COMPLETE LIST OF GUARD DOG BREEDS
Airedale Terrier
Originally from Yorkshire England, the Airedale Terrier is sometimes called the King of Terriers as it is the largest dog in the terrier breed. It has been used as a hunting and police dog in the UK and is classified as highly intelligent. Typically these dogs are not aggressive but rather stout and fearless making them better watch dogs then guard dogs. They generally live between 11 and 13 years and make excellent family dogs.
Akita Inu
Looking like a fox or husky, the Japanese Akita Inu is a highly intelligent dog that has regularly been trained as a guard dog as well as participating police K9 units. The dog is strong, loyal and very energetic which means it requires a lot of exercise. The Akita Inu was originally trained as a silent hunter which means the breed doesn’t bark as much as others might. They typically live to around 11 years and make excellent guard dogs for one’s home.
American Bulldog
Almost extinct at one point, the American Bulldog has started to increase in popularity for both protection and companionship purposes. They can be trained as hunting dogs and are popular among cattle drivers and farmers. Although they have been called aggressive, typically American Bulldogs are more alert than hostile. The dogs grow to be quite strong and muscular and live around 13 to 16 years.
Alano Español
Originating in Spain and sometimes called the “Spanish Bulldog” the Alano Español is large dog that was bred to protect livestock. Because of the dog’s size and power it was also later used to hunt large game but became less popular and almost extinct at one point. Today the number of Alano Españols are not very high and are mainly located in Europe. The dogs have a social able attitude but can also be trained to as guard dogs and hunting dogs and live to be 12 to 14 years old.
American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier early ancestors actually came from England where they were used guard dog and attack dog purposes. Although the dog can be aggressive it also has a friendly temperament toward many people as well as high energy and enthusiasm. The dog is popular for guard dog purposes and is highly intelligent. The breed typically lives 13 to 15 years.
Anatolian Shepherd or Kangal Dog
Known as a sheepdog, the Anatolian Shepherd or Kangal Dog is well known to defend flock of sheep from jackals, wolves and even bears. The dog has an highly protective temperament making it an excellent family guard dog. The dog also works well with partners and is friendly with small children even though it’s size can be a factor in a child’s safety. The dogs can live and average of 13 to 15 years and are extremely loyal.
Argentine Dogo
As the name suggests, the Argentine Dogo is from Argentina that was primarily bred to hunt big game. Argentine Dogos are sometimes trained as police guard dogs or for search and rescue and occasionally even used in the military. They can make some of the best guard dogs due to the fact that they were trained to be fierce and dangerous while hunting, yet gentle with the family. The breed typically lives to be 11 to 13 years old and is an excellent choice for guard dog training.
Armenian Gampr
Unlike many other sheep herding dogs, Armenian Gamprs are often not trained to perform their protective duties but do so naturally. The word Gampr means “watchdog” in Armenian and the dog usually arrives at decision of its own volition about what do do in a situation. It’s rare that a guard dog breed doesn’t require guard dog training, but Armenian Gamprs take the correct actions when they understand what needs to be done. They often live between 13 and 15 years and can make excellent personal protection dogs.
Australian Cattle Dog
Although not very aggressive to people, Australian Cattle Dogs can be very protective of their owners and possessions and be aggressive toward other dogs. Known as hard workers and extremely loyal pets, Australian Cattle Dogs are very energetic and require a lot of exercise as well as attention and companionship. They are generally quiet but will bark as a warning or to attract attention. They generally live between 11 and 13 years.
Bandog
The Bandog was a dog that was specifically bred for guarding and protection purposes. It could be described as rugged, powerful and muscles and can be very intimidating. The Bandog was originally bred for fighting but later entered into guarding and protecting uses. It typically lives between 10 and 12 years and is a rather rare breed. The Bandog is a relatively new breed, only introduced in the nineteenth century and was created by crossbreeding Pitbulls, Mastiffs and Rottweilers.
