Best Guard Dogs for Families

Don’t let the term guard dog deter you from welcoming one of these pups into your home. Surprisingly, some guard dogs make for the best family pets. They are not only loyal, happy, and friendly, but they come with a sense of security that your home and family will be well protected.

We bet the idea of having a fierce but family-friendly pup in your home sounds great, but they are not just born this way. It takes consistent training to teach your guard dog the proper way to protect a home and family. We will dive into the best dog breeds for protection and adequate guard dog training to help utilize your pup to their full attention.

Best Guard Dogs

It is no surprise that many guard dogs come in a larger size. This isn’t the case for all guard dogs, but some of the best large guard dog breeds would be the German Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and many more. Each dog has their own unique qualities that make them an excellent fit for protection and family.

German Shepherd

If you want that perfect mix of family and protection, the German Shepherd is an excellent fit. You will often find these dogs playing fetch with their owner, snuggling with the children, or finding a mischievous escape plan from the fenced-in yard. This muscular breed’s reputation goes beyond belly rubs and playing at the dog park. German Shepherds are trained as police and military dogs. They are unafraid of danger and are recognized for their courageous demeanor. Its large and muscular build works in their favor to take down and subdue perps until the officers can arrive. German Shepherds are loyal, which makes them have a strong trainability that is essential for proper training, whether on the police force or in a family home.

Rottweiler

There is no mistaking this fierce pup as a guard dog. Their look alone is intimidating. Rottweilers have a naturally protective nature about them, so proper training of these dogs at a young age is crucial.

Obedience training should be instilled in them as puppies. Rottweilers are untrusting strangers, and their bold demeanor will not stop them from growling or barking at an unknown person. Proper training can combat their untrust; it is recommended that your Rottweiler is appropriately socialized from a young age. Allowing your Rottweiler puppy to interact with many different places and people in a positive setting will teach your dog how to behave in a variety of different situations. Early socialization will help your Rottweiler to be less fearful and defensive when they are grown.

Doberman Pinscher

This sleek and athletic breed is always on alert, with its tall ears perked up. Their look is intimidating from the start, warding off intruders. The Doberman Pinscher is not only intelligent, but they are quick, making them a perfect guard dog for a large piece of property that needs protecting. Doberman Pinschers are fearless and are known for jumping into danger no matter what the cost and they are easily trainable, which can explain their loyalty. Starting obedience training as a young pup is crucial because their strength can be destructive. Having the ability to command your Doberman is an invaluable skill. Doberman Pinschers are a lot more than just an excellent guard dog, but they make for a great family pet. Ideally, Doberman Pinschers are paired up with a family with an active lifestyle. This breed needs a lot of room to exercise regularly and can be destructive if they don’t get it. 

Bullmastiff

This large breed is a cross between a Bulldog and a Mastiff, so they have the strong-willed nature of a bulldog and the sheer brute size of a Mastiff. These two combinations make for the perfect guard dog. A Bullmastiff’s confidence shines through, and their strong body can cause turmoil if not appropriately trained. A Bullmastiff can be fearless but also loving with their family. Despite being a large dog, their bark is rarely heard. This might be shocking because they are excellent guard dogs, but their sense of danger is a skill they possess among the rest. Many families appreciate the lack of excessive barking without hindering their protective nature.

Conclusion

Although all of these guard dogs are the best there is, they are not born this way. A naturally protective dog can be dangerous if not appropriately trained from a young age. There is a fine line of confidence and aggression that needs to be taught to your pup. Teaching your potential guard dog simple commands like sit, stay, leave it, etc., is essential. They need to be able to listen to you 100% of the time. Having a guard dog in your home without having control over them can become a dangerous situation.

Socialization from a young age will only help your dog not feel threatened and defensive. Daily walks and allowing them to investigate strange objects, other dogs, or people is a good start. A guard dog that is also a great family dog sounds like a dream come true, but please understand there is a lot of consistent training with these dogs to keep them in line. Before you choose any of these dogs for your next pet, understand the commitment you will need to have. 

What breed of dog is the best guard dog?

Many different breeds make the best guard dog. The breeds at the top of the list would be the German Shepherd, Rottweiler, and Doberman Pinschers.

What are good protection dogs?

A guard dog and a protection dog are very similar. The top protection dogs would be the Rottweiler, German Shepard, Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Bull Mastiffs. These are a few protection dogs among many.

What is a guard dog?

A guard dog is trained to guard property. Guard dogs are alert for any unwanted visitors, either human or animal. They ward off these intruders by barking to warn their owner and then will attack if the intruder has not left the property.

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