10 Guard Dog Breeds of All Sizes
What do fire hounds, farming dogs, and military canines have in common? Not only are they dedicated working dogs, but they can also double as amazing family guard dogs! With traits like trainability, alertness, and loyalty, these dogs have what it takes to provide protection for any household. Discover the best guard dog breeds for a variety of family lifestyles.
In This Article:
Large Guard Dogs
#1: German Shepherd
The first dog that may come to mind when you think of a big guard dog breed is the German Shepherd! Bred for guarding livestock in early 1900s Germany, these canines are made for having a job. They are often considered one of the best in loyalty, family companionship, and work ethic; it's no surprise the German Shepherd is ranked among the top breeds in America as a popular police, military, and general protection dog.
This family guard dog thrives off positive reinforcement training. In fact, a treat for your dog after a long day is the perfect way to wrap up their daily routine! The German Shepherd requires a lot of time and energy to stay occupied, which is why children get along well with this family dog breed.
#2: Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are known for being professional protectors. These companions were originally bred by Karl Frederich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector, who needed a smart and reliable dog. Their instinct to take care of others makes them a strong choice for a large guard dog in any family home.
The Doberman Pinscher is incredibly loyal to their pet parents and forms a strong attachment to their family. Known for their athletic build and fast pace, the Doberman is an ideal companion for households with more active lifestyles.
#3: Giant Schnauzer
You may think they are just a larger version of the Mini Schnauzer, but the Giant Schnauzer is a distinct dog breed that was originally developed to guard farms. Today, this canine still loves having a job to do, which is why they are a great contender for a family protection dog.
The Giant Schnauzer is territorial by nature and cautious around new people, which goes hand in hand with their protective instincts. With early socialization, obedience training, and lots of love, the Giant Schnauzer will make the perfect guard dog for families.
#4: Belgian Malinois
Like the German Shepherd, the Belgian Malinois was traditionally trained for guarding livestock and famous for having a high prey drive that scared off predators. Although this prey drive can protect you from unwanted visitors, it may also cause your Malinois to chase after any fast-moving animals they see!
Known to work in tandem with humans and form attachments to their favorite people, the passionate Malinois is ideal for a variety of pet parents. Early socialization and a slow, supervised introduction to other dogs or young children will help your Malinois thrive in their new family.
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#5: Bullmastiff
With their imposing stature, the Bullmastiff makes a wonderful family guard dog. Known as the Gamekeeper’s Night Dog, the Bullmastiff was bred in twentieth century Great Britain as a game law enforcer.
Be wary when training: this dog may exhibit independence and stubbornness, so you may need to give them extra time and patience. Despite their size, these companions are surprisingly good with children. If they have been socializing with small kids from a young age, it should be easy for your Bullmastiff to bond with your family members.
#6: Rottweiler
Looking for a more relaxed guard dog? The Rottweiler might be the furry friend for you! Rottweilers are another excellent guard dog for your household because they are well-mannered, devoted to their families, and won’t bark too much (unless they feel threatened.) A descent of the Mastiff, the Rottie was bred to herd cattle across Europe. They thrive with an active lifestyle and playful, energetic pet parents who can offer them plenty of exercise!
Alert and protective, the Rottweiler can also be territorial. To make sure your Rottie is on their best behavior, try giving them a fun job. For example, you can engage them with nose work: train their powerful sense of smell with games like hiding treats or toys for them to find.
Medium Guard Dogs
#7: Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog with large-dog energy! An ideal guard dog breed for families, they originated as hunting companions in the mid-sixteenth century and eventually became known as “the nanny dog” for their ability to get along so well with children.
Staffies make great protection dogs due to their innate intelligence. These terriers are easy to teach and socialize well with other people, so bonding with their favorite humans is effortless! Due to their great affection for people, they are fiercely protective of their immediate family. When it comes to other pets, however, it is best to tread lightly; the Staffy has a high prey drive.
#8: Beagle
Don’t count out the Beagle when it comes to family protection dogs! Hounds like the Beagle were originally used for hunting hares. Fast forward to today, this family-oriented breed is still highly alert with a keen sense of smell and hearing, perfect for detecting intruders.
If you plan to train your Beagle to perform other guard-dog-inspired tasks, their independent nature could make teaching them difficult. Patience is key!
Small Guard Dogs
#9: Dachshund
Don’t underestimate the Dachshund as a prime guard dog for families! Dachshunds are courageous and adventurous, as they were originally bred for hunting badgers and burrowing animals.
Highly alert to new sights, people, and smells, the Dachshund makes the perfect watchdog for any family because they always want to know what’s happening around the people they love. Though this dog breed is protective of their closest people, they will also socialize well with young children they already know.
#10: Lhasa Apso
From the cold mountains of Tibet to your couch, the Lhasa Apso is a protective dog breed who worked with Tibetan Mastiffs to help guard holy temples in the early twentieth century. This dog may seem like an obscure pick for a guard dog for families, but their history backs up their behavior. Those who live in smaller spaces or want a smaller-sized watchdog will be happy to learn that the Lhasa Apso is often suspicious of outsiders, an important quality for dogs watching out for strangers.
Their protective nature often makes these furry friends prone to dog aggression. Guarding behavior should be directed in a positive manner; take extra care to coach your Lhasa Apso in the right direction.
Protectors Come in All Different Packages
When it comes to your family, you want the best protection in all aspects of life. Small, medium, or large, a faithful companion may be the perfect addition to your household. It’s important to learn each dog breed’s history and behavior so you can better understand your canine’s instincts and strengths.
Once you've educated yourself on the key qualities of each breed, it’ll be easier to train your dog to be on guard for your pack! For more furry friends who are eager to learn, check out these highly trainable dog breeds.
FAQs About Guard Dogs
What qualities make a great guard dog?
Intelligence, easy trainability, loyalty, strength, and a strong work ethic are all excellent qualities a guard dog for families should have.
Do guard dogs bark a lot?
This depends on the individual dog’s qualities, such as their temperament and breed. Beagles and other watchdogs are known to bark more to alert their households, while protection dogs like Rottweilers or Mastiffs are often much quieter.
What is the best environment for a guard dog?
No matter the breed, a good guard dog will thrive in a home that’s on a larger, fenced-in property. Provide your furry friend with lots of space for daily exercise and mental stimulation. When it’s time for bed, make sure your interior features plenty of room for snuggles. Finally, make sure your household is full of loved ones, so your family guard dog can thrive in the socialization department!
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