Beauceron
Originally from France, the Beauceron or French Shorthaired Shepherd is known for it’s guard dog and herding ability. It has an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years and has a long history involving sheep herding as well as protecting livestock from predators. The Beauceron also has gained a reputation as a courageous dog that has been used as a war messenger dog as well as the detection of land-mines and search and rescue missions.
Belgian Shepherd Dog or Malinois
Having a history as an excellent working dog, the Belgian Shepherd Dog or Belgian Malinois has been trained not only for herding abilities but also for personal protection dogs, police dogs, search and rescue and more. Even the United States Navy SEALs have used Belgian Shepherd Dogs. Their high level of obedience is quite high as is their energy level. They have an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years and come in variety of sub-breeds with varying colours.
Black Russian Terrier
Although this breed of guard dog is rare outside of Russia, Black Russian Terriers were bred specifically for guard dog training and serve as both guard dogs and police dogs in the Soviet Union. Despite the name Black Russian Terrier, this breed of guard dog is not a terrier, it relate to the Rottweiler and Airedale Terrier. The lifespan for this breed is about 12 to 14 years.
Boerboel
Bred for guarding one’s home, the Boerboel is a South African dog that has a local reputation for intelligence and courage. The dog is fast and strong and can be trained to be excellent hunters. Boerboels are known we be very loyal as well extremely protective and require guard dog training in order to ensure they don’t engage in destructive habits. The Boerboel has a life expectancy ranging from 12 to 15 years and has the ability to be a high quality guard dog.
Bouvier des Flandres
Anther French dog, the name Bouvier des Flandres literally means “Cow Herder of Flanders”. This breed started out doing general farm work such as cattle and livestock herding as the name suggests, but have grown to be trained as police and guard dogs. Normally living 10 to 12 years, the Bouvier des Flandres is loyal, gentle and intelligent. Their intelligence combines with rationality allows them to be highly trainable guard dogs.
Boxer
The Boxer can be an intimidating dog but is known for its faithfulness and loyalty. The breed has as shorter then average lifespan ranging from 9 to 11 years but is one of the most popular breeds in the United States ranking sixth overall. Their strength can make the formidable guard dogs or attack dogs and they have been used in the K9 unit as well leading dogs for the blind.
Briard
Although known for their shepherding abilities, the French Briard or Berger de Brie has also been used as a sentry dog, messenger dog as well as a search and rescue dog (due to it’s excellent hearing). It was almost pushed to extinction during the first world war and only became popular after nineteenth century dog shoes. Briards live 10 to 12 years and are related to the Beauceron breed.
Bullmastiff
Although the Bullmastiff has many sub-breeds and related guard dog breeds, the original Bullmastiffs went through guard dog training to protect estates. They were originally bred by gamekeepers and designed to keep intruders away. Today the Bullmastiff has a generally gentle temperament but can be trained to be a good sentry or to protect a plot of land. They typically live between 9 and 11 years and are unfortunately prone to many hereditary diseases.
Bull Terrier
The most noticeable characteristics of the Bull Terrier are their “egg shaped heads and triangle shaped eyes. The breed was originally created for hunting down vermin as well as to participate fighting and sport. Nowadays the dog functions much better as a sentry dog and is a loyal companion. The Bull Terrier has a lifespan of 13 to 15 years.
Bully Kutta
A Pakistani dog, the name Bully Kutta actually comes from from the word “Bohli” which means heavily wrinkled with the word Kutta meaning dog. The Bully Kutta or Pakistani Mastiff has a very aggressive temperament and was originally bred for dog fighting. In the modern dog the breed is very intelligent and with proper guard dog training makes an excellent personal protection dog because of it’s strong guarding instinct. Bully Kuttas usually live to be between 9 and 12 years of age.
Ca de Bou
Bred for power and tenacity, the Ca de Bou or Perro de Presa Mallorquin will not back down if challenged. Although it can make a good family guard dog it generally does not get along very well with other pets unless it has been properly introduced to them at a young age. The Ca de Bou requires a lot of attention exercise wise. The breed typically live anywhere between 10 and 12 years.
