15 best guard dog breeds to guard your private home

What kind of guard dog should be ideal for guarding a private house or apartment?

• Distrustful of strangers
• very well trained,
• fully controllable (of course, by the owner),
• and clearly following commands from “my” person.

So says the head of the Russian Cynological Federation Vladimir Golubev. Based on his recommendations, as well as having studied specialized forums and sites dedicated to dog breeding, we have compiled top 15 dog breeds best suited for home security, summer cottages or any other property.

15. Appenzeller Mountain Dog

These tough, agile and energetic beauties are an excellent choice as a housekeeper. They were originally farm dogs, so their intelligence and obedience will impress your whole family.

Appenzellers dearly love "their" people, young and old, and jealously guard them, as well as superbly protect property and territory. Please note that due to their temperament, these dogs require long walks or other physical activity. They are categorically not suitable for keeping on a chain or in an aviary.

14. Akita Inu

Fourteenth place in the top 15 best guard dogs in the world went to a large, brave and extremely powerful dog. It was to this breed that the legendary Hachiko belonged. Extremely loyal to the owner, Akita Inu are reticent about strangers when the owner is around. However, the mere presence of this dog is enough to prevent most people from entering someone else's house.

For all its merits, the Akita Inu is a formidable dog, and without a strong human leader, it will dominate the owner and his household.

Akita Inu don't bark if something is really wrong. Instead, they emit funny grunts, mumbles and groans to communicate with their host.

Such a dog feels great both in a private house and in a city apartment.

As a family dog, the Japanese Akita is not the best choice. These animals do not like noise and they are too strong to play with small children. Akita also dislikes when people enter his territory and may react badly to children coming and going, especially if they are not controlled by adults.

13. German Shepherd

In thirteenth place in the ranking of the best dogs for guarding home and family is truly universal, easily trainable breed... It can be used for security and for detective, service and guarding activities, and will also be an excellent companion for a blind person or a guard for a small child.

German Shepherds are extremely energetic and will bark and howl when bored. They need an owner who gives regular tasks, as well as long walks and a lot of attention.It should be noted that although these dogs are great for the family, they do not like guests and wary of the stranger, even if the owner treats him like a friend.

12. Chow Chow

Calm and attentive dogs, not fond of hugs or any fuss. Chow Chows are pretty much the same owner's dog, so don't expect them to love everyone in the house equally. They need a strong, strong-willed owner, otherwise the little "bear" will grow into a stubborn and disobedient beast.

Free space is very important for this breed, and Chow Chow will happily guard a large area.

It is better not to have a Chow Chow as a pet dog if the family has small children. These pets will not calmly tolerate if the baby painfully grabs the ears or tail.

11. Kuvasz

These Hungarian herding dogs are very muscular and extremely strong. They are excellent guards, fanatically loyal to their owners and unafraid. They are very smart and very gentle with children.

However, kuvasses are proud animals, so it is rather difficult to train them. In this case, the "stick" method is absolutely unacceptable. The socialization and training of kuvasz should begin at a puppy age due to his selfless desire to protect his family by any means.

This dog is not suitable for small places such as an apartment or house without a garden. She can become aggressive if she feels locked up.

10. Rottweiler

The strong and muscular Rottweilers were originally used in Germany to escort cattle and carts. They are sensitive to strangers and never shy. These traits likely make them one of the most popular guard dogs that can be ferocious when protecting people and property.

Rottweilers cannot react to a situation immediately, because they have a habit of "wait and see", which allows them to act, if not lightning fast, but correctly. So there is less chance of an unnecessary attack.

Rottweilers are considered one of the most dangerous dog breeds in the world. Therefore, they need careful preparation, without which dogs may not see the line between defense and aggression. Rottweilers get along well with children and are great as a protector for a son or daughter.

9. Belgian Malinois Shepherd

It is a herding dog that is often confused with a German shepherd dog due to its similar appearance. Malinois are smart, alert and very active. Because of this, they are not the best option for protecting a home where you will have to stay alone for a long time or at home with small children. These dogs are friendly with children, however, while playing, they can forget and crush the child.

Some Belgian Shepherds are friendly and assertive, while others are calm and unhurried. What traits will prevail in a particular animal will depend on its training.

8. Komondor

Very smart and cunning dogs, but for this reason they are difficult to train. Don't be surprised if your Komondor ignores some commands that he doesn't want to execute. This large breed is only suitable for experienced owners who can train their pet for new people and other dogs. Komondors do not like either one or the other. But he instantly includes the family members of the owner in his flock and will tirelessly protect.

Don't be surprised if your Komondor sits and stares at you. He simply watches over the person entrusted to him, ensuring his safety.

7. Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans have a reputation for being one of the most aggressive dogs. As with many other breeds, this reputation is undeserved. The Doberman is actually a loving, loyal and trustworthy companion.

These dogs are incredibly gentle, caring and kind with children, and will be an excellent guardian for their walks. They learn quickly and don't look for trouble. But rest assured that they will protect both home and property when needed.

Dobermans get bored quickly.A house with a large garden would be ideal for this breed, since then the animal would have a lot of territory to patrol.

6. Shar Pei

Initially, Sharpei were bred as fighting dogs, but gradually they began to be used as guard dogs. It is a loyal companion and fierce protector when needed.

The Chinese Shar Pei is known as a calm, independent and intelligent dog that does not like strangers and other dogs. The Shar Pei is a very territorial animal, and when strangers enter the house, the dog may exhibit a behavior known as "shark". It involves circling a stranger to confuse and intimidate him. This is the breed's natural behavior and is used when fighting other dogs.

