Best Guard Dog

Dogs That are Good Family Protectors

Sep 4, 2009 Janis Masyk-Jackson

A good guard dog will protect the home while providing companionship.

Owning a guard dog can bring a sense of security to a home. When choosing a new dog some things to consider are the breed's intelligence, ease of training, protection capabilities, and their attitude towards strangers. If the dog is meant to be a guard dog, it's best to get the dog while still a puppy.

Doberman Pinscher a Popular Guard Dog

Since their arrival in the United States in 1908 from Germany, Doberman Pinschers have been used by both police and the military as guard dogs. These alert, fearless dogs are loyal and obedient. Dobermans are energetic dogs that train easily. They make for loyal companions and are always ready to protect the home.

Rottweiler a Great Guard Dog

Once used for cattle driving in Germany, Rottweilers now have the reputation of being one of the best guard dogs. Powerfully built, Rottweilers are obedient and imposing. It's important that they have proper human socialization and professional training for functioning as a guard dog. They are very faithful dogs and can become overly protective if they feel a family member is in danger.

Bullmastiff a Large Guard Dog

The Bullmastiff originated in England by crossing Mastiffs and Bulldogs. Their original purpose was to catch poachers. Bullmastiffs are quite docile and quiet unless put in a threatening situation. Then, they become fearless. Bullmastiffs are good with children, but, it is recommended that they be raised with them. They can also be good with other pets. However, male Mastiffs don't tend to get along well with other males.

A Good Family Guard Dog, the German Shepherd

The German Shepherd was bred in Germany in an effort to make the perfect shepherd. Considered one of the most intelligent breeds of dog, German Shepherds have worked as police dogs, war dogs, and search and rescue dogs. They can be suspicious of strangers, but loving and protective of its family and home. German shepherds are one of the most popular dogs in the United States.

Puli a Medium Sized Guard Dog

Don't be fooled by the size or the moplike appearance of a Puli. These Hungarian dogs, who were used for sheepherding, are very protective of their families and rate high with both protection and watchdog abilities. Pulis are very energetic dogs that are watchful and alert. They can tend to be aggressive towards other dogs and some have a tendency to bark a lot.

Kid Friendly Giant Schnauzer Guard Dog

The Giant Schnauzer is a herding dog who originated in Germany. With its playfulness and fun-loving personality, the Giant Schnauzer makes a great family guard dog. It does well with children, although it may play a bit too roughly with younger children. The Giant Schnauzer is very protective of the family and cautious with strangers. It can exhibit aggressive behavior towards other dogs.

Protective Dog the Akita

The Akita is the official dog of Japan where it is used as a guard and police dog. It arrived in America when Helen Keller brought one home from Japan in 1937. The Akita is bold, courageous, and good-natured. It is a devoted canine who is very protective of family members. It is affectionate towards family members and reserved with strangers.

Bull Terrier Guard Dog

The Bull Terrier was bred to be a fighting dog in England. Although it's up for a fight, the Bull Terrier isn't one to provoke one. Bull Terriers are fun and playful and have a mischievous side to them. They are sweet and affectionate, but, also quite protective. Overall good with people, the Bull Terrier does not always take well to other dogs.

When acquiring a guard dog, be sure that it has proper training. Obedience classes will teach the proper way a guard dog should act. If children are in the home, look for a dog that interacts well with children. Guard dogs can bring love, affection, and security to a home.

Readers may also enjoy The Best Family Dogs

Sources:

The Right Dog For You, Daniel F. Tortora, Ph.D., (Simon & Schuster,) 1980
Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds, D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D., (Barron's Educational Series, Inc.,) 1998

The copyright of the article Best Guard Dog in Dogs is owned by Janis Masyk-Jackson. Permission to republish Best Guard Dog in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.