Top 10 Best Guard Dogs

by Kate Barrington

Updated: March 28th, 2022 Published: March 12th, 2021

For many people, a dog is more than just a pet – a dog can be a companion, a friend and even a security measure for your home and family. But a lot about their protective character will depend on the natural traits of their breed. While many dogs are likely to be a little protective of their families, some are simply too friendly and willing to cozy up to strangers to serve well as a guard dog. Getting to know the little quirks and traits of common guard dog breeds is very important if you want to ensure that your pooch will perfectly fit in your family and lifestyle. That is why we made a list of some of the best breeds to use as guard dogs.

What Makes a Great Guard Dog?

Before you start looking into specific breeds, it may be useful to learn a little bit about what makes a good guard dog. Good guard dogs will be very loyal and devoted to their family – they may even be protective to the point of becoming aloof or standoffish around strangers. Of course, the ideal four legged protector of your home won’t be excessively violent or unpredictable. The ideal character of a dog has the perfectly balanced combination of loving and protective traits. The best guard dogs should have natural protective instincts, likely to sound the alarm if someone unfamiliar to them attempts to enter the house or set foot on the property. But it is also crucial for the dog to know when danger is not present – no one wants a friend to be greeted by a vicious attack from an overprotective pupper. So, here are our top picks for the best guard dog breeds out there . (Photo credit: Denisa Doudova/Shutterstock)

1. German Shepherd: Everyone knows and loves the noble and elegant German Shepherd breed. Commonly used as police and military dogs, the German Shepherds make excellent guard dogs. In addition to being strong and athletic, the German Shepherd is also a fiercely intelligent breed. These dogs also have very strong protective instincts and they can be very loyal with their families. You are most likely to observe that ideal balance of traits in a German Shepherd: smart, loyal, and fierce when needed, they really have it all. And best of all – they are great around kids too! (Photo credit: Eric Isselee/Shutterstock)

2. Akita: Don’t be fooled by the cute and fuzzy looks of these elusive puppers. The Akita is a very large breed of dog known for its fluffy coat and bear-like appearance. And hiding beneath that fluffy coat is surprising agility, and a host of reliable traits. These dogs are incredibly strong and naturally aggressive which makes them great guard dogs. Of course, this aggression is reserved only for potential threats: any would-be intruder won’t get past your trusted Akita companion. Be aware, however, that these dogs are strong-willed and are not recommended for first-time dog owners – it can take some patience and moderate training to create a strong bond with an Akita. But the companion you get in the end is well worth the effort. (Photo credit: PardoY/Shutterstock)

3. Bullmastiff: A cross between the Mastiff and the Bulldog, the Bullmastiff is a powerful breed. One of the most sought after breeds, they symbolize that iconic hardcore look and a tough attitude. These dogs were originally bred in England to track and tackle poachers, and that protective ability remained throughout the years. This means that if an intruder does manage to get into your home, a Bullmastiff guard dog will tackle him and hold him down until help comes. Just keep in mind that bonding with a bullmastiff can take a lot of time and patience – they can have an energetic and aggressive character, and balanced upbringing is very important. (Photo credit: Eric Isselee/Shutterstock)

4. Doberman Pinscher: Not only are Doberman Pinschers an athletic breed, but they are also very strong and intelligent. These dogs have an intimidating appearance which, combined with their protective instincts, makes for a great guard dog. Dobermans however can be a bit too cold and reserved, and too protective at times. They might not be ideal for cuddling, playing, and goofing around with kids.(Photo credit: WilleeCole/Shutterstock)

5. Kuvasz: Looks can be deceiving with this large, fluffy breed – though covered in curly white fur, the Kuvasz is an extremely territorial and protective breed. A traditional Hungarian shepherd dog, the Kuvasz has a long tradition of protective, guard traits that became a natural instinct over the years. Typically used for herding, these dogs were bred to fend off large animal predators so they will not hesitate to guard your home and family. As a pet, the Kuvasz can portray ideal traits: bonding is fast and strong, and in no time you will have a loving dog that will fiercely protect its home and family.

