Guard Dogs That Make Wonderful Pets

By: Kate Row | Last updated: Oct 09, 2023

Dogs are without a doubt a man’s best friend. These adorable and devoted animals are almost too good for humans. Although all dogs deserve to be loved, a Chihuahua generally wouldn’t make a good guard dog.

Certain dog breeds make excellent guard dogs given their physique, devotion, and intelligence. However, you might also want your dog to curl up on the sofa with you. The good news is that it’s possible to do both! Aside from being loving family pets, these breeds make great guard dogs.

German Shepherd

Due to their intelligence, agility, and loyalty, German shepherds are among the most popular breeds of police dogs. They also make great pets. Generally speaking, this lovely breed is simple to train.

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German shepherds are highly intelligent and have been bred to work. When they have a deep connection with you, they can be very loyal and will guard you against intruders. They also look stunning. They are a wonderful choice for both a guard dog and a family pet.

Rottweiler

Many people instantly think of rottweilers when they hear the term “guard dog,” as they frequently appear in movies as stereotypically ferocious guard dogs. These canines may, however, be quite gentle as well.

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They are extremely intelligent and loving to their owners, though they can be rather suspicious of strangers (who could blame them?). Should you decide to get a rottweiler, be sure to properly train and socialize them and you’ll have a trusted companion for life!

Staffordshire Bull Terriers

If you don’t have enough room for a large dog in your home, Staffordshire bull terriers are a great choice. They are made of pure muscle and often weigh less than 40 pounds. We’d all want our guards to be as brave as these spirited dogs are.

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Make sure your terrier gets plenty of exercise by taking them for long walks and playing with them often. This will also keep them in good shape. A guard dog doesn’t need to be large to be effective!

Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans may appear rather frail at first, but don’t be fooled! This breed is astonishingly powerful and exceedingly quick. They make the best home protection dogs thanks to their fearlessness.

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Dobermans need a lot of exercise, just like other active breeds out there. To help them burn off some of their energy, make sure to take them on daily walks and/or play a game of fetch often. These dogs are sure to make anyone feel protected in their home if given enough exercise and training.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers

The Chesapeake Bay retriever looks similar to other retrievers, but what makes them stand out is their wavy coat. This breed is as loving as other retrievers, but they also exhibit a healthy reserve around unfamiliar people.

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They form strong bonds with their owners and are exceptionally affectionate canines. When interacting with strangers, they are courteous but do not immediately show signs of fondness. This breed excels both as a family companion and a guard dog.

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Bullmastiff

The reason why bullmastiffs make great guard dogs is pretty obvious if you’ve ever seen one in person. They are a large, powerful hybrid of the bulldog and mastiff breeds. Look at how big that head is!

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Their size and bark make this breed nearly impossible to overlook. You are welcome to bring them along when you go for walks, but note that they aren’t the greatest for jogging. They are not built for speed due to their sheer size.

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Australian Shepherd

These dogs are more than just attractive. They’re not only one of the most beautiful breeds, but they also make fantastic partners in crime. The medium-sized Australian shepherd is an incredibly brave breed.

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Australian shepherds are natural herders because they were first bred in ranches. If you’re having trouble getting your kids to go downstairs for supper, this breed could come in handy. They make excellent buddies and guardians since they are playful and full of energy.

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Akita

It should come as no surprise that the large and powerful Akita is a great choice for a guard dog since Akitas were originally bred as guard dogs for Japanese royals. They have excellent intuition and are wary of new people.

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They are extremely intelligent and are always on guard, so they’ll be paying attention even if you aren’t. They are among the most devoted dog breeds and will be a fantastic companion to you and your family.

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Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are one of the best guard dog breeds because of their instinct to protect. They were bred in nature to protect flocks of animals. Their size and strength make them an intimidating adversary to any intruder.

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Their instincts are well suited to be a guard dog. While they will recognize you and your family, you may need to introduce them to house visitors when they come to your home. Once befriended, the Caucasian Shepherd dog is a friend as well as a fighter.

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Estrela Mountain Dog

This breed is the perfect combination of protective and friendly. They are naturally wary of strangers but incredibly affectionate with their owners. Their size alone is intimidating to any threats.

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They are very athletic as well so they’re equipped to chase off any unwanted visitors with ease. If you’re looking for a protector of the home who also gets along with kids, this breed might just be the one for you.

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Puli

Pulis might just be one of the most interesting-looking dogs there are, but aside from their looks, they make excellent guard dogs. Their goofy appearance might make them look unassuming, but this breed is natural herders. They have great instincts.

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They are known for outsmarting predators when they would herd sheep on ranches and farms. A Puli dog might be just what your family is looking for. But, good luck grooming these furry friends!

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Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback was bred to hunt lions so they are an excellent option to protect you, your family, and your property. They have excellent eyesight and instincts that contribute to their hunting nature.

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They are a great family dog so long as you have the time to walk and exercise them. Like many guard dog breeds, they have tons of energy that will need to be released. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are also great guard dogs for first-time owners.

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Border Collie

Border Collies are another dog breed that was bred for herding. They are somewhat loud dogs for this reason, but this is to your benefit if you want a guard dog. They will alert you when something is not right or when there is an intruder in the house.

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They are keenly suspicious of new noises and their barking could very well spook an intruder. However, Border Collies do not have the strength to attack like some of the other stronger breeds on this list.

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Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards might be the ultimate family guard dog. They are completely loving and gentle with their own, but also possess the qualities of a protector. Their impressive size alone makes them wonderful guard dogs.

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But they are also very intelligent and strong. They have a very protective nature which makes them a great breed to be around your kids and your family. If you think a Saint Bernard is the right pet for your family, just be prepared to clean up a lot of drool!

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