When choosing a family pet, most people want a friendly companion as well as a loyal protector. Even though most protective dog breeds require significant exercise and larger spaces compared to the average dog, they are still some of the most sought-after breeds in America today.
This category of dog has a genuine intuition for protecting their families and an inert ability to help those in need. For many, these qualities surpass all others.
If you are looking to add a protective dog to your family, consider these 10 dog breeds below.
Bullmastiff
If you want a dog that is both mild-tempered and protective, the Bullmastiff would be a suitable fit for you. These massive dogs have a calm temper with their loved ones, but will spring to defend when the situation arises.
However, it’s important to note that an unfavorable quality of the Bullmastiff is that they can be aggressive and stubborn if not properly trained. Although this isn’t always the case, Bullmastiffs tend to be territorial of their family and aggressive with other dogs.
With a caring owner and effective early socialization, your Bullmastiff can be a loving and well-behaved companion for years to come.
Rottweiler
At first glance, one might instantly assume that Rottweilers are aggressive and intimidating. However, once you break through that misconception, Rottweilers can be some of the most loving, loyal, and protective dogs for any family.
Rottweilers are also great at following commands. For example, this breed excels as herders, service dogs, therapy dogs, and police dogs. With so many endearing qualities, it’s easy to see why the Rottweiler is the perfect choice for a protective pet.
Puli
Characterized by their stringy coat (resembling dreadlocks) and long tongue, the Puli is one of the most protective breeds you can find. Pulis are playful and energetic for the majority of their youth, but grow into unparalleled guard dogs and impressive athletes.
Despite their silly appearance, they are actually one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the entire United States. Most of their intelligence is a direct reflection of their extensive curiosity, desire to protect, and pure self confidence. Nevertheless, it is important for owners of these self-assured dogs to provide their pet with assertive training from a young age.
Giant Schnauzer
Another type of dog that works heavily in service work is the Giant Schnauzer. Because of their protective qualities, you can find the Giant Schnauzer breed aiding in police force and other service organizations.
Unfortunately, this breed can be overly protective if they have not been properly trained at a young age. Socialize your Giant Schnauzer early on so they will behave in a respectable manner in a household setting.
Great Dane
Although Great Danes appear to be dominating giants, they are actually known to be a docile and loving breed. In fact, Great Danes love to cuddle with their family, and often forget about their massive size. What puts the Great Dane on this list is that they are can be extremely territorial and protective when sensing danger.
Doberman Pinscher
Though Doberman Pinschers are generally thought as an aggressive breed, they are one of the most popular pets in the United States because of their protective and obedient qualities.
Coined with the nickname “Dobies,” these dogs serve as natural protectors to their closest family members. They are also extremely alert by nature, with cropped ears that perk up at the first sign of danger.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has many favorable attributes to be a successful guard dog. Due to his muscular strength and impressive agility, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is visibly intimidating, yet still possesses compassionate qualities.
In addition to these unique abilities, the Greater Swiss Mountain dog is protective over their family, which makes them the ideal guard dog. They have a distinctive, deep bark that can alert their owners at the first sign of an intruder.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog has an assortment of qualities that make for a great companion. Due to their energetic personalities and significant size, this breed requires a lot of physical exercise on a daily basis.
They also need an assertive and experienced owner that can handle their independent character. However, at the end of the day, Anatolians are fiercely loyal and protective towards their family and loved ones.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Even though the Staffordshire Bull Terrier’s build is quite intimidating, they are actually one of the most affectionate and even-tempered breeds you can find in a pet. This dog is protective by nature, and will do anything they can to protect their family in danger. As long as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is trained from an early age, they can be an exceptional guard dog for any home.
Komondor
With their white, stringy coat and impressively large size, the Komondor breed can easily stand out in a crowd. Aside from their recognizable appearance, Komondors are also recognized for their innately protective and loyal traits.
As long as your Komondor has been thoroughly trained, they can be a great addition to any household.
If you are looking for a stoic dog to serve as the family protector, consider this list of dog breeds above!
Sources:
- “Best Guard Dogs .” American Kennel Club, Accessed 29 July 2017. www.akc.org/dog-breeds/best-guard-dogs/.
- “Top 10 Best Guard Dogs.” Cesar’s Way, 7 Aug. 2017, Accessed 29 July 2017. www.cesarsway.com/about-dogs/breeds/top-10-dog-breeds-for-protection.
- “The 10 Most Protective Dog Breeds.” IHeartDogs.com, 16 Mar. 2016, Accessed 29 July 2017. www.iheartdogs.com/the-10-most-protective-dog-breeds/.
- “7 Of the Best Guard Dogs for Families.” Care.com, Accessed 29 July 2017. www.care.com/c/stories/6047/7-of-the-best-guard-dogs-for-families/en-gb/.
- “Top 10 Guard Dogs.” The Spruce Pets, Accessed 29 July 2017. www.thesprucepets.com/best-dogs-for-protection-4140197.