6. American Staffordshire Terrier: Often confused with the American Pitbull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier is actually recognized by the AKC as a separate breed. These dogs are medium-sized but very stocky and strong. This breed is very warm and trustworthy with family but becomes a fearless fighter when its pack is in danger. American Staffordshire terriers embody that perfect spunky energy and fierce protectiveness of their loving family. And that makes them great pet dogs. (Photo credit: Kazlouski Siarhei/Shutterstock)

7. Rottweiler: When looking at a Rottweiler, it is easy to see why this breed makes a good guard dog – they are powerfully built with strong muscles and jaws. These dogs are very gentle and friendly with family but they are fiercely devoted and will always be suspicious of strangers. Rottweilers are very intelligent and will quickly grasp basic training. They can quickly recognize potential threats and can become an impenetrable barrier for any intruder. (Photo credit: Toloubaev Stanislav/Shutterstock)

8. Giant Schnauzer:When you think of a guard dog breed, you may not picture the Giant Schnauzer – their looks can be quite deceiving. But don’t be surprised to know that these dogs are naturally dominant and fiercely loyal. This breed craves human companionship and will stop at nothing to defend its family. Their fluffy coat hides a powerful and strong frame that gives them an upper edge against any obstacle. (Photo credit: Erik Lam/Shutterstock)

9. Rhodesian Ridgeback: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a rare breed with plenty of history. Given the fact that this breed was originally developed to hunt lions, it should come as no surprise that they make great guard dogs. Fiercely loyal and devoted to family, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a natural watchdog. One thing to be wary of with this breed is that they are not naturally obedient- they are stubborn and quite strong willed. As such, they require a lot of training. (Photo credit: Tatiana Katsai/Shutterstock)

10. Komondor: When you see a Komondor, protective traits are the last thing to come to mind. But don’t pay mind to the goofy looks. These dogs are very large and were originally bred to protect sheep from large animal predators. Though their thick, fluffy coat may not make them look like the devoted guard dogs they are, the Komondor is a loyal companion that would gladly give its life for its family. And that makes them the ideal family dog. (Photo credit: Piotr Zajac/Shutterstock)

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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Is Rock Salt Toxic to Dogs?

As winter comes, the roads become icy and treacherous and rock salt is used to make them less slippery. While roads covered with rock salt are common in the chillier months of the year, dog owners are wondering if it is safe for their pets to walk on rock salt or accidentally ingest it. After all, dogs are known to be inquisitive and eager to lick or nibble on anything and everything so the idea is not as far-fetched as some might think at first. So, without further ado, let’s find out if rock salt is toxic to dogs and how you can best protect your pet in the winter months.Is Rock Salt Toxic to Dogs?Sadly, the answer is yes – rock salt, commonly used for de-icing roads and sidewalks in winter, can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities. Rock salt, or sodium chloride, can cause salt poisoning or hypernatremia in dogs. Ingesting excessive amounts of salt can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive thirst, increased urination, and in severe cases, it can even result in tremors, seizures, or death.And that is not all. In addition to the risk of ingestion, rock salt can also cause irritation to a dog's paws if they walk on treated surfaces. The salt can cause dryness, cracking, and discomfort, and dogs may try to  lick their paws to alleviate the irritation, leading to ingestion of the salt. After all, the roads are meant for cars and tires, so it was sadly never taken into account that pets would walk on them as well. Still, as a caring owner, there are a number of precautions that you can take in order to ensure that your dog doesn’t ingest rock salt – here are some of the most popular ways.Clean their paws after walks:Wipe your dog's paws with a damp cloth after walks to remove any salt or de-icing chemicals. Do this after every walk and as soon as you get home. Remember to take care of your pet’s paws and paw pads. When injured or unkempt, they can cause great discomfort. Furthermore, you can consider using  dog boots if your pet doesn’t mind it – they’ll keep their paws safe and warm.

A Dog is Adopted After 7 Years in Shelter After An Emotional Discovery

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Is Aquarium Salt Safe for Plants?

