The best guard dog breeds are those that stop at nothing to protect you, your family, and your possessions.
Did you know that in the United States, crime is rising and at a steady rate? Also, did you know that every 10-15 seconds a house is broken into! Surveys of burglars reveal that dogs in the home, especially large-sounding barking, help prevent your home from becoming a casualty.
But the question is, which are the best guardian breeds? Well, we have 30 of the best guard dogs that we think will stop at nothing to protect you and your family!
This article will give you a list of best guard dog breeds, ranging from common breeds found more in the western world.
In contrast, the bottom part is about guard dog breeds that are more known and loved by the eastern world. In this list we will give you a couple multipurpose dog breeds. They are used as livestock guard dog breeds and as human guard dogs.
The majority of these spectacular breeds are not for novice owners, these breeds need experienced owners who know what and how they are going to raise their new puppy.
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The Top 30 Best Guard Dog Breeds
22. The Akita
Akita Traits
- Weight – 70 – 130 pounds
- Height – 24 – 28 inches tall
- Life Expectancy – 10 – 14 years
- Extremely active – 1 hour or more
- Coat Colors – Black, white, chocolate, brindle, or a mix of the colors with white
- Shedding – heavy
- Brushing – 2-4x/wk
- Bite force PSI – 350 – 400 lbs
The Akita is an ancient breed from Japan, breed for the Japanese royalty they were to be the loyal companions and guards of the family. They are well muscled and have a double coat so that they can stay warm in the coldest of climates.
Akita’s need lots of exercise and great obedience training and to know who is the pack leader at a young age, they are an ok for first time dog owners. But they need to have read up on the breed and be ready for any tricks or stunts pulled by the Akita.
Now if you have a family one of your questions might be is the Akita the best guard dog breeds for families with children? And the answer is yes, with the training of the puppy at a young age. The Akita can and will be one of the best family guard dogs.
21. Kangal Shepherd Dog
- Weight – 88 – 130 pounds
- Height – 25 – 31 inches tall
- Life Expectancy – 10 – 13 years
- Extremely active – 1 hour or more
- Coat Colors – Dun, light golden, grey, wolf-sable, fawn
- Shedding – medium
- Brushing – 2x/wk
- Bite force PSI – 743 lbs
The Kangal Shepherd is a large and very protective dog breed, it was developed in turkey for being a livestock guardian. They were breed to hunt down wolves and other predators who want sheep. Now when I say wolves, there are two variations the smaller desert wolf vs the big Polar wolf.
One single polar wolf can kill a whole pack of live stock guardians, if you don’t believe me look it up. You can find plenty of videos of a wolf pack killing off an equal sized pack of livestock guardians.
But these wolfs that live where the Kangal rules are smaller than their northern cousins. Which means they can easily be taken down by a Kangal. They are a fantastic guard dog breed for humans as well, all you need to do is make sure you train and socialize them well as a puppy.
20. The Boerboel
Boerboel Traits
- Weight – 150 – 200 pounds
- Height – 22 – 27 inches tall
- Life Expectancy – 9 – 11 years
- Extremely active – 1 hour or more
- Coat Colors – Tannish red
- Shedding – medium
- Brushing – 2x/wk
- Bite force PSI – 400 lbs
The Boerboel is of a South African decent, protecting remote farmers from predators and raiders, they are dominant, confident family guardian breed. Boerboel’s need a strong and confident pack leader who gives them plenty of exercise through out the day.
The Boerboel can be a gentle giant for families with young children, they do great if trained with smaller animals along with cats. All they need is consistent training as a puppy and young adult, if they feel threatened they can be much like a tank.
Now, is the Boerboel a the best guard dog breeds for families with children? The answer is no if you have toddlers this breed is just to big and rambunctious dog breed as a young dog.
19. The Cane Corso
Cane Corsos Traits
- Weight – 70 – 110 pounds
- Height – 22 – 27 inches tall
- Life Expectancy – 10 – 12 years
- Extremely active – 30 min to 1 hour
- Coat Colors – Black, Black & Brindle, Fawn, Tan, Chestnut
- Shedding – light
- Brushing – 1x/wk
- Bite force PSI – 600 lbs
The Cane Corso is a big-boned Italian Mastiff used by the Romans as war dogs. They were also used to herd, hunt, and protect the handler from danger.
