10 Best Guard Dogs for Women

By Marnie Kunz

The best guard dogs for women offer natural guarding instincts and a protective personality. As a woman who has owned several guard dog breeds, I wanted to weigh in on this topic based on my experience and research. Having a great guard dog offers companionship and peace of mind. If you're a woman living alone, a guard dog can help you feel safe and deter potential intruders or attackers. Excellent guard dogs have protective instincts and can also be great pets.

Guard Dogs Vs. Protection Dogs

Before we get into the list, I wanted to point out that guard dogs are different from protection dogs, although some dogs can be both. Guard dogs for women are generally not trained to guard but have natural protective instincts that cause them to be vigilant and protect their homes and families. As with all dogs, guard dogs need socialization and obedience, but they do not need training beyond that if you are looking for a guard dog to bark and ward off intruders.

On the other hand, protection dogs have formal training in protection and bite work. They are trained to bark and attack on command. Protection training is an advanced form of training that requires an experienced trainer and careful handling, and only a select number of dogs have the personality to excel in protection work. For most women, a guard dog is the most convenient and accessible dog to help them feel safe and secure.

Best Guard Dogs for Women

The best dog breeds for guarding have a natural instinct to protect their owners. Some dogs were bred for herding, while others were bred as guard dogs. Keep in mind that each dog breed has some common characteristics, but individual energy levels and temperaments can vary.

Once you pick a dog breed, research and visit breed rescues or shelters where you can interact with dogs in your chosen breed. Ask lots of questions, and check out our article 10 Tips to Prepare Before Adopting a Dog for more tips on adopting a dog. Also, be prepared to provide your dog with consistent training and socialization so that your pup integrates well into your life.

1. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are among the most versatile guard dogs, combining loyalty, intelligence, an eagerness to please, and protectiveness. I have owned German Shepherds and found them excellent, trainable guard dogs. Shepherds are popular working dogs for jobs ranging from police work to search and rescue and guide dogs. They are extremely intelligent and alert and require plenty of mental and physical activities to thrive.

Trainability: 5/5
Adaptability: 5/5
Energy Level: 5/5
Guarding Instincts: 5/5

Related Post: King Shepherd Dog Breed Information

2. Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois is a high-energy dog that requires lots of exercise. These extremely trainable dogs have excellent guarding skills and are often used for protection training and in police and military organizations. They are usually smaller than German Shepherds and tend to have fewer health problems. Belgian Malinois make excellent guard dogs for women with the time to dedicate to their physical and mental activities. Mals are true working dogs who need a job to perform.

Trainability: 5/5
Adaptability: 3/5
Energy Level: 5/5
Guarding Instincts: 5/5

3. Akita

Akitas are fiercely loyal and courageous guard dogs for women. The northern Japanese breed has been used for hunting bears and protecting palaces in Japan for centuries. I have owned Akitas and can attest to their natural protective instincts and guarding abilities. They also are strong-willed and independent, requiring patience, consistent training, and plenty of socialization. Akitas often do not like other dogs, especially dogs of the same sex, so they usually do best as the only dog in the home. They can adapt well to apartment living and are a quiet breed that only barks when they perceive a threat.

Trainability: 3/5
Adaptability: 3/5
Energy Level: 3/5
Guarding Instincts: 5/5

4. Dutch Shepherd

Dutch Shepherds are similar to Belgian Malinois in that they are high-energy herding dogs. They’re medium to large in size and require lots of physical and mental activities to be happy. Dutchies are popular guard dogs for women, and some women also train them for protection work.

Trainability: 5/5
Adaptability: 4/5
Energy Level: 5/5
Guarding Instincts: 5/5

5. Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinschers are one of the best guard dogs for women, and they make affectionate family members. Although Dobermans have strong protection instincts and a natural wariness of strangers, they are known to be quite silly and cuddly at home with their families. Dobermans are intelligent, trainable, and highly energetic, so they require plenty of mental stimulation and daily activities.

Trainability: 5/5
Adaptability: 4/5
Energy Level: 5/5
Guarding Instincts: 5/5

6. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are imposing guard dogs that are also known to be very affectionate at home with their families. The Rottweiler is often used as a guard dog and has a fierce reputation, making them a strong deterrent to would-be attackers. The Rottie is trainable and adaptable and has a medium energy level. They are larger dogs that require enough space to be comfortable in the home.

Trainability: 5/5
Adaptability: 4/5
Energy Level: 3/5
Guarding Instincts: 5/5

7. Beauceron

Beaucerons are French herding and guard dogs especially popular with single women. These large, athletic dogs are muscular and imposing, resembling a Doberman with longer fur. Beaucerons are very intelligent, active, and excel at obedience and other dog sports.

Trainability: 4/5
Adaptability: 3/5
Energy Level: 5/5
Guarding Instincts: 5/5

8. Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is a good option if you want a giant guard dog. This Italian mastiff is a loyal and dedicated guard dog and will scare off intruders by looks alone. The Cane Corso also had protective instincts and would not hesitate to confront perceived danger. Cani Corsi have a relatively high energy level for such a large breed and need plenty of activities to stay healthy and happy.

Trainability: 4/5
Adaptability: 3/5
Energy Level: 4/5
Guarding Instincts: 5/5

9. Boxer

Boxers are athletic guard dogs that do well with young children, making them excellent family dogs. These active pups have cheerful personalities and are very loyal to their families. Boxers are one of the best guard dogs for women with children. They are alert and vigilant, making them great watch and guard dogs.

Trainability: 4/5
Adaptability: 3/5
Energy Level: 4/5
Guarding Instincts: 4/5

10. Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzers are some of the best guard dogs for women, and they often fly under the radar. With their strong loyalty and protective instincts, Giant Schnauzers excel at guarding their families. They are tenacious and imposing, weighing up to 85 pounds. The Giant Schnauzer is a great choice for an apartment guard dog as they are very trainable and adaptable.

Trainability: 5/5
Adaptability: 4/5
Energy Level: 5/5
Guarding Instincts: 5/5

Considerations

Before adopting a guard dog, consider the individual dog’s personality and lifestyle to make sure you’re a good fit. Where and how you live will influence your choice when looking for the right breed. Take into account your activity level and the amount of time you can commit to a dog for training and exercise.

All dogs, especially large, powerful guard dogs, need basic obedience training to adjust well to their new environment. Proper training and socialization will help your dog lead an active, engaging life and keep your stress levels down.

Resources: Petfinder

10 Best Guard Dogs for Women

Guard Dogs Vs. Protection Dogs