Many people confuse a guard dog with a companion dog and a fighting dog, or think that these are just different names for the same animal. However, it is not.
A good guard dog should first warn the owners of the danger, and not attack first. However, most dogs (and even the friendliest of them) will bark to inform about a possible intruder in the territory entrusted to them. The only problem is that 99% of the time the dogs bark in vain. Therefore, even the best dog breed for the protection of a private home or person needs professional and comprehensive training.
Having studied specialized forums and sites devoted to dog breeding, we selected the ten best breeds of guard dogs. With proper training, they will become the best guards of both the property and the life of the owner.
10. Rottweiler
Strong and muscular rottweilers were originally used in Germany to accompany cattle and wagons. They are sensitive to strangers and never shy. These traits probably make them one of the most popular guard dogs that can be ferocious in protecting people and property.
Rottweilers cannot react immediately, because they have a “wait and see” habit that allows them to act, if not lightning fast, but correctly. So there is less chance of an unnecessary attack.
Rottweilers are considered one of the most dangerous dog breeds in the world. Therefore, they need careful preparation, without which dogs may not see the line between defense and aggression. Rottweilers get along well with children and are great as a protector for a son or daughter.
9. Belgian Shepherd Dog Malinois
This is a shepherd dog, which is often confused with a German shepherd because of a similar appearance. Malinois is smart, alert and very active. Because of this, they are not the best option for home security, where you will have to stay alone for a long time or at home with small children. These dogs are friendly with children, however during the game they can forget and crush the child.
Some Belgian Shepherds are friendly and assertive, while others are calm and unhurried. What traits will prevail in a particular animal will depend on its training.
8. Komondor
Very smart and cunning dogs, but for this reason they are difficult to train. Do not be surprised if your Komondor ignores some commands that he does not want to execute. This large breed is suitable only for experienced owners who can train their pet in new people and other dogs. Komondors do not like either one or the other. But he immediately includes the members of the owner’s family into his flock and will indefatigably defend.
Do not be surprised if your Komondor sits and looks at you. He simply watches over the person entrusted to him, ensuring his safety.
7. Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans have a reputation as one of the most aggressive dogs. As with many other breeds, this reputation is undeserved. The Doberman is actually a loving, faithful and trustworthy companion.
These dogs are incredibly gentle, caring and helpful with children, and will be their excellent guardian on walks. They learn fast and don't look for trouble. But rest assured that they will protect both home and property when necessary.
Dobermans easily get bored. A house with a large garden would be ideal for this breed, because then the animal would have a lot of territory for patrolling.
6. Shar Pei
Initially, sharpei were bred as fighting dogs, but gradually they began to be used as guard dogs. It is a loyal companion and a fierce defender when necessary.
Chinese shar pei is known as a calm, independent and intelligent dog that does not like strangers and other dogs. Shar Pei is a very territorial animal, and when strangers enter the house, the dog may exhibit behavior known as a "shark." It involves circling around a stranger to confuse and intimidate him. This is a natural breed behavior that is used when fighting other dogs.
5. Kuvas
These Hungarian shepherd dogs are very muscular and extremely strong. They are excellent guards, fanatically loyal to their owners and not knowing fear. Very smart and very gentle with children.
However, kuvas are proud animals, so they are difficult to train. Moreover, the stick method is absolutely unacceptable. The socialization and training of kuvas should begin as early as puppy due to his selfless desire to protect his family by any means.
This dog is not suitable for small places such as an apartment or a house without a garden. She can become aggressive if she feels locked up.
4. Chow Chow
Calm and attentive dogs, not loving hugs or any fuss. Chow Chows are pretty much the same owner's dog, so don't expect them to love everyone in the house equally. They need a strong, strong-willed owner, otherwise the little "teddy bear" will grow into a stubborn and naughty beast.
Free space is very important for this breed, and Chow Chow will be happy to guard a large area.
It is better not to start a chow chow as a domestic dog if the family has small children. These pets will not endure calmly if the baby painfully clutches his ears or tail.
3. Caucasian shepherd
In the past, the main task of these strong, fast and smart dogs was to protect the herd and home from the attack of predatory animals. They are non-fussy, self-confident, fearless and distinguished by an extreme distrust of outsiders. However, a poorly bred Caucasian shepherd dog, due to its huge size and dominant character, can be dangerous for the owner. Therefore, a general training course is required.
Caucasian shepherd dogs are good for children, however, leaving a small child alone with a dog is not worth it. After all, the minimum weight of a male is 50 kg, and females - 45 kg.
This breed is ideal for protecting a large area. On a chain or in a cramped apartment, Caucasian shepherd dogs are bored and often bark "out of business."
2. German shepherd
In second place in the ranking of the best dogs for home and family protection is a truly universal, easily trained breed. It can be used both for security and for detective, official and guard activities, and will also be an excellent companion for a blind person or a guard for a small child.
German shepherds are extremely energetic, and will bark and howl if they are bored. They need an owner who gives constant tasks, as well as long walks and a lot of attention. It should be noted that although these dogs are great for families, they do not like guests and are wary of following a stranger, even if the owner treats him like a friend.
1. Akita Inu
The first place in the top 10 best guard dogs in the world went to a large, bold and extremely powerful dog. It was to this breed that the legendary Hachiko belonged. Extremely loyal to the owner, Akita Inu is reserved to strangers if the owner is nearby. However, the mere presence of this dog is enough to make most people not enter someone else's house.
For all its merits, Akita Inu is a formidable dog, and without a strong human leader, she will dominate the owner and his household.
Akita Inu is not barked if something is really wrong. Instead, they emit funny grunts, murmurs, and groans to communicate with the host.
Such a dog feels great both in a private house and in a city apartment.
As a family dog, Japanese Akita is not the best choice. These animals do not like noise, and they are too strong to play with young children. Akita also does not like it when people enter “his” territory and may react poorly to the fact that children come and go, especially if they are not controlled by adults.