By Marnie Kunz

The best guard dogs for apartments can adjust to living in close proximity to people and other dogs while protecting their family if needed. I chose these top guard dogs based on my experience living with guard dogs in apartments, and my research on breed personalities, needs, and ideal environments. Keep in mind that your lifestyle and specific living situation will also be a major factor in finding your perfect pup.

Considerations with Apartment Living

When you’re researching dog breeds, consider the rental laws and breed restrictions where you live. Some breeds are not allowed by certain landlords. Also, consider the noise level in your building and proximity to other people and dogs. As an Akita owner who lives in a NYC apartment, I understand the challenges of living with a guard dog in an apartment so I also want to say that ultimately, the best guard dog depends on your lifestyle and particular living situation. Most guard dogs will bark if alerted and some have high exercise requirements so keep this in mind when choosing the right pet.

Another thing to consider is your living space and how much you can exercise with your dog. In my experience, matching a dog with the best owner is about finding similar energy levels more than the dog’s size. Even if you live in a small apartment, if you have a large dog that has high energy levels, you can keep them busy with exercise and training.

If you can bring your dog out to run, play, train, and go places with you (such as going to work together, etc), then you’ll be better equipped to handle an active dog than a sedentary person who has a big apartment but rarely leaves the couch.

And finally, take into account the socialization that your dog will need. Do you have a lot of dogs in your building? What about children? It’s extremely important to socialize a guard dog because they can do a lot of damage if they are not able to adjust to their environment. Be prepared for training together.

Best Guard Dogs for Apartments

This list of the best guard dogs for apartments includes dogs that range from very active to low-energy, with dog sizes from medium to extra large. Some of the dog breeds tend to be more vocal than others, and some are easier to train than others. Each breed includes a basic personality description and a rating for barking level and activity level.

Medium Energy Guard Dogs

Medium energy guard dogs can adapt to apartment life with ongoing socialization and regular daily exercise. With proper training, dogs in these breeds may adapt well to living in apartment buildings.

Akita

Akitas are large, protective dogs that hail from Japan. They are excellent natural guard dogs and rarely bark, making them adaptable to apartment living. They also have a medium to low energy level, and are often happy to sleep and keep a watchful eye on their families. Akitas commonly do not like other dogs, however, so keep this in mind and socialize your pup early.

Bark Level: 1 / 5
Activity Level: 3 / 5

Rottweiler

Rottweilers are another large, medium-energy guard dog breed. They are very smart and easy to train and can adapt to apartment living. Rottweilers are powerful and protective and have an imposing stature that naturally deters would-be intruders. Their territorial instincts can make them suspicious of strangers. Socialization and training are crucial for this strong guard dog breed.

Bark Level: 1 / 5
Activity Level: 3 / 5

Mastiff

The mastiff breed is a giant, calm protector. These gentle giants are great watchdogs and guardians of their families. Mastiffs are relatively quiet, have a medium energy level, and are adaptable, making them able to live in many different situations, including some apartments (that allow very large dogs).

Bark Level: 1 / 5
Activity Level: 3 / 5

Great Dane

Great Danes make imposing watchdogs. These giant pups are calm and adaptable, and can usually live in apartments very well, despite their size. As medium-energy dogs, Great Danes are excellent indoor dogs who will have no trouble displaying courage and protective instincts.

Bark Level: 3 / 5
Activity Level: 3 / 5

High Energy Guard Dogs

Many guard dogs are high-energy working dogs so if you have them in an apartment, you’ll need to make sure they get plenty of daily exercise. Some of these breeds need more physical exercise while others need lots of mental stimulation (or both).

Giant Schnauzer

When you think of the best guard dogs for apartments, you may be surprised to learn that Giant Schnauzers can be great candidates. These large, working dogs are trainable, adaptable, bold, and alert. Giant Schnauzers make loyal, protective guard dogs. Schnauzers have plenty of energy and excel at obedience training.

Bark Level: 3 / 5
Activity Level: 5 / 5

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are versatile working dogs who excel as guard dogs. Known for their work with the police, these highly intelligent dogs are also used for search and rescue, service work, obedience, agility, and other dog sports. As with all guard dogs, German Shepherds need proper socialization and training to adjust to your lifestyle. They also need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation with activities or dog sports.

Bark Level: 3 / 5
Activity Level: 5 / 5

Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinschers are renowned guard dogs bred for that purpose. They’re highly trainable and have lots of energy, requiring lots of exercise. If you decide to adopt a Doberman, you’ll have a great guard dog and lifelong friend. Dobermans can be excellent running partners, agility competitors, obedience competitors, and protection dogs.

Bark Level: 3 / 5
Activity Level: 5 / 5

Boxer

Boxers are a popular family dog that tends to do well with children. These active pups have a fun-loving, energetic temperament and also demonstrate protectiveness, making them suitable for guard dogs. Boxers can be prone to barking more than some of the other breeds on this list of best guard dogs for apartments, so they would do well in quiet buildings without loud neighbors or other triggers.

Bark Level: 4 / 5
Activity Level: 4 / 5

Dutch Shepherd

Dutch Shepherds are natural guard dogs with lots of energy and an eagerness to train. Their trainability, dedication, and protective instincts make Dutch Shepherds excel as guard dogs and in dog sports. Dutchies are extremely athletic and need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to thrive.

Bark Level: 2 / 5
Activity Level: 5 / 5

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

If you want a compact, medium guard dog, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are perfect. These adaptable pups are muscular, compact, and dedicated to their people. The Staffie is a great guard dog with a brave, courageous spirit.

Bark Level: 3 / 5
Activity Level: 4 / 5

Adopting the Best Guard Dog for You

Finding the best guard dog breeds is not an exact science, and individual dogs have their own personalities that may be different from the breed standard. These dog breeds are generally adaptable to apartment living with proper training and socialization.

If you’re looking for the right breed, check local breed rescue groups to learn more about your prospective breed. Also, talk to people you know (in person or online) who have the breed you’re considering. Volunteering at a local rescue is another great way to meet different breeds and mixes and find a dog you love.

10 Best Guard Dogs for Apartments

Considerations with Apartment Living

Best Guard Dogs for Apartments