The best breeds for guard dogs are those that have certain qualities, such as: intelligence, protective instinct, agility, strength and proper size. However, guard dogs also stand out for the trust and companionship they have with their owners.
Rottweiler
Height: 56–69 cm
Weight: 40-60 kg
Temperament: docile and protective.
Special cares: socialization from a young age is important, to get them used to other dogs. They need space.
They are great guard dogs, for being protective and kind at the same time. When trained, they learn how to behave and how to take care of the house. Even trained to be guard dogs, Rottweilers tend to maintain a docile temperament. They are strong, heavy and muscular dogs.
Australian pastor
Height: 46–58 cm
Weight: 25-32 kg
Temperament: docile, kind and quiet.
Special cares: A dog with a lot of energy needs daily exercise.
It is an athletic and very intelligent dog. Due to his hunting dog profile, he is an attentive and fast dog, which can perform well at home guard functions. It is a medium to large breed with a light weight body for its size.
Fila Brasileiro
Height: 60–75 cm
Weight: 57-82 kg
Temperament: quiet and docile, sometimes a little stubborn.
Special cares: it needs daily exercise and plenty of space.
A calm, protective dog and family companion. Due to his large size and his instinct for protection, he is a very popular dog in Brazil to occupy the position of guardian of the house. They are very smart dogs.
Doberman pinscher
Height: 65–69 cm
Weight: 30-40 kg
Temperament: intelligent and obedient
Special cares: physical activities and stimuli.
Throughout history, the Doberman breed has performed different guard functions. He is a watchful and protective dog. They are often chosen by the police for their intelligence.
Boxer
Height: 53–63 cm
Weight: 25-32 kg
Temperament: playful, kind and intelligent.
Special cares: enable early socialization to prevent it from becoming territorial.
Although known as a dog with a serious facial expression, the boxer is a very lively and playful dog. Due to its large size and muscular build, it makes a great guard dog. He has protective instinct.
Pit bull
Height: 43–53 cm
Weight: 16-30 kg
Temperament: faithful and smart.
Special cares: socialization and frequent exercise.
The Pit Bull is a medium-sized dog that, although it is reputed to be the bravest, is, most of the time, kind and docile. He is a great guard dog, because he is loyal to his family and because he has the ability to develop strong musculature. He is a dog who enjoys outdoor walks and games.
German Shepherd
Height: 56–66 cm
Weight: 30-43 kg
Temperament: energetic and docile.
Special cares: frequent walks, games and available space.
A dog often chosen to join police teams, the German shepherd is intelligent, docile and has a great nose. They are calm and alert dogs that can be trained to act in risky situations. They are still active dogs, who like to exercise and play.
Great Dane
Height: 71–86 cm
Weight: 44-90 kg
Temperament: patient and smart.
Special cares: exercises and space.
Also known as the Great Dane, it is a breed that tends to be very tall. They are agile dogs, with a protective instinct and loyal to the family, being, therefore, great for guarding the house. They like company and frequent walks.
Belgian shepherd malinois
Height: 56–66 cm
Weight: 28-30 kg
Temperament: obedient and faithful to the family.
Special cares: early socialization.
A herding dog, used to the outdoors and with an excellent sense of smell. His obedient and attentive profile makes him a great medium-sized guard dog. They are dogs with a strong protective instinct. Due to its size, it can live in an apartment, as long as it has plenty of outdoor exercise.
Bull Terrier
Height: 45–55 cm
Weight: 22-38 kg
Temperament: lively and playful.
Special cares: training to become more disciplined.
Cheerful dogs, a little disobedient before they receive training and faithful to the family. Due to the size of the breed, they can adapt well to apartments, which makes it easier for anyone looking for a guard dog, but who does not want a large breed. Due to their strength and energy, they can be very good as family guardians.
Akita Inu
Height: 58–70 cm
Weight: 23-41 kg
Temperament: companion and playful.
Special cares: walks and games.
A large Japanese breed. A dog that loves company and fun through toys. Because he is extremely loyal to his family, strong and has a hunting instinct, he is a great guard dog. It's a dog that needs attention.
boerboel
Height: 59–70 cm
Weight: 50-90 kg
Temperament: faithful to the family, protector.
