Guard dogs are bred to protect you and your family from unwelcome people or animals. These dogs were bred to have the right disposition, courage, devotion, power, and tolerance to pain so that they can save their families from harm. They are able to distinguish who are unwanted versus those who are part of the family.
Protecting your family and your property is very important. If you want a dog to have the qualities that can keep you safe, then getting at least one of the finest protector dogs is the best choice to make.
Below are the top 10 best guard dogs that you can own via adoption or through a breeder:
#10 – Boerboel
The Boerboel, also called the South African Mastiff, is a large guard dog breed. In fact, it is the only dog breed that was specifically bred to protect the human home. This dog is intelligent, obedient, fearless, territorial, and dominant. It is strong in built and have a keen sense of danger.
Because it has the tendency to become dominant, it is not for first time dog owners. Furthermore, it needs a confident owner who will provide it with positive education and reinforcement. It requires huge space and is not
appropriate for those who live in apartments.
#9 – Argentinian Mastiff/Dogo Argentino
This large, all-white, and strongly-built dog is very beautiful indeed. Although a great guard dog because it will fearlessly protect its territory with hardly any thought for pain, it is also a wonderful dog to raise your children with. This is due to its very tolerant, affectionate, and cheerful personality towards kids and the rest of the family. Unfortunately for city dwellers, this dog requires a lot of room to roam and is not appropriate for apartment dwellers.
This breed is sometimes used in search-and-rescue, police, and military work. It is also used as service dogs.
#8 – Caucasian Shepherd
This dog is valued as a protector of property. In size alone, this breed can make any trespasser rethink about intruding. Unfortunately for those who do trespass, this dog is not just big; it is also strong, territorial, and aggressive towards other dogs (unless socialized early). Although it may seem sluggish on normal days, it is highly distrustful of unfamiliar persons and can spring into action immediately when threatened.
#7 – Komodor
This is one of the “dreadlocks” dog breeds. The Komodor was initially bred to protect sheep and appear like one. Its thick corded fur protects them from extreme cold and wolf bites. Despite its seemingly heavy fur, it is agile, active, and strong.
The Komodor is also a courageous and very loyal breed, making it a good protector and pet. However, it requires a lot of training and a wide backyard.
#6 – Rottweiler
The Rottie, as it is commonly called, was originally bred to guard cattle. It is only available in dark colors so that in the dark, it has the advantage because enemies cannot easily spot it.
In addition to its dark color, the Rottie is also a fast, fearless, confident, intelligent, and obedient big dog. It is very gorgeous with its strong muscles rippling with every movement. Being very loyal to its family, it can be a relentless protector. Furthermore, it is snobbish to strangers unless these people are properly introduced to it.
#5 – Doberman Pinschers
The Doberman Pinscher is another large working dog made popular by many films, usually as a villain, such as in “Up” where it was the former “Alpha”. Its notoriety came from the fact that it is very good at what it does: guarding.
The Doberman Pinscher is not only courageous and smart, it is also very quick and highly trainable. In fact, it is listed as the world’s fifth smartest breed. Because of these attributes, it can be found in almost all top 10 best guard dogs lists and is frequently chosen to become police and military dogs.
#4 – American Staffordshire Terrier
Because of its looks (stocky, muscular, and possesses a strong jaw), it is often mistaken for the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT). The reason behind that is these two breeds share the same ancestor. However, the AmStaff, as it is commonly called, has been separated from the APBT since the 1930s. This separated line was then bred for obedience and good temperament. Nevertheless, when its family is in danger, the AmStaff can become aggressive, fearless, and very protective.
#3 – German Shepherd
This breed is not just a great guard dog but also a great companion. As a companion, this dog is very loving, calm, loyal, good tempered, and smart. Although peaceful at home, once it deems that its family is in danger, it can immediately transform into a confident and fearless guard dog.
This breed is one of the preferred breeds chosen to be a police dog because it is highly trainable, obedient, and agile. Not only is it used to as an attack dog but it is also used in drug or bomb sniffing as well as search-andrescue.
In the United States the German Shepherd is the second most popular dog. Its fame is not just due to the fact that
it is a great pet and guard dog but also because it is also a wonderful actor. For example, Will Smith’s dog in “I am Legend” is a German Shepherd.
#2 – Rhodesian Ridgeback
The most striking feature of this breed is the ridge on its back, hence the name Rhodesian Ridgeback. However, it is one of the top 10 best guard dogs because it is loyal. It does not bark often but when it does, you should pay attention. Although this breed thinks it is a lapdog and loves to cuddle, it is not for first time dog owners because it needs a lot of training since it is highly independent and will naturally decide things for itself.
#1 – Giant Schnauzer
This dog is not only beautiful but it is also large, powerful, intimidating, and very loyal to its family. In addition, it is discerning and will first observe the situation before making its move. That is why it the number 1 in this list!
However, like most of the breeds in this top 10 best guard dogs, it requires a lot of training. It also never runs out
of energy. That is why it is not meant for first-time dog owners.
