23 Best Guard Dog Breeds to Consider Adding to Your Family
With proper training, these loyal dogs will make great pets.
Adopting a dog is a big decision, whether you're looking for a sweet companion or a hard-working hunting dog. But if you're looking for some added security in your home, you've probably thought about getting a guard dog, and that comes with added responsibility. In addition to special safety locks and cameras around your property, a guard dog can help keep you safe. But there are several things to keep in mind before adding one of these breeds to your home. Proper training is key, and the responsibility is not for everyone.
Georgia Veterinary Associates have a list of breeds to consider. They caution that adopting and training a guard dog can be expensive, but they're worth it for the added peace of mind when you're at home or even when you're traveling. From smaller breeds like the hairy, lovable Puli to larger dog breeds like the bullmastiff, these dog breeds are smart, fearless, and faithful. Once you've decided on a type of guard dog, be sure to research reputable, responsible breeders make sure you adopt a healthy, happy puppy, then seek out a trainer who can help you beyond the standard "sit" and "stay."
Which Dog Is Best for Home Security?
With proper training, any of the dogs on this list will protect your home and help keep you safe. But, if you're looking for a family-friendly dog that adapts well to training, many experts recommend a German shepherd. They are highly trainable and used in police and military work. While they do have a double coat that requires brushing, their grooming needs are fairly low-maintenance. They're active dogs and will need plenty of exercise. Be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder before adopting.
What Guard Dog is Low Maintenance?
By nature, guard dogs are not low-maintenance. They tend to be large dogs and require time and attention. But if you're looking for a lower-energy dog, consider a mastiff. Although they're big (sometimes over 200 pounds) and could have higher vet bills, the "gentle giants" have a pretty relaxed demeanor and do not require much grooming. Still, the are very loyal and protective of their family.
More to Read Before Adopting a Dog
English Mastiff
History says Julius Caesar's forces fought against English mastiffs when the Roman emperor invaded Britain. The breed is physically impressive and, tipping the scales at more than 200 pounds, imposing in nature. They are incredibly loyal to their families. Due to their size, they can be hard to control, making training critical.
Height: 30 inches and up
Weight: 160-230 pounds
Life Expectancy: 6-10 years
Anatolian Shepherd
Anatolian shepherds are working dogs and tend to be strong-willed. They're bred to be watchdogs and have a natural instinct to protect their flock. These intelligent dogs require training, socialization, and lots of exercise. Plus, you'll want to make sure your property is secure so they are not able to escape.
Height: 27-29 inches
Weight: 80-150 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Belgian Malanois
If you've watched a movie or TV show with a police dog or dog who serves in the armed forces, you've likely seen a Belgian Malanois. These powerful and intelligent dogs require a lot of training, plus physical and mental stimulation. The breed may not be a good fit for families with small children or first-time dog owners.
Height: 20-26 inches
Weight: 40-80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Boerboel
Also known as a South African mastiff, a boerboel is well-suited for protecting property from predators. They're known to be confident and intelligent, yet a good choice for families when properly trained. The breed is very strong and loyal.
Height: 24-27 inches
Weight: 150-200 pounds
Life Expectancy: 9-11 years
Great Pyrenees
This beautiful breed originated in the Pyrenees Mountains as livestock guard dogs. They tend to be good with families and require moderate exercise.
Height: 25 to 32 inches
Weight: 85 to 100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Related: Dogs that Shed the Most
German Shepherd
Loyal, loving, and intelligent, German Shepherds make excellent pets and are quick to protect their family. With adults measuring between 22-26 inches, German Shepherds one of the most popular larger dog breeds, and are also one of the most common police dog breeds.
Height: 22-26 inches
Weight: 50-90 pounds
Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
Doberman Pinscher
Smart, strong, and fast, Doberman Pinschers make excellent guard dogs, and their sweet nature and ability to learn quickly make them excellent companions too. They need plenty of exercise, so owners should plan for long daily walks or hikes.
Height: 24-28 inches
Weight: 60-100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Rottweiler
Weighing up to 135 pounds, Rottweilers certainly look imposing, but they're generally calm, confident, and loyal family members. They can also be playful and cuddly, just be sure to provide plenty of socialization and training as Rotties can be territorial.
