When it comes to loyalty, courage and physical strength, there are certain breeds of dog that make the best guard dog. They make it their mission to protect whatever property they are trained to guard and they do it really very well! However, some small breeds can make a wonderful guard dog too, the only problem is their size which means intruders might just get the better of them but sometimes at their peril!
Below is a list of 10 breeds that are renowned for their prowess at being the best guard dogs ever.
This handsome dog is strong and very territorial - if you’re looking for a big guard dog, you’ve found it. The Kuvasz is a natural when it comes to protecting things. They can be a little bit shy around people they don't know however but they are loyal and very affectionate dogs when they are with their owners, so much so a Kuvasz loves to sit leaning on their owner's legs whenever they can!
The Central Asian Shepherd is thought to be an ancestor of one of the most ancient dog breeds in the world. Loyal and courageous to a fault, their purpose has always been to protect their human family, livestock and animals. They’re used to living in some of the harshest conditions on earth: the mountains and plains of Mongolia so they possess a resilience and stamina that other dogs don’t. Valued for their intelligence and problem solving, they are adept at making independent decisions in order to guard and protect.
The Belgian Malinois is a working dog and is used to being in demanding situations such as the military, search & rescue, police work and sniffer detection. They’re being incorporated more and more into family life, however a high level of training is still required when taking on this shepherd. They are loyal and bond very well with their handlers as long as the commands are consistent, so bear this in mind. The malinois is alert, active and has loads of stamina, thriving when it has a job to do; they respond well to guard dog training.
The Puli
This docile looking canine is in fact a very active and energetic dog that was bred to herd sheep, something they do very well. Pulis are very intelligent and by nature, they are quite suspicious of strangers which makes them one of the best guard dog breeds. They are incredibly loyal to their owners and will protect them no matter what!
The Komondor is another very skilled herding dog that also boasts being a fantastic watch dog. They are always prepared to look after their owners and their property. Komondors are incredibly loyal and courageous, always thinking fast on their feet which makes them very capable of working things out quickly!
One of the most popular guard dogs in the world, the German Shepherd has a lot to boast about. They are extremely intelligent, very protective and yet wonderful around children. They have to be right up there as the world's number one guard dog!
The Giant Schnauzer is a powerful, dominant and large characters which makes them very good watch dogs, but only if they have been well trained and socialised from a very early age. They need a very firm hand when they are being taught things which needs to be done consistently so as not to confuse them – they are not the best choice for first time dog owners because of this.
For a long time the Rottweiler has been used to guard properties which is hardly surprising because they are highly intelligent, and they are very brave with it. However, they are wonderful family pets that on the one hand are gentle giants but on the other will protect the people they love without a second thought. Rotties need to be trained and well socialised from a very early age so they are well balanced characters when they are older. They will guard and home as well as be a loving family pet!
Another wonderfully proud breed of dog, the Doberman has for decades been one of the most popular breeds that people choose to have as a guard dog in most countries on the planet. However, a Doberman's temperament can differ from dog to dog, with some being real softies whereas others are braver and more protective. One thing a Doberman does well is take care of the people they love and their property!
The Bullmastiff is another breed that is right up there with the best when it comes to guarding people and their property. They are incredibly loyal and courageous, never afraid to defend what they consider to be their territory. They are also quite wary of strangers which is another reason they make the best guard dogs as well as wonderful family pets and they are extremely good around children!
If you're considering adopting or buying a family dog that is one of the best guard dog breeds too, the list above will give you some idea of which breed of dog to look for. However, if you decide to get a puppy, remember they will need to be trained and socialised from an early age – if you don't think you have the time to do this, then adopting a rescue dog could be a better route to go down. Like this you know that dog has been taught all the rules which takes a lot of pressure off you when it comes to training them!