If you’re looking for the best guard dog breeds, this post offers an overview of some of the top dogs who will defend and protect you and your home. Whether you want a guardian to go places with you or a dog to protect your property, these guard dogs will fiercely watch over you and your household.

What Makes a Good Guard Dog

First, let’s define guard dogs here. You may be wondering what qualifies a dog as a guard dog. Is it barking when someone comes to the door? Or chasing and attacking intruders? Most guard dogs are classified as Working Dogs by the American Kennel Club. This means these dogs were bred for jobs assisting humans doing tasks like guarding, herding, pulling sleds, and performing rescue work.

All Working Dogs are not guard dogs. Some are actually extremely friendly and make poor guard dogs - like Siberian Huskies, who were bred to pull sleds. But the top guard dog breeds are Working Dogs, and they will vigilantly patrol your property and protect you.

Here are some of the criteria that the best guard dog breeds meet:

Loyal to their family
Protective of family
Reserved with strangers
Alert to sounds and changes in the environment, letting you know when anyone comes onto your property.

Guard dogs will naturally protect you if danger arises in the form of an intruder or threatening person. The best guard dog breeds have been bred to have excellent watchdog and guardian skills, and they will provide loyal protection to you without being trained to do so.

Some people also train their guard dogs to be protection dogs, which means they will attack on command. Protection dogs are used by police and law enforcement, and many of the guard dog breeds on this list are used as police and security dogs.

The Best Guard Dog Breeds

Akita

The Akita is an extremely loyal and protective guard dog breed from Japan. These large, powerful dogs were bred for guarding estates and hunting large game like bears in Japan. They are fearless, brave, and will go to any lengths to protect their owners.

American Pitbull Terrier

The American Pitbull Terrier is an athletic, tenacious, protective dog that will guard you and your family with vigor. Pitbulls get a lot of bad press, but just as with all breeds, especially guard dog breeds, proper care and socialization are vital to having a well-adjusted, happy dog.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are large, athletic dogs with a naturally protective nature. They were bred for hunting lions in South Africa and will not back down from any challengers. Ridgebacks are one of the best guard dog breeds for family protection, as they will watch over children and all members of the household.

Beauceron

The Beauceron is a natural guardian that is intelligent, fearless, and calm. This large guard dog breed hails from France and they are very devoted to their owners and easy to train. This active breed needs plenty of exercise and would enjoy an adventurous life with an active family.

Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is a high-energy, medium-sized guard dog that is often used by the police and military for protection work, bomb sniffing, and tracking work. Malinois love to work and they are naturally very protective of their family. If you have a highly active lifestyle and want a guard dog who will be thrilled to accompany you everywhere, the Malinois may be your perfect match. Also, the lesser-known but related Belgian Shepherd dogs and Dutch Shepherds have similar characteristics, making them some of the best guard dog breeds.

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a large, imposing guard dog breed that originated in Germany. They are loyal and protective and have a natural instinct to guard their owners. These devoted dogs are alert and courageous and will not hesitate to stop any intruder.

best-guard-dogs — Dobermans are agile, intelligent, and protective. Photo by Ryan Hyde.

Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pincher is a tall, athletic breed that is highly trainable and has natural guarding instincts. The Doberman was bred as a guard dog in Germany and retains a fearless, alert nature. If you have the stamina to keep up with this active dog, the Doberman is one of the best guard dog breeds.

Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is a giant dog breed from Italy that is intensely loyal and protective of their family. These noble dogs have served as war dogs, guardians, and large game hunters, and their fierce loyalty guarantees they will protect you and your property.

Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is a giant mastiff breed that was bred to guard English manors and knock down intruders with their large, imposing bodies. This loyal breed will patrol your home and property, protecting your household. They are calm and even-tempered and are excellent guard dogs for people who want a guard dog that is gentle with the family and doesn’t demand a high amount of exercise.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are used by police and security professionals around the world due to their high intelligence, extreme loyalty, and dedication to work. They are one of the most versatile guard dogs, as they can be easily trained for obedience, agility, tracking, and protection work. German Shepherds are one of the best guard dog breeds for people who want a trainable, versatile dog that loves to work.

Finding the Best Guard Dog for You

Ultimately, the choice of which guard dog to get is your own. Also, temperaments can vary within breeds, so it’s best to meet your potential pup and make sure your personalities click. When you are considering a certain breed, take the time to meet dogs of that breed, talk to people who own them, and learn more about them. The decision to adopt any dog is a big one but especially with large, powerful guard dog breeds. Check out How to Prepare Before Adopting a Dog for tips on adopting your next dog.

Do you have a guard dog? Which breeds would you pick for the best guard dog breeds? Comment below.👋

Top 10 Best Guard Dog Breeds

What Makes a Good Guard Dog