What is The Best Guard Dog?
Owning a guard dog to protect your property and to warn off any unwanted visitors is one way to boost security and peace of mind whilst you are away or asleep. The best guard dogs are loyal family members with a good instinct to protect territory and property.
About this Project
Most guard dogs are medium to large in size with tendencies to be obedient and observant. When looking for a guard dog, you want to consider the principal purpose of the dog’s role and how you will structure and train them to be what you require.
It’s important to understand when you purchase a guard dog as a puppy, they don’t automatically become a guard dog you have to put in the time to train them. You will need to take them to a trainer to get the behaviors you require and to teach them obedience, set boundaries and rules. One of the best books I’ve ever read on owning a dog has to Be The Pack Leader by Cesar Millan, the dog whisperer you can purchase this book on Amazon for a few dollars or pounds. Before purchasing any dog its worth doing research first to get a good understanding of the bread and all its strong and weak points as you will need to devote time and money to produce your perfect guard dog.
Ok, so you’ve done your research, you are ready to purchase a guard dog, but where do you start? Listed below are 15 guard dogs and a detailed description.
Belgian Shepherd Dog
The Belgian Shepherd Dog is a highly intelligent dog that learns quickly and has an instinct as a watchdog. They do need a lot of exercises and mental stimulation as they have a low boredom threshold with a tendency to be aggressive towards other dogs and animals if not well socialised. BSD will develop strong bonds with family members and connect well with other humans if trained correctly. There are four varieties of Belgian Shepherd dog, Tervueren, Groenendael, Malinois, and the Laekenois the Groenendaels are less aggressive than the bunch. To find out more check out
States
Lifespan 10-14 years
Weight: Males 25 – 30 kg Females 20 – 25 kg
Height: Males 60 – 66 cm Females 56 – 62 cm
Breed: Pedigree
Exercise Needs: High
Training: Easy
Child Friendly: Yes
Intelligence: High
German shepherd
German Shepherds are highly intelligent and easy to train in the right hands they are loyal dogs to families and the pack leaders. The breed has a natural tendency to protect and serve its owners and property. With some negatives, they can suffer hereditary health problems that can come with experiencing vet bills so always best to get insurance and they need regular exercise.
German Shepherds make for fantastic family pets that are loyal and proud dogs. The breed is known throughout the world as one of the best watchdogs/guard dogs. It’s important to understand when purchasing a German Shepherd they need the correct training in order for them to become well-balanced dogs and nothing better than to be working with a clear understanding of their role within the pack. German Shepherds need to regard grooming and exercise as another consideration.
States
Lifespan 9-14 years
Weight: Males 30 – 40 kg Females 20 – 35 kg
Height: Males 60 – 64 cm Females 56 – 60 cm
Breed: Pedigree
Exercise Needs: High
Training: Easy
Child Friendly: Yes
Intelligence: High
Akita
The Akita breed is a loyal and protective family member that makes the best watchdogs. They are one of a few breeds that bark to alert and are extremely clean. Akitas have a high prey drive that will attack other smaller in the garden. They also shed their coats throughout the year. The early years are the most important for socializing with other dogs and humans. There are two types of Akita the Japanese Akita and the American Akita they bred Japanese dogs as fighting dogs and bear hunters.
States
Lifespan 10-11 years
Weight: Males 45 – 56 kg Females 45 – 66 kg
Height: Males 60 – 64 cm Females 56 – 60 cm
Breed: Pedigree
Exercise Needs: High
Training: Medium
Child Friendly: No
Intelligence: Medium / High
Dobermann
Dobermann is great family pets that are loyal to their owners they are an impressive watchdog with high intelligence we can easily train them, they love the outdoors and being active. Dobermanns are better suited for families with older children and will need a strong pack leader. If not trained to a high standard can have issues with other dogs and dominance within the household. Dobermanns also suffer from some health issues so vet bills can be on the top side. They have a keen sense of alertness with a highly adaptable attitude that can fit in well to the family unit. They make a fantastic guard dog.
