Dogs can be a lot of things to us. First and most importantly, they are our companions. Beyond that, they can assist us as service animals, help others as therapy animals, and even protect us as guard dogs.
Are you searching for the right dog to protect you, your family, or your property? If you are considering getting a guard dog, there are plenty of dogs out there that may be up for the job. It's important to be selective when choosing your next dog so you can find one that can become both your companion and protector.
Some dogs are born with natural instincts to act as guard dogs. An ideal guard dog is large, fearless, athletic, alert, loyal, and very responsive to training. A guard dog should not be aggressive in nature. It is important that the dog has a very strong sense of loyalty to you and your family, is highly alert and observant, is very obedient, and shows some instinctual protective behaviors (like barking at strangers). These traits can be developed through training to make the dog an excellent guard dog.
An effective guard dog is able to intimidate anyone who trespasses on your property or threatens to harm you or your loved ones. Ideally, your guard dog will chase people off without the need to cause bodily harm to the offender. However, there may be cases when a guard dog attacks an intruder who poses a major threat.
When training your guard dog, it is best to get help from a professional dog trainer. A guard dog must learn to obey you, especially if you give a cue to stop him from attacking. He must have some kind of structure regarding his response to threats. Otherwise, you can end up in trouble if an innocent person gets hurt. Perhaps someone accidentally comes on your property due to some kind of mistake or misunderstanding and your dog attacks. You might get sued. Or worse, local authorities might seize your dog and prosecute you if they deem your dog as dangerous.
Guard dogs do not always need specialized training to be effective protectors. However, they should receive thorough obedience training so they understand basic commands and any other cues you wish to teach them. Any guard dog training should be catered to develop the dog's natural instincts and provide structure.
Are you ready to start looking for your ideal guard dog? Any dog breed (or even a mixed breed dog) can become an effective protector if he has the appropriate qualities. However, there are certain dog breeds known for excellent guard dog traits that come from years of careful breeding. These dog breeds are known for their natural ability to protect.
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Akita
Bullmastiff Standing In Garden, California, USA The Akita is one of the most loyal dogs you can find. This courageous and alert dog breed is naturally suspicious toward strangers. Your Akita will nobly keep watch over you and your family at all times. It is a job most Akitas takes seriously and will naturally perform with little to no training. Obedience training and guard dog training will simply sharpen the Akita's natural skills. Proper socialization will help prevent unnecessary standoffishness or aggression.
- 02 of 10
Belgian Malinois
Close-Up Of Doberman Pinscher Intense and active, it's no surprise that the Belgian Malinois is a favorite breed of police and military K-9 units. Because of their high energy level, it's important for these dogs to have a serious job to do. The Belgian Malinois must receive specialized training in order to focus his natural abilities. Proper socialization is also very important so the dog will be at ease in new or unfamiliar situations. It is also absolutely essential that this breed gets plenty of exercise every day.
- 03 of 10
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiff Standing In Garden, California, USA The loyal and brave Bullmastiff was originally developed by gamekeepers to protect their game from poachers. The large size of this breed can be quite intimidating to intruders. However, the breed is naturally affectionate towards its family, making this dog an excellent companion. The Bullmastiff is a natural protector that simply needs training in order to provide structure and reinforce its natural guarding instincts.
- 04 of 10
Cane Corso
Cane Corso Sitting On Field The Cane Corso ( pronounced KAH-nay KOR-so) is an Italian dog breed that was historically used as a guard dog, war dog, and hunter. The large size, heavy build, and deep bark of the Cane Corso will, in itself, be quite effective in warding off trespassers. Because the breed possesses a natural instinct for guarding, training should focus on obedience and honing of natural skills.
- 05 of 10
German Shepherd
A German Shepherd Similar to the Belgian Malinois, the German Shepherd Dog is an intense and active dog breed. The GSD tends to have a deep sense of loyalty towards family members. Training is very important to help these dogs focus on the essential tasks needed to guard the property, but their natural ability and desire to protect will provide an excellent foundation for the training. Properly socialize your GSD to avoid fearfulness and nervousness. In addition, make sure your GSD gets plenty of exercise every day.
- 06 of 10
Doberman Pinscher
Close-Up Of Doberman Pinscher The Doberman has historically gotten a bad rap as an aggressive dog breed, but the truth is typically quite different. Though bred to protect, most Dobies are affectionate, docile, and even goofy at times around its family. Most are not even that hesitant towards strangers unless they sense danger. Dobies can often do a good job of protecting with little to no formal training. However, these abilities can be further developed with the right training program. This can help your Dobie to become an excellent guard dog.
- 07 of 10
Komondor
Komondor Known for its signature dreadlocks, the Komondor's white corded coat makes this breed look a lot like a mophead. However, don't let its humorous appearance fool you. The Komondor is a large, strong, and courageous working dog that originated in Hungary. This breed is affectionate with its family but is naturally reserved around strangers. The Komondor has a natural desire to protect that can be shaped by careful training. Socialization is also important to help expose the breed to different situations.
- 08 of 10
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Standing At Great Sand Dunes National Park Though historically a hunting dog, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has an intense loyalty to its family that makes it naturally inclined to protect. This is an affectionate and noble breed that makes a wonderful companion. Basic obedience training is essential to give this dog structure, but specialized guard dog training may not be ideal as it could intensify the natural instinct to protect. It's more important that the breed is trained to listen to you when you needed. Daily exercise will help to keep your Rhodesian happy and healthy.
- 09 of 10
Rottweiler
Bullmastiff Standing In Garden, California, USA The Rottweiler is another breed that sometimes gets a reputation as an aggressive dog. In reality, a Rottie can be a big goofy lovebug one moment and an intimidating defender the next. When a Rottweiler trusts you, he will likely be loyal and affectionate towards you. However, many Rotts are hesitant towards strangers until it is proven that there is no threat. Naturally stubborn at times, a Rott will have no trouble telling (or showing) you that he does not approve of your actions. This is a true guardian that can become an excellent guard dog when properly trained. This breed needs socialization, structure, and a job to do.
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Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiff Running On Yellow Flowering Field The Tibetan Mastiff might be the ultimate guard dog. No one is getting past this large, watchful, powerful, and intimidating dog. Historically used as a guardian dog of Tibet, this breed has protection running through its veins. The Tibetan Mastiff is easygoing around family but tends to distrust strangers and may exhibit territorial behavior if threatened by a stranger. Though not the most affectionate breed out there, this is a loyal dog that will protect you and your family. Be sure to provide structure through training and socialize your Tibetan Mastiff well.