The best guard dog breeds come in various sizes, colors, and temperaments.
While all guard dogs protect their owners, some breeds require more training than others to prevent them from becoming aggressive toward people they do not know or interacting with other pets and animals in unexpected ways.
If you want to protect your home, you can’t go wrong with one of these 15 best guard dog breeds!
Guard dogs are fearless and fiercely loyal; they will do whatever it takes to protect your family from intruders or other threats.
Each breed has traits that make it a great choice in different situations and scenarios, so think about what you want your guard dog to do before choosing one of these 15 best guard dog breeds!
1. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are large, muscular dogs originally bred to drive cattle to market. Today, they’re still working dogs but popular family pets.
Rottweilers are confident, loyal, and protective, making them excellent guard dogs. They need plenty of exercise and socialization or become bored and destructive.
2. German Shepherd
Thanks to loyalty, courage, and obedience, German Shepherds are among the most popular guard dog breeds.
They’re large, 24 to 26 inches tall, and have a muscular build; they’re intelligent and easy to train. They’re great guard dogs because they naturally protect their families and homes.
3. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is an iconic guard dog breed. Often used as K-9s or law enforcement, these dogs are naturally loyal and protective of their family. They are large and powerful but also intelligent and trainable.
If you’re looking for a top-notch guard dog, the Doberman Pinscher is a great choice. Even if they don’t know you, this breed will not be timid around strangers and will defend its family to death. Another benefit to owning this dog is that it can be trained to attack commands.
4. Akita
The Akita is a large, loyal dog breed perfect for families who want a protective, loving pet. Though originally bred in Japan, they are popular worldwide. They are known for their courage, loyalty, and intelligence, making them easy to train.
5. Boxer
The Boxer is a large, muscular dog breed with a short coat. They are intelligent loyal, and make great guard dogs.
Boxers are good with children but require a lot of exercise and can be destructive if left alone for too long. The Boxer also tends to drool.
6. Wolfdog
The wolfdog is a cross between a wild wolf and a domestic dog. These dogs are large and powerful and can intimidate would-be intruders.
They are loyal to their family and will do whatever they take to protect them. If you need a guard dog that will strike fear into the hearts of burglars, the wolfdog is the breed for you.
7. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois is one of the best guard dog breeds because of its high energy, loyalty, and protective nature. These dogs are trainable and intelligent, making them great at learning commands and tricks.
Belgian Malinois are also very active and need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. The Belgian Malinois is a great choice if you’re looking for a loyal and protective guard dog breed.
8. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a large, built, muscular dog breed known for being loyal and protective. This breed is perfect for families looking for a guard dog to make them feel safe and secure.
The Cane Corso is an intelligent breed and easy to train, making them the perfect choice for those who want a guard dog that is also obedient.
This breed does require regular exercise and plenty of space to run, so they are not well suited for apartment living. The Cane Corso is the perfect breed if you are searching for a guard dog that will give you peace of mind.
9. Estrela Mountain Dog
The Estrela Mountain Dog is a wide and powerful breed that hails from the mountains of Portugal. They were originally bred to guard livestock against predators, and Estrelas are fiercely loyal to their families and make excellent guard dogs.
They are wary of strangers but not aggressive. The Estrela Mountain Dog is a great choice if you’re looking for a big, loyal guard dog.
10. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of the best guard dog breeds because they are loyal, protective, and friendly. They will bark at strangers and make a great watchdog.
Labs are also great with children and other pets; they need plenty of exercise and space to run, so they are not suited for apartment living. However, the Lab might be perfect for a great family pet.
11. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a herding dog that is loyal and protective of its family. They need a lot of exercise and stimulation, so they are not the best breed for someone gone all day. The Australian Shepherd is a good choice if you want a dog that will protect your home and family.
12. German Short-haired Pointer
The German Short-haired Pointer is one of the best guard dog breeds because they are highly intelligent, easily trained, and have the instinct to protect their home and family.
They are also loyal and affectionate, making them great family dogs. GSPs are versatile dogs that can excel in many different roles, including as hunting companions, obedience competitors, and even therapy dogs.
13. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a large, short-haired dog with a lot of muscle. They are loyal and protective of their family, making them excellent guard dogs.
They need plenty of exercise and are trained early on to be well-behaved. They can be stubborn if they don’t listen. They make great friendships with people who live alone or families that have a small child.
14. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is one of the world’s best-known guard dog breeds. They are gentle and loving and make great family pets. They’re loyal, brave, and bark to warn you of potential danger. It is an excellent choice for an all-around guard dog.
15. Great Dane
The Great Dane is one of the best guard dog breeds because of its size, strength, and loyalty. Standing at an average of 30 inches tall and weighing around 200 pounds, this dog would be hard for an intruder to take on.
Size isn’t the only thing that makes the Great Dane a great guard dog; they are also widely known for being fiercely loyal to their family and are very protective of their home.
The Great Dane is a great choice if you’re looking for a big dog to make a great guard dog.
16. American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a loyal and loving dog breed. They are fiercely loyal to their family and will do anything to protect them.
They are also affectionate, which makes them great family dogs. They can be aggressive towards strangers and other dogs if not properly socialized. These qualities make the American Pit Bull Terrier an excellent guard dog.