States
Lifespan 9-12years
Weight: Males 40 – 45 kg Females 32 – 35 kg
Height: Males 68 – 72 cm Females 63 – 68 cm
Breed: Pedigree
Exercise Needs: High
Training: Medium/High
Child Friendly: Low
Intelligence: High
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are highly intelligent dogs they are extremely devoted to their family and pack leader they have an instinct to protect their families and property. As Rottweilers are intelligent dogs, it’s important to train them well with the correct understanding taking them to lessons is a must. As with any large dog, regular exercise is needed and attention. They can become domineering if left to their own devises. If you are looking for an intimidating guard dog, then a Rottweiler will fit the bill.
States
Lifespan 8-10 years
Weight: Males 50 – 60 kg Females 35 – 48 kg
Height: Males 61 – 69 cm Females 56– 63 cm
Breed: Pedigree
Exercise Needs: High
Training: Medium/High
Child Friendly: OK
Intelligence: High
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are fiercely devoted and loyal dogs who love their family and masters. They are not barkers and protect the people they connect with Bullmastiffs make for great guard dogs. The bread grows into a powerful dog, socialising is a must from an early age in order to control their dominance. Bullmastiffs have a wide chest that creates a powerful appearance with powerful sloping shoulders. The back legs are short that gives the dog a compact and strong look. If you want a relatively low-maintenance guard dog, then a Bullmastiff could be the answer.
States
Lifespan 8-11 years
Weight: Males 50 – 60 kg Females 41 – 54 kg
Height: Males 64 – 69 cm Females 61– 66 cm
Breed: Pedigree
Exercise Needs: Medium
Training: Medium
Child Friendly: No
Intelligence: Medium
Rhodesian Ridgebacks
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Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a loyal breed of dog overall they are the best hound watchdog they are gentle in nature and full of energy so will need lots of walks and time of the lead they are intelligent but will need time putting in with them to train correctly as with almost all guard dogs the Ridgebacks are suited to a family with older children. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is extremely territorial and has an inbuilt prey drive. They also have a low boredom threshold so will need plenty of daily stimulation.
States
Lifespan 8 -10 years
Weight: Males 62 kg Females 54 kg
Height: Males 76 – 81 cm Females 71– 76 cm
Breed: Pedigree
Exercise Needs: Medium
Training: Low – Medium
Child Friendly: Very good
Intelligence: Medium
Boxer Dog
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a loyal breed of dog overall they are the best hound watchdog they are gentle in nature and full of energy so will need lots of walks and time of the lead they are intelligent but will need time putting in with them to train correctly as with almost all guard dogs the Ridgebacks are suited to a family with older children. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is extremely territorial and has an inbuilt prey drive. They also have a low boredom threshold so will need plenty of daily stimulation.
States
Lifespan 9 -10 years
Weight: Males 30 – 32 kg Females 25 – 27 kg
Height: Males 57 – 63 cm Females 53– 59 cm
Breed: Pedigree
Exercise Needs: High
Training: Medium
Child Friendly: OK
Intelligence: Medium
Great Dane
Great Danes are very loyal and affectionate dogs that are intelligent and in the right hands easy to train. They are a large dog breed, so if you are not used to larger dogs could be a handful. They suffer with separation anxiety if left along for long periods of time. Great Danes are well known for health issues, so pet insurance is a must. Being larger dog, they can become expensive to feed. With a large head, strong jawline, they are a powerful breed. If you are looking for a great family pet and a good overall guard dog, the Great Dane could work well for you and your family.
States
Lifespan 9 -10 years
Weight: Males 30 – 32 kg Females 25 – 27 kg
Height: Males 57 – 63 cm Females 53– 59 cm
Breed: Pedigree
Exercise Needs: High
Training: Medium
Child Friendly: OK
Intelligence: Medium
Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzers are extremely loyal dogs that make good companions, they are highly intelligent and learn quickly they thrive working. This is a dog breed that doesn’t shed unlike others in the guard dog category. They can be stubborn and will need a lot of grooming with high energy so daily exercise is needed. With a natural ability to protect and guard their owners and property they make for fantastic family members and boost that security whilst you’re away.
