Ten Best Breeds for Guard Dogs
There is much debate around the world about which dogs are best for guard duty. Most experts simply judge the effectiveness of dogs they are familiar with, while ignoring less familiar local dogs. Most lists tend to be regional rather than global. In England, large terriers appear higher on the list, while in Europe they tend to lean towards traditional dogs like the German Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher. American lists tend to add Pit Bull terriers and while the Japanese add Tosa Inu. The top ten list here takes these factors into account and presents a good balance of guard dogs from around the world.
10. Tosa Inu
The Tosa Inu is a majestic and huge dog. Bred for hundreds of years in Japan, the Tosa is surprisingly athletic and agile. With a large head and wide skull, it has a large mouth with very powerful jaws. The large size and deep bark of this dog is an excellent deterrent to intruders. Tosa Inus are crosses between Great Danes, St. Bernards, and Mastiffs and were bred to be great fighting dogs. They are highly intelligent and do not need repetitive training, but due to their size they should not be left unsupervised with children.
9. American Akita
The American Akita, separate from the Akita Inu, is a breed of large dog that originated in the mountains of Japan. The Akita is a beautifully striking dog with an appearance of strength and nobility. Physically, these dogs were bred for cold climates. They have luxuriously thick coats and large bear heads. They are very affectionate, loyal and very territorial. They tend to be socially dominant with other dogs, secretive barkers, and can be difficult to train. But unlike the Tosa, the Akita is ideal for families looking for more than just a guard dog.
8. Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is a large, compact dog that works well in clearly defined pack relationships. It is a calm and versatile working dog that loves to be with its owner at all times. The Giant Schnauzer is easy to train and responds to firm and consistent behavior. The key to this breed is that they understand that all other humans around them are higher up in the pack. The Giant Schnauzer lives in a pack mentality, and consistent behavior with this dog is crucial to remaining a great watchdog.
7. Komondor
The Komondor is a large dog of Hungarian origin that is covered in heavy corded fur and has a stocky body. The Komondor is a natural guardian used to protect livestock and property. These dogs were nearly wiped out during World War II when the Germans and Russians had to kill them before they entered the property they were trespassing on.
6. Puli
Similar to the Komondor, the Puli is a medium-sized guard dog. Its fur is similar to that of the Komondor and differs in color and tends to be darker than that of its cousins. The Puli is an intelligent and agile dog that is used to both guard and herd livestock and is a very loyal dog that is easy to train.
5. Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breed native to South Africa. The Ridgeback’s distinguishing feature is the ridge of hair along its back that runs in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat and is typically muscular with a light wheaten coat, which should be short, dense, smooth and shiny in appearance. and neither woolly nor silky. . Ridgebacks are loyal and intelligent, but tend to be aloof around strangers. A well-tempered Ridgeback will be more inclined to ignore a stranger than to challenge him. This breed requires positive reward-based training, good socialization, and consistency, and is often not the best choice for inexperienced dog owners.
4. Bull Mastiff
The Bullmastiff is a powerful dog, originally a cross between the English Mastiff and the Old English Bulldog. Originally bred to find and immobilize poachers, the breed has proven popular as a family pet. A Bullmastiff can be fearless and confident, yet docile. He has a very strong protective instinct and will defend himself against any threat to his owners as well as any threat to his territory. His protective instinct combined with his large size and natural distrust of strangers means early socialization and obedience training are essential.
3. rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a medium to large breed originating in Germany as a herding dog. It is a hardy, highly intelligent breed with well-developed herding and protective genetic instincts, but potentially dangerous behavior in Rottweilers usually results from irresponsible ownership, abuse, neglect, or lack of socialization and training.
2. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are among the most common pet breeds, and the breed is well known as an intelligent, alert, and loyal companion dog. Pinschers are compactly built short-coated dogs with stamina and speed and have a proud, vigilant, determined and obedient temperament. Although they were once commonly used as guard dogs, guard dogs, or police dogs, this is less common today.
1. german shepherd
One of the most widely registered breeds in the world, German Shepherds are a relatively new breed of dog, dating back to 1899 and originally developed to herd sheep. The breed is marked by the will to learn and the desire to have a purpose. Due to their strength, intelligence, and obedience training skills, they are often employed in police and military roles. Shepherds have a loyal nature and relate well to people they meet. They are in the top five on most guard dog lists.
Keep in mind that while the Pit Bull is a popular dog, it is also the best dog for its meanness and I would not recommend it as a guard dog due to its chaotic temperament and history. The Pit Bull can be a very affectionate dog and an excellent guard dog deterrent and we need to bring these affectionate dogs back into the world as a safe breed for families.