Here is a list of the 23 best breeds of dogs for protection.
After spending plenty of hours, I have gathered a list of 23 dogs that will protect you and your family.
Keep reading if you’re interested in learning about each dog and the traits that make them fit for guarding.
Akita
Overview
- Origin: Japan
- Weight: 100–130 lb
- Height: 26–28 in
- Color: All sable colors, usually with black mask and pinto markings
- Life span: 10 years
- Protective Nature: 5/5
Akitas are a wonderful breed with a powerful and athletic build. They’re incredibly loyal, confident, and courageous. Akitas are naturally suspicious of strangers and will keep an eye over you and your family at all times.
Akitas take their tasks seriously and obey commands with little to no training. They need proper socialization at a young to prevent unnecessary standoffishness and aggression. They’re intensely alert but don’t bark unnecessarily.
With proper training and socialization, Akitas make excellent guard dogs. However, Akitas are great guard dogs but are not suited for first-time pet owners due to their large size and power.
American Staffordshire Terrier (Staffy)
Overview
- Origin: United States
- Weight: 50 – 80 lb
- Height: 16.9–18.8 in
- Coat: Smooth
- Color: Any color, solid, part, or patched
- Life span: 12-16 years
- Protective Nature: 5/5
The American Staffordshire Terrier or Staffy has a very protective nature. They’re rated five out of five for vigilance by American Kennel Club (AKC).
Staffy strongly bonds with their human family, and they will protect you at any cost. They’re always alert and will act when they feel there is a threat to you or your family. Due to their masculine physique, no intruder will dare to mess with him.
Staffy loves praise, attention, and affection from their owner. And sometimes, they can bark a lot due to separation anxiety or boredom.
Staffy can be dangerous sometimes as they’re more aggressive towards other dogs and pets. So, if you’re going to get an American Staffordshire Terrier, you need to be aware of their power and how to handle them.
Australian Shepherd
Overview
- Origin: United States
- Weight: 35–70 lb
- Height: 20–23 in
- Coat: Moderately long double coat
- Color: Blue or red merle, solid black or red, and/or white markings
- Life span: 11 – 13 years
- Protective Nature: 3/5
Australian Shepherds are known for their herding. In the 19th and 20th centuries, farmers used them to collect livestock and send them to one place, such as a corral.
Aussies have not forgotten their roots. Instead, their instinct has translated into protecting their favorite people (i.e., you and your family).
Aussies are fearless, and their intimidating size scares off intruders.
Australian Shepherds are always alert and perceptive. They’ll bark only when they see a potential threat.
Belgian Malinois
Overview
- Origin: Belgium
- Weight: 55-66 lb
- Height: 24-26 in
- Coat: short-haired
- Color: Fawn with black overlay and a black mask
- Life span: 12-14 years
- Protective Nature: 4/5
Belgian Malinois makes excellent protection dogs because they’re protective, strong, and territorial. In addition, their reputation for athleticness, intelligence, and alertness has resulted in them being the first dogs to be used by the Belgian Police.
During the World Wars, the breed was used for military duties such as acting as light gun cart dogs and messengers dogs.
The Malinois is an excellent protection dog because of its obedience. They’re command machines, just give them any task, and they’ll do it no matter how hard it is.
However, these personality traits don’t happen on their own. You have to train the Malinois from a very young age. And failing to give them training at a young can result in a Malinois being more of a liability than an asset.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Overview
- Origin: Switzerland
- Weight: 80-115 lb
- Height: 25-27.5 in
- Coat: Double
- Color: Tricolor (black, rust, and white)
- Life span: 7-10 years
- Protective Nature: 3/5
Bernese Mountain Dogs are loyal, alert, and easy to train dogs. They have large (25-27.5 in height) intimidating size, which helps scare off intruders. These dogs have low aggressiveness but will not hesitate to bark, chase, and bite anything and anyone they see as a potential threat to you. These dogs make excellent guard dogs only if it’s effectively trained at a young age.
Black Russian Terrier
Overview
- Origin: Russia
- Weight: 110–130 lb
- Height: 28–30 in
- Coat: Rough and thick, slightly waved
- Color: Black
- Life span: 10-12 years
- Protective Nature: 5/5
Black Russian Terriers or BRTs were bred to be guard dogs. Being protective is in their instincts. Depending on the bloodline, some BRTs will be more protective than others.
BRT is always on alert, and an intruder will make a mistake by approaching him.
Black Russian Terriers have an excellent temperament for being a guard dogs. Their black color also makes them fantastic guard dogs because they’re almost impossible to see at night.