Cão de Castro Laboreiro
This guard dog breed has also been called the Portuguese Watch Dog as it was originally bred for watchdog duties and herding livestock. The dog can grow to be quite large and can be agressive toward other dogs unless it undergoes guard dog training starting in its early years. The Cão de Castro Laboreiro has a life expectancy of 11 to 13 years and can make intimidating guard dogs with time and dedication.
Canis Panther
Despite have the name “Panther” the Canis Panther is actually a strongly muscled dog breed. They can be trained as excellent guard dogs because they adapt naturally to protecting certain territories yet can be quite friendly with anyone they know. The Canis Panther can get defensive when challenged and can act aggressively but respond well to a strong handler. They typically live to be between 10 and 11 years old.
Caucasian Ovcharka
This is one of the more popular guard dog breeds in Georgia, Armenia and Southern Russia. The Caucasian Ovcharka can be extremely aggressive and hostile toward strangers yet responds warmly to people it recognizes. The breed has powerful guarding instinct and will attack other animals, pets and people if not properly trained and socialized. Caucasian Ovcharkas live between 10 and 12 years and make powerful guard dogs, yet should need to watched carefully, especially with children around.
Cane Corso
Long known in Italy as a hunting and guard dog, the Cane Corso is a strong and highly obedient dog that makes both a good companion and good guard dog. The Cane Corso is highly suspicious of strangers so should not be trained as an attack dog but makes a strong security or personal protection dog. They are generally quiet, responsive and protective and like the Canis Panther respond well to a strong handler. They have an average lifespan of 10 to 11 years.
Chow Chow
Although this breed of guard dog can look harmless, the Chow Chow is a fiercely aggressive dog and very protective of its territory. They require strong training and lots of supervision. They should not be left alone with children. Chow Chows originated in China and can make loving companions of treated well but will still retain a strong hostile attitude to strangers and other animals. Chow chows live between 12 and 14 years with the name Chow Chow literally meaning “puffy-lion dog”.
Ciobănesc de Bucovina
Originating in Romania, the Ciobănesc de Bucovina or Bucovina Shepherd Dog started as a mountain dog that protected herds against predators and thieves. They breed later become quite popular as sentry dogs or watch dogs for their high level of awareness as well as their locality and companionship. Ciobănesc de Bucovinas usually live to be between 12 and 14 years of age and can be very combative to potential predators or strangers that encroach on their territory.
Danish Broholmer
Coming from Denmark as the name suggest, the Danish Broholmer is a large and powerful dog. Used as a guard dog for many generations, it is also friendly and and very even tempered toward people it recognizes making a good companion as well. The Danish Broholmer can be very watchful if it sees strangers and has a powerful bark. It has a typical lifespan of 9 to 11 years.
Doberman Pinscher
As one of the most recognizable guard dog breeds, Doberman Pinschers or simply Dobermans are one of the most common pet breeds. They have been used as police dogs and guard dogs for many years and are known to be very intelligent and alert. They were bred to be athletic; mixing power with speed. Doberman Pinschers have an average life expectancy of 10 to 13 years and was named after a German tax collector who bred a dog to protect him from dangerous neighbours during his daily duties.
Dogue de Bordeaux
Also known as the French Mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a well muscled and very powerful dog that has been used to pull carts or heavy objects among other things. It is fairly even tempered but can become aggressive especially if a stranger imposes on something it considers its property. The Dogue de Bordeaux has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years and are known as extremely loyal and devoted
Dogo Guatemalteco
Protective by nature, the Dogo Guatemalteco or Guatemalan Bull Terrier is loyal and courageous breed that have a variety of sub-breeds who specialize in specific skills such as hunting or guarding. Dogo Guatemaltecos can be quite aggressive if bred to be so but can also be quite calm, and only protective or aggressive if challenged. They were originally bred to be guard dogs but and make excellent watchdogs. Usually living between 11 and 13 years, this breed has been used for drug sniffing, tracking as bomb detection.
