Imagine there’s someone knocking on your door at 2 in the night.
Maybe, a burglar, a watchman, or the ghost from the movie you watched last night.
Would you take the risk of opening it?
If I were you, I would have said ‘No’.
But I would have taken a few steps ahead if I had one of the guard dogs.
Yeah, I know there are plenty of dog breeds for guarding.
I know the 15 best guard dog breeds who wouldn’t hesitate to stand beside me even in the dead of the night.
They are courageous, loyal, strong, and of course, protective.
So let’s learn who they are and what qualities they have.
Table of Contents
15 Best Best Dog Breeds for Guarding your Family
1. Akita
If there is someone that can beat a CCTV camera, then that is none other than ‘Akita’.
Akita dogs are aggressive and intolerant but they are skeptical, rugged, and alert too.
If anyone dares to tamper with your property, Akita Inu in no time launches its ferocious attack.
Moreover, they keep a close watch on unknown faces’ activities and alert their owners if they find suspicious activity.
So make sure you bring in the puppy at your place.
The reason is they are difficult to train.
But once trained or bought from prominent breeders, they can be one of the best dog breeds for home protection.
Fun fact: In Japan, any people consider an Akita vs Shiba comparison before bringing home a puppy!
Features:
Origin: Akita is originated in Japan.
AKC Group: Akita is in the ‘Working’ group.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of Akita is 10 to 12 years.
Temperament: Akita dogs are sensitive, protective, strong, loyal, and affectionate.
Coat Color: The coat color of Akita is black, brown brindle, fawn, red, and more.
2. Bullmastiff
If you’re looking for a guard dog that is apartment-friendly, buying a Bullmastiff can be the best decision!
Well, every good guard dog is apartment-friendly.
But this one has all the strength, stamina, and power to fight with those unwelcome guests.
Although his giant size can be intimidating, he can still be best friends with kids.
The only drawback these dog breeds for guarding has is ‘drooling’.
You may live your life fearlessly but most of your time will go in wiping Bullmastiff drool.
Features:
Origin: Bullmastiff is originated in the United Kingdom.
AKC Group: Bullmastiff is in the ‘Working’ group.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of a Bullmastiff is 8 to 10 years.
Temperament: Bullmastiff dogs are alert, lovable, docile, protective, and devoted.
Coat Color: The coat color of Bullmastiff is fawn, red, fawn brindle, and brindle.
3. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinscher dogs are so intelligent that they are not only used by civilians but also the frontline workers.
These dog breeds for guarding are energetic, bright, and quiet in nature.
They wouldn’t bark instantly when unknown faces emerge at your place but they will subtly hint you about their arrivals.
What I love about them is their unique and loud bark.
You can easily find a lost Doberman Pinscher with the aid of his unique bark.
They are smart, quick, strong, and deserve to be the dog for security.
Choosing the best Doberman puppy is a really important thing to do. So just go through these features once!
Features:
Origin: Doberman is originated in Germany.
AKC Group: Doberman is in the ‘Working’ group.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of Doberman is 10 to 14 years.
Temperament: Doberman dogs are alert, intelligent, loyal, brave, and obedient.
Coat Color: The color coat of Doberman is grayish brown, red, black, white, and blue.
4. Boxer
There are several myths about Boxer dogs.
One of them is ‘they are not suitable for families’.
But let me tell you that they are best companions for blind folks.
They are intelligent, loyal, obedient, and agile which makes them the best dog breeds for guarding.
They might look menacing but they have the coolest and confident demeanor.
Features:
Origin: Boxer is originated in Germany.
AKC Group: Boxer is in the ‘Working’ group.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of Boxer is 9 to 12 years.
Temperament: Boxer dogs are playful, alert, intelligent, confident, and fearless.
Coat Color: The coat color of Boxer is brindle, fawn, and white.
5. Belgian Malinois
I think Belgian Malinois is versatile, intelligent, and of course, one of the top guard dogs.
Like Doberman Pinscher, they are also used in cops and military units.
They are proficient at protecting families, pets, and properties.
Also, these guard dog types can jump into any hoop and hurdle to save their owner’s life.
As they are fast learners, you can train them the way you want to deter intruders and burglars.
Belgian Malinois, dog breeds for guarding have high rescue abilities and energy levels to thrive at any job.
Whether it could be guarding, searching, or attacking…
Features:
Origin: It is originated in Belgium.
