Research shows that homes with dogs in them are hardly ever burgled. Dog owners acquire unique kinds of dogs called “guard dogs” to watch for and guard their property against unwanted intruders.
The loud barks of guard dogs that alarm their owner of an intruder particularly scare the burglars away. Guard dogs are not limited to alarming their owners. They are also capable of taking action by restraining or attacking these intruders.
Guard dogs can protect livestock and humans from both unwanted humans and wild and dangerous animals. Some of these breeds are natural guard dogs, but the others started as farm dogs for general purposes and have gradually developed into guard dogs.
Are you considering getting a guard dog to protect your property? Especially your home? There are a variety of “guard dogs” in the sea. Hence, it would be best if you made a well-informed decision. Picking a breed of guard dog could be quite the struggle.
This article highlights the Top Ten Guard Dogs for 2023 in the United States. These dogs have proven to be the best fits as they are both protective, affectionate, and good playmates for the family.
- Bull Mastiff
- German Shepherd
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Boxer
- Rottweiler
- Doberman Pinschers
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Great Dane
- Akita
- Cane Corso
Now let’s look at a few reasons why these guard dogs have been used more often than others in the US, by considering what makes each of the dogs in this list stand out as fierce and a great protection dog.
1. Bull Mastiff.
The Bull Mastiff is a British breed and, in the nineteenth century, was developed as a guard dog. This breed is also known as the Game Keeper’s Night Dog. It is courageous, protective, powerful, devoted, reliable, fearless, and docile, amongst many other qualities. This breed of dog is large and has a solid build and a short muzzle. Hence, it uses its swiftness and weight to pin down any intruder.
The Bullmastiff has v-shaped ears, a deep, broad muzzle, and dark hazel eyes. All of these combine to make the Bull Mastiff confident, alert, and intelligent, as a result, an exceptional protector. The Bull Mastiff is a good family companion. But this dog’s laid-back attitude with its family members likely changes when a stranger arrives.
2. German Shepherd.
German Shepherds are one of the most famous guard dogs in the United States. Although in Southern Germany, this dog was originally a herding dog in the late 19th century, the German Shepherd has now gone far beyond the boundaries of its original role.
German Shepherds are tough, loyal, and have outstanding guarding instincts. They are also called Alsatians. They are adaptable and can double as terrific guard dogs, guides, military dogs, and family companions.
A trained German Shepherd is good with children and can still be terrific at its guarding jobs. They are active and love to have something to do. So, they need enough daily exercise; if not, they could become mischievous or temperamental.
3. Tibetan Mastiff.
The Tibetan Mastiff is a flock guardian dog in Tibet and is used to protect homes in the Himalayan region. This dog is large and one of the strongest ancient breeds in the world. The Tibetan Mastiff is stubborn, intelligent, imposing, intimidating, unfriendly, and protective. This dog has a powerful physique, and the amount of pressure from its bite is remarkable.
Tibetan Mastiffs are often asleep during the day and are alert and active at night. No wonder this breed, prized for being a nocturnal guard, barks at unidentified sounds throughout the night.
Obedience and socialization training is vital as this breed is stubborn and aloof with strangers. Consistent training is crucial as a lack of it can turn this dog into an unpredictable one. It’s legal to own this dog in the US.
4. Boxer.
Boxer dogs or boxers are medium to large working dogs. They are a breed of mastiff-type developed in Germany. They are a distant cousin of the bulldog. They are loyal, devoted, fearless, brave, intelligent, and friendly. Boxers perform excellently in dog sports and guarding work as they are energetic and athletic. This breed also gets along with children, are loving and devoted to their family.
Boxers enjoy the mental challenge of learning something new. Hence, mental exercise is essential. It is also important to note that Boxers require a great deal of training because they are high in energy.
5. Rottweiler.
Initially a herding dog and a guardian dog for cattle, Ratties now protect their owners and property. Rottweilers are a breed of domestic dogs that originated in Germany. They are fearless, courageous, obedient, devoted, and alert.
Because of their historical role as guardians and herders, Rotties have a protective and cautious instinct when encountering strangers. The snarl of a Rottweiler can terrify strangers, especially those whose intentions aren’t good.
This breed of dog, just like every other dog, needs daily exercise and regular training to learn social skills.
6. Dobermann Pinscher.
Dobermann Pinscher, also called Dobermann, originated in Germany and was mainly bred as a guard dog. They are known to be powerful, intelligent, loyal, energetic, obedient, agile, and alert.
Dobermanns are one of the most effective guard dogs in the world since they are capable and easily trained to protect their family and home from danger. This dog needs daily physical and mental training for at least one hour a day.
7. Rhodesian Ridgeback.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback, also called the African Lion Hound, was initially bred to hunt lions. They are unique crossbreeds from the Southern African region interbred with European dogs. The African Lion Hound usually isn’t regarded as a guard dog, but they can still step in as guard dogs.
To hunt a lion would require a fearless spirit; that’s why Rhodesian Ridgebacks are more than capable of holding down intruders and attacking if need be. Although their looks can be deceiving as they look gentle, they are strong-willed, versatile, aloof to strangers, powerful, intelligent, active, and loyal.
8. Great Dane.
The Great Dane is one of the two most massive dog breeds in the world and taller than some humans when they stand on their hind limbs. This gentle yet athletic giant originated from Germany, and they were hunting dogs used to hunt wild boars and deer.
Great Danes are known for their swiftness, courage, strength, friendly nature, gentle temperant, and devotion. With an inborn instinct to guard, Danes have deep and loud barks when intruders enter the property of their owners. The mere sight of this massive dog is enough to frighten unauthorized visitors. Great Danes are also gentle towards those they love. This dog is one of the most loved dogs in the US.
9. Akita.
Akitas are a breed loved by dog lovers because they are protective, affectionate, and devoted family members. The Akita descends from the mountains of Northern Japan. They are large, independent, assertive, and usually unfriendly with strangers.
10. Cane Corso.
This Italian guard dog breed is a descendant of the Mastiff-type battle dogs in ancient Roman times. In Latin, this breed’s name means ‘bodyguard-dog.’ They are a natural guard dog breed willing to die to protect their owners. Corso’s fearsome appearance, large body size, and innate guarding abilities make them incredible protectors.
The Cane Corso ranks among the best-suited family guard dog. They are probably the most intelligent and trainable of all the Mastiffs. No wonder they are among the popular guardian breeds in America.
Conclusion
Irrespective of origin, personality, breed, and dog groups, all these dog breeds make excellent guarding dogs. From their fearless nature to power to agility to strong loyalty to their owners, these dogs have won the hearts of dog lovers in the United States. They are versatile and can switch from being intimidating protectors of livestock and property to being friendly and gentle family members.
