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Best guard dogs

a couple with their german shepard

Along with purchasing a security system, getting a dog is one of the best ways to help protect your home from burglary. In fact, 65% of convicted burglars said a good-sized dog would scare them away and prevent them from breaking into a home. Click the tabs below to learn about the best dog breeds to help protect your home.

What is the definition of a watchdog?

Watchdogs are trained to alert their owners the instant a stranger attempts to enter a home. A watchdog will bark insistently and steadily when it senses a stranger.

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is named for the town where it originated: Rottweil, Germany. Rottweilers are muscular with black coats and tan markings on their faces and legs. This breed is good-natured, obedient, loyal, and calm. Rottweilers make excellent watchdogs because they are wary of strangers and have a strong desire to protect their homes.

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd originated in Germany to guard and herd sheep. Intelligent, strong, and loyal, these Shepherds are often used as watchdogs, police dogs, and search and rescue dogs. This breed of dog is highly active and protective–proper training from an early age is essential. German Shepherds make good family pets because they form strong bonds with children.

Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers originated in Germany and have black and white coats. Miniature Schnauzers are fairly small, but they make good watchdogs. They bark at anyone who appears threatening and they are extremely aloof with strangers until their owners openly welcome the guest/stranger into the home.

Scottish Terrier

Commonly referred to as Scotties, Scottish Terriers have coarse, wiry coats. Scotties are territorial and bark when approached by unfamiliar people. Scotties are fast and feisty, playful, and extremely intelligent. Loyal by nature, Scottish Terriers are excellent protectors because they are self-assured dogs with an innate wariness of strangers.

West Highland White Terrier

The friendliest of the terrier group, West Highland Terriers have thick, white coats and are often called Westies. While they are good with older kids, Westies aren’t recommended for families with young children. They can be stubborn and difficult to train, but terriers are generally loyal and effective watchdogs if trained properly. Like the Scottie, they are alert and wary of strangers.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier, commonly referred to as a Yorkie, is a small, energetic breed that can be difficult to train. Yorkshire Terriers are fairly high-strung and aren’t ideal for families with small children. Yorkies are protective, have keen senses, and will bark incessantly when approached by strangers.

Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terriers originated in Scotland as hunting dogs. Cairns are quite small with coarse, shaggy coats that range from brown to black. This breed can be aggressive toward other animals and won’t back down if challenged by other dogs. Proper training and a large yard are imperative because Cairns often dig holes and chase small animals. Cairns are protective of their owners and can be good with children.

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas originated in Northern Mexico and have smooth, thin coats. Chihuahuas are quite aggressive and can take on the temperament of their owners. Although not recommended for families with small or hyper children, Chihuahuas can be protective, loyal companions.

Airedale Terrier

The largest of the Terrier group, Airedales have soft, smooth undercoats and wiry topcoats. If properly trained, Airedales make great family dogs and companions because of their loyal, friendly nature. Alert, intelligent, and strong, Airedales can be effective watchdogs and hunting dogs.

Poodle

Poodles originated in Germany and come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. Highly energetic, this breed craves attention and often gets into mischief. Poodles are popular family pets because they are playful, but they make excellent watchdogs because of their intelligence and trainability. Poodles are very territorial and have a strong bark; however, they have an easy temperament that improves with increased socialization.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Strong and muscular, the black and tan Caucasian Shepherd is a common watchdog because of its assertive and protective tendencies. This dog is brave and alert, which is why it is often used to protect livestock. Owners of Caucasian Shepherds must display strong leadership skills and train their dogs early to offset aggressive or unmanageable behavior. This dog growls and bites when unhappy, so assuming and maintaining a position of dominance and authority is imperative for people interacting with the dog. These dogs are loyal guardians of their owners and families and instinctively do not do well with strangers.

Dachshund

Dachshunds belong to the Hound family and come in three sizes: rabbit, miniature, and standard. The Dachshund has a long body, short legs, and a solid brown or black coat. Dachshunds can be difficult to train and aggressive toward children; they are often used as watchdogs because of their loyal nature and their loud bark.

