Brave and reliable: 14 best dog breeds for guarding a private home

First published: 09.20.2020

Photo: Pixabay.com

A guard dog must first of all warn its owners about the danger, and only then launch an attack on the enemy. At the same time, such an animal, having a set of necessary qualities for protecting a private home, needs training and physical endurance training.

You should choose a dog to guard your home carefully:

• First of all, you need to pay attention to the character of the animal and its preparation. The watchdog must be smart enough to determine that intruders have entered the house and notify the owners of the danger with a loud bark.
• It is also worth paying attention to the coat. It should be thick and warm the dog even in frosty winter.
• It is better to choose a large animal so that the watchman’s appearance alone will scare off ill-wishers.
• And finally, the dog must have good health and be unpretentious in its maintenance.

Having studied websites about dogs, reviews from dog handlers and dog lovers, our experts have compiled a rating of the best dog breeds that are ideal for guarding a private home.

Rating:

1. German Shepherd
2. Akita Inu
3. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
4. Doberman
5. Tibetan mastiff
6. Moscow watchdog
7. Giant Schnauzer
8. Rottweiler
9. German dog
10. Russian Black Terrier
11. Alabai
12. Boxer
13. Staffordshire Terrier
14. Boerboel

Doberman

A popular German breed of service dogs, quite suitable for guarding private property. Dobermans are characterized by an elegant appearance, devotion to their owner, they have good physical characteristics, a balanced character, intelligence, a stable psyche, fearlessness, are easily trained and moderately aggressive.

When a threat arises to family members or a protected object, they instantly rush at the intruders and fight to the end, not sparing their lives. These dogs require a steady hand, training and exercise to build their stamina. Short hair and a slight layer of fat do not allow Dobermans to be kept outside when cold weather sets in.

Little ones

What small dogs are best for home guarding?

Ridgeback

The birthplace of this breed is South Africa. Primitive tribes needed an ally in hunting for game and other everyday matters. This dog also showed itself well as a guard, because it could not sleep for several nights in a row.

At the moment, the dog lives in many families, where it finds understanding and love, and in return gives its protection and courage. A small and unpretentious breed. A very adaptive dog, he easily tolerates changes in environment and climate. He starts games with the children and maintains a friendly atmosphere in the family. Sometimes he likes to bark at night, but in conditions of silence and poor lighting, a process worked out by evolution is activated when you need to monitor the situation around you, without making noise, so as not to attract wild animals.

Dachshund

Yes, yes, don't be surprised! A small guard dog with a great watch character. A true hunter and guard who served and protected man for more than one generation. Adaptation and getting used to new conditions is extremely difficult, because the dog is mischievous and can bite, so it is better to take puppies so that they get used to discipline and order from an early age.

Inside every dachshund lives a huge bull terrier. A dachshund will tear anyone and everyone apart for its owner, and besides, these dogs have a well-developed sense of ownership. You don’t even have to teach your dachshund the “guard” command; it will do it without your prompting. You can safely leave the dachshund next to your suitcase or bag, and he will not let anyone near him except you. The Dachshund does not feel jealous of children and tries to spend a lot of time near the baby, ensuring his safety.

You can safely go to work, leaving your dachshund alone at home. She will proudly carry out her post, and even if a criminal tries to break down the door and take valuables out of the house, then an unpleasant surprise awaits him in the face of an angry dachshund. Any criminal will run away with his heels shining!

The diet should be predominantly protein, with a small proportion of cereals and vegetables. Dachshunds need physical activity every day. This is a restless dog that will destroy the whole apartment if you make it bored. Relationships with children also need to be built brick by brick. Relationships with cats and other animals are just as tense, although there are exceptions when the dachshund is neutral towards other pets.

Miniature Pinscher

Of course, the smallest purebred dog of their guard class and its name: pinscher. The miniature pinscher (miniature pinscher) is often called a miniature Doberman, but this is not true. This happened because of the courage, perseverance, and bravery of the representatives of these breeds. Its compact size did not prevent it from gaining love and adoration among dog handlers around the world for its responsibility and protective qualities.

A very energetic and fearless breed with an extravagant gait. Height at the withers is only 30 cm, weight is about 15-20 kg. It is difficult to adapt to new conditions, which means you need to create the most friendly atmosphere possible so that the dog quickly joins the team. Neutral towards cats, children and other dogs. He listens only to the owner, and he, as a rule, is alone. In the absence of activity, he finds something to occupy himself with, but he cannot stand isolation and lack of communication.

Beagle

Miniature short-haired guard with cute floppy ears. The color is most often white-gray-brown. The muzzle is expressive, the eyes are emphasized. It has well-developed, sculpted muscles that grow from any physical activity.

He grew at the withers - 35-40 cm, weight - up to 30 kg. A very active but reserved dog. Never barks at passers-by or cats. Treats other dogs well and politely, makes contact easily. Protects the territory responsibly, but is distracted by extraneous factors.

French Bulldog

And again, put aside your surprise! In accordance with the classification of breeds adopted by the FCI, the French bulldog belongs to the group of companion dogs for protection and is in the subgroup of small-format fighting dogs .

