Top 20 Best Guard Dogs to Own

Pit Bull

The term ‘pit bull’ encompasses certain breeds of dog from the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire bull terrier, the American Staffordshire terrier, and the American Bulldog. Originally bred for baiting bulls and bears the majority of their breeds were also used for dog fighting in numerous parts of the world.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Originally from Southern Africa, this dog is known for its ability to keep lions away from prey while the dog’s master makes the kill. This semi-domesticated ridged hunting dog is loyal and intelligent, but is very aloof to strangers. They also require positive reward-training, avoidance of rough treatment and good socialization skills since they can be over-sensitive and may develop an aggressive side.

Bull Terrier

Known for their large egg shaped heads, Bull Terriers are exceptionally strong dogs with a #1 ranking in pound-for-pound lean muscle tissue. Though not particularly aggressive, the breed is known to have a strong “prey drive” which makes the Bull Terrier a dangerous dog towards smaller animals.

Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is a well muscled dog that can weigh anywhere between 99 to 150 pounds. The breed is known as a true and quite possibly the last of the coursing Mastiffs and is a descendant of the Canis Pugnax, which were dogs used by the Romans in warfare.

American Bulldog

The American Bull Dog is a muscular heavy dog. Though they are known for their pleasant and friendly demeanor, they can also exhibit the trait of ‘stubbornness’ as they are extremely confident. Originally this breed was bred as a working farm utility dog that could catch and hold wild boar and cattle, kill vermin, and guard an owner’s property.

Fila Brasileiro

The Fila Brasileiro also known as the Brazilian Mastiff is a large dog developed in Brazil. It has great tracking abilities but is an aggressive and impetuous dog. Owing to its size, temperament and potential for aggression, the Brazilian Mastiff has been banned in many countries.

Huskies

Used to pull sleds in the northern regions and differentiated for their fast pulling style, they were also utilized for sled dog racing and for adventure trekking. However, they can be dangerous to smaller animals due to their strong predator instinct and are known for being destructive if they are bored.

Alaskan Malamutes

A breed of dog related to the Siberian Husky, this breed requires daily exercises to be happy, else they will become bored, disobedient and destructive. This large breed of domestic dog can grow from 70 to 100 lbs and are perfect companion for pursuits like carting, mushings, bikejoring, and skijoring. Since they are known for their strong independence, they can be difficult to train, cope poorly with smaller animals, and are unreliable as watchdogs.

Akita

A large spitz breed of dog that originated from mountainous regions of Japan, it is known for its two breed types: the Akita Inu (Japanese Akita) and the Akita (American Akita). Strong, independent and dominant breed, they are affectionate with family members but are aloof with strangers due to their territorial attitude.

Wolf Hybrid

As the name implies, the Wolf Hybrid also known as the Wolf dog is a cross breed between a dog and a wolf (typically a grey wolf). Consequently, Wolf-dog hybrids are a mixture of genetic traits resulting in less predictable behavior patterns compared to either the wolf or dog.

Tosa Inu

The Inu is a massive dog with some variations weighing anywhere between 130 to 200 lbs. and can reach heights of 24.5 to 32 inches. The dog is considered dangerous and legally restricted in some countries.

Boer Boel

The Boerboel is a large, mastiff dog breed from South Africa which was bred for the purpose of guarding a home or farm. These dogs were often a first line of defense against predators and were valuable in tracking and holding down wounded game. Bore Boels are loyal but very protective of their families.

Doberman Pinschers

Famed for their alertness, loyalty and intelligence, this breed of dogs is considered to be the best guard dog where they only attack if they are provoked or sense that their family and their property is in danger. Although once used as guard dogs or police dogs, they also exhibit aggressive behavior directed to strangers and other dogs, though owner-directed aggression is low. Their aggression due to their size and strength can also make them potentially dangerous.

American Bandogge

This incredibly strong dog is a cross breed between an American Pit Bull Terrier and a Neapolitan Mastiff.

Rottweiler

Rottweilers are a powerful breed with well-developed genetic herding and guarding instincts. As with any breed, potentially dangerous behavior in Rottweilers usually results from irresponsible ownership, abuse, neglect, or lack of socialization and training. Nevertheless, the Rottweiler’s strength is something that should not be taken lightly.

Dogo Argentino

The Dogo Argentino is a large, white, muscular dog that was developed in Argentina primarily for the purpose of big-game hunting, including wild boar and puma. Though extremely strong and athletic, the Dogo was bred to be non-aggressive towards humans. Nevertheless, it is illegal to own a Dogo in the United Kingdom under their Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991.

Perro de Presa Canario

The Perro de Presa Canario is a large dog that was originally bred for working livestock. The name of the breed is Spanish and it means “Canarian catch dog”. Presas require early socialization and obedience training. In some situations, the Presa can be aggressive toward other dogs and suspicious of strangers.

German Shepherd

A breed of dogs that originated from Germany, the German Shepherd can weigh as much as 70 to 100 lbs. Known for being intelligent, confident, alert, vigilant, and fearless; the police use them for their K-9 units. However, caution must be exercised with Shepherds as they can become overprotective of their family and territory, and if not socialized correctly; can lead to attacks.

Gull Dong

The Gull Dong (also known as the Pakistani Bull Dog) is a cross breed between the Gull Tarrier and the Bully Kutta. Extremely strong and powerful, the Dong is known to be very aggressive and difficult to control.

Caucasian Ovcharka

2019 Most Expensive Dog Breeds

The Caucasian Ovcharka also known as the Caucasian Shepherd, was bred to protect livestock. The typical Caucasian Ovcharka is assertive, strong-willed and courageous. However, unless properly socialized and trained, the Caucasian Shepherd may exhibit ferocious and unmanageable tendencies since it does not accept people it does not know and has a powerful urge to defend.