Having a trained protection dog can provide peace of mind for your home and family. However, not all dogs are up to the task.
Luckily, there are a few breeds that naturally protect their humans. These breeds are known for their intense protective instincts, physical strength, and unending family loyalty.
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a solid, large-sized breed that was developed in the nineteenth century as a guard dog. It is a loyal, loving family pet when properly trained and socialized as a puppy, and it is a fearless, confident guardian of its people.
Like any breed, it is important to work with a reputable breeder and to start training early with puppies. Look for a breeder who offers a health guarantee and is honest about common genetic problems in the breed.
These dogs are typically calm around children, but they may be triggered by sudden movements or loud noises that could scare them. It is best to supervise all interactions between dogs and kids.
Rottweiler
Known for their self-assured appearance and powerful presence, the Rottweiler is a popular breed for guarding families and homes. A descendant of the herding dogs of ancient Rome, this breed is confident and loyal to its people but wary of strangers. They need early socialization consistent training and daily exercise to keep them calm.
One of the best protection dogs for women, they are surprisingly loving and affectionate with family members but won’t hesitate to confront any potential threat. They walk a fine line between protecting their people and being aggressive, so it’s important for first-time pet parents to provide early socialization, professional training and a job to perform, Hack says. These dogs excel in dog sports and love to work. They also travel well.
German Shepherd
A well-trained German Shepherd is one of the best guard dogs there is. They are devoted to their people, and they will not hesitate to put themselves in danger to protect them. and they are fearless, intelligent, and have high learning abilities.
They are often used as police dogs, tracking fugitives and sniffing out illicit drugs. They are also national heroes for crawling through the rubble in New York City after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, searching for survivors and comforting families.
While they look intimidating with their large strong presence, they are surprisingly affectionate and playful around children and adults. However, they will not hesitate to stand up to any stranger who poses a threat. They are very intelligent and enjoy being given a job to do, so daily physical exercise is important for them. They should not be kept alone for long periods of time, as they may develop separation anxiety. This can lead to destructive behavior and barking.
Pit Bull
The Pit Bull is a descendant of the English bulldog, which was bred for bull baiting, an illegal blood sport that involved dogs fighting other animals or people. When that activity was outlawed, the breed began to fight other dogs in underground dogfighting rings. This gave the breed a bad reputation, and they were labeled as aggressive and vicious.
The fact is, these dogs are highly devoted to their owners and are extremely protective of them. This makes them excellent guard dogs.
In terms of training, Reid recommends working on obedience with your Pit Bull and teaching them to bark on command. To do this, have a friend or family member come to your door and ring the bell. Give your dog the bark instruction, and reward them with treats each time they do it. Repeat this daily and your Pit Bull will begin to bark at strangers on its own. This is a great way to deter intruders and keep your family safe.
