The Most Protective Dog Breeds

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by watching the daily news. Carjacking, robbery, burglaries, and kidnappings seem to top the rotation of hourly news stories. It’s no wonder that more people are turning to one of the best protection devices and bodyguards there is. Do you want something to keep you safe at night, during the day, when you travel, and when you’re home? Then you, too, might want to purchase a dog for protection. If you’re looking into the best protection dogs for your family, we suggest looking into a dog from one of the breeds below.

Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois are brilliant dogs, highly capable, and love to work. They can be trained to do nearly anything and are the up and coming favorites for trained executive protection dogs. These dogs are fiercely loyal to their pack – your family – and will defend you at all costs. Belgian Malinois are highly adaptable to your needs and can mingle with other dogs, pets (including cats!), adults, and children. They also travel well, making them the ideal protection dog to take with you on the road whether you’re on vacation or just traveling for business.

German Shepherds

German Shepherds are classically known for their roles in classic western movies – and for a good reason! These loyal and protective dogs love to work, defend their families, and please their owners. They are intelligent and affectionate around adults and children, alike, but will stand up to threats from strangers. German Shepherds are commonly used by the police force as executive protection dogs and perform tasks such as bomb and drug detection. These lively dogs love to work and need plenty of physical exercise, making them an excellent dog for families who love to get outside and go on adventures.

Rottweilers

Rotties are wonderfully loving and attentive to their families, while simultaneously wary of strangers and people they haven’t met. These dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for aggression, but this can be a benefit if you’re looking for a protection dog. One look at your family pet and attackers will think twice about messing with you. Rottweilers need to be trained and handled by dog owners who know how to work with this breed, but if done right, they can be an excellent addition to a family.

Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature. They are natural guard dogs who will defend their pack and act aggressive or attack if needed. Dobermans are loving and gentle toward their families and love playtime. They need plenty of space to run around and enjoy accompanying their families on trips to the park or vacations. These are wonderful and versatile dogs who are known to defend their families at all costs, taking down threats, and being gentle around babies all at the same time. If you’re interested in a Doberman, it’s essential to learn about the lineage of your dog and ensure yours hasn’t been bred from fighter lines.

Bullmastiff

Bullmastiffs are known for their intense protection instincts, physical strength, and unending family loyalty. These dogs will love your family, other pets, and small children. They enjoy playtime and are incredibly docile when enjoying time with their “pack.” If their family is threatened by an attacker, intruder, or stranger to appears unsafe, Bullmastiffs will stand up for its pack and defend you at all costs. Not known for biting or displaying extreme aggressive behavior, they will easily knock over an intruder or block their movements due to their ferocity and size.

Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzer’s earned their name due to their miniature pony-like sizing. They are extremely intelligent, powerful, and fiercely loyal dogs. Schnauzers do need plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation, so they’re best suited for a home with large backyards or families who love going to the dog park. These loving dogs are gentle enough for small children to ride on their backs, but fierce enough intruders will be warned off at first sight. They will protect you at all costs, making them a perfect family guard dog.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

This breed has historically been used for hunting lions and large animals, so they have an incredibly strong prey drive. While loving and gentle around family, they won’t hesitate to confront an intruder who approaches your home. They are highly intelligent and enjoy having a role in your family. These dogs need plenty of exercise and especially enjoy homes with plenty of ground to protect. They can be socialized to be around large families, children, and other pets, making them an excellent all-around dog.

Cane Corso

Cane Corsos are intelligent, trainable, and confidents protectors. The history of Corso's go back to Ancient Roman Times which the breed name translates to "bodyguard dog" in Latin. An adult, fully grown Cane Corso will weigh in above 100 pounds. Their intense stature is the first line of defense. They are eager to please and loyal yet intensely assertive and could end up owning an unwitting owner. Cane Corso's need socialiation, training, and an owner ready for a professional bodyguard. 

Great Dane

This gentle giant is known as the "Apollo of Dogs". Dane's are of German decent and are said to have been around for over 400 years. Germans bread Great Danes for the sole purpose of being protectors. The average weight of an adult is 175 pounds and 32 inches in height. Great Dane's are known to be loyal to their families, not fond of strangers, and extremley protective of their terrioty. They need mental stimualtion, socialization, training, and a family to protect. 

Which Breed is Your Favorite?

The cost of a protection dog scares most people away, but they are loving, intelligent, and capable companions who will defend your children and your home. They will protect you at all costs and can be versatile enough to travel with you on vacation and business. With some extra training, you can even own one of the world’s elite executive protection dogs. Now that you know a little more about the most protective dog breeds, which one will you choose?

Written by Guest Writer Adrian Brito.