21 Loyal Guard Dog Breeds That Will Help Protect Your Family

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Guard dogs: Born to protect

Dogs have been protecting their humans since the days of Plato and Aristotle. Our needs for security, companionship and loyalty haven’t changed much since then, making a guard dog a popular choice for the protection of our loved ones and our property. But when it comes to the most popular dog breeds for protection, there are a few things to consider. While watchdogs will simply bark or otherwise alert their people to perceived intruders, guard dogs have a protective instinct for their families, honed over hundreds of years, and they will bite or otherwise defend against threats, says Gina DiNardo, executive secretary at the American Kennel Club (AKC).

The best guard dog breeds display fearlessness and also look the part, with an intimidating size and appearance—some are even considered giant dog breeds. But if you’re seeking a dog for protection, the normal rules of dog ownership still apply. You’ll want to give this dog the love and affection you would give any pet, and never, ever keep it chained up or locked in a basement or yard. Even the fiercest dog breeds are still vulnerable living beings who rely on humans for everything, including food, shelter and trusted companionship.

We spoke with three renowned dog experts, including an AKC expert, an experienced dog trainer and a veterinarian, about the best guard dog breeds. And while every animal is unique with its own personality, ahead we’ve outlined some common examples of protective pooches that might just be the loving, watchful eyes and ears you’ve been looking for.

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Airedale terrier

The “king of terriers,” the Airedale is friendly and exuberant—sometimes seeming to have no “off” switch, according to many dog experts. But Airedales are great with kids and quick learners, making them one of the best guard dog choices for families. During World War I, the breed earned a reputation for bravery and focus, thanks to the dogs’ roles as sentries and couriers, notes the AKC. If they sense a threat, Airedales will bark relentlessly and put their powerful jaws to use if necessary, but they’re ready to love on anyone the family accepts. Airedales don’t like being alone, though, and if bored, they can resort to chewing and digging. They also can be aggressive toward other animals and even play a little too roughly with their family, unless trained otherwise.

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Tibetan mastiff

The Tibetan mastiff, one of the most expensive dog breeds, was bred in the Himalayas to guard people as well as livestock and is one of the best guard dogs around. Aloof, mentally sharp, watchful and a little bit primitive, according to DiNardo, this massive breed is also strong-willed and very territorial. Be aware that if you keep a Tibetan mastiff in your home, it may not allow anyone else to visit. But it will have a mellow, sweet disposition with family members.

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Caucasian shepherd dog

The Caucasian shepherd dog goes by many names, including Russian bear dog, Caucasian Ovcharka, Caucasian mountain dog and Caucasian sheepdog. Despite a sweet-looking face that resembles a bear’s, this is actually one of the toughest and most intimidating Russian dog breeds today. Because they can be powerful and fierce, especially with strangers, Caucasian shepherds have a long, if somewhat complicated, history as guard dogs.

Originating in the Caucasus Mountains, the breed was first used centuries ago to protect livestock and property and to kill wolves and hunt bears. Later, the dogs were used to guard prisoners in Soviet Gulag camps and patrol the border at the Berlin Wall. With family, however, the Caucasian shepherd is said to be loyal, calm and sweet, especially when it receives proper training. Its thick, water-resistant double coat comes in colors ranging from gray or white to yellow, red and brindle, and may need daily brushing.

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Akita

This stocky, curly-tailed Japanese mountain dog is revered in its native country as a symbol of good health and long life, according to the AKC. Akitas are fiercely protective by nature, and in the Middle Ages, they guarded the Japanese emperor and his family. Helen Keller was gifted an Akita during a trip to Japan in 1937, making her one of the first Americans to own one.

One thing to note is that the Akita may present unique challenges, Phifer says, particularly for those new to dog ownership. “While they form deep bonds with their families, their independent nature and distrust of unfamiliar people and other animals can be challenging,” he explains.

Once acclimated, these dogs can be social, playful and silly with their owners. Typically, they bark only when there’s a really good reason, says the Akita Rescue Society of America. Akitas can be aggressive with other dogs and need to be socialized early on to interact appropriately with them as well as with people.

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American Staffordshire terrier

The AmStaff, which is one of several types of pit bull dogs, is affectionate, playful and energetic. These dogs enjoy mental stimulation and have tons of personality, the AKC says. They also require a good deal of exercise, but can become overheated in warm weather. Dr. Patel describes these pooches as “serious and alert,” with an innate tendency toward guarding and protecting their loved ones. “They are also extremely muscular, more so than many of the other breeds in this category, which only further testifies to their excellent ability to provide protection,” she adds.

Weighing between 50 and 70 pounds when fully grown, AmStaffs are muscular and powerful, and they have a reputation for being unruffled by pain. Because of their long history as fighting dogs and a natural drive to hunt prey, AmStaffs need proper training and socialization, especially if they live with children or other pets.

