Choosing the best dog breed for your family requires consideration on many different levels, including protectiveness. In addition to superior locks, secure doors, and a reliable alarm system, home security often includes another layer of defense: a guard dog.
Homes with protective dogs discourage burglaries and home invasions more often than those without. This is due to dogs’ unpredictability, a variable with which most thieves do not gamble.
While there are always exceptions, the following 10 dog breeds*, in no particular order, are considered to be the most protective breeds based on their temperaments, strength and resistance to pain.
Dogs of Kwikset
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- Reagan and Siggy
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- Ellie
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- Gracie
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- Olivia
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- Brody
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- Typo
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- Miley Moose Weigand, Esq.
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- Anjay
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- Baxter
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- Bear
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- Finn
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- Sam
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- Lola
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- Ashka and Zoe
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- Tucker
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- Tank and Bella
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- Cheeks and Carlos
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- Stoli
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- Grace
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- Whiskey
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- Rowdy
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- Stella
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- Stevezy
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- Bensyn
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- Lola
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- Avery
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- Buckeye
German Shepherd
It’s no surprise this breed is often used for police work. The German Shepherd is highly intelligent and driven, characteristics that help it thrive in the workforce. It also has a sweet, fiercely loyal side, which makes it one of the most popular protective dog breeds in the country.
Rottweiler
A very confident breed, the Rottweiler is ideal for police and service work. Known to be goofy with a clownish face, Rottweilers are extremely loyal and protective when it comes to their families and territories.
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs were originally used in England to keep their expansive lands free from poachers. This history makes them ideal guard dogs today with large, agile frames and confident nature. They are quiet protectors, rarely bark, and love their families.
Doberman Pinscher
This elegant, endurance breed is known for its energetic nature. Dobermans’ keen attention makes them watchful companions. They are very affectionate and loyal toward their families.
Giant Schnauzer
A larger version of their Standard Schnauzer counterparts, Giant Schnauzers possess the same high-energy spirits. Their coats are weather-resistant, making them ideal working breeds. Strongly territorial and responsible, this breed loves and protects its family.
Great Dane
This protective breed was originally used to hunt boar, and later, they became estate guard dogs. Known as “gentle giants,” the Great Dane has a gentle disposition, but should be supervised around children.
Komondor
The Komondor’s thick, dense coat made this dog an ideal breed for sheep protection in Hungary. The Komondor is a courageous breed, weary of strangers, but carefree with its family.
Boxers
One of the most popular breeds in the U.S., the Boxer is high-energy and alert, making it very playful with its family with an underlying current of loyalty and protection. They crave human affection and are one of the best choices for families with children.
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is an athlete, fighting battles next to his companion and guarding castles in the breed’s history. These days, it is a loving family companion, content to lie in the living room and play with children. They still, however, have an instinctive prey drive and will chase when given the opportunity.
Puli
A compact dog, Pulis are often seen in the show ring today. Hungarian sheepdogs in a past life, Pulis possess enough energy to require daily exercise. Their alert and outgoing nature makes them suspicious of strangers, as a good guard dog should, but very loyal to their family.
Always be diligent in researching breeds and choosing the right one for your family. Consult the American Kennel Club for further information.
*Source: “Breeds.” American Kennel Club. Web. 13 June 2014.