The Cane Corso is a great guard dog for families because they are also known to be gentle and affectionate pets. So if you want Cane Corso for a personal protection dog, it will need to be trained to be a guard dog.
With proper training and and along with a job for the Cane Corso, they will be one of the best dogs for the family! But without the proper training, socialization, and exercise your hands will be full with this dog breed.
18. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow Traits
- Weight – 40 – 80 pounds
- Height – 17 – 20 inches tall
- Life Expectancy – 9 – 15 years
- Exercise needs – 30 – 45 minutes daily
- Coat Colors – Black, Blue, Fawn, Cream, & Red
- Shedding – heavy
- Brushing 4x/wk
- Bite Force PSI – 220 lbs
The Chow Chow is an ancient Chinese dog breed that has deeply set back eyes, a large head, a thrust out chest, and a lion’s mane added on to the dog. These guys can weigh in between 40- 90 pounds and can look quite ferocious. No wonder why they made for such great guard dogs!
A Chow that is properly trained will not be as aggressive or territorial but will be so only on command and or when the owner/s are away from home.
17. The Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Catahoula Leopard Dog Traits
Weight – 55 – 100 pounds
Height – 22 – 24 inches
Exercise Needs – 1 hour minimum
Coat colors – Black, Brindle, Red Merle, Black Merle, Red, Yellow
Shedding – Medium
Brushing – 1x- wk
Life Expectancy – 10 – 13 years
Bite Force PSI – 305 lbs
Catahoula leopards are from Louisiana, they were bred for herding cattle, hunting wild pigs & protecting the farm from people. They are renowned for their various patterns and color for their fur coats.
The Catahoula’s needs good training and a firm but loving hand to keep them from becoming aggressive to other dogs or humans. However, some of them are quite friendly and docile with people.
One other very special trick of the trade that the Catahoula can do is climbing tree’s to catch Raccoon’s, Possums, and other tree rodents. Down in the South, Catahoula’s are a special hunting dog and often have a duel purpose of hunting down rodents, and protecting the house with out any special training.
My family had pure breed Catahoula, for a while, but we already had one big dog, so we ended up letting a special friend adopt her. She is currently still alive and doing well!
16. The Doberman Pinscher
The Dobermann Pinscher Traits
- Weight – 70 – 100 pounds
- Height – 24 – 26 inches
- Exercise Needs – 30 – 45 mins daily.
- Coat colors – Black and Tan
- Shedding – Light to medium
- Brushing – 1x- wk
- Life Expectancy – 10 – 13 years
- Bite Force PSI – 305 lbs
The Dobermann was created in 1860 by a German Tax collector. They are fast, sleek, protective, and have earned their reputation as one of the best guard dog breeds! They need early socialization, stern rules, love, and attention when they are not on guard.
This breed was created for one purpose: keep the owner safe. Since Doberman’s instinct is to guard and protect, they’re easy to train and eager to fill this role.
Dobermans are easily trainable because they’re eager to fulfill your every command. This noble breed would give their own life to protect their family (pack).
15. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky Traits
Weight – 45 – 60 pounds
Height – 21 – 23 inches tall
Exercise Needs – 1 hour minimum of walks or runs daily
Coat Colors – Black, white, grey white, sable and white, black and tan, black and white, Silver/grey, grey, red and white.
Shedding – Light to medium
Life Expectancy – 12 – 14 years
Brushing – 4x wk
Bite Force PSI – 320lbs
Now you might be wondering well why is the husky on here? They aren’t that scary! And its true they are not that scary. But Siberians Husky’s are fantastic watch dogs and will alert you to intruders.
The Chukchi tribe created the Siberian Husky thousands of years ago. The Chukchi’s are a nomadic tribe near the Kamchatka peninsula of Russia. The Siberian Husky is bred to be a companion dog and for transportation other than Reindeer (You know if you want a smoother ride) over frozen landscapes as sled dogs.
The Siberian Husky is the forbears to the Alaskan Malamute. The difference between the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute is that the Siberian Husky is smaller, with ears closer together, softer fur, almond-shaped eyes, and with more stamina to run long distances.