Dutch Shepherd Dog
In the Netherlands the Dutch Shepherd Dog was originally bred to be a dog that was highly intelligent, trainable, friendly and protective. The breeding process sought to make the dog a well balanced animals and many of these traits have been preserved today. Dutch Shepherd Dogs are used in many police departments as well as in search and rescue missions. Having a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, this breed makes an excellent family guard dog and companion as they are well suited to a variety of environments and duties.
English Bulldog
Similar to the American Bulldog, the English Bulldog is also a short and powerful breed. They were originally created to be fierce and dangerous but have become less so in recent years. The original English Bulldog was actually crossed with a pug so the breed became much less aggressive with time. They still act as faithful watchdogs and can make good family pets. English Bulldogs usually live to be 7 to 12 years of age.
English Mastiff
Quite a large dog, the English Mastiff is quite calm and affectionate but can still make an effective guard dog through guard dog training. They rarely attack intruders unless they see a real threat and are as previously mentioned, quite friendly and gentle toward people they recognize. English Mastiffs have a life expectancy of 9 to 11 years and have quite a history as watchdogs through the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
Fila Brasileiro
Originally bred in Brazil, the Fila Brasileiro is an excellent guard dog as they have natural dislike and aggression toward intruders or strangers. They bond quite strongly with their immediate families and make very local and protective pets, even of other pets within the house. The Fila Brasileiro usually lives to be between 9 and 11 years old and makes an excellent family guard dog. However they do require strong training in order to establish a dominance hierarchy within one’s home.
German Shepherd
Undoubtedly one of the most recognized and famous guard dogs, German Shepherds are actually a relatively new breed of dog. They were originally bred as working dogs for protecting livestock but have grown to be one of the top five breeds in the United Sates. They’ve been used by the military and police in search and rescue missions as well as for attack dog purposes. Although they can be aggressive and attack smaller dogs, they also are highly intelligent and trainable by a good handler. German Shepherds usually live between 9 and 11 years.
Giant Schnauzer
Playful yet also protective, the Giant Schnauzer is a large and playful dog that requires a lot of exercise. They tend to be very alert and active which can lead them to be excellent watchdogs and guard dogs. Their size makes them somewhat a risk, especially for small children but they are usually quite affectionate to people the recognize. Giant Schnauzers have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years and can be trained quite easily.
Great Dane
Originating in Germany and also known as the German Mastiff, the Great Dane is more of a sentry dog than a guard dog. It has a powerful bark and will sometimes attack smaller animals but for the most part is fairly gentle. The dog’s size is intimidating and it’s life expectancy ranges from 7 to 9 years. Great Danes make excellent working dogs and friendly, loyal companions.
Great Pyrenees
As with many other breeds, the Great Pyrenees started out as a livestock guardian. They are confident and protective, but also affectionate and loving. The Great Pyrenees breed is generally rather quiet but can be territorial when necessary which leads its temperament to be calm, yet fearless at the same time. They breed typically lives 10 to 12 years and can take some patience to train due to their stubborn nature.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Heavily boned and incredibly powerful, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog the exact origin of this guard dog breed remains a mystery. The Swiss army has used this breed as a draft dog but Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs were used as working dogs and guard dogs years before by farmers, butchers and tradesmen. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have a gentle temperament but guard dog training helps to encourage the breed’s natural protective instinct. They live 10 to 12 years and make excellent family guard dogs.
Gull Dong
Also known as the Pakistani Bull Dog, the Gull Dong is a particular aggressive guard dog breed and can often be difficult to control. They are very energetic and can become easily hostile to strangers or anyone the dog has not met in puppy-hood. If the Gull Dong is introduced to a family at an early age it can bond very strongly with them and act extremely protectively toward any perceived threats. The breed lives between 11 to 13 years.
Gull Terr
Similar to the Gull Dong, the Gull Terr is an aggressive attack dog that was originally bred for its powerful fighting abilities and guard dog strengths. The dog can be extremely loyal with proper training but is hard to socialize and dangerous if left unchecked. The lifespan of the Gull Terr ranges from 11 to 13 years. The dog can be an excellent protector and worker but needs strong leadership to keep its aggressiveness under control.