Fox Terrier

Fox Terriers have white coats with black or brown spots. Fox Terriers are inclined to hunt small animals, run, and explore. If properly trained, these dogs can be kept as pets because they’re playful and good with children. Fox Terriers are very loyal, devoted, and protective of their owners.

What is the definition of a guard dog?

Guard dogs are trained to alert their owners the instant a stranger attempts to enter a home. A guard dog will bark insistently and steadily when it senses a stranger.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Originally bred in Southern Africa, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have muscular builds and light brown or red coats. Most Ridgebacks have a discernible ridge of hair running along their backs. This breed is smart and loyal but may turn aggressive if not socialized and trained properly. Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be trained to alert owners of strangers approaching, but are known not to respond well to rigid training methods.

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is named for the town where it originated: Rottweil, Germany. Rottweilers are muscular with black coats and tan markings on their faces and legs. This breed is good-natured, obedient, loyal, and calm. Rottweilers make excellent watchdogs because they are wary of strangers and have a strong desire to protect their homes.

Belgian Tervuren

Belgian Tervurens, also known as Belgian Shepherd Dogs, have thick coats and are known for loyalty, intelligence, and hard work. Belgian Tervurens are often used as guard dogs because they are so alert and capable of noticing even the smallest changes around them. This breed can be quite nervous, so daily exercise is necessary to keep them occupied.

Bullmastiff

Bullmastiffs are large and muscular with brown, red, or tan coats. This breed is docile, affectionate, and loyal, but also very powerful, so owners need to be consistent and confident in their training methods. The Bullmastiff is known to slobber and drool, which may deter some people from owning them. This dog is tolerant of children and forms strong bonds with its family, but they should not be left unattended with children, despite their often calm and gentle nature.

Chow Chow

First bred in China, the Chow Chow’s name literally translated means ’puffy lion dog.’ Chow Chows have dense double coats that are particularly bulky around the neck, like a lion’s mane. These dogs can live in apartments or small houses because they’re calm and not very active. This breed is protective and suspicious of strangers, making them great guardians. Note that some insurance companies consider this breed ’high risk’, and therefore owning a Chow may raise the cost of your homeowner’s insurance.

Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinschers have athletic builds and short coats that are usually black or brown. They were bred to do stressful and dangerous work and are fearless in the face of danger. Dobermans are not vicious; they are loyal and are known to be excellent companions. Dobermans are receptive to training and protective of their owners and homes, making them a good choice when looking for a guard dog.

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd originated in Germany to guard and herd sheep. Intelligent, strong, and loyal, these Shepherds are often used as watchdogs, police dogs, and search and rescue dogs. This breed of dog is highly active and protective–proper training from an early age is essential. German Shepherds make good family pets because they form strong bonds with children.

Giant Schnauzer

Large and powerful, Giant Schnauzers have athletic builds and thick coats. Schnauzers are active and friendly but need regular exercise and proper training. Giant Schnauzers make good guardians because of their large size, loyalty, and alertness.

Komondor

Komondors are sometimes referred to as ’mop dogs’ because of their long, shaggy coats, which are typically white. This large, powerful breed is fearless and protective and can be trained to patrol an area and find intruders. Komondors have the same temperament as livestock guard dogs: prepared to defend their herd but otherwise calm and composed.

Kuvasz

Large and powerful, the Kuvasz has an athletic build and a white coat. These protective, intelligent, loyal dogs become attached to their owners, but are independent and need to be trained and socialized from an early age. A Kuvasz is suspicious of anything unfamiliar and without training, instinctively thinks that almost everyone is a threat.

Puli

Pulis originated in Hungary and have long, corded coats. Protective, loyal, and active, Pulis aren’t recommended for people who live in apartments or small homes because they require frequent exercise and prefer to be outside. Pulis are eager to please, hard-working, and obedient, making them highly-trainable.

Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois, also known as a Belgian Shepherd Dog, is a member of the Sheepdog family. Playful, energetic, and active, these dogs require lots of attention and need to be challenged constantly. Training a Malinois can be a challenge and will take significant time and energy.

What is the definition of a protection dog?

