Dogs are the loyal guardian, the support for emotional needs, and even protectors who defend you and your family at all costs. This is on reason why us as dog parents know that they are more than just animals they are and always will be part of the family!

Have you ever wondered which dog breeds are the best for protecting you and your family? See the list below to see if you dog is there, or has any of this breed mixed in as they may  be very helpful in defending you and your family in your time of need!

 10. Fila Brasileiro

The Fila Brasileiro also commonly known as the Brasilian Mastiff is primarily located and commonly known as one of the best hunting, livestock, and guardian type dogs in Brazil. Due to their limited geographical region this breed is featured first on our list. They are known for their innate tracking and trapping abilities in hunting, and primarily when trapping prey for hunters wait for their owners to follow and frequently to don’t kill the prey.

They require obedience training and are not recommended for first time big dog owners as they can be very territorial and dominant dogs. However, they are extremely loyal to their owners, and are very exceptional guards for large lands and livestock protection as well as protecting your family.

9. Puli

The Puli is a herding dog originally brought into Hungary by the Magyar. This breed of dog is notably known for their dread-like fur which puzzles most dog enthusiasts. Most people typically wonder whether this breed of dog has great visibility and ability to maneuver and see their surroundings with all the fur in front of their eyes. There is a well known saying for the Puli Dog from an old Hungarian saying that states “The Puli, through his hair, sees better than you.” – PuliClub

The Puli dog is a very agile breed which requires heavy physical stimulation to prevent boredom, but also acts as an excellent protector. Similarly to other breeds they have been used to protect and herd livestock. They can be very skilled at dog agility training and will excel in anything involving guarding your family as well as outdoor activities and even are used as a police dog in some regions of the world. These dogs will need to be socialized with other dogs, and breeds young in order for them have amicable relations with other pets outside and in the home. In general they have a very loving tempermant and would make a wonderful addition the family.

8. Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer originally was bred in the 17th century in Germany. They were used quite commonly in World War 1 and 2 in the military, in policing, and additionally for herding livestock and working in cities helping at butchershops, factories, breweries, and even more.

The Giant Schnauzers’ key characteristics is their trustworthiness, and loyalty especially with children around the house. They are great protection, and guarding dogs but additionally can be used for dog sports. These dogs are easily trained but when bored, and unstimulated can lead to destructive behavior. It is important to ensure this breed receives ample play, training, and exercise due to their high energy.

7. Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is a partner to humans and their owners in a majority of different functions within daily duties. Most notably, the United States Secret Service employs these dogs for their highly pragmatic and hardworking nature when protecting the white house. In addition to this, the Belgian Malinois helps detect narcotics, explosives, search and rescue as well as for tracking down suspects in police work.

Their keen sense of smell, loyalty, and natural abilities make them an excellent choice for protection of their owners, and their families. Their energy levels are among the highest of all the dog breeds and require major stimulation of their senses to ensure they are able to be calm and socialized when required in household situations.

6. Bull Mastiff

Bull Mastiff dogs are known for their immense size, strength and speed. They have been used in many different countries and regions for their guarding abilities. For instance, De Beers has frequently used the Bull Mastiff in the past when guarding mines. Additionally, they are agile and can be very good for hunting game.

This breed is a mix between the more aggressive Bull Dog and and less aggressive Mastiff which makes this breed highly sought after for the mix of both features in hunting for game. They were bred in addition to tackle and pin poachers, so it is very important to distinguish commands and greet newcomers since this is in their nature to guard and protect the home and family.

5. Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback also known as the “African Lion Dog” was originally bred in South Africa. It had received this name for its ability to keep even a lion at bay until its owner had arrived. It was known to the locals as well as dutch importers into the region as being a very ferocious and effective guard dog. They will not however attack a stranger for no reason, and are extremely loyal and intelligent dogs. Rough treatment should never be administered to these dogs as the respond much better to positive reinforcement. Discipline can only be employed if justified and fair.

4. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are not only very loving and caring pups but are very hardworking, eager, strong, firm and fearless when faced against adversity. They are thought to be descended from Roman Drover dogs which had been known to carry meat and other goods. Their natural guarding and defense abilities made them coveted for herding and for livestock purposes as well.

In modern day they are also used for police work, and for domestic defense. They are very dependable and loyal to their owners. Rottweilers are a wonderful choice for home defense, and have a biting strength topped at about 328 pounds of bite pressure.

3. Border Collie

Border Collies are gifted with many talents but most notably is their intelligence. They are noted to be one of if not the most intelligent dogs ever bred. They were initially bred in Scottland for herding livestock and sheep. They require a heavy amount of exercise and and play as they were bred not only for intelligence and obedience but for their high energy work ethic.

Still used for herding and protection of livestock they are very frequently used for dog agility and dog shows due to their pure joy and enthusiasm when clearing obstacles, weaving and sports in general. These dogs are very family friendly, and can be very great friends to children, and can add large amounts of positive energy, and protection to your household.

2. Doberman Pinscher

The Dobermann Pinschers are similar to other breeds as they are known for being loyal, intelligent, and alert breeds of canine. Depending on the training and communication between you and your new friend they can be loving, caring, and adaptive to any situation and command. They are one of the most easily trained breed, and can learn commands with great speeds.

Additionally, due to their large nature, intimidating, fearless, and willing to defend its owner from attackers (especially other guard dogs), but sufficiently obedient and restrained to do so only on command. This breed although used primarily as a working, police or war dog was intended to have more aggressive tendencies and natures however this has become moderate with breeders. However, no one dog is alike and even the most aggressive companion if trained consistently and correctly will be a wonderful addition to your home for protection and as an ideal companion to you and your family.

1. German Shepard

The breed that makes the top of this list is the well known and highly esteemed German Shepard dog. German Shepard mixes and pure breeds are one of the most common breeds that dog parents enjoy, and share their homes with. It is any surprise, that these lovable pups made the top of our list?

The German Shepard is a modern breed of dog that facilitate many different needs to many different owners and are very common service animals. The german shepard originally tasked with herding has become employed in even the below following roles in our society:

•  Disability assistance
•  Search-and-rescue
• Police and Military
•  Acting

Their intelligence, loyalty, companionship, and even their bravery. Their ability to search cadavers, look for explosives, and protect those closest to them have added to their notoriety. German shepards additionally have a bite force of 238 PSI which would most certainly dissuade and assist with any intruder or attacker looking to harm you or your family.

– Video Courtesy of WOWLIFE –

Whichever breed of dog or mix you choose and qualities and appearance you love the most all dogs have the innate ability to love their owners, and protect you and your family. With proper training, bonding and communication there is nothing a dog won’t do to ensure you and your families’ safety. There are many other breeds that could have made the list such as the Cane Corso, Americal Pit Bull, etc however these breeds are the major contenders based on their loyalty, guarding abilities, and intelligence.

Do you have any of these breeds? Does your dog share any of the genes one or more of these dogs. We would love to see, and so would our other DPA family memebers. Feel free to connect with us on Instagram or Facebook, and be on the look out for our DPA community coming soon to our platform!

Happy Training!

Dog Parent Academy