, and in search a rescue service. This breed is generally eager to learn, obedient, courageous, confident, and loyal. They are extremely intelligent and they need tasks in life to be truly happy. German Shepherds are wary of strangers but love their families. They should not be left alone for long periods of time. They aren’t hostile and only bark when they feel it is necessary. They need proper training because of their protective instincts. Angry, coercive training will not work well with this breed. Firm training with loving hands and socialization at an early age will shape a German Shepherd into a family dog that is good with other pets.
Giant Schnauzer – A large, powerful dog with whiskers, a beard, and bushy eyebrows. They have a harsh, wiry outer coat and a soft undercoat that comes in solid black or salt and pepper. The Giant Schnauzer is one of the few large breeds that have a non-shed coat. The head is approximately half as long as the back. The height is approximately the same as the length giving this breed a square appearance. These dogs are generally intelligent, calm, loving, easy to train and protective. They love to be with their owners. They respond to consistent, firm training with a positive approach and rewards. They are wary of strangers for the most part, and differ in temperament with some being more serious and others very playful. This breed will need an owner that can take control and show leadership or the dog will try to take over as boss. Give them plenty of exercise also because they can turn destructive when left alone. You need to channel that energy in a different direction.
Bullmastiff – A very powerful dog with a broad, wrinkled head and a dark, short, square muzzle. This breed has a short, straight back. The coat is short and slightly rough. Bullmastiffs are loyal, alert, intelligent, calm, affectionate and good-natured in general. They are reluctant to attack, but when they do catch an intruder they will knock him down and hold him. This breed is more aggressive than the Mastiff. He drools, snores, slobbers and craves human attention. Never banish a Bullmastiff to a kennel. Owners need to assert their authority with this breed as well. Proper training is a must with this dog, and you will want to socialize Bullmastiffs at a young age. These dogs will be reserved with strangers and sensitive to the tone of your voice.
Rhodesian Ridgeback – a large, muscular hound with a clearly defined ridge that runs along the length of its back. The ridge is formed by hair that is growing in an opposite direction from the rest of the short, sleek coat. This breed is a great hunter while being calm, obedient, loyal, brave, strong, stubborn and intelligent. Some Rhodesian Ridgebacks don’t do well with children because they don’t like to be played with roughly. They are generally wary of strangers and need thorough and consistent obedience training, socialization with people and dogs, and a firm owner. They are very protective of their owners!
Chow Chow – The Chow Chow has a blue-black tongue and nearly straight hind legs. The hind legs make this dog walk somewhat stilted. It has a dense furry coat that can be either smooth or rough. There is a huge ruff behind the head that gives this breed a lion appearance. With respect to temperament, this dog is usually well-mannered but can be very protective, independent and extremely willful. Chow Chows are most times a one-person dog. They will be very loyal but also reserved towards their family. This breed may become aggressive if pushed by strangers. Don’t expect a great deal of obedience from this breed though some owners have had success with obedience training. Owners should be firm and fair. Some Chows do not accept a leash while others do. Temperaments vary throughout this breed. You Chow will learn if it wants to basically.
Bouvier des Flandres – This is another powerful dog. It has a large, heavily-coated head with a beard, shaggy eyebrows and mustache. The length from shoulder to rump is approximately equal to the dog’s height. This is another dog that has a square profile. This breed has a deep, broad chest with perfectly straight, muscular front legs. It has steel-wool hair that is both shaggy and harsh to touch. The coat protects the dog in all types of weather. It is generally obedient, calm, and easily trained. This breed learns commands quite fast and once they learn the command they will remember for the rest of their life. They need consistent training with a owner who can make the dog realize who’s in charge. The breed is normally very adaptable and excellent with children. They are wary of strangers and protective of their family.
Boxer – The Boxer has a power, compact body with a shiny, close-fitting coat. The body is lean and unwrinkled. The lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw. The profile appears square. This breed is generally happy, playful, energetic, and intelligent. They can also be sneaky and stubborn. They bond closely with their families and are known for their affectionate way with children. The Boxer is a protector that will restrain intruders like a Bulldog. They need a lot of human contact and a dominant owner. You need to start young and be consistent with training.
Komondor – This is a large dog with a felted and corded white coat that is 8 to 11 inches long. The coat helps the dog blend in with sheep and protects them from other animals like wolves and bears. This is a serious dog that is alert, wary of strangers, very territorial and protective of its family and home. It can be aggressive with both strange dogs and people. It’s important to socialize at an early age. They are not recommended for most families, but they can be good family dogs if they are raised with children from the start. They will need thorough obedience training.
Remember, these breed descriptions are generalities. All dogs are different and will have their own personalities.