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Giant schnauzer

This bearded dog lives to protect its family and home, according to the AKC. The breed has the size and strength to be good at it, as well as the added benefit of being resistant to pain, according to new data on dog breeds and pain sensitivity. “Giant schnauzers are extremely loyal dogs and aim to please their people. Their tendency toward obedience also makes them easy to train and condition,” says Dr. Patel. “Giant schnauzers are also extremely in tune with their environment, and one of the most watchful breeds when it comes to protection and guarding.”

One thing to note is that giant schnauzers like constant attention and have an extremely high need for both mental and physical stimulation. They can become destructive when those needs aren’t met, so garbage bins and leather sandals beware. They also tend to chase pets that are smaller than them (basically, all other pets), so they do best when they’re the only animal in the home.

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Appenzeller sennenhund

Hailing from Switzerland, these medium-sized mountain dogs are cheerful, smart and energetic. Despite their mostly friendly demeanor, Appenzellers are naturally wary of strangers and are definitely not pushovers. They’re actually fearless, according to the AKC, and can’t be deterred from protecting their families, even if a big juicy steak is in the offing as a distraction. Appenzellers do better in colder climates and need a lot of space, so apartment living is out—they are not low-maintenance dogs.

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Beauceron

You might not know it by looking at them, but Beaucerons, which strongly resemble Doberman pinschers, are actually the largest of all the French sheepdogs, according to the American Beauceron Club. Fans claim that these big dogs are notably sensitive and smart. With a calm demeanor and confident, fearless attitude, Beaucerons can be terrific guard dogs. They will require firm training, however, to prevent them from dominating their families.

“This is a very intelligent animal that can be willful but also obedient when it comes to their family,” Dr. Patel says. “Due to their high energy level, they do require a commitment to mental, and most especially physical, stimulation to present the best version of themselves. Lack of the above can result in behaviors that are not ideal, anxiety and distraction from their normal constructive behaviors that make them excellent protectors.”

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Belgian Malinois

Long used in police work, this dog breed achieved a moment of fame when one named Cairo helped SEAL Team 6, the elite special missions unit within the Navy, launch the attack on Osama bin Laden’s compound in 2011. Another Belgian Malinois named Conan was honored in 2019 after the dog was injured during a raid on an ISIS leader in Iraq. Similar in appearance to the German shepherd, the Malinois is a strong, intelligent and loyal dog breed, making it a great choice for a guard dog. However, it can also be territorial and jealous, according to the American Belgian Malinois Club. For that reason, families should be prepared to commit a substantial amount of time to training.

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Black Russian terrier

This massive dog was bred as a kind of “superdog” for the Russian army in the 1930s, according to the AKC. A team of scientists used genes from 17 breeds to develop this friendly looking but aloof and fiercely protective dog to patrol its borders. Weighing up to 130 pounds, and with a shock of shaggy black fur covering its eyes, nose and mouth, a BRT is immensely powerful—and could inadvertently knock over small children. This breed needs strong human leadership, or they may dominate some family members.

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Chesapeake Bay retriever

DiNardo says this is the most naturally protective of the sporting dogs. Although the Chesapeake Bay retriever is sensitive and devoted to family, a Chessie can be stubborn and is not nearly as effusive toward strangers as other retriever breeds. Bred to retrieve waterfowl, Chessies like to be active and, specifically, to hunt, so they’re not a good fit for sedentary families. The AKC says this dog will shed, but a good brushing about once a week will keep the hair on your floor to a minimum. Especially if your dog finds itself in murky waters, its waterproof coat has a tendency to be a bit musty and smelly.

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Boxer

A medium-sized dog, the boxer is affectionate, playful, patient and all-around great with kids. These dogs may be brawny, athletic and look intimidating, but they’re not actually aggressive. With training early on in its life, however, this sometimes brindle dog breed makes a great watchdog.

“As a general rule, boxers are very fun-loving and family friendly,” Dr. Patel says. “They can be playful and gentle, which makes them ideal for kids. It helps that these traits also build a strong sense of loyalty, making them great protectors, especially for families with kids.” Dr. Patel adds that this breed is known for having very high energy levels, and as such, boxers will need frequent exercise.

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Cane corso

Translated from Latin, Cane corso means “bodyguard dog,” and it has been bred to be devoted to its family. Also known as Italian mastiffs, these dogs are enormous, often weighing more than 100 pounds. Their short, stiff coats lend to their imposing appearance, and indeed, they can be aggressive with strangers. But with their families, cane corsos are affectionate. For these reasons, it is one of the best guard dog breeds, though not for first-time dog owners. Training is imperative to prevent the cane corso from “owning” its owners.

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Bouvier des Flandres

Don’t let the friendly appearance and gentle demeanor of these fluffballs fool you. With muscular bodies that weigh up to 110 pounds, Bouviers are powerful and courageous, in addition to being super smart dogs. Thankfully, they’re also pretty laid-back and loving when they’re just hanging out with the family, and will only become aggressive when a threat is imminent. They don’t shed a lot, but their fur can trap dirt and their beards can drip water.