14. Dogue De Bordeaux
The Dogue De Bordeaux Traits
- Weight – 120 – 140 pounds
- Height – 23 – 25 inches tall
- Exercise Needs – 1 hour minimum of walks or runs daily
- Coat Colors – light shades of fawn to dark fawn color
- Shedding – Light to medium
- Life Expectancy – 10 – 12 years
- Brushing – 1x wk
- Bite Force PSI – 556lbs
The Dogue De Bordeaux is a massive French mastiff! They are loyal, self-assured, and fiercely territorial dog breeds, they were originally from the Bordeaux region appearing 600 years or so ago.
They were originally bred as fighters but that soon disappeared due to their usefulness and were soon employed as drafters, hunters, and guardians.
The French nobles took up the DDB in the late 1700s and had them, guarding their vast estates from robbers and poachers. Their job as protectors of the rich was terminated with a red letter with the French revolution, they soon found themselves as cattle drovers.
From then on the DDB went unknown to the wider world until the 1989 release of Turner and Hooch and with that, the Dogue De Bordeaux bought its ticket (again) into the worldwide spotlight.
13. The Boxer
Boxer Traits
- Weight – 55 – 75 pounds
- Height – 22 – 25 inches
- Exercise Needs – 1 hour at least
- Coat Colors – Brindle, Fawn, and White
- Shedding – Light to medium
- Life Expectancy – 10 – 12 years
- Brushing – 1x wk
- Bite Force PSI – 230 lbs
The Boxer is one of the best guard dog breeds out in the world. Boxers have a broad head and short muzzle with jaws of iron to lock onto their prey. Once they have grabbed onto their prey it becomes extremely hard to get them to release. The Boxer was made in Germany for dogfights and as a herders.
Boxers are great with children and are often very protective of them, they need plenty of excessive, they will also need some reinforcing of rules while puppies and young adults.
In general, the Boxer requires a little grooming, a house with a yard (though they can live in an apartment if needed but give them double the amount of exercise), and they are protective and loyal to you and the family.
12. The English Mastiff
The English Mastiff Traits
Weight – 120 – 230 pounds
Height – 27.5 – 30 inches
Exercise Needs – 30 – 45 minutes
Coat colors – Fawn color
Life Expectancy – 6 – 10 years
Brushing – 2x wk
Shedding – Medium
Bite Force PSI – 552 lbs
The English Mastiff origins can be dated back to Caesar’s invasion into Britannia in 55 BC. Caesar was so galvanized by the English Mastiff that he wrote about them in his journal and eventually shipped some back to Rome where they became extremely popular.
To this day they have not changed much, an encounter with a black-masked mastiff can be pretty startling if you are not prepared for them. In the old days their main purpose was as guard dogs and used in arena fights. In this new age the Mastiff presents a totally different side.
Mastiffs are kind, loving, gentle and funny in their clumsiness to the family, but if pushed they will be extremely protective of their property and family. As a puppy, the Mastiff will be happy and affable this is the best time to introduce any dog breed to family and friends, but especially to the English Mastiff.
11. The Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgeback Traits
- Weight – 70 – 80 pounds
- Height – 24 – 27 inches
- Exercise Needs – 30 – 45 minutes
- Coat colors – A reddish to rust color
- Life Expectancy – 12 – 12 years
- Brushing – 2x wk
- Shedding – Medium
- Bite Force PSI – 224 lbs
The Rhodesian Ridgeback comes from Africa and was breed to hunt and distract preferred animals in Africa. Today they are a strong willed and independent family members of the pack, they must be lead with a very firm but loving and fair hand from puppy hood.
From working on a horse farm I can say that these dogs are very fierce and will give you a run for your money. The owner of the farm has an old geezer and a young pup both of whom are very protective and loyal of and to her.
10. Thai Ridgeback
Thai Ridgeback Traits
- Weight – 35 – 75 pounds
- Height – 20 – 24 inches
- Exercise Needs – 30 – 45 minutes
- Coat colors – Black, Blue, Fawn, Red
- Life Expectancy – 12 – 13 years
- Brushing – 2x wk
- Shedding – light/medium
- Bite Force PSI – 200 – 300 LBS
The Thai Ridgeback is very active with a very tough appearance and demeanor, while still being a lovable family pet. They are a medium sized dog that loves the tropical heat and does not operate well in cold places.
Today the Thai Ridgeback is a fantastic family dog, the majority of their skills as a proud hunter and protector is gone. But they still know how to put the fear of god into anyone who they don’t know or trust.
For this reason they need an experienced owner to handle them, they need a pack leader who knows how much exercise, training, socialization is needed and one who can give the Thai Ridgeback the right amount.