Bulldogs are very brave dogs with good reactions and are easy to train. But due to the fact that most “Frenchies” are individualists, they are sometimes aggressive towards other animals.

The French Bulldog, thanks to its love of games and the constant need to take care of someone, is especially suitable as a companion for children and as a companion for the elderly.

A compact, “pumped up” dog that can provide reliable protection. Loves children and pets and is easy to train. He doesn’t adapt to new conditions very quickly, but if you make a little effort (spend more time with him, play with him, feed him treats), the process will go faster.

The character is calm, but can sometimes be harmful if you deprive her of communication with family members or other dogs. Sometimes he likes to bark out the window. Snores at night.

Black Russian Terrier

These large service and guard dogs are distinguished by excellent physical characteristics, endurance, stable psyche, devotion to the owner, unpretentiousness and strong immunity.

Black terriers love to communicate with household members, are well controlled and easy to train. Security qualities are inherent in them at the genetic level: they have observation, courage, excellent reaction, excellent speed, distrust of strangers, territorial instinct, and are able to serve in unfavorable natural and climatic conditions.

General criteria

Since the animal will spend a lot of time outside, it needs a powerful undercoat to protect it from winter cold, endurance, strength and high learning abilities.

General rules for choosing a dog for a private home:

1. You should not have hunting dogs. Friendliness will not allow them to become reliable guards, and their hunting instinct will be a threat to other pets.
2. Fighting breeds are bred specifically for fighting. It is dangerous to develop the aggression necessary for protection in them, so they are also not suitable.
3. Rescue dogs such as the Labrador or Newfoundland, despite their intimidating size, are very friendly. You can have them if there are small children in the family. They will become loyal friends and protectors, but are unlikely to be ferocious guards over a vast territory.

It is important to determine the size and gender of the animal. Large dogs require more attention. They need regular physical activity and training to tame their temper and teach them to obey all the owner’s commands. The bitch is easier to train, she has a gentle character. The male dog is more stubborn and needs more rigorous training.

Below are dog breeds that were specifically created to serve as guard dogs.

Boxer

A popular German breed of large, stocky, smooth-haired dogs that often serve as bodyguards and house guards. The classic boxer is a strong, hardy dog ​​that quickly remembers commands, is distinguished by an easy-going character, perfect obedience and boundless loyalty.

The dog gets along well with households and pets, is very active, loves exercise and long walks. He is extremely distrustful and wary of strangers. At the same time, the boxer does not tolerate inclement weather and freezing temperatures, so he cannot stay outside for a long time when cold weather sets in.

Minuses

• The general disadvantages of guard dogs include a high degree of activity, which is why the animal constantly requires attention and needs long walks.
• Breeds that are too large are not suitable for living in small apartments.
• Proper upbringing requires professional training; you can’t do it yourself at home.

Moscow watchdog

This young domestic breed is a worthy option for guarding a country house. It is characterized by innate guard qualities, a terrifying appearance, huge size, strong structure, good trainability and controllability.

The Moscow Watchdog is a devoted, sociable, balanced and independent dog with fearlessness, perseverance, and the desire to protect household members and the entrusted object. The favorite military tactic of the “Muscovite”: let everyone in, don’t let anyone out. Thanks to its unpretentiousness, long hair and thick undercoat, this formidable guard can effectively guard a large territory and patrol the perimeter in harsh climatic conditions.

Akita Inu

An original Japanese large breed from the Spitz group, bred in mountainous areas to perform security functions and hunt large game. These hereditary guards have impressive size, power, endurance, hard work and strong immunity.

They are unpretentious, obedient and loyal to their owner, aggressive and suspicious of strangers, capable of adequately assessing threats and making independent decisions. Akita is suitable for keeping in a high-quality enclosure with a warm kennel and the possibility of entering the home.

Briefly about the main thing

1. There are a huge number of dog breeds in the world, but not all of them are suitable for families with children.
2. It is worth having a child when he reaches 10-12 years old.
3. The dog breed is chosen depending on the temperament and hobbies of the future owner.
4. Children are taught to take responsibility for caring gradually, demonstrating in practice.
5. The best breeds for a child are Labrador, Retriever, Collie, Sheltie, Miniature Schnauzer.

What kind of pets do your children have? Which breed do you consider the best to be a companion for a child? Share your opinion and experience in the comments, please.

Hungarian Shepherd (Komondor)

One of the largest dogs in the world, whose calling is to be a watchman and a faithful guard. The Komondor has an unusual appearance, impressive dimensions, and good watchdog and security abilities.

This dog is very smart and cunning, characterized by thoroughness, trainability and obedience. Even when this is not required of her, the Hungarian Shepherd carefully guards her own territory, is wary and angry towards strangers, and at a critical moment is able to make her own decision.

Giant Schnauzer

A large, multi-purpose breed from the Schnauzer group, bred in Germany. By nature, these dogs are distinguished by balance, self-confidence, courage, activity and loyalty. They are hardy, unpretentious, easy to train, have excellent immunity and unusually developed sensory organs.