AKC Group: Belgian Malinois is in the ‘Herding’ group.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois is 12 to 14 years.
Temperament: Belgian Malinois are gentle, playful, alert, and fearless.
Coat Color: The coat color of Belgian Malinois is red, fawn, mahogany, and more.
6. Caucasian Shepherd
You know most livestock dog guards can also be used as family security guard dogs.
Caucasian Shepherd is one of them which I’m talking about.
These dog breeds for guarding are very intelligent, protective, and threatening to wrongdoers.
They also happen to be one of the most fluffy dog breeds.
They have adorable appearances… you may wish to cuddle.
But their behavior is totally opposite!
They get agitated when you constantly step into their business. Avoid it!
Remember, when you bring one to your place, try to train them from day 1.
So, it will start recognizing you in an early phase and trying to respect your teachings.
Features:
Origin: It is originated in Caucasian.
AKC Group: Caucasian Shepherd is in the ‘Foundation Stock Service’ group.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of a Caucasian Shepherd is 10 to 12 years.
Temperament: Caucasian Shepherd dogs are powerful, alert, quick, dominant, calm, and strong.
Coat Color: The coat color of Caucasian Shepherd is black, cream, fawn, white, red, and more.
7. Dogo Argentino
If you’re looking for guard dogs that don’t shed, a Dogo Argentino can be a perfect choice!
Their humbleness, loyalty, and protectiveness make them the best guard dogs for kids and families.
Since they have a rich history of hunting wild animals, they can be life-threatening to intruders and strangers.
They’re one of the most high energy dog breeds.
Also, they have high intelligence which makes it easier to comprehend their master’s command.
Features:
Origin: It is originated in Argentina
AKC Group: Dogo Argentino is in the ‘Working’ group.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of Dogo Argentino is 10 to 15 years.
Temperament: Dogo Argentino dogs are tolerant, friendly, loving, protective, and tolerant.
Coat Color: The coat color of Dogo Argentino is White.
8. American Bulldog
If it’s only about impressive physical appearance and fast learning abilities, then this breed wouldn’t be on the list.
The American Bulldog is a slow learner dog.
However, their other characteristics such as endurance, splendid energy level, and fierce look make him one of the good dog breeds for guarding.
Their bark and ferocious look (After getting agitated) are just enough to stop inciters.
Features:
Origin: American Bulldog is originated in the United States.
AKC Group: American Bulldog is in the ‘Foundation Stock Service’ group.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of an American Bulldog is 10 to 15 years.
Temperament: American Bulldogs are friendly, energetic, loyal, assertive, confident, gentle, and dominant.
Coat Color: The coat color of American Bulldog is black, brown brindle, fawn, red, white, and more.
9. Rottweiler
If you want to scare the intruders and burglars with limited efforts, then Rottweiler should be your first choice.
He has a confident gait and a frightening appearance to send a burglar off its track.
They have a rich history of slogging on the battlefield. They’re also used as service dogs in armed forces.
However, due to their sheer will, alertness, intelligence, and high energy level they can still be best for owners and nightmare for intruders.
Just make sure you bring in a superior breed at your place, provide necessary training, and teach good habits.
So this menacing-looking guard dog cannot be a severe threat to you.
Features:
Origin: Rottweiler is originated in Germany.
AKC Group: Rottweiler is in the ‘Working’ group.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of Rottweiler is 8 to 10 years.
Temperament: Rottweiler dogs are self-assured, devoted, obedient, fearless, alert, confident, calm, and courageous.
Coat Color: The coat color of Rottweiler is black with tan, rust, and mahogany.
10. The Great Dane
If you wish to have a personal bodyguard for your children or yourself, the Great Dane is the best option.
It is not because of their large size or sturdy appearance, but it’s due to their sheer focus and loyalty.
The Great Dane is one of the cleverest types of guard dogs that are known for obeying their masters’ commands.
These largest lapdogs are compartment friendly, loyal, strong, and of course best guard dogs for families.
Features:
Origin: Great Dane is originated in Germany.
AKC Group: Great Dane is in the ‘Working’ group.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of Great Dane is 8 to 10 years.
Temperament: Great Dane dogs are friendly, devoted, reserved, confident, gentle, loving, and confident.
Coat Color: The coat color of Great Dane is black, blue, brindle, silver, mantle, and more.
11. Komondor
Komondor dogs may look like mop heads, you feel like taking pictures of them.
But they are very violent and aggressive.