Hovawart
The literal translation of the German “Hovawart” means an estate guard dog. This breed is very devoted to family and makes a fantastic watchdog. Hovawarts have also been involved in search and rescue missions as well as other working jobs. The breed have a typical life expectancy of 13 to 15 years and is well known for its protective nature.
Irish Terrier
Known for their good tracking abilities, Irish Terriers have been used a police guard dogs and also as watchdogs for years. Although the breed can be somewhat reserved, proper guard dog training can turn the Irish Terrier into an excellent sentry. The breed is not known to be aggressive but it does like to be the dominant animal in dog to dog interaction. They live between 12 to 14 years and have a naturally strong protective instinct.
Karelian Bear Dog
Fearless and courageous by nature, the Finnish Karelian Bear Dog deserves it’s name. The dog is agressive enough to fight or scare off a bear yet remains fiercely loyal to its handlers. They make spectacular hutning dogs, but can be aggressive toward other pets, especially if one intrudes on their territory. With a lifespan of 10 to 12 years, Karelian Bear Dogs are willing to fight at almost anytime. However, proper training can make this breed a top notch watchdog.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Bred originally in Ireland for controlling vermin, Kerry Blue Terriers have been used as guard dogs and police dogs for many years. In recent years many guard dog breeders have attempted to lower the aggressive nature of the dog while keeping it’s high energy and enthusiasm. Known to be fast, strong and intelligent, the Kerry Blue Terrier requires a lot of exercise and has an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
Komondor
The Hungarian Komondor or “Mop Dog” is a natural guardian and livestock protector. The breed’s exact origin remains unknown but it has a reputation for being quick and powerful enough to knock down even large intruders. The dog has the heaviest amount of fur in the canine world and need to start guard dog training young in order to prevent the dog from being aggressive to people it does not recognize. Komondors typically live 10 to 12 years.
Korean Jindo
As the name suggests, the Korean Jindo orignated in Korea and is admired for its strong loyalty and obedience. The dog, sometimes looking like a large fox, has been used by the Korean military for guard dog purposes as well as a watchdog for many families. They are quite intelligent and easily distinguish friend from enemy. Korean Jindos or Jindos live between 12 and 15 years and are highly prized for the beauty, loyalty and protection ability.
Kunming Wolfdog
Related to the German Shepherd, the Chinese Kunming Wolfdog make high quality guard dogs but can be aggressive if not properly socialized. In the past they have been used as working dogs and guard dogs and are still use by the Chinese military for jobs such as land-mine detection. Kunming Wolfdogs have also been trained to be fire dogs and search and rescue dogs. They have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years and are gaining popularity as a family guard dog as well as a police guard dog.
Kuvasz
More popular as a livestock or estate guardian, the Hungarian Kuvasz makes both a loyal companions and an alert watchdog. The breed is well known to be very faithful to its owner as well as protective of them in dangerous situations. While breeding has removed some of the aggressiveness of the Kuvasz, they still make worthwhile companions and excellent sentry dogs. They live to be 10 to 12 years old and are strongly protective friends.
Leonberger
The German Leonberger is a powerful and muscular dog that was originally bred in the Germany city of Leonberg. Known as working dogs and guard dogs, the breed can also grow quite large. Leonbergers are known to be friendly to people they recognize but protective and defensive toward people they don’t. Usually living 10 to 12 years, the breed is highly intelligent and responds well to positive guard dog training.
Mioritic
Originating in Romania, the Mioritic is a mountain dog that is highly disciplined and trainable. They bond strongly with their trainer or handler and can be very protective at times. Living between 12 to 14 years, Mioritics, sometimes called Mioritic Sheepdogs can be effective guard dogs if they are trained from a young age, mainly due to their intelligence and discipline. They are dominant, courageous and very vigilant.
