Mary Allen
Since dogs have been accompanying us, humans, they have taken on special tasks for us. Dogs go hunting with people, look after the animals, guard houses and yards, or are simply beloved members of the family.
Many breeds were bred for precisely these tasks. This is how herding dogs, hunting dogs, lap dogs, companion dogs, and guard dogs came about. Each breed of dog has special abilities that help them perform its duties.
Which dogs are suitable as guard dogs?
In our day and age, dogs are often no longer able to use their skills. They live with you as a family and are your companions and friends here. In our part of the world, the Border Collie has swapped herding sheep for a trick dog or agility. Perhaps you have already tried one of the two yourself.
This is different with the guard dogs. Many people like to keep dogs that guard the house and yard. This saves them an alarm system and provides security.
Watchdogs are alert and intelligent animals that show a distrust of strangers. In addition, they are all large animals, which can scare off uninvited guests just by their appearance. They bark to indicate potential danger.
However, guard dogs must be consistently raised and well trained. They are not suitable for beginner dogs.
Below are the five most popular and best guard dogs. Maybe one of them will make your heart beat faster.
Doberman
The Doberman Pinscher is the quintessential guard dog. Even cinema and TV choose the handsome, slim guy for this role. The two well-known watchdogs Zeus and Apollo already made private detective Magnum flee.
Dobermann fulfills such tasks like no other because he is courageous. He has the absolute will to defend his territory, his property, and you at all costs. To enforce his claims of ownership, he sometimes ruffles his fur.
Bared teeth are not uncommon if the worst comes to the worst. In addition, the Doberman shows the highest level of commitment and loves to work with you.
It is precise because of these characteristics that many people unfortunately often misjudge Doberman. This dog has extremely loving sides. He is friendly and very affectionate towards his humans. He is open to your children. For him, the best thing is when you, as his family, are always around him.
However, the handsome fellow can become dangerous if you lock him up, torment him or leave him alone frequently. Then he can show that aggressive side that is still said about him. The Doberman will show you his assertiveness even as a young dog.
Someone with experience must therefore educate him accordingly. Then he will learn to submit to you as a person in every situation.
Rottweiler
Like the Doberman Pinscher, the Rottweiler is a good-natured dog. However, its appearance is sometimes frightening. In addition, he shows himself to be extremely self-confident and powerful.
This phenomenon can sometimes lead to people changing the side of the street. The Rottweiler is confident, strong-willed, and fearless. He is ever attentive and will defend you as his family and home to the utmost.
But the excellent guard dog can also be very different from you. He is very people-oriented and affectionate. It shows his gentle side with children and you have to be careful that they don’t take advantage of his composure and good nature.
The Rottweiler will adapt well to any imaginable situation and is an excellent and loyal companion. In good hands, this dog will not show any aggression. However, he needs a consistent expert hand so that his irrepressible power does not get the upper hand.
German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd is the classic guard and protection dog. As a working dog, it is particularly popular with the police, military, and customs. His resilience and willingness to work stand him in good stead here. He will do any task you set with zeal.
This dog has a strong protective instinct. He will defend you as his family, the home, and everything that goes with it with all his might. The German Shepherd is alert and intelligent.
The German Shepherd is a dog that you can lead well. He is resilient and confident. This is exactly why he needs consistent training from you right from the start. A lot of patience, loving consistency, and empathy are required here. Then he will show his good-natured side.
The German Shepherd needs a lot of work. He has a very high urge to move and corresponding endurance. When not busy, it can show pages that you, as the owner, do not want to see. He should therefore only come to people who are aware of it and willing to meet his needs.
Giant Schnauzer
The largest dog among the Schnauzers is sometimes a deterrent just by its appearance. He protects everything around him with body and soul and often does so loudly. This makes him an extremely dedicated and successful watchdog for you.
He keeps a close eye on his surroundings and is extremely wary of strangers. At the same time, however, the Giant Schnauzer is an affectionate and very obedient companion. He is also extremely smart and resilient.