Giant Schnauzers are suspicious of strangers and have excellent search, detection and guarding skills. They can be stubborn and require attention, regular exercise and walks. Well suited for guarding country property with accommodation in a spacious enclosure.

Large guard dog breeds

The weight of large dogs is 26-50 kg. Higher values ​​are typical for representatives of giant breeds. It is recommended to keep such guards in a spacious house or in a separate enclosure in the backyard.

Please note that all animals listed below cannot be kept on a chain. A prolonged lack of contact with the owner and other people is fraught with mental disorders.

Anatolian karabash

The Turkish Cattle Dog is popular among Europeans and Americans. Due to its size, it is suitable not only as a watchman, but also as a bodyguard.

Raising a Karabash should only be done by an experienced dog breeder who is able to suppress the dog’s stubbornness and prove his leadership. Owners who are too soft should choose a more obedient pet.

Dogue de Bordeaux

The terrifying appearance and excellent guard qualities of this dog seem to be created for security work. In the family circle, the Dogue de Bordeaux is soft and gentle. He is completely devoted to his owners, so loneliness is destructive for him.

When training a Dogue de Bordeaux, it is important to avoid too long sessions and frequent punishment. If an exercise stubbornly fails several times in a row, put it off until later, ask your pet to perform a simpler command and be sure to praise it if it is successful.

American Bulldog (ambul)

The appearance of a menacing and muscular American Bulldog alone can scare away an intruder. This pet will protect its owners to the last drop of blood without hesitation.

Due to their innate aggression, ambulies are not suitable for novice dog breeders. Too gentle upbringing or constant punishments are fraught with the formation of inappropriate behavior.

Black Russian Terrier

Modern blackies are softer than their predecessors. Despite their low level of aggression, they can be trained to guard a home. In this case, any tricks of the burglars will fail.

You should not trust raising a terrier to children or pensioners. Only an experienced dog breeder can cope with a dog’s leadership habits.

Giant Schnauzer

From birth, Giant Schnauzers do not trust strangers and remember faces very well. With their help, you can easily identify a person, which is very important when searching for missing persons and offenders.

Developed intelligence helps Giant Schnauzers easily master any discipline. Only their stubbornness and pronounced dominance can slow down the learning process.

Tibetan mastiff

This owner of a luxurious mane is one of the most loyal and friendly pets. The mastiff treats strangers with restraint, but only until they encroach on the territory entrusted to him.

Self-training a dog can take up to 2 years, so quite often owners resort to the help of dog handlers. Accelerating the development of skills is possible only with the unquestioning trust of the mastiff. The dog shows its affection for a person by periodically chewing laces and other items of clothing.

Leonberger

Thanks to its developed territorial instinct, the Leonberger warns of a stranger's invasion even while dozing. Despite this, the animal is tolerant of strangers and never tries to dominate.

Training a Leonberger is not a hassle. The dog grasps everything on the fly and is rarely distracted. The only caveat is the urgent need to think before executing the command.

Rottweiler

A universal breed of service dog bred in Germany, characterized by endurance, energy, hard work, aggressiveness and excellent guard qualities.

Rottweilers are recognized by their spectacular appearance, heroic strength, innate nobility, balanced character and incredible affection for the owner. They make attentive bodyguards and vigilant watchmen. In unusual situations, they prefer to wait a little before making a decision. They enter the fight with a swift throw, powerfully attack, knock them down and grab them with their entire mouth.

These dogs are stubborn and tend to claim leadership, so special attention should be paid to their early education. A well-developed undercoat allows them to be used to protect personal territory.

Kuvasz

Another large Hungarian guard dog breed with a shorter, thicker white coat. The ancient Magyars used these ferocious dogs to protect houses from predatory animals and robbers. Kuvasz radiate nobility and strength, are proportionally built, have developed muscles, tirelessness, are undemanding in terms of living conditions and can easily withstand bad weather.

They have a tough, self-possessed character, courage and fearlessness, and are ready to selflessly defend their owner and the entrusted territory at the cost of their own lives. Due to their innate pride, Kuvasz dogs are difficult to train, so serious attention should be paid to their early education.

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Caucasian Shepherd Dog

According to many experts, this is one of the bright favorites among guard breeds. The animal is distinguished by its formidable appearance, incredible strength, independent character and qualities such as fearlessness, courage, determination and perseverance.

The Caucasian Shepherd is loyal to its owners, incredibly smart, easy to train, unpretentious in maintenance and ideal for protecting the local area. In critical situations, she does not show concern, makes independent decisions and attacks uninvited guests without warning. For comfortable keeping, this dog must be provided with a covered outdoor enclosure and space to run.

Belgian Shepherd

A herding breed that has four subspecies: Groenendael, Malinois, Tervuren, Laekenois. These dogs are distinguished by natural intelligence, quick wit, excellent memory, courage, good receptivity to training and devotion to the owner.

Belgian Shepherds are medium-sized, proportionally built, hardy, energetic, unpretentious, adapted for outdoor living, resistant to seasonal changes and have excellent watchdog qualities. Suitable for maintenance and security service in small suburban areas.