Top Five Dog Breeds for Protecting Your Household

When choosing a guard dog, appearance can matter as much as ability. A dog that appears white and fluffy might be less intimidating, so a burglar could be more inclined to test the dog's boundaries. For example, the Komondor, despite its fierceness, has a white coat and corded fur that could seem strange or even endearing. This also applies to breeds like the Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and many others.

Some owners want a dog that stays quiet, while others prefer one that barks at anything it perceives as a threat. Either approach can work, and this list includes both types.

So which five breeds are the best choices for guarding your family?

It might not seem like it, but even this young Neapolitan Mastiff (Neo) knows how to be a guard dog.

Excellent Guard Dogs

Neapolitan Mastiff
Rottweiler
Shiloh Shepherd
Bullmastiff
Boerboel

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_Neapolitan Mastiffs usually stay around the home on guard duty.

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_Older Neapolitan Mastiffs are quiet and watch everything around them.

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1. Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff stands out as a top family guard dog due to its size, appearance, and tendency to wait and then confront an intruder threatening its family. It is a large breed, weighing between 60 and 70 kilograms (130 to 150 pounds), with a long body, a massive head, and a loose gray coat (though other colors exist).

This dog forms strong protective bonds with its family, so early socialization is essential if children will have visitors. That is essentially the only drawback to choosing a Neapolitan Mastiff. In a busy home with many guests, the Neo may become uncomfortable. There have been cases where this breed fought strangers and defended their families at great risk, but they cannot always distinguish a harmless visitor from someone intending harm.

As with all giant breeds, health issues are common. Neos may suffer from eye conditions such as cherry eye and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), eyelid problems, hip dysplasia, bloat, skin fold infections, and several less frequent issues.

Neos typically live only seven or eight years, but during that time they will likely stay in your yard, bark rarely, never wander off, and watch over your family when protection is needed.

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_The Rottweiler is a good watchdog and also great as a guard.

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_Rottweilers look like guards.

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2. Rottweiler

Rottweilers rank among the best family watchdogs and guard dogs. Until the 19th century, they were used primarily as herding dogs, but their strength and instincts have made them valuable guards for the military, police, and families seeking a loyal companion.

They excel in personal protection competitions due to their intelligence and power. (Lists of top dogs vary, but as noted in this book, Rotties are in the top ten. For those interested in a new family guard dog, I suggest reading this book about canine intelligence.) Rottweilers use their weight—50 to 60 kilograms (about 110 to 130 pounds)—to defend their family.

Rottweilers have some health concerns. Hip dysplasia is the most serious. Breeding dogs should have their hips x-rayed and certified, though this is not a guarantee. They may also experience eyelid problems, cancer, and a few less common issues.

Rottweilers live only about nine or ten years. If kept as a family guard dog, their food intake must be managed to prevent obesity. Like all large dogs, they need proper socialization and training. Rottweilers are distant with strangers but warm with their family. If you want a dog that barks while guarding its territory, they can certainly be the best family guard dog.

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_Shiloh Shepherds are good guard dogs.

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_Shiloh Shepherds are good family guard dogs.

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3. Shiloh Shepherd

This breed is uncommon but deserves consideration for anyone seeking a good family guard dog. They are closely related to German Shepherds but have been bred for more stable temperaments and to be great family dogs—good with children and other animals.

Shilohs are slightly larger than German Shepherds, typically weighing about 55 to 65 kilograms (120 to 140 pounds).

Shiloh Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia and bloat, like all large dogs. They also seem more susceptible to certain intestinal and pancreatic diseases, but because they are still rare, it is hard to be certain.

They live about 10 or 11 years, similar to a German Shepherd. They have the same guarding ability as German Shepherds, but since they were bred to work with children, they are an excellent choice for a family guard dog.

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_The Bullmastiff is a natural family guard.

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_A Bullmastiff does not bark much but he will guard.

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4. Bullmastiff

These dogs are called Bullmastiffs because they are a mix of 40% Bulldog and 60% Mastiff. They can be fawn, dark red, or brindle, and at about 50 kilograms (110 pounds) they make an impressive-looking guard dog.

They are natural guards and most spend their time looking after the family. They do not bark much except when they sense danger. With a dog this large, proper socialization as a puppy and training by all family members are necessary.