BRTs are always suspicious of strangers, and they take their time before accepting a stranger into their circle of trust. Hence, it is always recommended to be cautious when you have a visitor to the house who is not familiar with the dog.
Like most other guard dogs, Black Russian Terriers need proper training and socialization at a young age to turn them into well-behaved family dogs. But, it can be a challenge for a novice dog owner.
Boxer
Overview
- Origin: Germany
- Weight: 65-80 lb
- Height: 23-25 in
- Coat: Short, smooth
- Color: fawn or brindle, and white
- Life span: 9–15 years
- Protective Nature: 4/5
Boxers can excel in protection because of their history with humans. They performed challenging work with humans. They were used for hunting boar, controlling cattle, and even doing some general farm work. Credit goes to their masculine physique for performing such tedious tasks.
Boxers are known for their alertness and loyalty to their family, making them great guard dogs.
Bullmastiff
Overview
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Weight: 110-130 lb
- Height: 25-27 in
- Coat: Smooth, short
- Color: Any shade of brindle, red, or frawn
- Life span: 7-9 years
- Protective Nature: 5/5
The Bullmastiff is a British breed that is both a loveable family pet and a great guard dog. These dogs are fearless defenders of their human families and will die to protect you. They have large size, powerful physique, and protective nature, making them best for guarding.
Bullmastiffs are strong, confident, and lethal to intruders. If I were an intruder, I would not dare to enter a house with a Bullmastiff.
These traits don’t come by nature. You need to train the dog at a young age to make him a key part of the family life, both for security and their beauty.
But, training a Bullmastiff puppy is not a child’s play. It needs solid and consistent training while they’re young to ensure they become safe and obedient adult dogs.
Cane Corso
Overview
- Origin: Italy
- Weight: 99–110 lb
- Height: 24–28 in
- Coat: Smooth, short
- Color: Black, frawn, gray, red, black brindle
- Life span: 9-12 years
- Protective Nature: 5/5
Cane Corsos are the descendants of Roman War Dogs. Hence, they were bred for guardship. As a result, cane Corso is one of the best guard dogs to consider if you’re looking for big dogs with noble and royal appearances.
The Cane Corsos are known for their challenging and diligent work with humans. In Southern Italy, Hunters used them for hunting wild pigs and other sizeable animals. They were not only used for hunting but also used to guard livestock and their human owners.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Overview
- Origin: Caucasus
- Weight: 99-170 lb
- Height: 23-30 in
- Coat: Double
- Color: Any solid color
- Life span: 10–12 years
- Protective Nature: 5/5
The Caucasian Shepherds are strong, loyal, and courageous. They’re the fierce family protectors. They were bred for protecting the flocks and defending the home against wild animals in the rough Caucasus Mountain region.
The Caucasian Shepherds are highly territorial and won’t stop defending even against bears or wolves.
The giant breed is brilliant, but their stubborn nature makes them hard to train. In addition, if the breed is not socialized correctly, it could lead to aggressiveness towards strangers and other pets.
The Caucasian Shepherds are not a good choice for novice dog owners, and their large size makes them unsuitable for apartment living and homes with small children.
While the breed is unsuitable for novice dog owners, Caucasian Shepherds are great for experienced, patient, and consistent trainers. Consistent training, love, and affection will make the dog an excellent lifelong family member.
Dalmatian
Overview
- Origin: Croatia
- Weight: 45-70 lbs
- Height: 19-24 in
- Coat: smooth, short
- Color: White background with black or brown spots.
- Life span: 11-13 years
- Protective Nature: 4/5
The Dalmatians were used as hunting dogs, retrievers, and guard dogs during the wartimes. And they’re most famous for their association with firefighting. Back then, when firefighting trucks were horse-powered, the Dalmatians were used to calm and relax the horses when they approached the fire.
Overall the Dalmatians are great workers who have assisted man in many ways over the centuries.
The Dalmatians have natural protective instincts and make excellent family guard dogs. In addition, the Dalmatians are highly playful, and every command to them is like a play.
The breed is also suitable for homes with children due to its patient nature.
The dog can handle any challenge if given appropriate training and love and affection.
Doberman Pinscher
Overview
- Origin: Germany
- Weight: 88–99 lb
- Height: 27 to 28 in
- Coat: Short
- Color: Black & tan, red & tan
- Life span: 9–12 years
- Protective Nature: 5/5
The Doberman Pinscher, also known as the world’s fifth-smartest dog breed, is one of the fastest, most fearless, alert, and loyal dogs. These dogs are great for protecting a large piece of property. They’re quick enough to catch and pull down an intruder in a short amount of time.
The Doberman Pinschers are well known for their bravery, confidence, and physical power. And they have an easy trainable nature.
