10 Best Guard Dogs To Protect Your Home
Dogs are known for being protectors of the home and family. As this has been the main job of domesticated dogs throughout history, many dogs have a natural instinct to guard. Below we have listed the top 10 most protective guard dog breeds.
1. Doberman
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Size: 63 - 72cm
Weight: 40 - 45kg
Personality: Fearless, alert, loyal
Colour: Fawn & Rust, Black & Rust, Red & Rust, Blue & Rust
Life Expectancy: 9 - 12 years
Dobermans were developed to be fearless companions that protect their families. This intelligent breed is an instinctive guard dog, yet extremely affectionate with its owners - making them suitable for family life.
Find out more about Dobermans here.
2. Bullmastiff
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Size: 61 - 69cm
Weight: 50 - 59kg
Personality: Loyal, protective, powerful
Colour: Brindle, Fawn, Red
Life Expectancy: 8 - 10 years
Bullmastiffs are extremely strong but are docile, gentle and affectionate when at home. This breed is fiercely loyal and protective. Bullmastiffs are large dogs and have a determined personality so they make excellent guard dogs.
Find out more about Bullmastiffs here.
3. Hungarian Pulik
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Size: 37 - 44cm
Weight: 13 - 15kg
Personality: Social, trustworthy, adaptable, intelligent
Colour: Fawn, Black, Grey, White
Life Expectancy: 9 - 15 years
The Hungarian Pulik is a loyal dog that forms a strong bond with its owner. This breed is always aware of their surroundings so they are natural watchdogs and will bark to let you know when something catches their attention. Pulik are eager to please and are trustworthy dogs.
Find out more about Pulik here.
4. German Shepherd
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Size: 55 - 65cm
Weight: 30 - 40kg
Personality: Loyal, dependable, protective, intelligent
Colour: Black & Tan, Tan, Black, Cream, Grey, White
Life Expectancy: 9 - 13 years
German Shepherds were developed as herders in the late 1800s. These highly intelligent dogs are fast learners and their confidence makes them excellent police dogs. German Shepherds are dependable, focused and have a calm demeanour when at home making them perfect guard dogs.
Find out more about German Shepherds here.
5. Komondor
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Size: 60 - 80cm
Weight: 50 - 61kg
Personality: Intelligent, devoted, brave, independent
Colour: White
Life Expectancy: 10 - 12 years
Komondor dogs have been used for centuries to guard sheep in Hungary. These dogs have dreadlocks that protect them from the elements and the teeth of predators. The Komondor breed is known for being strong, confident and brave, characteristics that make them an excellent choice of guard dogs.
Find out more about Komondors here.
6. Rhodesian Ridgeback
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Size: 61 - 69cm
Weight: 31 - 38kg
Personality: Affectionate, dignified, even-tempered
Colour: Wheaten
Life Expectancy: 9 - 15 years
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are independent, fast, and strong-willed. The breed was originally used for tracking lions in Africa but is now a popular family dog. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are devoted to their families and are affectionate with children. The Ridgeback is a good breed for protecting a family home.
Find out more about Rhodesian Ridgebacks here.
7. Giant Schnauzer
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Size: 60 - 70cm
Weight: 34 - 43kg
Personality: Intelligent, loyal, alert
Colour: Black, Pepper & Salt
Life Expectancy: 10 - 12 years
Developed to drive cattle from farms to markets in the Bavarian Alps, the Giant Schnauzer is a large, powerful, and bold breed. These dogs are formidable guard dogs and have even been used in police and military units in Europe. Giant Schnauzers are obedient and courageous dogs.
Find out more about Giant Schnauzers here.
8. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
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Size: 33 - 41cm
Weight: 13 - 17kg
Personality: Tenacious, brave, clever, confident
Colour: White, Black, Red, Fawn, Blue, Brindle
Life Expectancy: 12 - 14 years
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are muscular dogs with boisterous natures. This breed is reliable, trainable and affectionate with their family. Staffies make excellent watchdogs because they are intimidating but sensible, only being aggressive when protecting a member of their family.
Find out more about Staffordshire Bull Terriers here.
9. Akita Inu
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Size: 58 - 68cm
Weight: 34 - 54kg
Personality: Territorial, loyal, powerful, quiet
Colour: White, Red Fawn, Sesame, Brindle
Life Expectancy: 11 - 15 years
The Akita Inu was originally bred to be a guard dog and hunting dog, it is also thought they were used for fighting too.
Find out more about the Akita Inu here.
10. Rottweiler
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Size: 56 - 69cm
Weight: 50 - 60kg
Personality: Confident, loyal, loving, protective
Colour: Black & Tan, Black & Mahogany, Black & Rust
Life Expectancy: 8 - 10 years
The Rottweiler is a loyal breed that is calm, gentle and affectionate with its family. Originally developed to protect cattle, Rottweilers are known for being protective of their home and owners. Rottweilers tend to be aloof with strangers.
Find out more about Rottweilers here.
Other Protective Dog Breeds
Things To Consider When Choosing A Guard Dog
When choosing a breed to be your guard dog it is important to consider three factors: training, early socialisation and exercise requirements.
Training
Guard dogs are often large in size, strong, and even stubborn, proper training is essential as the owner needs to be seen as the leader of the pack. Being firm, fair, and consistent with training is extremely important with these breeds to prevent them from getting too boisterous and out of hand.
Early Socialisation
Socialisation is important for all dogs. When it comes to these strong and protective guard dog breeds they need to be socialised well to ensure the safety of family members, neighbours, and guests. Early socialisation is the key to having a balanced, obedient, and confident dog.
Exercise Requirements
Most breeds of guard dogs were bred to do a specific job and have steady energy levels and excellent stamina. These dogs tend to do well with moderate exercise (e.g. hiking) rather than high-intensity activities such as running. These breeds tend to enjoy having a job to do and this helps keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Playtime is also an important part of a dog’s mental and physical stimulation, as guard dogs are large and strong it is important they know what type of play is appropriate. Fetch games, puzzle toys, feeders, and games are all good options.
Finding A Guard Dog Puppy
If you have found the right breed for you, use Puppies to help you find a healthy puppy from a responsible breeder. It’s important you choose a reputable breeder to ensure the puppy has been bred in ethical conditions and to relevant health standards.