9. The Bullmastiff
Bullmastiff Traits
- Weight – 110 – 140 pounds
- Height – 27 inches tall
- Life Expectancy – 9 – 10 years
- Exercise Needs – 1 hour daily
- Coat Colors – Red, Fawn, and Brindle
- Shedding – light
- Brushing 1x/wk
- Bite Force PSI – 150 – 180 lbs
The Bullmastiff has the perfect temperament to be one of the best guard dog breeds. It is possessive, territorial, protective, and loyal. Bullmastiff’s seem to have a sixth sense of knowing who belongs in and around the home and who does belong there.
The Bullmastiff also has a massive soft spot for their family members and friends and is not afraid to show it when they are with the family members.
Given their protective temperament, you’ll need to establish rules from day one with your new bullmastiff puppy in order to socialize and control s/he.
Your Bullmastiff will need to know its place in the family hierarchy. The worst thing to happen is that the owner cannot control their dog.
8. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois Traits
- Weight – 40 – 80 pounds
- Height – 22 – 26 inches
- Exercise Needs – 30 – 50 minutes
- Coat colors – fawn colored with black mask
- Life Expectancy – 12 – 14 years
- Brushing – 2x wk
- Shedding – heavy
- Bite Force PSI – 195 lbs
The Belgian Malinois is energetic and well-muscled; they were initially bred to herd animals about. But today, they are used from the top spec-ops militaries to police dog’s, to home guardians all around the world.
In the hands of a very experienced dog owners, the Belgian will go through fire for you. This breed is much like the German Shepherd, but they do not have the same setbacks as the German Shepherds do.
The Malinois is an extremely protective dog breed that loves to be with the master whenever you are around. They are protective, watchful, playful, loving, workhorse.
7. The German Shepherd
German Shepherd Traits
- Weight – 60 – 90 pounds
- Height – 24 – 26 inches
- Exercise Needs – 30 – 50 minutes
- Coat colors – Black, Sable, Black & Tan, Grey, Black & Silver, Black & Red
- Life Expectancy – 7 – 10 years
- Brushing – 2x wk
- Shedding – heavy
- Bite Force PSI – 269 lbs
The German Shepherd comes from Germany, as the name implies. They were originally bred for sheep herding and the protection against wolves, coyotes, and humans when on the farm.
The German Shepherd was soon used in the military and police work in Germany. Their intelligence and loyalty made them a natural at herding and protecting, so they excelled at the job. And, you’ll still find them holding those to jobs down expertly.
They are fast, agile, loyal, smart, and can even be goofy around the family! Once trained, they will not balk at any command given.
6. Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino traits
- Weight – 77 – 100 lbs
- Height – 24 – 27 inches
- Exercise Needs – 45 min to a hour daily
- Coat colors – White
- Life Expectancy – 10 – 12 years
- Brushing – 1 weekly
This breed was originally bred in Argentina as guard dogs and big-game hunters. They have a huge urge to hunt their prey, they were used to hunt down pumas.
This breed needs early training and socialization during the early years with constant training throughout its life. You also need to show it who is the alpha in the pack otherwise, they will take over in a second.
They are kind, loving, extremely protective, careful around the family and family pets. Anyone who is not a constant family member may get hurt or worse killed if the Dogo was not trained early.
5. The American Bulldog
American Bulldog Traits
- Weight – 70 – 120 pounds
- Height – 20 – 26 inches
- Exercise Needs – 30 – 45 minutes daily
- Coat Colors – White, Fawn, Brindle, and Brown
- Life Expectancy – 10 – 15 years
- Brushing – 1x wk
- Shedding – light
- Bite Force PSI – 305 lbs
The American Bulldog is seen as a relatively new breed of dog, the American Bulldog is descended from the Old English Bulldog. American Bulldog is built for working, whether that is hooking up to a small cart to their harness and or sending them out to patrol the yard.
A lot of these dogs here in this article have a high pain tolerance. But the American Bulldog has a higher threshold for pain, and they are also very attentive to every bit of their surroundings. The American Bulldog is friendly, loving, caring, and gentle to family and friends.
They are also very gentle and loving on the children, they never become too rough or rambunctious with them. However, if a stranger approaches the house or yard and the AM Bulldog regards him or her as a threat they will go out and deal with that person, thing, or animal.