Protection dogs are trained to bark or even lunge at an intruder when commanded to do so by its owner. Protection dogs are also trained to sit, stop, and lie upon command. However, if an intruder persists, most protection dogs will bite.

Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois, also known as a Belgian Shepherd Dog, is a member of the Sheepdog family. Playful, energetic, and active, these dogs require lots of attention and need to be challenged constantly. Training a Malinois can be a challenge and will take significant time and energy.

Belgian Tervuren

Belgian Tervurens, also known as Belgian Shepherd Dogs, have thick coats and are known for loyalty, intelligence, and hard work. Belgian Tervurens are often used as guard dogs because they are so alert and capable of noticing even the smallest changes around them. This breed can be quite nervous, so daily exercise is necessary to keep them occupied.

Bouvier des Flandres

Pleasant, protective, and hardworking, Bouvier des Flandres are used as guard dogs, protection dogs, and police dogs. These dogs are easy to train and are intelligent, loyal, rational, and strong. While Bouvier des Flandres can become overly dominant if not trained properly, they’re generally good-natured and make great companions.

Bullmastiff

Bullmastiffs are large and muscular with brown, red, or tan coats. This breed is docile, affectionate, and loyal, but also very powerful, so owners need to be consistent and confident in their training methods. The Bullmastiff is known to slobber and drool, which may deter some people from owning them. This dog is tolerant of children and forms strong bonds with its family, but they should not be left unattended with children, despite their often calm and gentle nature.

Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinschers have athletic builds and short coats that are usually black or brown. They were bred to do stressful and dangerous work and are fearless in the face of danger. Dobermans are not vicious; they are loyal and are known to be excellent companions. Dobermans are receptive to training and protective of their owners and homes, making them a good choice when looking for a guard dog.

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd originated in Germany to guard and herd sheep. Intelligent, strong, and loyal, these Shepherds are often used as watchdogs, police dogs, and search and rescue dogs. This breed of dog is highly active and protective–proper training from an early age is essential. German Shepherds make good family pets because they form strong bonds with children.

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is named for the town where it originated: Rottweil, Germany. Rottweilers are muscular with black coats and tan markings on their faces and legs. This breed is good-natured, obedient, loyal, and calm. Rottweilers make excellent watchdogs because they are wary of strangers and have a strong desire to protect their homes.

Akita

Akitas originated in Japan and have thick, double coats and large, strong builds. These dogs are affectionate and loyal, but tend to be reserved with strangers and leery of other dogs. Dominant, alert, and protective, this dog breed is responsive to training. Akitas do not typically bark a lot, so when they do, it’s for a reason.

Bulldog

Bulldogs are known for their spotted coats and the thick folds of skin on their faces. Calm and gentle with children, Bulldogs can live in small apartments or houses because they’re not very active. Bulldogs are used as protection dogs because of their intimidating strength and appearance, and because they’re protective and loyal.

Collie

Exceptionally intelligent, Collies have athletic, slight builds. They are friendly, loyal, easy to train, and typically gentle with children and other animals. Collies are suspicious of strangers, have a loud bark, and will usually alert their owners when they detect a stranger.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier, commonly referred to as a Yorkie, is a small, energetic breed that can be difficult to train. Yorkshire Terriers are fairly high-strung and aren’t ideal for families with small children. Yorkies are protective, have keen senses, and will bark incessantly when approached by strangers.

Boxer

Boxers have strong, stocky builds with smooth, short coats. Boxers are energetic and active and require daily exercise. While Boxers aren’t naturally aggressive, they’re very loyal to their owners and will protect them if provoked.

Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers originated in Germany and have black and white coats. Miniature Schnauzers are fairly small, but they make good watchdogs. They bark at anyone who appears threatening and they are extremely aloof with strangers until their owners openly welcome the guest/stranger into the home.

Maltese

Maltese, often referred to as ’toy’ dogs because of their small size, can weigh as little as 2 pounds. This breed is friendly and playful, but proper training is essential. Alert, loyal, and intelligent, these dogs will usually alert their owners immediately when strangers are detected.

Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are a cross between Bulldogs and Old English Terriers. They are small with grey, black, or brindle coats with white markings. These terriers are friendly and pleasant, making them good companions. They are also loyal and protective with a loud, piercing bark that will alert people when strangers approach.

What is the definition of a livestock guard dog?

Alert and attentive, livestock guard dogs are trained to protect livestock from predators. Traditionally, livestock guard dogs are fairly wild, residing in the mountains or fields with their flocks. When trained properly, livestock guard dogs can be used as watch dogs, protection dogs, or family pets.

Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees are used as livestock dogs and guard dogs because they’re protective, strong, and alert. This breed is stubborn, so training can be difficult. Great Pyrenees growl and bark frequently, two traits of a good guard dog. They also make good family dogs because they’re affectionate and good with children.

Anatolian Shepherd

Anatolian Shepherds are used as livestock and family guard dogs. Strong and independent, Anatolian Shepherds can be difficult to train because they aren’t accustomed to following orders. Anatolians are great guard dogs because they will chase away or alert owners when strangers are present. These Shepherds require lots of space and like to roam.

Komondor

Komondors are sometimes referred to as ’mop dogs’ because of their long, shaggy coats, which are typically white. This large, powerful breed is fearless and protective and can be trained to patrol an area and find intruders. Komondors have the same temperament as livestock guard dogs- prepared to defend their herd but otherwise calm and composed.

Kuvasz

Large and powerful, the Kuvasz has an athletic build and a white coat. These protective, intelligent, loyal dogs become attached to their owners, but are independent and need to be trained and socialized from an early age. A Kuvasz is suspicious of anything unfamiliar and without training, instinctively thinks that almost everyone is a threat.

Akbash

Native to Turkey, Akbash are large and powerful with thick white coats. Akbash are calm and rarely show aggression toward people or animals they know. Protective by nature, this breed will chase away or alert their owners when strangers are present. Akbash are independent and their naturally discerning nature allows them to decide if something is a threat or not.

Maremma Sheepdog

Maremma Sheepdogs originated in Italy. These strong, white dogs are used as livestock guard dogs and companion dogs. As a livestock guardian, Maremma Sheepdogs are protective, require lots of open space, and usually sleep alongside the livestock they’re protecting. This breed isn’t well suited for urban areas and can be hostile toward strangers.

Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiffs are used as livestock dogs because of their strength, loyalty, and willingness to confront large predators. These dogs are loyal pets and guard dogs, but aren’t recommended for individuals living in urban areas or apartments; large, spacious yards are ideal.

Guard Dog Testimonials

Golden Retriever named Luke

Luke

“Luke is my 85-pound golden retriever with a bark as big as his heart. True to his breed, he is a lover of all people and is incredibly sweet and gentle, but, when startled, he can sound pretty mean. One time, when I was out of town, Luke stayed over at a neighbor’s house. In the middle of the night, an intruder attempted to break into the bedroom window. Before he could get into the house, he was met by Luke and my neighbor’s yellow lab. Together, the two dogs caused a general ruckus of barking and growling, effectively scaring off the bad guy."

— Crystal Wayward from Kansas City, MO

white German Shepard named Dixie

Dixie

"While on vacation, my house was broken into. A week later, the same burglars returned, armed with crowbars to pry my back door open. Dixie (my German Shepherd) was home during the second break-in attempt. The crowbar marks on the door were slight, meaning they put very little effort into getting into my house. I know Dixie was at the back door with her hair up on her back, barking at the intruders. This was enough to deter them. I like to think of Dixie as the guardian angel for my house."

— Megan B. from Denver, CO

YourLocalSecurity.com is a proud supporter of pet adoption.

If you are thinking about getting a guard dog for your home, we strongly encourage you to go to a pet shelter to find your new best friend. Not only is adopting less expensive than buying a dog, but you can save a life at the same time.

Top 10 cities with the most burglaries

1. Houston, TX

2. Chicago, IL

3. Dallas, TX

4. Phoenix, AZ

5. New York, NY

6. Los Angeles, CA

7. Detroit, MI

8. San Antonio, TX

9. Columbus, OH

10. Indianapolis, IN

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