Guard Dog Prices Are Getting Out of Hand

The violent crime rate has dropped in recent years. But, for many larger cities and affluent areas in the country, the trend looks disturbingly different. With many major cities seeing record homicide rates and other concerning statistics, residents are seeking new ways to keep themselves, their families, and their property safe. One solution that has been gaining popularity is the use of highly trained protection dogs. But this growing interest is causing the price of guard dogs to rise at an alarming rate.

The use of guard dogs for safety and protection is nothing new. Records have been recovered from ancient Greece documenting the use of dogs for personal and home security. Today, “executive protection dogs” and “personal canine bodyguards” are highly sought after among the rich and elite.

Harrison K-9, a security company known for their highly trained and skilled protection dogs, has offered professional athletes, business executives, Hollywood actors, and other high-profile clients peace of mind for over 45 years. Their dogs are trained in advanced obedience (on and off-leash), tracking, individual or family protection, and other specialty skills.

Dogs that come through Harrison K-9 are European German Shepherds. However, other popular breeds used for protection dogs include Belgian Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, Dobermans, Belgian Malinois, Cane Corso, and Bullmastiffs.

The Harrison K-9 website states that the average price of one of their trained adult dogs is between $45K and $55K. But that price can be significantly more if the dog is award-winning or comes from a highly sought-after bloodline.

“The most expensive dog we ever sold was for $230,000, and she was named Julia,” shared November Holley, president of Harrison K-9. “There’s a show in Europe, you can equate it to the Miss Universe pageant. [Julia] placed in the top 50 dogs in the world.”

While the cost of the dogs may seem significant, a lot goes into their training and development. These dogs are carefully selected from reputable breeders for their temperament, intelligence, and stability. They are then trained for approximately 1-2 years before being placed in their new home. Some companies include training sessions with the new family involved to help solidify the bond between dog and owner and ensure that the families are prepared for the responsibility that comes with owning one of their dogs.

The price of an executive protection dog may seem steep. However, those in the industry argue it can be a wise investment for those needing added security and peace of mind. The salary of an experienced bodyguard for the country’s elite can range from $130K to $150K or more. The choice to rely on a protection dog instead of a human bodyguard will pay off after the first year. Additionally, you will benefit from your protection being by your side 24/7, ready to defend you anytime, day or night.

Are you considering purchasing an executive protection dog? You need to be aware of the potential liability risks. You are legally responsible if your dog injures someone, whether trained for protection or not. For this reason, you should be prepared to invest in ongoing training throughout your dog’s life to keep their skills sharp.