4. The American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier Traits
- Weight – 35 – 60 pounds
- Height – 18 – 21 inches
- Exercise Needs – 45 – 60 daily
- Coat Colors – White, Black, Brindle, Fawn, Tan, Blue, and Brown
- Life Expectancy – 8 – 15 years
- Brushing – 1x wk
- Shedding – light
- Bite Force PSI – 230 lbs
They are very intimidating and are perfect for scaring off and defending against any potential thieves. The American Pitbull does not weigh very much, but their fierceness, bravery, high pain tolerance, and sheer bullheadedness make up for everything else.
3. The Great Dane
The Great Dane Traits
- Height -32 inches
- Weight – 140 – 175 pounds
- Exercise Needs – 1 to 2 hours daily
- Coat Colors – Black, Mantel, Brindle, Fawn, Blue
- Life Expectancy – 7 – 10 years
- Brushing – 2x wk
- Shedding – heavy
- PSI – 238 lbs
Imagine that you are a thief, your walking down a driveway, and the dog door opened, and you see a Great Dane charging down the driveway. What would you do? I know for a fact I’d run like hell.
I’m putting the Great Dane as the third Best Guard Dog Breed on this list just for their sheer size and weight.
Today’s Great Dane’s come from Germany, but did you know that they are not from Germany? The Great Dane’s ancestors were in ancient Egypt, dating back to around 3000 BC, and before ancient Egypt, they were in China 1121BC.
When they finally arrived in Germany, they were improved to hunt wild boars, which in those times were very dangerous. Due to their bravery, smartness, and size, the German Nobility soon had the Great Danes as personal bodyguards.
Great Dane’s ability to be loyal, noble, caring, smart, loving, and protective was the reason why the nobles loved them so much.
2. The Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees Traits
- Weight – 100 pounds and up
- Height – 26 – 32 inches
- Exercise Needs – 1 hour daily
- Coat Colors – Tan, and White
- Life Expectancy – 10 – 12 years
- Brushing – 20 – 30 minutes
- Shedding – heavy
- PSI – 556 lbs
The Pyrenees dog was created in the Pyrenees mountains they are strong-bodied, willed, brave of heart, and a powerful will to work. The people of the Pyrenees mountains needed a dog that was brave of heart, and one that could think for its self when left alone with a flock or herd.
The Pyrenees is home to many different animals including wolves, bears, and other snowy predators that lurk on the mountains and wait for the perfect opportunity to strike. The people of the Pyrenees mountains got really tired of replacing their herds/flocks. So the farmers decided to create their own guard dog, and so a long process of breeding and rebreeding came and went. Until!
They finally bred the Pyrenees guard dog, and they set it loose, and it was a (drum roll please!…) smashing success! Their bravery and patients set them far apart from all the other guard dogs of that time! With their reputation for fighting off wolves, bears, and occasional rustlers, the French king adopted them into his very own royal chateaux (a french manner)
1. The Rottweiler
Rottweiler Traits
- Weight – 95 – 135 pounds
- Height – 24 – 27 inches
- Exercise Needs – 30 – 50 min daily
- Life Expectancy – 9 – 10 years
- Coat colors – Black & tan
- Shedding – Heavy amount
- Brushing – every other day
- PSI – 328
The Rottweiler is my top guard dog breed, they were originally used as herders and the Romans took them from Germania they were used as war dogs. This breed of dog is robust, alert, self-assured, aloof, protective, smart, & weary. Early socialization is needed, but other than that, the Rottie is the perfect guard dog.
Rottweilers love the family and are calm and even. They are always on the lookout for people who do not belong in or around the house. They need to be socialized and trained at an early age; this is not a matter of “Oh I’ll train and socialize him/her later.” situation.
When training the Rottweiler, always make sure that he/she knows that you are the alpha of the pack and not him. Be firm yet gentle in your training, and Rottweilers do not react kindly to harsh treatment. If push comes to shove, the Rottweiler will not be afraid to stand up for him/her self.
9. The Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzer Traits
- Weight – 65 – 85 pounds
- Height – 26 – 18 inches
- Exercise Needs – 45 – 60 min daily
- Life Expectancy – 12 – 15 years
- Coat color – Black
- Shedding – medium
- Brushing – two times a week
- Brushing needs – regular
Because of their strength, temperament, resistance to pain, courage, and loyalty, I just had to add them to the best guard dogs, you know the cool thing. You don’t even have to train him to be a guard dog!