Despite the tough exterior and aggressive nature, these dogs are capable of affection and love. The Dobies are social with their owners, and they’re very playful.
The Dobies hate being alone because they’re prone to separation anxiety. So they’re not recommended for someone who is not home, at least, some time of the day.
Dogo Argentino
Overview
- Origin: Argentina
- Weight: 88–99 lb
- Height: 24–27 in
- Coat: Short
- Color: White
- Life span: 9-15 years
- Protective Nature: 5/5
Dogo Argentinos are a hunting breed, and they’re also very territorial. Like most guard dogs, Dogo Argentinos have the instinct to protect their territory and pack (your family). These are such dogs that will protect you to death.
The breed is incredibly loyal and obedient. You’ll be amazed by their submission whenever you give them an order. However, these traits don’t come by nature. Proper and consistent training is a must at a young age.
It’s crucial to socialize these giants at a young age because they’re a dominant breed, and without appropriate training, they could become aggressive towards other dogs and pets.
German Shepherd
Overview
- Origin: Germany
- Weight: 66–88 lb
- Height: 24–26 in
- Coat: Double coat
- Color: black and tan, black and cream, black and red, and black and silver
- Life span: 7-10 years
- Protective Nature: 5/5
German Shepherds are among the best family dogs, both for guardship and their affections for humans.
GSDs are one of my favorite dog breeds because they possess all the necessary traits which make them fantastic companion dogs.
They’re incredibly loyal, affectionate, and protective. They’re very concerned when strangers are around the children.
GSDs have evolved to become more intelligent and interpret people’s words and intentions. That is why GSDs are the number one choice of military and police worldwide.
The AKC has given five out of five for their vigilance. If you live alone, having a GSD beside you will make you feel safer.
If you’re an intruder and thinking of breaking into a house with GSD, think again!
Giant Schnauzer
Overview
- Origin: Germany
- Weight: 77–104 lb
- Height: 25.5–27.5 in
- Coat: Dense, wiry
- Color: Black, Pepper & Salt
- Life span: 12-15 years
- Protective Nature: 5/5
Giant Schnauzers are one of the most popular breeds. Like most guard breeds, Giant Schnauzers are intelligent and pick up new commands quickly.
Giant Schnauzer can be challenging if they’re not properly trained and exercised daily. The key to raising a well-behaved and happy Giant Schnauzer is to train these dogs while they are still young. And compared to other breeds, these dogs need a lot of socialization.
If you’re somebody with minimal time and cannot take your dog for a walk or run a few miles a day, then Giant Schnauzer is not the right dog for you.
Giant Schnauzers are also very aggressive towards other dogs and cats. Hence these dogs are only fit for those who don’t have other pets.
Great Dane
Overview
- Origin: Germany
- Weight: 110–180 lb
- Height: 30–35 in
- Coat: Smooth, short
- Color: Any solid color
- Life span: 8-10 years
- Protective Nature: 5/5
The Great Danes are one of the largest breeds in the world. These dogs commonly measure between 30 and 35 inches in height and weigh around 110-180 pounds. In simple words, these are enormous dogs from Germany.
The Great Danes are descendants of hunting dogs from the Middle Ages, used to hunt down wild boar and wolves, and guarded the German nobles.
Although, Great Danes are more of a watchdog than guard dogs. But, they can be trained to perform as guard dogs that will identify and take down potential threats.
The Great Danes’ enormous and intimidating size and deep bark are often scary enough to keep intruders away.
Great Pyrenees (Pyrs)
Overview
- Origin: France
- Weight: 121–165 lb
- Height: 28–32 in
- Coat: Long, thick double coat
- Color: Mostly White
- Life span: 10-12 years
- Protective Nature: 5/5
The Great Pyrenees, commonly known as Pyrs, comes from the French side of the Pyrenees Mountains.
These dogs are widely used throughout France for guarding livestock against predators such as wolves and bears. In addition, these dogs are known for their independence and protective traits. Hence, they attract farmers who want to protect their livestock.
The breed is not only popular among the farmers but also is a choice of large households because of its keen ability to guard their human family.
The Great Pyrenees are perfect guard dogs when appropriately trained and socialized at a young age. And failing to give adequate training to the puppy will result in a disobedient dog later.
Komondor
Overview
- Origin: Hungary
- Weight: 100 lb
- Height: 25.5-27 in
- Coat: Corded, long
- Color: White
- Life span: 10-12 years
- Protective Nature: 5/5
The Komondor or Hungarian Sheep Dog is a large, white, long-corded dog known as the ‘Mop Dog.’ The breed was bred to guard livestock and other property. And its temperament is like most other guarding dogs. The dogs are relaxed when things are normal, but when things escalate, they will fearlessly attack any threat.