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A stray Great Pyrenees dog, found wandering the streets of Fort Bend County, Texas, became a surrogate mother to a litter of six abandoned puppies.In late October, a concerned citizen found an abandoned litter of puppies. After failing to locate the pups’ mother in the surrounding area, the person brought the puppies to Fort Bend County Animal Services. “They were tiny, needing immediate bottle feeding and care, they were just about a week to 10 days old,” said Rene Vasquez, the director of Fort Bend County Animal Services, to PEOPLE.Although the puppies arrived at the shelter in good condition, they were starving and needed nourishment ASAP. The Fort Bening County Animal Services took to social media to look for fosters to take in the puppies and provide them with around-the-clock bottle feedings. Around the same time, another local found a stray Great Pyrenees, named Nova, who was full of milk. While it was clear that Nova had a litter recently, her puppies were nowhere to be found. The woman who found Nova saw the shelter’s online call for help and decided to contact them with a different idea. Instead of using volunteers to do the bottle feedings, she suggested bringing Nova by to see if the dog would accept to nurse the puppies. The shelter loved this idea and decided to give Nova a chance. A few seconds after Nova met the puppies it became apparent that the shelter made the right decision. “Nova was so happy to see the puppies! She took to them right away, and they were very happy to have a mama and food,” Vasquez shared. Although the abandoned puppies aren’t Nova’s biological litter, she accepted them as if they were her own. Acting like a true momma, Nova quickly allowed the pups to nurse and cuddle close to her for warmth. Thanks to Nova’s maternal instincts the puppies are doing well and growing quickly.“We were so happy that Nova was able to step up and be a mom for them. Sometimes, it is difficult to find bottle feeders and fosters for when the puppies or kittens are so little, so to have a nursing mom available to accept the babies is definitely a good day,” said Vasquez. Nova and the puppies, five boys and one girl, are currently living in a foster home. The fosters caring for the four-legged bunch plan to adopt Nova once the puppies are weaned. “The puppies will stay with Nova until they are weaned, and then we will start looking for homes for them. They will also be vaccinated, microchipped, and fixed before going to their forever homes,” the shelter’s director added. The case of Nova and her adopted litter has a happy ending, but not all stories end on a positive note. “As an industry, we are facing a real crisis in animal welfare across the country with an abundance of stray animals and not enough adopters or fosters to help the overcrowded shelters and rescues. Nova and her puppies illustrate the importance of spaying and neutering,” said the Fort Bend County Animal Services director.Shelters around the country are struggling to take in new animals due to a lack of forever homes and overcrowding. Each year, millions of pets end up in shelters across the nation, most of which are never adopted into a forever home. If you’re looking for a four-legged companion, visit your local shelter or rescue organization to see which of their residents would make a perfect addition to your home. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