Moscow Watchdog
Known for it’s large size, the Moscow Watchdog was bred in the old Soviet Union and is hard to find outside of Russia. They make solid companions as well as strong watchdogs and have also been known to be trained as seeing eye dogs. Moscow Watchdogs were bred to be strong enough to take down intruders and smart enough to respond to orders making them very trainable. The have an average lifespan of 9 to 11 years.
Mucuchies
Aggressive without proper socialization, the Venezuelan Mucuchies are known to be excellent workers and cattle drovers. The breed is very powerful and versatile and as mentioned earlier need guard dog training in order to curve some of their more aggressive instincts. With a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, Mucuchies are protective after bonding and usually bond with one person making them excellent personal protection dogs.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Also known as the Italian Mastiff, the Neapolitan Mastiff is ancient dog breed that is known to produce large, powerful guard dogs. Their size makes them intimidating and their natural protectiveness makes them fierce toward strangers. Since this Italian breed often doesn’t know it’s own strength and can be dangerous it’s normally recommended for more experienced dog handlers. Neapolitan Mastiffs require a lot of training and life between 8 to 10 years.
Norwegian Elkhound
As the name suggests, the dog breed originates in Norway and actually the Norwegian National Dog. Norwegian Elkhounds were bred for hunting large game and tend to be quite loyal to their owners. They have an intimidating bark that makes them strong watchdogs but get along well with children making them strong family guard dogs. With a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, Norwegian Elkhounds require a lot of exercise and play but are overall quite obedient and responsive.
Pariah Dog
Highly territorial and often called feral, Pariah Dogs vary in their temperament and guard dog ability. Originally from India, the breed is known to travel in packs in the slums of the larger cities in the same ways wolves would in the wild. They are known as scavengers and can be quite dangerous unless they are properly socialized. A healthy Pariah Dog can live to be 13 to 15 years old but many don’t live this long due to the environment they were raised in.
Perro de Presa Canario
Originating in the Canary Island, the name Perro de Presa Canario means “Canarian Catch Dog”. The breed is dominant and aggressive and require a lot of obedience training but can be effective guarrd dogs. Perro de Presa Canarios or Presas were bred to we working dogs and alter guard dogs. Once properly socialized they can get along with other pets and small children but they can be a challenge to train. They have a life expectancy of 9 to 11 years and are generally not recommended for first time dog owners.
Polish Lowland
Although not naturally aggressive, the Polish Lowland or Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a very self-confident and responsive dog. They have excellent herding instincts and as the name suggests, originate in Poland. Living 12 to 14 years, Polish Lowlands make excellent companions but require a strong will as the dog is naturally dominant and leading. They can be suspicious of strangers which makes them effective guard dogs and they will not back down if faced with a large predator or intruder.
Puli
Known for its long, corded coat, the Puli or Hungarian Water Dog makes for one of the best family guard dogs as it can be both affectionate and protective. Pulis are rather small but are very fast, agile and responsive. Security dog training can help enhance their natural protective and herding instinct. They hav been known to drive intruders twice their size away. With a lifespan of 11 to 13 years, Pulis need to be trained from an early age and children should be taught to act as a leader around the breed.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Originating in South Africa, the Rhodesian Ridgeback was actually used to hunt lions and has also been called the African Lion Hound. Although the breed is more likely to be indifferent and aloof rather than aggressive toward strangers, the breed’s intelligence and bravery can be channelled to make it an effective guard dog. Rhodesian Ridgebacks live between 10 to 12 years and make great companions as well.
Rottweiler
Another dog originating in Germany, the Rottweiler has become quite popular as search and rescue, guide dogs for the blind, police dogs and guard dogs. Living between 10 to 12 years, Rottweilers have good natured in temperament and can be trained to be highly effective security dogs. They are exceptionally strong and can be quite combative at times. The Rottweiler breed is powerful, intelligent and requires a firm hand for training, but they are among the most effective and best guard dogs in existence.
