Guard Dogs
A guard dog is a type of working dog that’s trained to guard homes and property. The terms ‘guard dog’ and ‘watchdog’ are sometimes used interchangeably, but there is a difference between their function. It’s true that they both would loudly bark when they spotted anyone unfamiliar on the property they were protecting. If needed, a guard dog can go so far as forcefully restraining an intruder or even attacking them. But a watchdog’s role ends at the warning barks.
Guard dogs are also different from attack dogs, as the latter is trained to attack on sight or command. But a guard dog is discerning, as it would recognize the people in its family and only work towards ensuring their security without disturbing them. A well-trained guard dog will be safe for the kids in the family and make a good friend too.
Many different breeds are suitable to be trained to work as guard dogs. They are incredibly loyal, with a natural protective instinct towards their family. So, with proper training, they make the perfect family dogs that would be loving and gentle as a companion but strong and fierce in protecting its ‘pack.’
Best Protective Guard Dogs for Families
Understandably, a breed’s size is an important factor here, as a big dog would be more robust and better capable of handling human intruders than a smaller breed. Though there is a couple of medium to small breeds that make good guard dogs, this list included those on the larger (and giant) side:
- Akita
- Bullmastiff
- Doberman Pinscher
- German Shepherd
- Giant Schnauzer
- Rottweiler
- Fila Brasileiro
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Beauceron
- Belgian Malinois
- Boxer
- Cane Corso
- Great Dane
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Komondor
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- Australian Shepherd
- Estrela Mountain Dogs
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Caucasian Shepherd
- Thai Ridgeback
- Dogo Argentino
- Boerboel
- Kuvasz
- Chow Chow
- Airedale Terrier
- Dutch Shepherd
- Leonberger
- Shar-Pei
- Maremma Sheepdog
- Spanish Mastiff
- Tornjak
- Hovawart
Smaller Guard Dog Breeds
Guard Dogs by Characteristics
Low-maintenance: German Shepherd, Appenzeller Sennenhund, Australian Shepherd
Many small breeds, like Chihuahuas, Beagles, and Pomeranians, make excellent watchdogs. Of course, their size does not make them suitable to be considered guard dogs.