The 10 Best Dog Breeds for Protection

Are you thinking of getting a dog? Do you feel the need to get a dog who can be a watchful protector? The best dog breeds for protection are specifically bred to keep families and property secure, making you feel safe..

These dog breeds have been bred specifically to be protector dogs. They are adept at the role of guard dog due to their temperament, physical capability, protective instincts and intense loyalty to their owners. Let’s take a look at the top 10 best dog breeds for protection.

1. German Shepherd

As their name would suggest, German Shepherds are originally from Germany. These sturdy, muscular dogs are usually black and tan and can grow up to 90 pounds. These dogs have been known to be loyal, intelligent and protective.

Key Protective Traits

German shepherds are alert and loyal dogs. These dogs have historically been used in protection of large estates, as well as in law enforcement.

Training Tips

• It’s always important to start training at an early age.
• German Shepherds are intelligent and respond well to commands.
• They’re obedient dogs, but you must socialize them so that they do not become overprotective.

2. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are another breed that originated in Germany. They’re one of the most muscular, powerful dog breeds. In terms of appearance, Rottweilers are usually black which extremely expressive faces. They can grow up to 135 pounds. These dogs are known to be intelligent, loyal and protective.

Key Protective Traits

Rottweilers are powerful dogs and they are able to handle tasks that are physically impressive. That’s why they are often bought to guard estates or to do police work.

Training Tips

• Rottweilers are obedient, which means that it is necessary to start training at an early age.
• You should also socialize them so that they aren’t overprotective.

3. Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinschers – another breed from Germany – are athletic and sleek dogs. They can grow up to 100 pounds and they are extremely intelligent, loyal and protective dogs.

Key Protective Traits

Doberman Pinschers are alert and courageous dogs, which means that they have been used as guard dogs. They are also popular dogs for police and military work.

Training Tips

• Doberman Pinschers are easy to train, but you must do so at an early age.
• They’re also obedient dogs, but you must socialize them from an early age to prevent overprotectiveness.

4. Bullmastiff

Hailing from England, Bullmastiffs are sturdy and strong dogs. They can grow up to 130 pounds and 27 inches tall. They are also intelligent, loyal and protective.

Key Protective Traits

Bullmastiffs can be quite responsive to training, which means that they will end up being loyal dogs. Because they are courageous and extremely large, they can defend you against any attacks.

Training Tips

• Training and socialization is quite key to ensure an obedient dog, as well as a well-rounded one, in the long run.

5. Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois are athletic and agile dogs that can weigh up to 80 pounds. They’re also loyal, intelligent and protective.

Key Protective Traits

Belgian Malinois are alert dogs that were bred for herding. This means that they are brave dogs that can be loyal to their owners.

Training Tips

• These dogs should be trained early because of their immense intelligence.
• They should also be socialized so they can be the most obedient and temperamentally good dogs they can be.

6. Boxer

Boxers are muscular, sturdy dogs that are one of the country’s most popular breeds. They can grow up to 80 pounds and 25 inches. They are intelligent, protective and loyal dogs.

Key Protective Traits

Boxers are muscular and powerful, which means that they can be handy for any physical tasks. They are also courageous and loyal to their owners.

Training Tips

• Because Boxers are obedient dogs, early training important.
• You should also socialize them early.
• Socialization and training ensures your Boxer is has a well-rounded temperament and prevents over-excited behavior.

7. Great Dane

One of the most iconic dog breeds, Great Danes are muscular and tall. They have a regal appearance, looking very intelligent and elegant.

Key Protective Traits

Because of their size and strength, Great Danes are fantastic protective dogs. They can be on alert when needed, but also come and non-aggressive with their owners.

Training Tips

• When it comes to training, early training is key.
• Great Danes are quite obedient and respond well to positive reinforcement.

8. Cane Corso

An Italian breed, Cane Corsos are powerful and athletic dogs. They can go up to 110 pounds. These dogs are extremely intelligent and loyal.

Key Protective Traits

When it comes to protectiveness, because of their powerful strength, they can handle physically demanding jobs. They are also courageous and are excellent at protecting their owners and their family as a whole.

Training Tips

• It’s essential to do early training early.
• Cane Corsos can be one of the most obedient dog breeds.

9. Rhodesian Ridgeback

A Southern African breed, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is an athletic and strong dog. These dogs can grow up to 85 pounds and they are intelligent, confident and loyal pets.

Key Protective Traits

In terms of protectiveness, they are muscular and powerful, which means that they are willing to go head on against any threats to owners and family.

Training Tips

• If you have Rhodesian Ridgeback, it is recommended that you start training early so that they become extremely obedient.
• They are stubborn at times which means that you need to be consistent, strict and use positive reinforcement.

10. Akita

Hailing from Japan, Akitas are robust and strong dogs. They can grow up to 130 pounds and 28 inches. These dogs are extremely intelligent, independent thinkers and loyal, protective dogs.

Key Protective Traits

In terms of protectiveness, because they are so physically powerful, they can handle many tasks that deal with protectiveness. These dogs are brave and will always defend their family.

Training Tips

• Begin training at an early age, so that they can be able to respond correctly to commands and be obedient to their owners.
• These dogs can be stubborn, which means that positive reinforcement and consistency work.

Transporting Large, Protective Dogs

Naturally, most of the dog breeds that are best for protection are large. That means when you need to transport your guard dog, you won’t be able to fly them in the cabin of the plane. Instead of taking the less-humane choice of sending them in the cargo area, opt for pet ground transportation with a driver from CitizenShipper. The drivers on our platform are vetted, pass a background check and are ID-verified. Before booking it’s easy to chat with potential drivers using our internal messaging system, and after you book the driver you can exchange personal contact information so you always know how your pet is doing on the road.