New Bill Will Eliminate Housing Barriers for Pet Owners In California

California tenants with pets rejoice - a new bill that stops landlords from denying housing to pet owners is in the works!The chair of the California Legislative Renters Caucus, Matt Haney, has introduced legislation that would compel landlords to accept tenants with pets. The bill, AB 2216, will insist that landlords have reasonable reason(s) for not allowing a pet in the rental unit. The biggest change, however, is that the bill prevents property owners from asking about pet ownership before the tenant’s application has been approved.The new bill, which is sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States, aims to solve a big problem in the rental world - a surplus of tenants with pets and a lack of landlords willing to rent to them.California has one of the highest number of tenants in the country, and close to 70% of them are pet owners. Alas, under current law, only around 30% of all rentals are pet-friendly. The lack of pet-friendly housing is causing almost a million tenants to keep pets in their rentals hidden from their landlords. This solves nothing. On one hand, landlords are left without adequate coverage for potential damages. On the other hand, pet owners are left living in constant fear of being kicked out of their homes. Andrea Amavisca, a senior legislative advocate at the California Immigration Policy Center, told the LA Times that she and her partner spent over a month looking for a two-bedroom rental in Sacramento that would allow for a small cattle dog mix.“Landlords that initially liked our application would suddenly stop answering our calls once they found out we had a dog. Or others would require a pet deposit close to $1,000 that would put the unit totally out of our budget.”Amavisca added it felt unfair that almost every landlord had a different pet policy with varying fees they could change as they pleased. Some landlords charged only $20 a month while others asked for four-figure cleaning deposits. The new bill doesn’t address fees and doesn’t prevent landlords from excluding certain types of pets. Haney’s legislation defines a common household pet as a domesticated animal, such as a cat or dog, that is kept in the home for pleasure rather than commercial uses. While pet owners are relieved to hear about the legislation, property owners are already expressing their concerns. The biggest issue is that landlords will be forced to take on pets, and the increased risk of potential property damage that comes with pets, without a pet deposit as a safeguard. Haney explained that exceptions would be made for landlords with reasonable excuses for not allowing pets on their property. “What we see too often is just these blanket prohibitions of pets with no good reason for it, with no required justification for it and no protection of pet owners, who represent the majority of California’s renters, to be able to access housing just like anyone else,” said Haney.According to Jenny Berg, California director for the Humane Society of the United States, extra fees and bans add to the overcrowding crisis in animal shelters nationwide. “One of the reasons why people relinquish their pets is because they can’t find affordable housing or housing at all that can accommodate their pets,” she said. Haney’s bill could make a massive change, as it would remove the barriers tenants face when looking for housing for them and their four-legged companions.“We want a renter to be considered first and decision made about whether they meet the requirements for the apartment,” said Haney. “And then, after that fact, they disclose that they have a pet. And only if there’s a reasonable rationale to deny them, that would be allowed.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Camping Available at Best Friend's Animal Sanctuary

Are you searching for a pet-friendly camping solution for the upcoming travel season? If so, you’re in luck! Located in Kanab, Utah, the Best Friends Sanctuary offers a beautiful getaway for animal lovers.The location offers hiking trails, children’s activities, the Sanctuary store, the Angel Village café, and, of course, the animal sanctuary. Whether you plan on staying for a night or more, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy your trip while making a difference for the most vulnerable.Located on 3,700 acres, it is home to up to 1,600 animals on any given day. The animals in their care include cats, dogs, birds, bunnies, horses, pigs, and others.There are 18 RV sites with 30—and 50-amp power, septic, and water hookups. Free Wi-Fi is also available to visitors. While the sites can accommodate larger RVs and trailers, any over 21 feet may have difficulty navigating the roads within the sanctuary, and it is recommended that these guests have a separate vehicle to get around during their stay.If you don’t have an RV, cottages and cabins are also available on-site. The most significant differences between these two options are the guest capacity and location. Cottages can accommodate groups of up to six, while cabins are designed for only one or two people. Unlike the cabins, which share a group patio area, each cottage has its own dedicated patio or deck.Visitors can reserve a tour of the sanctuary to see the beautiful views and the incredible work the organization is doing or sign up to volunteer. It’s the perfect opportunity for those who want to give back, dedicating a small portion of your vacation to helping around the sanctuary and leaving you with the good feeling of knowing you made a difference.You can schedule a volunteer shift up to a year in advance with tasks including:Walking the animalsPreparing and serving foodQuality time playing with or petting the animalsCleaning (dishes, mopping, etc.)Making toys or treatsGeneral maintenance and upkeep on the groundsThe minimum age for volunteering depends on the task, with the Bunny House and Parrot Garden accepting volunteers as young as eight.If camping isn’t your travel style, no problem. Five minutes down the road, you will find the Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile, a boutique pet-centric hotel. The location offers 40 rooms and suites, a complimentary vegan continental breakfast, an on-site pet grooming facility, and a dog park complete with a seasonal splash pad.With an allowed maximum of four pets per room and no pet fee, the hotel takes “pet-friendly” to a whole new level!Are you traveling without your pet and need to get your “fix” of cuddles and playtime? You can also host a sleepover with a dog or cat from the sanctuary at the hotel. Simply contact the hotel in advance to arrange for a furry sleepover guest.Of course, if you fall in love with an adoptable animal during your stay, you can always apply to add that furry (or feathered) friend to your family before leaving.Make your reservation to stay at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary on their website today!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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