Special cares: socialization and training.
A strong, muscular and intelligent dog. This breed, due to the size and confidence of the dog, requires care regarding training, so that the dog is adapted from an early age to obey orders. It is a loyal and patient dog.
bullmastiff
Height: 61–68 cm
Weight: 45-59 kg
Temperament: kind and calm.
Special cares: socialization and training.
This breed is very loving and loyal to the family, generally having a calm behavior indoors. However, due to its protective instinct, it is suspicious of strangers and other animals. These characteristics make him a great guard dog, but it is recommended that he receive training to obey commands and know how to take care of the house.
Cane corso
Height: 58–70 cm
Weight: 40-50 kg
Temperament: peaceful and kind.
Special cares: socialization and space.
A strong and athletic dog, which makes him a great dog to ensure home security. Despite his large size, he is a very docile and calm dog. Socialization is important for him to adapt from a young age to dealing with strangers and other animals.
Chow Chow
Height: 43–50 cm
Weight: 20-32 kg
Temperament: independent and closed.
Special cares: socialization and grooming.
A medium-sized breed that is very cute. The Chow Chow is a strong, loyal dog with a protective instinct. It is a dog that adapts well to apartments. He is reputed to be a little more lazy dog and not so fond of affection, but socialization usually helps to balance this.
american staffordshire terrier
Height: 43–48 cm
Weight: 28-40 kg
Temperament: stubborn, docile and playful.
Special cares: frequent outings and attention from the family.
A medium-sized breed that loves to be with the family, play and practice constant exercise. Due to its loyalty to the family, it has a protective profile, which makes it possible to be a guard dog. It is a docile and friendly dog.
Rhodesian Ridgeback (Rhodesian Lion)
Height: 61–69 cm
Weight: 29-41 kg
Temperament: strong and protective.
Special cares: socialization, exercise and space.
A dog with a hunting spirit. He is known to act as a true guardian of the family, as well as being obedient and intelligent. Due to his protective instinct, he is a dog that must be socialized from an early age, so that he gets used to being among strangers.
Dogo Canario
Height: 56–65 cm
Weight: 38-59 kg
Temperament: calm, friendly and kind.
Special cares: socialization, training and exercise.
A dog of great musculature and strength, often used to tend livestock. It is usually very loyal to the family, having a docile and peaceful behavior. He is smart and can easily learn commands. Due to his size, it is important that he undergoes training, which allows for obedience and control.
Argentine Dogo
Height: 60–68 cm
Weight: 35-45 kg
Temperament: cheerful and lively
Special cares: exercises and games.
An athletic, energetic dog that loves to move around. He is docile and loving, having a companion relationship with his owner. He is a dog with a strong hunting instinct, being a great guard dog. It is important to allow socialization from an early age, to adapt it to living with other people and animals.
Catahoula leopard dog
Height: 50–66 cm
Weight: 16-48 kg
Temperament: independent and kind.
Special cares: training, socialization and exercise.
A dog often used as a hunting and herding dog. He makes a great family guardian as he is athletic, agile and attentive. He is usually loving and docile, but needs socialization and training to control his hunting instinct. It is a very active breed too, needing constant exercise.
komondor
Height: 64–76 cm
Weight: 40-60 kg
Temperament: protective and intelligent instinct.
Special cares: space, socialization and company.
A dog with a long coat and used to tending livestock. He is protective of those around him and is always vigilant, aware of possible risks to the family. He enjoys company and doesn't have a high demand for physical activity.
Giant Schnauzer
Height: 60–70 cm
Weight: 25-48 kg
Temperament: playful and loyal to the family.
Special cares: coat care and constant exercise.
This breed is territorial and has a strong protective instinct. They are dogs full of energy, who need to spend it with physical activities and games. They are strong, intelligent and courageous, but they need training to control the dominant profile that many tend to have.
Shiba Inu
Height: 33–43 cm
Weight: 7-11 kg
Temperament: independent and affectionate.
Special cares: exercises and training.
An intelligent and playful dog, who has a lot of energy. He is a good guard dog because he is agile, loyal to the family and attentive. Sometimes stubborn, the Shiba needs training to be more obedient. He is a small to medium sized dog and can adapt well to apartments.
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