Height: 22-27 inches
Weight: 80-135 pounds
Life Expectancy: 9-10 years
Estrela Mountain Dog
Named for the Estrela Mountains in Portugal where it hails from, this breed was originally a flock guardian, and can be just as protective of its family. Estrela Mountain Dogs are especially lovey dovey and are great choices for families with young children.
Height: 24.5-29 inches
Weight: 77-132 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Cane Corso
With a history that dates back to the Roman Empire and a name that translates from Latin as "bodyguard dog," the Cane Corso is a noble, intelligent, and sweet-natured breed with excellent guarding instincts. In addition to early and consistent training and socialization, they also need plenty of exercise and excel at canine sports like dock diving or tracking.
Height: 23.5-27.5 inches
Weight: proportionate to height
Life Expectancy: 9-12 years
Akita
Akitas represent happiness and long life in Japan where the breed was developed in the 17th century, and are known for being courageous and loyal to their owners. They're independent thinkers and don't always mix well with other dogs or strangers, so it's especially important to provide consistent training and socialization from an early age.
Height: 24-28 inches
Weight: 70-130 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Appenzeller Sennehunds are quick and agile, bred to work on farms and drive cattle. They're intelligent and quick to learn, making them easy to train, and also very active, so they're better suited to homes with plenty of space to run and play.
Height: 19-22 inches
Weight: 48-70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Australian Shepherd
Popular with ranchers thanks to excellent herding instincts, Australian Shepherds also make great guard dogs as they're clever, obedient, and protective of their families. Aussies are best suited to homes with plenty of space to roam as they're high energy and require plenty of daily activity and exercise.
Height: 18-23 inches
Weight: 40-65 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Belgian Laekenois
The Belgian Laekenois was just recognized by the AKC in 2020, and it is an excellent addition to this list. It is set apart from the other Belgian breeds (like the Malanois) by its rough coat. The herding dog is loyal to its owner and friendly towards people it knows well. Expect a strong and lively dog.
Height: 24-26 inches
Weight: 55-65 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Briard
Sometimes called "a heart wrapped in fur" briards are a well-suited to kids thanks to a loyal, lovable nature. They also love to be active, making them perfect for owners who like four-legged companions while running or hiking. They're also a good fit for humans who don't mind grooming duty, as their long coats require frequent brushing and baths.
Height: 22-27 inches
Weight: 55-100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 years
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are strong and muscular. They're known as courageous and highly trainable with a lot of energy.
Height: 14-16 inches
Weight: 28-38 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Puli
They may be on the smaller side for guard dogs, but Pulik make a big impression with their distinctive corded hair and their excellent herding instincts. They're quick, clever, and faithful, and their energetic nature makes them great playmates for kids.
Height: 16-17 inches
Weight: 25-35 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Giant Schnauzer
Originally bred in the Bavarian Alps to watch over homes, inns, and farms, Giant Schnauzers remain excellent guard dogs, and are affectionate with their families, intelligent, and easy to train. Giants need plenty of exercise, as well as weekly grooming.
Height: 23.5-27.5 inches
Weight: 55-85 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Bergamasco Sheepdog
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are social creatures, affectionate with their families as well as other animals. They're signature coat is long and layered—and surprisingly low-maintenance—requiring just a few baths per year and zero brushing as they don't shed.
Height: 22-23.5 inches
Weight: 57-84 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Boxer
Keen, alert, and fearless, boxers are natural guard dogs. Their patient, protective, and playful nature—and the fact that boxers crave lots of time with their humans—makes them a good fit for families with kids.
Height: 21.5-25 inches
Weight: 65-80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
A writer and editor with 20 years of experience in the lifestyle and travel realms, Leigh Crandall has been a contributing editor to Country Living since 2020. She regularly writes about small businesses with big ideas, U.S. destinations worth a road trip, holidays, hobbies, and more rural pursuits. She is also a children's book author and co-founder of Cowbell, a creative studio inspired by farming and heritage. When she’s not working, you’ll find her curled up with a cozy mystery on her front porch or exploring the outdoors with her family.
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