Saint Bernard
A large working dog originating in the Italian and Swiss Alps, the Saint Bernard is reputed for its rescuing ability. This breed has been trained for year to locate avalanche victims and help save lives. Saint Bernards have also been used as guard dogs as they are protective and aggressive at times. Their large size sometimes makes them not ideal for families, but well a well socialized Saint Bernard can be both a great friend and protector. They have an average life expectancy of 8 to 10 years.
Schipperke
Backing down from nobody, these small fox-like dog are smart, agile and energetic. Schipperkes are known to be quite confident for their size and very loyal to their owners. They make great family guard dogs and live to 14 to 16 years of age. Schipperkes are from Belgium but there is debate over whether the dog is a Spitz or Sheepdog in origin. The breed is also known to be mischievous and playful and requires supervision as well as exercise.
Shar Pei
Chinese in origin, the Shar Pei is easily recognized for it’s wrinkly appearance. The breed has long been regarded as effective for guard dog purposes as they are naturally quite suspicious of strangers. Even with proper socialization and guard dog training, Shar Peis still retain the alertness of a serious watchdog. They are known to be quiet and confident and have a typical lifespan of 9 to 11 years.
Shiloh Shepherd
A lesser known guard dog , the Shiloh Shepherd is very new with the first of the breed only appearing in the 1970s through careful breeding. They were bred from German Shepherds and require similar German Shepherd training to be properly socialized. Bred as search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, Shiloh Shepherds are also known to be effective livestock guardians and protective when necessary. They exist primarily in the United States and are known make excellent companions usually living 12 to 14 years.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Another breed that was originally created to hunt vermin, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a very strong prey drive and needs to be properly socialized to other pets when young. They are most effective at being watchdogs rather than guard dogs as they don’t get particularly aggressive but are rather energetic and protective. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers hive a lief expectancy of 12 to 14 years and are quite suitable as companionable dogs.
Standard Schnauzer
Very protective of families and property, Standard Schnauzers are best socialized at a young age. The breed is energetic and is was originally used as a working dog despite its small size. They are quite obedient but can be difficult to house train. Although they are not as popular in the United States, Standard Schnauzers have been used a number of times as police guard dogs. They usually live 13 to 15 years and excel in most skills they are taught.
Thai Ridgeback
Naturally protective, Thai Ridgebacks are also very intelligent and also very independent. For a long time the breed was not well known outside of Thailand and were only known to be a very old breed of dog. Thai Ridgebacks can be very loving to families when properly socialized but require a firm household with a clear hierarchy. They have an average lifespan of 11 to 13 years.
Tibetan Mastiff
Known by many oriental names that translate directly to “guard dog” or “big ferocious dog”, the Tibetan Mastiff has long been known as an effective guard dog. The breed has been used to protect herds, families, villages, monasteries and palaces when properly trained. It can be aggressive toward strangers and other animals. They are generally intelligent but also stubborn and powerful which can occasionally make them difficult to train. Tibetan Mastiffs have a typical life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
Tosa Inu
Also known as the Japanese Fighting Dog, the Tosa Inu is a natural guard dog that is protective and fearless. High quality guard dog training can teach the breed to be one of the most effective personal protection dogs as they are intelligent, good with people and will only attack on command when trained to do so. Tosa Inus live around 10 to 12 years and are known to have a stable temperament. They’ve been used numerous times as family guard dogs and personal security dogs.
Vizsla
Originating in Hungary, the Vizsla is a excellent hunter and has a reputation for being very easily trained. Although they can be friendly around people, they also have a very strong protective instinct which is nurtured correctly can lead the breed to be high effective watchdogs. Vizslas are not particularly aggressive but have a strong prey drive which can make them dangerous toward smaller animals. They have a average lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
Weimaraner
Bred for hunting big game, Weimaraners are known for the stamina and physical endurance. They have a strong instinctive prey drive and are well known to be strong willed as well. They’re quite high strung and energetic and take a firm hand to train the well. A Weimaraner typically lives between 10 to 12 years and the breed is sometimes known to have trouble focusing but make excellent companions when properly exercised and treated well.