Some canines have natural protective instincts and would make good guard dogs if you're looking for a pet to keep an eye on your home or keep intruders away from your loved ones. Most of the time, the finest guard dogs are also very loyal to their owners and their family.
A good guard canine has the traits of being large, fearless, and trainable. If you're thinking about having a guard dog, here are 10 breeds that work well as guard dogs and companions in general.
One of the most trustworthy canine species is the Akita. This fearless and vigilant breed was originally developed to protect Japan's feudal aristocracy, so they view outsiders with skepticism.
The Belgian Malinois, a breed known for its intensity and physical prowess, is a popular choice for police and military K-9 teams due to its high trainability, agility, and success in search and rescue missions.
The bullmastiff, known for its loyalty and bravery, was originally bred by gamekeepers to guard their livestock against intruders. The imposing appearance of this giant breed has the potential to deter would-be intruders.
Cane Corso is an Italian canine breed that has a long history of service as a guard dog, war dog, and hunter. Pronounced "KAH-nay KOR-so," this breed gets its name from its pronunciation.
Another breed of canine that is known for its high level of energy and activity is the German shepherd, which is often used in law enforcement and the military. This breed is known for the profound feeling of loyalty it displays toward the members of its family.
The Australian Cattle canine is another excellent breed of farm canine, and should not be confused with the more popular Australian Shepherd. Australian Cattle Dogs were initially created to aid in the long-distance, uneven-ground herding of cattle in Australia.
The Doberman Pinscher has a reputation for being a hostile breed of canine due to its history. However, when it is around its human relatives, it becomes docile, affectionate, and even goofy.
The Komondor is a large, powerful, and fearless working canine that was originally developed in Hungary for the purpose of protecting property and livestock.
The Rhodesian ridgeback is known for its unwavering devotion to its pack, which gives it a natural tendency to guard and defend. The breed of canine in question is a kind and dignified one that makes for a lovely companion animal.
A Rottweiler is another species of dog that is known for having a reputation for being a vicious dog. This breed is capable of switching between being a large goofy lovebug on one occasion and a fearsome defender on the next.
There is no better security dog than a Tibetan mastiff. This massive canine is too alert, strong, and fearsome to be ignored. This Tibetan guard dog once served to keep humans and livestock safe in the Himalayas.