Top 10: Guard Dog Breeds

We think of dogs as our best friends, but many times they are more than that. For those of us who need additional protection, our furry friends can offer security and safety. But, how do you choose the best guard dog for you? There are many breeds and styles of dogs and personalities vary greatly between each dog.

If you are looking for a guard dog, you are not alone. Everyday people all around the world are purchasing dogs in order to be protected from intruders and other dangerous situations. Choosing the right guard dog can take a bit of research and when you are faced with this task, be sure to look into the following 10 breeds of dogs that are considered some of the best guard dogs in the world.

1. German Shepherd

These dogs are known to be very watchful and alert. They can easily alert you to dangers and are often trained as police dogs. Along with their intelligence and loyalty, a German Shepherd is courageous and will risk their lives to save yours. Although German Shepherds tend to be friendly if trained properly, they are one of the most reported dogs in the country when it comes to biting and attacks on smaller animals.

2. Rottweiler

Rottweilers were bred for herding purposes but are now popular guide and police dogs. These dogs are extremely loyal and obedient making them easy to train. They are quite determined to protect both their homes and their owners. Rottweilers are also trained as search and rescue dogs and their versatility makes them ideal for any protective post that they may be assigned.
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3. Doberman Pinscher

This breed is one of the most recognizable and tends to receive quite a bit of media attention. They are energetic, great for families and will thrive well indoors. Their intelligence and fearless nature make them great guard dogs. Although they are considered a medium-sized dog, their muscular stature and endurance makes up for any issues that their size might create.

4. Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is an extremely large breed of dog and was specifically bred to guard estates. They are known for their strong stature and quiet personality. With a bit of consistent training they can become major protectors of their homes. A Bullmastiff also has the instincts required to be a natural guardian of its home and family.
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5. Boxer

The boxer has a very strong jaw and therefore a very strong bite. They were specifically designed to hunt large animals, such as bears and wild boars. They have been one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. for many years and are extremely energetic, patient and intelligent. A boxer can become very attached to its family and therefore are extremely protective of it.

6. Great Dane

Great Danes are some of the world’s tallest dogs and are often referred to as a gentle giant. This breed has a deep voice that is enough to scare away many intruders and they are instinctively protective of their owners. They are strong willed and require training to keep their behavior in check.

7. American Pit Bull

Pit Bulls are often thought of as dangerous dogs, mainly due to the “lock-jaw” capability that they have. They can be quite aggressive if not trained properly, and account for nearly half of all dog attacks on humans. Many areas have outlawed this breed, but owners argue that they are extremely loyal and protective.
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8. Collie

Although Collies may be considered small to some, they are fairly stocky and energetic. They were originally bred for herding purposes and are very loyal to their owners. This loyalty is also paired with an intelligence and stubbornness that is second to none in the dog kingdom. They tend to be very protective of their owners and make great guard dogs.

9. Siberian Husky

This breed knows how to work as a team because they were bred to pull heavy loads and are often used as sled dogs. They work best in extremely cold climates and are intelligent and trainable. Historically they were bred to watch over the children of the Chukchi people and this protective instinct still remains in today’s breed.

10. Rhodesian Ridgeback

This breed is typically wary of strangers but is usually not aggressive. A Rhodesian Ridgeback is very loyal to its owner and often takes an experienced dog handler to train them properly. Originally they were bred to hunt lions and are known to be natural guard dogs.


Our pets are an important part of our lives and are typically considered one of the family. Most breeds of dogs are protective of their owners and there are many stories related to dogs going out of their way to protect their owners. Some have even given their own lives in doing so.
Selecting the proper guard dog for your home or office can be a bit of a process. You should be certain that you have the ability to provide the time required in order to train your dog appropriately. Many breeds can be a bit unpredictable if they are not trained properly and it pays for you to have a full understanding of what will be required of you as a pet owner.