World’s Best Guard Dog Breeds - Part I

Actually, although some guard dogs are big and mean-looking, that isn’t really a requirement in order for a canine to become a guard dog. After all, dogs are man’s best friend, and not everyone wants their best friend to be a scary, fierce creature capable of ripping your throat out without a moment’s notice. Historically, there are all kinds of guard dogs that are a lot more average in appearance, with gentle natures and friendly attitudes-except for when a situation arises in which their owner requires protection. That’s when the cuddly family pet can transform into an angry mama bear protecting her cubs.

So if you’re considering buying a guard dog, first consider exactly what kind of protection you really want and need. For instance, some guard dogs are used to capture fleeing criminals, some guard dogs are chosen to be a watch dog that sounds the alert in the event of intruders, and some guard dogs are selected for intimidation. People have different reasons for wanting a guard dog, so it’s important to take that into account before choosing which protective dog breed to buy. This list of the Ten Best Guard Dogs is compiled through both extensive research and personal experience and will provide some general information about the various protective dog breeds.

However, keep in mind that just like humans, every dog is unique with its own individual personality, and a dog’s capacity to protect is based upon a combination of instinct and training.

10. Rhodesian Ridgeback

This fierce beauty was specially bred in South Africa for lion hunting, so as you can imagine, it is quite capable of defending your home. Colored a dark, rusty tan with warm red tones, the Ridgeback gets its name from a strip of standing hair along its backbone that grows in the opposite direction of his coat, creating a ridge along his back. They stand 24-27” at the withers, and weigh 70-85 lbs. This dog has the capability to be extremely protective, but unless ordered by his owner to guard will usually just be aloof to strangers, not aggressive. They require special training to be efficient guard dogs, but once trained will definitely keep intruders from entering your property.

9. Great Dane

Sheer size makes this breed extremely intimidating to potential intruders, with males weighing as much as 200 lbs. and standing as high as 34” at the shoulder. Colors include fawn, brindle, blue, black and harlequin. Belying its massive size, this dog is quite the gentle giant in most circumstances, and great with children and other animals. But there’s no need to tell that to a potential burglar, who would definitely turn tail and run in the other direction when confronted with this gigantic canine.

8. Bullmastiff

Bred specifically for guarding English estates, this stocky, muscular animal is instinctively protective of its territory and its owners. They stand 24-27” and weight between 100 and 130 pounds, and are colored red, fawn or brindle. They are very quiet dogs in general, and bark only with good reason, so if your bullmastiff is barking- pay attention.

7. Giant Schnauzer

Imagine the distinctive Schnauzer beard and eyebrows on a Great Dane and you can picture the Giant Schnauzer, which may in fact have developed from breeding the standard Schnauzer with Great Danes. The Giant Schnauzer is a working dog used in police units for search and rescue, and is extremely intelligent and easily trained to become a family guard dog.