They also have a unique yip and bark.
And it’s difficult to even accept them as dog breeds for guarding.
As they say, trained dogs can always be guard dogs – Komondor is one of those.
The execution of the right training and exercise helps this dog to be protective and loyal to its owners.
Features:
Origin: Komondor is originated in Hungary.
AKC Group: Komondor is in the ‘Working’ group.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of Komondor is 10 to 12 years.
Temperament: Komondor are fearless, independent, affectionate, steady, gentle, and Calm
Coat Color: The color coat of Komondor is white.
12. Kuvasz
Kuvasz was bred to protect livestock but they can be bred or brought to protect your family as well.
These guard dogs’ training requirement is minimal.
They alert you with their booming bark when danger approaches you.
Also, they keep a close watch on every person whether it could be an outsider or a family member.
Kuvasz is one of the cleverest and best guard dogs in the world.
Features:
Origin: Kuvasz is originated in Hungary.
AKC Group: Kuvasz is in the ‘Working’ group.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of Kuvasz is 10 to 12 years.
Temperament: Kuvasz dogs are protective, patient, independent, clownish, intelligent, and loyal.
Coat Color: White
13. Appenzeller Sennenhund
Appenzeller Sennenhund is one of the small guard dogs with impeccable physical strength.
They might look like small-sized guard dogs but they can grab heavy items from their strong teeth.
This dog breed can be dangerous to new faces who show up at your place but they are one of the best dog’s for kids.
When you buy him, check the history of the breed and learn whether the breeder has trained them or not.
If not, you can also train him at your place and teach him the right habits such as recognition, obedience, and socialization.
The one who obeys us protects us from danger.
Try to train them at an early stage so they can obey all your commands.
Features:
Origin: Appenzeller is originated in Switzerland.
AKC Group: Appenzeller is in the ‘Foundation Stock Service’ group.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of Appenzeller is 12 to 15 years.
Temperament: Appenzeller dogs are self-assured, reliable, lively, energetic, and fearless.
Coat Color: The coat color is Appenzeller is black brown and white.
14. Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog
Being proficient in communication, this guard dog provides top-notch security.
This guard dog wouldn’t tell you what’s the next move of the stranger but he would alert you with his paws when something suspicious is about to happen.
Well, they are also the best choice for livestock protection as they are vigilant, courageous, and dominant in nature.
Features:
Origin: It is originated in Romania.
AKC Group: Romanian Mioritic Shepherd dog is in the ‘Foundation Stock Service’ group.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of a Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog is 12 to 14 years.
Temperament: Romanian Mioritic Shepherd dogs are calm, courageous, and loyal.
Coat Color: The color coat of Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog is gray and white.
15. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The last on the list is Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
The reason is they are very intelligent, bold, loyal, and thrive only in the presence of family and friends.
These dog breeds for guarding require someone who can monitor 24/7.
As they take time to identify known faces, they can be severe threats to outsiders.
If any new faces come to your place, they will start producing high-pitched sounds in order to scare them.
That’s why it is recommended to bring a trained or Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy to your place.
They are overprotective, agile, alert, and good guard dogs for kids as well as families.
Features:
Origin: Staffordshire Bull Terrier is originated in the United Kingdom.
AKC Group: Staffordshire Bull Terrier is in the ‘Terrier’ group.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of Staffordshire Bull Terrier is 12 to 14 years.
Temperament: Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs are affectionate, intelligent, loyal, fearless, bold, reliable, and courageous.
Coat Color: The coat color of Staffordshire Bull Terrier is red, fawn, white, black, blue, and more.
Conclusion
Greetings!
This was all about the best family guard dogs!
Let us know which one are you going to adopt for your protection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best guard dog for a family?
It depends on the person. Some prefer large size dogs whereas others prefer small but menacing appearance guard dogs. German Shepherds can be the best guard dog for a family as they are mid-sized breeds with sharp minds.
2. What breed of dog is most protective?
Belgian Malinois is the most protective dog breed. They are very sharp, energetic, obedient, family-friendly, and strong enough to guard families, pets, livestock, and others.
3. What is the best nonshedding guard dog?
Dogo Argentino is the best nonshedding guard dog. Also, they have minimal grooming needs.
4. What makes a good guard dog?
Good dog breeds for guarding have a strong sense of loyalty to their owners. Most guard dogs are obedient and fearless. A good guard dog can be defined by its ability to protect owners and deter intruders.