5. Black Russian Terrier

This breed of service-guard dogs was bred by Soviet dog handlers in the second half of the 20th century, at the initiative of IV Stalin, which is why black terriers were unofficially called "Stalin's dog". It is believed that genes of 17 different breeds are "embedded" in them, including the Giant Schnauzer, Rottweiler, Newfoundland, Great Dane, East European Shepherd, and others.

Initially, black terriers were intended to work in any climatic conditions, so these dogs are distinguished not only by physical endurance, but also by wide paws (for running in the snow), long limbs (for fast running), as well as powerful jaws and teeth.

Black Terriers are distinguished by good health and a well-balanced character. They are highly trained, friendly to their owner, and ready to immediately protect him from any danger. They meticulously examine every corner of the territory entrusted to him. However, if you are looking for a dog for a chain, then the black terrier is a bad option, this animal needs freedom and constant communication with the owner and family members.

4. Tibetan Mastiff

Mastiff puppies can cost up to $ 7,000, making it one of the most expensive dog breeds in the world.

These huge, imposing-looking "bears" were bred for many, many years as guard dogs, and in our time they have not lost these skills.

Despite the fact that Tibetan Mastiffs are very loyal to their family, they geographically relate to strangers, so no strangers will enter the house or apartment without the permission of the owner. In fact, the "bears" are so territorial that they are advised to periodically lead them along different walking routes. This is done so that they do not begin to claim the territory as their own.

These dogs are stubborn and fearless protectors. Therefore, they are encouraged to rigorous obedience training along with active socialization, and the sooner the better. And keep in mind that if a Tibetan Mastiff thinks he is right, you will never change his mind! His only job is to protect his family from anything he considers a threat, and nothing will change that.

The Tibetan Mastiff is definitely not for the faint of heart and without proper training it can turn out to be an extremely dangerous animal, and not only for strangers, but also for its own.

3. Central Asian Shepherd Dog

Unlike most modern breeds, the Central Asian Shepherd Dogs, or Alabai, are not bred by any specific person or country (although they are considered a national treasure of Turkmenistan).

The harsh living conditions and the constant fight against predators have shaped the character and appearance of the Alabai. They are strong, intelligent, independent and fearless dogs with a calm temperament. They are loyal to family members, and will not allow strangers into their territory.

Shepherds in Central Asian countries used these dogs to guard the herd, and in Russia and the countries of the post-Soviet space, Central Asian shepherds are used for guard duty. Excellent security qualities make Alabayev irreplaceable guardians of private houses, industrial facilities, summer cottages and other sites. If necessary, Alabai can engage in a fight with a stranger, be it an animal or a human.

The owner of the Alabai is required to be calm and patient in training, since the CAO are very stubborn and develop more slowly than other breeds, both physically and intellectually.Alabaevs can be called mature only by the age of 3.

2. Moscow Watchdog

"Do not retreat and do not surrender" - such a motto could be on the coat of arms of the Moscow watchdog, if the dogs were put on the coat of arms.

Representatives of this massive, unpretentious and viable breed were originally bred by the Krasnaya Zvezda military dog ​​breeding school to protect the territory, and show their qualities only in the case, without unnecessary idle talk.

Moscow watchdogs are very quick-witted, lend themselves well to training and will never give offense to the owner.

In the family, they behave equally friendly with all family members, and can become good protectors for grown children, but you should not leave them alone with the baby. And not because of the nature of the dog, but because of its size.

1. Caucasian Shepherd - the best guard dog

It was this breed that Russian dog handlers put in first place in the selection of the best dogs for home protection. These massive dogs know exactly how to react if they sense a threat to your home or family members, so don't underestimate their furry.

They are not fussy, confident, fearless and extremely distrustful of strangers. However, a poorly educated Caucasian Shepherd Dog, due to its huge size and dominant character, can be dangerous for the owner. Therefore, a general training course is required.

Caucasian Shepherd Dogs treat children well, but you should not leave a small child alone with a dog. After all, the minimum weight of a dog is 50 kg, and a bitch is 45 kg.

This breed is ideal for guarding a large area. On a chain or in a cramped apartment, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs get bored, often bark "out of order", become aggressive and unpredictable.

What to look for when choosing a puppy dog ​​to protect your home

1. A very important part of the process of choosing a particular dog that suits your needs is its lineage and how you discuss with the breeder and request information about the dogs in the kennel.

Since dogs inherit the genes and behaviors of their parents and ancestors up to the 7th generation, it is important that the breeder knows how to tell you about these patterns. In fact, this is what separates a good breeder from a regular breeder. The breeder can tell you about the parentage and personality of the puppies and help you make the best choice for your needs.

2. What can you offer your dog?

Dogs intended for the protection of the territory are large in size. Therefore, the first thing you need to consider before purchasing a pet is the space you can offer it. Of course, you can invite your dog to live and play with you inside the house, but he will definitely need a spacious open space to move and explore his territory.

The difference between an aggressive dog and a protective dog lies in the degree of socialization, how people in the family relate to it, and the training it receives. So a few more important things you should offer your dog are the time, attention and money invested in training lessons.

3. What are you afraid of?

It is very important that you, as a potential owner of a large guard dog, answer honestly to yourself about your pet's fears.

• Are you afraid of its size?
• Are you strong enough to handle a dog weighing up to 70 kg?
• Are you disciplined enough to teach your dog discipline?
• Do you know how to behave with dogs in general? Can you read their body language? Can you teach to communicate with other pets?

Also, if you have never had a dog before, we recommend that you get a bitch as their behavior is more obedient and predictable.Bitches are easier to deal with than males and are equally effective when it comes to protecting territory.