10 Most Popular & Fearful Guard Dog Breeds In The World

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There are different reasons people like having guard dogs at home, and there is a wide range of jobs these dogs can do. Let’s admit it, having a large, protective dog is a cool thing to have, but they come with a price.

Large protective dogs need to be adequately trained and socialized because nobody wants to end up with an aggressive dog that thinks they need to protect you from everything and everyone. Guard dogs need to learn from a young age when their protective and guarding skills and instincts are required, and when they can relax and act like big, fluffy pets, we know they can be.

Picking the best guard dog breed is not easy and should be approached with the same care and attention as picking a show or breeding dog. It is essential to pick a guard dog that has a stable and good character. Guard dogs that were poorly bred make an excellent recipe for disasters.

Here is a list of the 10 best guard dog breeds.

10. Presa Canario

The Presa Canario is a powerful guard dog that has a bloody and violent history. Since their beginnings, these dogs have been used for illegal dog fights and as personal and property protection dogs. Their ownership is restricted in some states and mostly because they can develop problematic behavior in the wrong hands. They are large, muscular, and formidable guard dogs capable of making great pets, but only if raised and trained properly. Make sure you understand what you are getting yourself into if you decide on one of these dogs.

Interested in the Presa Canario guard dog? Read more about their bloody history here.

9. Boerboel

Boerboel, or South African Mastiff, is a guard dog breed from South Africa and was developed by the Dutch settlers (or Boers). This is a massive, powerful guard dog whose first job was to protect livestock from large African predators, thieves, and poachers. Lately, these dogs are gaining popularity all over the US, and a lot of them are ending up abandoned or in shelters because people are not prepared for their personalities. They are protective, and that is exactly what you should expect from them. Many people want these dogs because of their mean appearance but don’t have enough experience to handle such a powerful breed.

8. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

If you cannot accommodate a large guard dog breed, there are smaller dogs with strong protective instincts, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is precisely one of them. These dogs often get a bad rep and are often confused with the American Pit Bull Terriers by those unfamiliar with either of the breeds. Staffies make lovely pets and fierce guard dogs if they are adequately trained and socialized. They have a strong fighting impulse and can make for excellent personal protection dogs.

Interested in the Staffordshire Bull Terrier? Check out their full profile here.

7. Akita

Akita, or the American Akita (as it is called in Europe), is a large, powerful dog breed with a strong prey drive and protective instincts. All guard dogs require knowledgeable and experienced owners, but Akitas are a particular case. They are proud, dignified, and full of honor, so providing them with proper guidance and upbringing is vital if you do not want to end up with a problematic dog. They aren’t too tolerant of other dogs or pets in their territory, but if they are not socialized, that behavior can become overly aggressive and extremely problematic for their owners.

6. Cane Corso

The Italian Cane Corso is a descendant of the ancient Molossian dog, a guard dog breed used for different protection jobs since the time of the ancient Molossian Kingdom. Cane Corso dogs are powerful, alert, and quick to react if they believe their family is in danger. It is also an old dog breed, supposed to have been used since Roman times. Ancient Romans used to place these dogs in arenas to fight the gladiators, so you can imagine how powerful they actually were. Luckily, those barbaric traditions have ended, and Cane Corso is now mostly a protective family pet that enjoys the family life but is ready to jump into action at a second’s notice.

5. Rottweiler

The butcher’s dog from Rottweil, as they were called in their beginnings, is a fantastic guard dog who was created to drive and guard livestock and later guard the butchers coming back from meat markets. Rottweilers were so trusted that butchers used to tie money pouches around these dogs’ necks for safekeeping. They are powerful and robust dogs capable of taking on any challenges coming their way. However, all guard dogs can become problematic, and if they aren’t properly raised, correcting their behavior will require professional trainers to get involved.

Are you interested in learning what dog breeds police use? Check out this article: Best Police Dog Breeds.

4. Giant Schnauzer

When people talk about Schnauzers, they rarely think about the breed’s biggest member and focus on the smaller, companion versions. Giant Schnauzers make some of the best and most alert guard dogs out there. These dogs were used to guard German breweries among other jobs, so guarding is in their blood from their beginnings. One of our favorite things about the GS is that they have a cool-looking beard and mustache, giving them sort of a bad-boy appearance. They are also energetic, so be prepared to provide them with plenty of activities.

3. Doberman

Doberman’s original purpose was personal protection. This guard dog breed was created by a German tax collector who needed protection from thieves and took his dogs with him wherever he went. Dobermans are intelligent and trainable; they are powerful dogs that can adapt to different living situations and environments. Not only are they smart, but they are also one of the best-looking and most elegant dog breeds in general. A well-trained and socialized Doberman is one of the best pets anyone could wish for.

Do you love Dobermans? Then check out what owners and breeders said about them in this article.

2. German Shepherd

The German Shepherds have a long-standing protection role throughout the world. They are excellent at what they do, and that is why this guard dog breed is chosen by police and military forces worldwide. They are extremely trainable and intelligent, making them capable of performing complicated tasks and orders. One of our favorite things about these dogs is that they come in solid black. Black German Shepherds have the same working ability, intelligence, and stamina as standard-colored dogs. Plus, their intelligence makes them one of the best pets for families.

1. Caucasian Shepherd Dog

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog, also known as the Russian Bear Dog, is a massive breed specializing in livestock protection. They can be repurposed for personal or property protection quite easily, and they will stop at nothing to protect what is theirs. They can form a powerful bond with the owner and their family, making them great protective family pets. It is considered to be one of the best guard dog breeds in the world.

Check out some fun facts about this giant dog breed in the article Russian Bear Dog - Fun Facts About The Wolf Killer.

If you want to explore more guard dog breeds, you can check the full breed list here - guard dog breeds.

World Dog Finder team