Guard dogs make for loyal companion as well as additional protection for the family. They don’t only watch your property but also threatens or attacks any intruder. Their natural instinct is to protect their family and the area they consider as territory.

In general, guard dogs are trainable, loyal to owners, resistant to stress, and watchful. There are individual differences. Some are tolerant of children. Some require high amounts of exercise. Whatever the personality of the guard dog you’re looking for, there’s a breed for you. Here are seven popular breeds to get you started.

Chow Chow

If you live in an apartment, then a Chow Chow may be a good fit. They have smallish frame and don’t require much exercise. They have thick coats that make them look extra cuddly. However, Chow Chows are strong-willed and over-protective. To tame down this over-protectiveness, they have to be socialized at an early age.

Argentine Mastiff (Dogo Argentino)

The Argentine Mastiff is a large, white-coated dog with a muscular and athletic body. It was bred by Antonio Nores Martinez of Argentina in 1928. Martinez wanted a dog that could be used for big game hunting and would also protect its owner companion to death. When raised at home, an Argentine Mastiff will fiercely protect what they consider their territory (your home) against intruders. However, they are gentle to their owners and show high tolerance to children.

Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans are overprotective, but when socialized at an early age, they make good companions. Dobermans are intelligent, loyal, and loving. As they are bred to be hunting dogs, however, they require lots of exercise.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

If you are looking for a protective companion for your kids, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a great candidate. They love to play and exercise. They are courageous, affectionate, and obedient. Stafforshide Bull Terriers also tend to go along easily with other pets, but are hostile to dogs outside of the family.

Rottweiler

When poorly trained, Rottweilers become destructive and aggressive. In the hands of a good trainer, however, they make great family dogs.

Rottweilers are the night smartest dog in the world. They are loving, brave, calm, and fiercely protective. To bring out these positive qualities, you need to train and socialize them properly starting at an early age.

German Shepherds

German Shepherds are fearless, eager, and alert. They are devoted dogs who show a willingness to protect human companions. They are faithful and close to their families, but are wary of strangers. They require minimal grooming, but they require intense exercise.

Bullmastif

Bullmastifs are the offspring of Bulldog and Mastiff. They are protective of their territory, intensely loyal to their family, and naturally wary of strangers. When they spot an intruder, they use their strength to knock the intruder down and pin them to the ground.

Sources:

• www.akc.org