The Giant Schnauzer needs to be the only pet in the house due to its aggression and tendency to chase smaller dogs and cats. They need to be either in a fence or in the house when exercising; they need to be on a leash and never off it if walking outside of the pin. While it’s a baby, it is imperative to socialize it, even if it is meant to be a guard dog.
When stepping into your house with your new dog, you MUST immediately sit down and go over commands with everyone, and after those commands are set upon, everyone must use them. Here is an example If someone says “Give the leash” while the other person says “Drop the leash,” the Schnauzer will not know what to do.
8. Labrotties as Protective Dogs?
So most Labrotties are good protective dogs. Whether or not they make the best guard dog depends on their individual temperament.
However, if you have a Labrottie or Rottweiler dog already, it will certainly help keep you and your home safer, even if your beloved Rottie hides under the bed while barking!
Uncommon Best Guard Dog Breeds from Other Parts of The World
The following seven dog breeds are more known in Eastern Europe, Russia, and the eastern world where they are the favorites of many.
7. Caucasian Shepherd a.k.a (The Russian Bear.)
Caucasian Shepherd Traits
- Weight – 130 – 210 weight
- Height – 26 – 28 inches
- Exercise Needs – 1 hour daily
- Life Expectancy – 10 – 11 years
- Coat color – Black, White, Fawn, Cream & Rust
- Shedding – Heavy
- Grooming – Brush daily during some seasons
- Bite force PSI – 700
This dog may look like a huge cuddle bear! But it is really best suited for these three work options: huge properties/farms, prisons, and or usage in the military.
Their thick fur keeps them well insulated from the sub-zero cold. They stand thick and tall and are ready for literally anything.
If you can’t put up time, dedication, and training every day, please move on to the next dog. This dog can be a handful at the best of times and DEADLY at the worst. Even their home town of Russia and several other countries close by have banned or placed heavy restrictions upon this bad boy.
6. East European Shepherd
East-European Shepherd Traits
- Height – 24 – 30 inches
- Weight – 66 – 110 pounds
- Exercise Needs – 1 to 2 hours daily
- Life Expectancy -10 – 14 years
- Coat colors – Black and tan or black and red
- Shedding – heavy
- Grooming – Brush a lot during the shedding season
- PSI – Unknown
The East European Shepherd, otherwise known as VEO, is derived from the German Shepherd and mated with either the Caucasian Shepherd or the Central Asian Shepherd and a wolf.
The VEO is bigger than its ancestor the German Shepherd, they have a longer and thicker neck, plus a bigger head and jaw.
The Russians first made them in the 1920s and ’30s and were only made for the Russian Police and military. They needed a guard dog that could withstand all the temperatures thrown at them.
Just like the Russian bear, the VEO needs a large place, and whatever you do not approach without the owner’s consent.
5. The Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Alabai Traits
- Weight – 88 – 170 pounds
- Height – 24 – 31 inches
- Exercise Needs – 2 – 3 hours daily
- Life Expectancy – 17 years
- Coat Colors – Black, White, Brindle, Piebald, Rust, and Deadgrass
- Shedding – Heavy
- Grooming – Brush daily during shedding season
- PSI – 600
The Central Asian Shepherd or Alabai Dog has a high working capacity, endurance, and an instinct of territory. They are also: proud, independent, quiet, self-assured, extremely independent, and they rank as one of the most powerful dog breed in the world!
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is an ancient dog breed; they are the oldest known dogs, dating back more than 7,000 years. According to artifacts in the Russian native lands, they guarded the native people’s and their possessions. Against predators like bears and wolves, and they helped repel invading raiding parties from other tribes.
The Central Asian Shepherd created its reputation on being violent and ugly, they are also banned in a lot of their own hometowns as well. Due to their fierce reputation of meeting a problem head on, they are fantatic family guardians but are bad out and about dogs.
4. The Moscow Watchdog
Moscow watchdog Traits
- Height – 25 – 32 inches
- Weight – 100 – 150 pounds
- Exercise Needs – 1 – 2 hours daily
- Life Expectancy – 10 – 12 years
- Coat colors – Red and White
- Shedding – Lots
- Grooming – Brush daily
- PSI – Unknown
The Moscow Watchdog is a true giant! The Soviet Union bred him for well you can guess what for. They breed him for being an excellent watchdog, he is half St.Bernard and half Caucasian Shepherd. He is an extreme Alpha type dog breed, the Moscow watchdog is independent and can handle him/herself in any fight.
