German shepherds are often both family pets and guard dogs.
People have been using dogs as protection for centuries. Some dog breeds were specifically bred to be more protective of their owners and their territories than others. A guard dog does not only need to be skilled at guarding you must make sure it will be a good pet as well. While different dog breeds are associated with specific traits, the way you raise a dog will have a lot to do with its temperament.
German Shepherd
German shepherd
The German shepherd is a popular breed for use as a guard dog because they are intelligent and loyal. They can be trained to alert you when a stranger is near. These dogs are also known for being great with children. German shepherds weigh between 75 and 90 lbs.
Rottweiler
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are often used as guard dogs because they are extremely protective of their owners. These dogs need to be close to their family members and make great indoor pets. However, they can be stubborn, so have a firm hand when training. Rottweilers weigh up to 130 lbs.
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman
The Doberman pinscher's upright ears give this dog an unfriendly look, which can help deter unwanted visitors. They are also very smart, muscular and loyal. Doberman's make great family pets and are great with children they know. Doberman pinscher's weigh up to about 57 lbs.
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiff
The bullmastiff is a combination of the bulldog and the mastiff. These dogs are intensely protective of their families and defend them against threats. They use their large size, which can be up to 130 lbs. pounds, to knock down intruders. Bullmastiffs are good indoor dogs and prefer to stay close to their families.
Kuvasz
The kuvasz is a fluffy white dog that might not look imposing, but is actually quite smart and courageous. They are naturally suspicious of strangers, making them good guard dogs. Kuvasz dogs are docile with their families and are easy to train. These dogs can reach up to 110 lbs.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian ridgebacks were originally bred to hunt lions in Africa, so they are courageous and are able to track smells quite well. Rhodesian ridgebacks are also loyal and loving to their families. However, these dogs can be difficult to train. Rhodesian ridgebacks are typically about 85 lbs.
American Staffordshire Terrier
Staffordshire
American Staffordshire terriers look like pitbulls, but are not as aggressive. They grow up to about 65 lbs.and are muscular. While this breed is not a natural guard dog, its loyalty to its owners will cause it to defend them from threats. These dogs are great around children and other pets.
Giant Schnauzer
Schnauzer
Giant schnauzers are highly protective of their owners and can be aggressive toward strangers. These dogs bond with their families for life and consider protecting them their job. These territorial dogs are extremely loving and loyal to their families. They weigh up to 90 lbs.
Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres was bred as a working dog and a guard dog. They are intensely loyal to their human families and are well known for their endurance and protection abilities. This breed can weigh up to 95 lbs. and is a loving and gentle companion to its families and children.
Boxer
Boxer
Boxers are popular dogs in the United States and are recognized by their faces. These dogs are known for their happy temperaments and boundless energy. While they are not naturally aggressive or vicious, they are extremely loyal to their families and will defend their families against a believed threat.
Related posts
The easy-going beagle even plays 'dress-up.'Labs and golden retrievers seem to top every "best family dog" list, but let's not forget about the little guys. Small dogs make wonderful fam...
Training Guard DogsIntroductionGuard dogs are used across the nation in both private homes and for corporations. The main duty of a guard dog is to protect his owner and his owner's property by fe...
Pit bull puppies are intelligent and respond well to training.American pit bull terriers are a friendly, playful and exceptionally loyal breed. It is this undying loyalty that naturally motivates...
Help keep the peace at home between your dogs.Unlike humans with aggressive tendencies, dogs can't enroll in anger management classes and sort out their feelings. They can, however, learn to get a...
Many families purchase Rottweilers or other large guard-type breeds with the thought that the dog will "protect the house" and family.This is usually true - a guard-type breed has a natu...