The breed is very intelligent. They think and act independently according to the situation.
The Komondors show affection towards their human family and are gentle with the children and friends of the family. They’re also good with other pets but will show aggressiveness towards any animal which trespasses their limits.
The breed is highly vigilant and will protect its territory in any way. They primarily rest during the daytime and patrol their area at night, moving up and down around their territory.
There is a saying about the breed, ‘An intruder might enter an area guarded by Komondor, but will not be allowed to leave or escape.’
Kuvasz
Overview
- Origin: Hungary
- Weight: 106–137 lb)
- Height: 28–30 in
- Coat: Coarse and wavy
- Color: White
- Life span: 10–12 years
- Protective Nature: 5/5
The Kuvasz is a rare and ancient breed from Hungary. First, people used them to guard the flock. But now, they’re increasingly found in homes as pets.
Kuvasz is excellent at protecting their own, as they have faced predators like mountain lions.
During World War II, the population of Kucasz in Hungary started to decrease because the troops hunted down the dogs as the dogs would protect their owners and property so fiercely.
When the war ended, only 30 Kuvasz were found in Hungary. But thanks to the dedicated breeders, the breed bounced back.
These dogs can be great family members if raised as part of the family. They’re very gentle with children and other pets.
Newfoundland
Overview
- Origin: Canada
- Weight: 143–176 lb
- Height: 26-28 in
- Coat: Thick and straight
- Color: Black, white with black patches, brown, and grey
- Life span: 9–10 years
- Protective Nature: 5/5
The Newfoundland is a giant size breed originating from Canada. They’re known for their intelligence, physical power, calm disposition, affection for children, and loyalty.
The breed is excellent at water rescue/lifesaving because of its physical traits such as a muscular physique, thick and long coat, webbed paws, and swimming abilities.
These dogs have calm and docile nature and tremendous strength. The Newfoundlands are easily trainable if started young and are gentle with children.
American Pitbull Terrier
Overview
- Origin: United States
- Weight: 35–60 lb
- Height: 18–21 in
- Coat: Smooth, thin, single
- Color: Red, black, and buckskin are the most common
- Life span: 8-15 years
- Protective Nature: 5/5
The American Pitbull Terriers are medium-sized dogs with great intelligence and a solid build. However, if you compare the American Pitbull Terrier with an English Staffordshire Bull, the American Pitbull Terrier is larger by 6-8 inches in height and 25-35 pounds in weight.
Pitbulls show defensiveness and aggression when they counter any threat.
Pitbulls are excellent at protecting their owners, especially their owners’ children, but they need extensive and consistent training and exercise. A trained Pitbull is like a 4-legged bodyguard who will always be on your side to guard you and your family.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Overview
- Origin: Zimbabwe
- Weight: 80lb
- Height: 25–27 in
- Coat: Short and dense, sleek and glossy
- Color: Light wheaten to red wheaten
- Life span: 13 years (average)
- Protective Nature: 5/5
Ridgebacks are large-size dogs from the Southern African region. Same as most guard dogs, they’re loyal and intelligent.
These dogs are aloof to strangers, but a Ridgeback with a good temperament will not attack a stranger for no reason.
They require adequate training and socialization while they’re young. And, sometimes, training a Ridgeback can be a hassle. Hence, these dogs are not recommended for novice owners.
With the proper training, these dogs are fearless and ferocious guard dogs.
Rottweiler
Overview
- Origin: Germany
- Weight: 110–132 lb
- Height: 24–27 in
- Coat: Double-coated
- Color: Black and tan/ Black and mahogany
- Life span: 8-10 years
- Protective Nature: 5/5
Rottweiler is a medium-sized dog that was known as Rottweiler Metzgerhund meaning ‘Rottweil butchers’ dog.
Back in the 19th century, the Rottweilers were used to pull carts loaded with slaughtered meat to the market. The dogs were used for this purpose until railways were introduced.
The Rottweilers are now used as police, search and rescue, and guard dogs.
These dogs make great guard dogs because they’re confident, courageous, and aloof to strangers. They have an inherent desire to protect their owner and anyone close to the dog.
Like any guard dog, they need socialization, exercise, and stimulating mental challenges.
The Bottom Line
After reading the article, I hope you got a general idea of the great breeds for protection. Remember that most of these breeds won’t guard you on their own. Proper training is a must when the puppy is young. Also, some of these dogs are very dangerous if not properly trained and socialized. I would recommend you go for a breed that suits your needs and that you can handle easily.
Bonus Tip: You may want to get a dog bed for your dog if he suffers from separation anxiety.
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