If you do get this force of nature, he/she will need firm and consistent training through out their life along with tons of exercise throughout his/her lifespan. Much like the Caucasian shepherd, s/he will need a large property to call home.
So in order to keep him/her happy and content in life give the dog plenty to mental stimulation, along with exercise. And remember this, an unhappy Moscow Watchdog is a horrible day for you and your neighbors.
3. The Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiff Traits
- Weight – 90 – 150 pounds
- Height – 24 – 33 inches
- Exercise Needs – 2 hours daily
- Colors – Black, Brown, Red gold, Black & Tan, Brown & Tan, & Blue-grey
- Shedding – Are you ready for a mountain of dog hair?
- Grooming – Brush daily
- Bite force PSI – Unknown
You really don’t wanna tangle with this bad boy! The Tibetan Mastiff is as intimidating as hell! The Tibetan Mastiff is: watchful, territorial, and yet sweet and loving to their family.
Their well suited for their job as watch/guard dogs! They have powerful jaws, and their body is 99.99 percent muscle. When a thief catches sight of this bad boy, he will definitely move on to an easier house.
3. The South Russian Ovcharka
South Russian Ovcharka Traits
- Weight – 80 – 110 pounds
- Height – 24 – 25 inches
- Exercise Needs – 1 hour or more daily
- Colors – Shaggy white
- Shedding – Are you ready for a mountain load of dog hair?
- Grooming – Brush daily
- Bite force PSI – 300 lbs
The South Russian Ovcharka was originally breed to herd and protect sheep, their origins are disputed. Some say they came from the west and spread to the east slowly over many generations until they reached Russia.
Others say that it was strictly a south Russian dog breed, in any case, the South Russian Ovcharka became a family pet. They are loyal, loving, gentle and very protective of the family. They know where each and everyone is, and won’t leave you alone. The South Russian Ovcharka is possessive of their food, toys, and bed, and any other things they think is theres.
1. Black Russian Terrier
- Weight – 80 – 150 pounds
- Height – 25 – 28 inches
- Exercise Needs – 1 – 2 hours daily
- Life Expectancy – 10 – 12 years
- Colors – Black
- Shedding – Heavy
- Grooming – Brush daily during the shedding season
- PSI – Unknown
Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier or BRT is best suited to a house where he/she will be the only one as the household pet. The BRT was created by the famous Red Star Kennel and were breed for their protective nature.
Did you know that the Black Russian Terrier head accounts for 40% of the body mass! Yep, you read that right! The Red Star Kennel needed a dog that could walk the border for miles and still have the energy to run down a prisoner.
Best Watch Dog Breeds For Families
Here is a small list of guard dog breeds for families, these breeds do great with small kids and or elderly parents/in-laws. They can be quickly trained to be gentle around young or old loved ones, but at the same time keep them loved.
- Chihuahua’s – are fantastic watchdogs alerting you to the slightest movements
- Shar-Pei – the Chinese Shar-Pei is a old guard dog breed that is of medium size
- Chow Chow – The Chow chow is an ancient Chinese guard dog
- Belgium Malinois – are perfect! They are medium sized dogs that also can pack a punch
- German Shepherd – another fantastic guard dog that is medium in length.
- Rottweiler – Rottweilers are great dogs if you need or want to make a statement. Its sort of like bringing a 12-gauge to a pistol fight they are heavy handed but they get the job done.
- Eastern Euro Shepherd – A much larger cousin of the German Shepherd and will get the job done
- Boxers – Boxers are medium sized and are the perfect family pet they have the perfect ratio of playfulness and very protective of the family.
The Conclusion on Excellent Guard Dog Breeds!
You have now finished with the best guard dog breeds article go with whichever of these breeds attracts you the most!
Just remember, the most important thing is that you are the master and trainer, give your dog proper training throughout his/her life! No matter the inherent temperament of the dog. It’s your relationship and training that will make the most difference.
Beyond that, since two dogs of the same breed can have very different temperaments, just like with people, ultimately, the best guard dog breed? The well-trained one! Thank you for reading Best guard dog breeds!
For those of you who have or are going to get a new best guard dog breeds! We have several dog name article just for you.