It is friendly towards your children. However, he is not a good playmate for small children. Because you should never underestimate its power. These dogs have incredible temperaments.
Bullmastiff
The Mastiff is a very confident dog. It was bred to scare off poachers. This giant’s stature alone can be intimidating. Anyone who then hears its loud barking will not go near it. The Bullmastiff does not become aggressive. Nevertheless, the Mastiff is on the breed lists in some federal states.
Contrary to their visual appearance, mastiffs are extremely gentle to you and therefore excellent family dogs. You are affectionate towards your children and extremely affectionate. The Mastiff is famous for its composure towards you and its great endurance. He likes to fit in with his pack and loves you as his family.
Long walks with you and sporting activities are ideal for him. Sometimes he can be a little stubborn towards you. But he is extremely affectionate.
Family-friendly protector dogs
These five breeds are large dog breeds. They present themselves optically as ideal guard dogs. But a good guard dog does not always have to be big.
Some small breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier or the Chihuahua hear every sound and alert you immediately if something is wrong. However, they cannot do much against burglars. If you have a home or business premises, a large guard dog will be much better.
Guard dogs need consistent training
If you are considering adopting a guard dog, you need to be aware that they are by no means suitable for beginners. As the owner, you must already have a lot of dog experience to be able to train them properly.
In addition, these dogs need a person with a lot of self-confidence. Because dogs like a Doberman immediately recognize the slightest insecurity in you and will exploit it at every opportunity.
When purchasing a guard dog, you should always pay attention to a few important points:
- Your dog needs consistent training from you. Get professionals to help you with this. You should always use positive reinforcement and not threats or punishment.
- You should get your dog used to as many noises, everyday situations, and people as possible when it is a puppy.
- Your dog should not be fearful. He has to react confidently.
- Your dog should bark when in danger. However, it must stop doing so immediately on command.
- A good guard dog must never accept treats from strangers. Burglars could bribe or even poison him.
- It is essential that you refrain from guarding dog sport. Guard dogs that learn to bite into protective sleeves can become an underestimated threat. Experts are extremely critical of this sport.
Always remember: a guard dog needs your attention and a lot of affection. Then he will always do his job excellently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which dog is suitable as an awake and family dog?
Pomeranian. The Pomeranian, for example, is very suitable as a small family dog. He is extremely people-friendly, can be kept in small apartments, and is suitable as a guard dog. He is friendly and playful towards children.
What breed of dog is protective?
However, there are working dog breeds whose protective instinct has been brought out in breeding. Such “protective” breeds are considered to be Dobermanns, German Shepherds, Malinois, Hovawarts, Rottweilers, and Terriers.
How is the protective instinct expressed?
Dog protects owners, the dog protects children, cars, yard, garden, refrigerator, and biscuit crumbs. This can not only be annoying but can quickly lead to undesirable behavior. If you just let your dog do it, a strong protective instinct will quickly turn into aggression.
Is a Labrador also a guard dog?
The Labrador is an ideal family dog: affectionate, fond of children, strong nerves, and patient. Like most retrievers, he loves water, even the smallest puddle. As a guard dog, however, he is a hopeless case. He would greet any burglar with a wag of his tail.
Does a Labrador have protective instincts?
Labradors make excellent family dogs because they do well with the company and not in a kennel. These dogs can develop a protective instinct towards their families and homes, yet they are generally friendly towards visitors as well.
Is a boxer a good guard dog?
He is known for his sometimes exuberant joy and great athleticism. Furthermore, the Boxer is both a loyal companion and a reliable guard and service dog.
Which breed is suitable for a family dog?
The dog breeds Beagle, Bernese Mountain Dog, Collie, Dalmatian, Golden Retriever, Irish Setter, Labrador, Magyar Vizsla, French Bulldog, Poodle, and Rhodesian Ridgeback are particularly suitable for families with children.
Which dog breed has the strongest hunting instinct?
All dog breeds have a hunting instinct. But there are some breeds in which this drive is particularly strong. These include Irish wolfhounds, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, and the wire-haired dachshund.