The AKC says that the number one trait for a potential guard dog is an intimidating size and appearance. Most of these breeds are large animals, but some like the Doberman Pinscher and Rottweiler can be somewhat small compared to other guard dogs (albeit still very large).
“Intelligence is needed because these dogs need to be able to identify when a threat might occur – such as a stranger coming up on the property – so they can warn their human family members,” DiNardo says. “Just like a teenager, a dog will need to be trained and socialized, so it knows what is acceptable behavior and what is not.”
The final trait needed for the top guard dog is loyalty, which is, in fact, harder to measure than the others. “A family member might say their dog is loyal, but how do you measure that?” DiNardo asks. “Loyalty in a guard dog means he’ll protect his family even if it means risking his own life. Most of the time, we judge a dog’s loyalty by how well it obeys its owner’s commands.”
Breeds high on this list include:
1. German Shepherd – The German Shepherd is a breed that has been around for more than a century and has been bred to protect its family. They are large dogs with an intimidating size and appearance but also have an agreeable personality. These dogs have been used in movies and television shows as police and military dogs. Their intelligence makes them excellent guard dogs, but their loyalty goes without saying. This is a top choice for anyone looking for a guard dog.
2. Rottweiler – The Rottweiler is an excellent guard dog with intelligence, loyalty, and an intimidating size and appearance. This breed was originally bred to work in the military to protect their handlers; however, it has since been bred to be used as a family pet. Although Rottweilers are large dogs, they also have very kind personalities.
This breed has had a bad reputation when it comes to their behavior or size. They’re known for being the most aggressive guard dogs out there.
3. German Shorthaired Pointer – This breed is a hunting dog that was bred to run and scare away intruders. German shorthaired pointers are known for their speed and endurance, making them great outdoor guard dogs.
4. Mastiff – The Mastiff has been around for centuries and has always had an intimidating size and appearance. These dogs were originally bred as war dogs, so they’re known for their tenacity as well as their loyalty.
5. Doberman Pinscher – The Doberman Pinscher is another breed that has been around since the 1600s and is known for its intelligence, size, and aggression. This dog has a gentle personality that makes it a great candidate for families with small children; however, it needs to be socialized to be obedient.
Ranks high on this list as one of the most aggressive dogs in the world today. Known for its uniform black coat, compact square body, and erect triangular ears.
6. Labrador Retriever – This breed has been used since the 1700s as a hunting dog. They are extremely friendly with their families but are still fierce-looking dogs.
7. Chow Chow – The Chow Chow is a breed with an intimidating size and appearance and intelligence and loyalty. This breed is known for being extremely friendly with children but also very task-oriented.
8. Great Dane – This powerful dog is known for its strength and intelligence; however, it’s most certainly intimidating in size and appearance. It is a breed notorious for its strength and aggression.
9. Akita – The Akita is a breed with impressive stature and intimidating size and appearance; however, it’s also known for its loyalty.
10.Siberian Husky – This breed is a working dog that has been bred to move quickly and efficiently in difficult weather conditions. The Siberian Husky is also known for being extremely loyal and protective of its family at all costs.
In Summary
These are the top 10 guard dog breeds recommended by AKC that we can choose from because of their protective instincts. These dog breeds are all very unique in their own ways, but all have one thing in common: they’re all extremely protective of their families.
These dogs are all huge, intimidating dogs and need to be trained and socialized. Some are larger than others, but they’re all highly intelligent dogs that can be dangerous if they’re not trained and socialized correctly.
These dog breeds are all great at what they do, but they don’t necessarily have the best reputation with their families. Some of these breeds are notorious for their extreme aggression and strength. For example, the Rottweiler is known for being one of the most aggressive guard dogs around.
The above breeds are all great guard dogs, but they’re all also recommended by dog breeders. If you do decide to choose one of these breeds, it’s important to understand them. If you want an obedient, friendly dog that will be great around the entire family, this list may not be for you. These are all dogs that were bred for one thing: protection. They are all-powerful, strong dogs that have a ton of potential for being aggressive.
When choosing a guard dog, it’s essential to understand what you’re signing up for. If a particular breed doesn’t seem like it’s right for you, that’s okay! Make sure that you’re choosing the best breed for your family. No dog is perfect, but many of the breeds we’ve mentioned today are great family pets and can provide their families with everything they could ever need. It’s important to remember this when looking into different breeds for safety reasons.
We hope you found this list helpful, and we hope that you make a great decision when choosing your next family dog!
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Top 10 Dog Breeds that are Great Guard Dogs in 2017 – Hand Picked by Vets, American Kennel Club, and Health Dogs.