States
Lifespan 10 -12 years
Weight: Males 34 – 43 kg Females 34 – 43 kg
Height: Males 65 – 70 cm Females 60– 65 cm
Breed: Pedigree
Exercise Needs: Medium
Training: Medium – High
Child Friendly: OK
Intelligence: Medium – High
Staffordshire Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an intelligent dog, they are quick to learn and will excel with the correct training; they are versatile and can be taught to play a role within the family unit. Staffordshire Bull Terriers need a medium amount of daily exercise and stimulation, they suffer with a low boredom threshold. They are natural watchdogs that will need little training to protect. With this kind of breed, they can become dominant if not taught correctly. They offer a very visual deterrent to any would-be intruders.
States
Lifespan 12 -14 years
Weight: Males 13 – 17 kg Females 11 – 15 kg
Height: Males 36 – 41 cm Females 33 – 38 cm
Breed: Pedigree
Exercise Needs: Medium
Training: OK
Child Friendly: OK
Intelligence: Medium – Medium
Cane Corso
Cane Corso is a family-friendly dog that is very loyal to its owners and the family unit. They will protect and show a presence without the need to be aggressive. They make for a fantastic guard dogs their instinct is to protect with little training they will become great watchdogs. By nature, they are a dominant breed that can become ill easy so pet insurance is a must. They do suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for too long. If you are looking for a dog that will protect as well as fit in well with your family this could be the dog breed for you.
States
Lifespan 10 -11 years
Weight: Males 45 – 50 kg Females 40 – 45 kg
Height: Males 62 – 70 cm Females 58– 66 cm
Breed: Pedigree
Exercise Needs: High to Medium
Training: High
Child Friendly: OK
Intelligence: Medium – High
Chow Chow
Chow Chow are extremely loyal dogs, they are very clean and proud dogs that make for great natural guard dogs. The breed bonds with the person who takes care of them. They are easy to train in the right hands and learn things quickly. Chow Chows will need to go to lessons in order to hone their intelligence and dominant behavior from an early age. Chow Chows need a lot of maintenance and grooming, they are heavy shedders, and pet insurance can be expensive because of hereditary illnesses. They are very protective of family members and aware of strangers.
States
Lifespan 9 -15 years
Weight: Males 25 – 32 kg Females 20 – 27 kg
Height: Males 43 – 51 cm Females 43– 51 cm
Breed: Pedigree
Exercise Needs: Medium
Training: Medium
Child Friendly: OK
Intelligence: Medium – Medium
Komondor
Komondors are loyal and faithful dogs. They have an instinct to protect the family unit and property the breed is known as an excellent guard dog. Komondors are highly intelligent and learn quickly, it’s important to set guidelines for your Komondor so they have a good structure and understand what we require of them. They suffer from human separation anxiety and will become dominant over time, if not corrected. From a puppy, Komondors must be trained well. Komondors coats are high maintenance and will need grooming often.
States
Lifespan 10 -12 years
Weight: Males 50 – 61 kg Females 36 – 50 kg
Height: Males 60 – 80 cm Females 60 –70 cm
Breed: Pedigree
Exercise Needs: High
Training: High
Child Friendly: OK
Intelligence: High
Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiffs are devoted family dogs that make for brilliant companions. They are known as one of the healthiest breeds that are very good around children. The breed is not very high maintenance but will need a large garden to run around. They make for excellent guard dogs. Tibetans Mastiffs need regular daily exercise that has a high prey drive to training from an early age is important. They form powerful bonds with family members. They are well worth your consideration as a guard dog.
States
Lifespan 9 -15 years
Weight: Males 45 – 72 kg Females 45 – 72 kg
Height: Males 66 cm Females 61 cm
Breed: Pedigree
Exercise Needs: High
Training: Medium
Child Friendly: OK
Intelligence: Arrange
End Notes
Hopefully, this blog on guard dogs has been of some value to you and guided you into buying the correct dog for your needs. If you have read this far, remember it’s really important to train your dog well and not to treat them as an object. They need love and attention, just like most living animals. You want a well-balanced dog that will serve and protect when needed, but also provide a happy family unit. Really think about why you want a guard and what you can do in order to create the perfect dog for your needs. Also, check out my other blogs do steering wheel locks really work?