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Doberman pinscher

Considered one of the best guard dog breeds, the Doberman is a sleek, powerful, fearless and fast dog. It’s also been dubbed one of the smartest dog breeds in the world, and it is always alert, loyal and protective.

“Dobermans are the epitome of the strong, silent type,” Dr. Patel says. “They are a regal breed and have laser-like focus. It’s the quiet ones that can pack the most punch. They are very attached to their people, and the need to please makes them easy to train. That said, while Doberman pinschers can be receptive to strangers, they are beyond loyal to their owners, which makes them an excellent guard dog.”

Do take into consideration this breed’s tendency to take matters into its own paws. If they need to, they will take a threat seriously, pinning an intruder against the wall or cornering it until humans take charge. Otherwise, off-duty Dobermans can be big-time goofballs. They have high energy needs and make great running companions.

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Estrela mountain dog

This dog is loving and devoted toward children and other family members, but it might choose one individual as its adored person. Intelligent and brave, it won’t hesitate to defend its people or their home, the AKC says. The Estrela is relatively calm in temperament, but it definitely needs its space and daily walks. If it’s cooped up in tight surroundings, it might turn destructive. This big dog—which can weigh up to 135 pounds—can be hard to find outside its home nation of Portugal.

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German shepherd dog

A classic choice because of its imposing stature and loud bark, this German dog breed is widely seen as one of the best guard dogs. Its loyalty and bravery know no bounds, and it is willing to risk its own life for that of its family, the AKC says. It is a natural learner and easy to train. Sometimes a German shepherd can take its job a little too seriously, though, and needs to be taught not to pounce on anyone who approaches you or the home. These dogs do shed a lot and like to have a job to do, so consider that before committing to one.

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Anatolian shepherd

These extra-large dogs were bred more than 6,000 years ago to protect livestock, so they’re suspicious and watchful by nature. Given their size—up to 150 pounds—and their loud bark, they’re likely to deter any would-be interlopers. The downside is that they can be overly aggressive with visitors and unknown dogs. And because they are territorial, they need a fair amount of space to “patrol,” so apartment life isn’t for them. They are very loyal and protective of their families, but not necessarily obedient, except with firm training. Their great love is protecting livestock, which they consider family as well.

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Great Dane

This is the Scooby-Doo breed. Unlike the clumsy Scoob, however, real-life Great Danes are graceful despite their incredible height of about 30 inches. They’re also courageous and have a deep, scary-sounding bark—not at all like Shaggy’s best friend. It’s this bark, combined with their intimidating size, that makes Great Danes a good choice for a watchdog.

“The Great Dane’s imposing size and commanding bark may seem intimidating, but beneath their exterior most likely lies a gentle and affectionate companion, perfect for family life,” Phifer says. What a perfect combination for a family guard dog: a pooch that looks and sounds formidable (and probably won’t actually bite or attack an intruder) but is all about cuddles! Great Danes are also playful and patient with kids. They do tend to have shorter lives, though—usually about 6 to 10 years.

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Rhodesian ridgeback

This breed’s name comes from the distinctive ridge of fur that grows in the opposite direction of the rest of the dog’s coat and stands up along its spine. The AKC notes that this watchful dog was originally bred to help hunt lions, so standing up to suburban threats is no big deal. They can be stubborn and domineering, and like all other guard dogs, need to be trained. Among family, ridgebacks are affectionate, patient, friendly and loyal—but definitely need to be taught how to interact with children.

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Rottweiler

Rotties, as they are known to their fans, can be sweet and playful with their families and are very protective of them. To outsiders, Rottweilers may appear aloof, the AKC says. The breed is actually descended from ancient mastiffs and almost went extinct in the late 1800s. A bit smaller than their mastiff cousins, coming in at an average of about 100 pounds when fully grown, Rotties can still play the intimidation card—and back it up with their bite.

“The Rottweiler is a confident and versatile working dog, excelling in tasks such as herding and protection,” says Phifer. “Their strong work ethic and potential for a confident demeanor may make them better suited for experienced dog owners.”

Also, because they can inflict severe injury, it’s imperative that Rottweilers be socialized and trained early on so they understand when it is and is not OK to act aggressively. Training can also help prevent their barking from becoming a nuisance.

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At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece, Wendy Rose Gould tapped her experience as a veteran reporter covering pets, and then Caroline Coile, PhD, an award-winning journalist specializing in canine breeds, health and science, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

• Gina DiNardo, executive secretary for the American Kennel Club; email interview, Feb. 13, 2020
• Bradley Phifer, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KSA, executive director of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers; email interview, Feb. 8, 2024
• Anita Patel, DVM, veterinarian and area medical director for IndeVets; email interview, Feb. 5, 2024
• Psychology Today: “Do Dog Breeds Differ in Their Sensitivity to Pain?”