The Best Guard Dogs: 30 Breeds

trainer teaching his dogs on an open space

Dogs have been used as guards for centuries, and the tradition continues today. Dogs are loyal and protective and make excellent guard animals. They are not only man’s best friend, but they also keep their human companions and their homes safe as well. Here are 30 breeds of dogs that are best suited for guarding purposes.

1. Alaskan Malamute

This breed is bred for sledding and is therefore very strong and muscular. They are also known for their toughness and protectiveness.

2. Bullmastiff

This breed is known for its size and strength, as well as its protective nature. It is a good choice for guarding large properties.

3. Rottweiler

This breed is known for its intelligence, strength, and aggressiveness when necessary. It is perfect for guarding property or people.

4. German Shepherd

This breed is one of the most popular breeds in the world and with good reason — they are intelligent, loyal, and often used in law enforcement and military work. They make excellent guard dogs.

5. Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman pinscher is known for its strength, speed, and aggressiveness. They are perfect for guarding people or property.

6. Cane Corso

This breed is similar to the Rottweiler in that it is bred for guard work and is known for its intelligence and strength.

7. Akita

This breed is known for its loyalty and protectiveness. It is a good choice for guarding people or property in dangerous areas.

8. Belgian Malinois

This breed is used by law enforcement and the military because of its intelligence and protective nature. It would be an excellent choice for guarding a home or property.

9. Bouvier des Flandres

This breed is known for its strength, courage, and loyalty. It is a good choice for guarding people or property in rural areas.

10. Chow Chow

This breed is known for its loyalty, protectiveness, and independence. It is a good choice for guarding people or property in urban areas.

11. Australian Cattle Dog

This breed is bred for herding and is therefore very protective of its family and property. It would make an excellent guard dog.

12. American Staffordshire Terrier

This breed is known for its strength, courage, and loyalty. It makes an excellent guard dog and is also good with children.

13. Boston Terrier

This breed is small but mighty! They are known for their courage and loyalty and make excellent guard dogs.

14. Boxer

This breed is known for its strength, intelligence, and loyalty. It would be an excellent choice for guarding people or property.

15. Great Dane

This breed is known for its size, strength, and gentle nature. It is a good choice for guarding people or property in rural areas.

16. Mastiff

This breed is different from the bullmastiff. It is known for its size, strength, and courage. It is a good choice for guarding people or property in rural areas.

17. Newfoundland

This breed is known for its size, strength, and loyalty. It would be an excellent choice for guarding people or property in rural areas.

18. Portuguese Water Dog

This breed is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and swimming ability. It makes an excellent guard dog for properties with water on them.

19. Samoyed

This breed is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and ability to work in cold climates. It would be a good choice for guarding people or property in colder climates.

20. Siberian Husky

This breed is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and ability to work in colder climates. It would be a good choice for guarding people or property in colder climates.

21. Shih Tzu

This breed is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and courage. Although small and cute, it is perfect for guarding people or property in urban areas.

22. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

This breed is known for its strength, courage, and loyalty. It makes an excellent guard dog and is also good with children.

23. Welsh Corgi

This breed is known for its size, strength, and loyalty. It would be a good choice for guarding people or property in rural areas.

24. West Highland White Terrier

This breed is known for its size, strength, and loyalty. It would be a good choice for guarding people or property in rural areas.

25. Yorkshire Terrier

This breed is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and courage. Although tiny, it is loud and perfect for guarding people or property in urban areas.

26. Bulldog
bulldog eating in his plate

This breed is known for its size, strength, and courage. It would be an excellent choice for guarding people or property in rural areas.

28. Giant Schnauzer

This breed is known for its loyalty, protectiveness, and intelligence. It would be an excellent choice for guarding people or property in urban areas.

29. Standard Schnauzer

This breed is known for its loyalty, courage, and protectiveness. It would be a good choice for guarding people or property in urban areas.

30. Rhodesian Ridgeback

This breed is known for its size, strength, and loyalty. It would be an excellent choice for guarding people or property in rural areas.

In conclusion, there are many breeds of guard dogs to choose from, each with its own unique strengths and abilities. The best guard dog for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. If you live in a rural area, for example, you may want a large breed such as a Mastiff or Newfoundland that can provide protection against intruders or predators. If you live in an urban area, on the other hand, you may want a smaller breed such as a Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier that can easily fit into small spaces and will bark loudly to alert you of any potential threats.

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