They have many health problems. About a quarter have hip dysplasia, many have eye issues like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and they are prone to bloat and arthritis.

They only live to be about eight years old, but during that time they make natural family guard dogs.

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_The Boerboel is a family guard dog.

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_The Boerboel is a large and powerful guard.

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5. Boerboel

I have to list the Boerboel last, not because he is inferior to the others, but simply because of his looks.

He is large and powerful, but his color is not as imposing as some other guards. Their background is uncertain, but they may be related to Bullmastiffs and African dogs that defended homesteads against lions and other predators.

They are impressive-looking dogs, however. Their heads are large and blocky, their bodies thick and muscular (60 to 80 kilograms, or about 130 to 170 pounds), and they look ready to defend the family and the homestead.

This dog is normally healthy, but like all big dogs can suffer from hip dysplasia. Some also have eyelid problems.

Boerboels usually live about 10 years. If they are around the family, they should be well socialized, and like all large dogs, they need training. If treated properly, they will make an excellent family guard dog.

This video is short but really good. The girl is not injured, and they are only playing.

Where to Find a Dog

These five breeds are the best, but of course most dogs will guard the family and like kids. You should check with your local animal shelter and see if they have a dog that has the size and attitude you are looking for.

You can also check with Petfinder.com. These types of dogs are given up at times (maybe the owner is moving to an apartment and can no longer keep the dog) so it is worth looking at the shelters in your area.

Do not buy one of these dogs from a pet shop or on the internet. You will be supporting a puppy mill. If you are interested in obtaining a good dog, go to a dog show and look at the best representatives of the breed you are looking for. Talk to the breeders that are showing that type of dog and find out some of the requirements.

Finding a good family guard dog may not be easy, but it will definitely be worth it.

Questions & Answers

Question: Is the Cane Corso breed a good guard dog?

Answer: They are great guard dogs, one of the best for personal protection, but not a good guard dog for a family. If you are a single person, have experience with dogs, and want a good companion to watch your house (and your back) they are a great choice.

Question: Should I get a Rottweiler or an English Mastiff for an all-round guard dog?

Answer: English Mastiffs are nice dogs, but a little too calm for guard dog duties. The Rottweiler is your best choice.

Question: Do you think Dogo Argentino is a good guard dog for a family?

Answer: They can be as long as they are raised around the family and recognize the members as part of their own. They were bred as hunters, however, and are not as likely to want to lie around as most Neopolitan Mastiffs.

Question: What dog breed is good for someone who owns a day home but also wants their property to be protected? Essentially, a dog that will keep the home and family safe, but is good around many different children?

Answer: Unfortunately, I do not think there is any breed of dog that is always 100% safe around small children that are not attended. The dogs on this list are great, and if they know the family they are super, but when a strange child starts hitting a dog on the head and pulling his ears all guard dog breeds are going to be upset.

The best thing that you can do is keep your dog confined during the day when your home is serving as a daycare. As soon as the kids are gone for the day the dog can be let out to be around your family and to protect your property.

This is the safest option for all involved.

Question: We are looking for a guard dog for our home and ranch. We need a dog for coyotes, to go with the horses, round up the cattle and defend our home. What breeds of dog would you recommend?

Answer: The problem with most of the livestock guard dogs is that they are bred to have low energy so would not be good for taking out on trail rides. The only dog breed that might work in your situation is the Kuvasz, a Hungarian breed. See if you like the way they look. Anatolians are great but they do lie around since they have to watch the sheep.

Question: Do Presa Canarios make good guard dogs?

Answer: The Presa Canario is a large, good-looking livestock guard dog breed. I think they are appropriate for a single person or a couple that has experience with dogs. I do not think they are one of the best family guard dogs, which is why they are not on this list.

Question: Would an Anatolian Shepherd make a good family guard dog?

Answer: Although Anatolian Shepherds are awesome dogs and large and tough enough to take care of your family, their greatest weakness is their need for exercise. They were bred to protect the herd, and are used to walking all day long. Most of the people who get one of these dogs and then ask them to hang around the house all day end up unhappy.

A breed like the Neopolitan Mastiff, however, is not an excessive walker and will be satisfied hanging around the house and watching your family.

Top Five Dog Breeds for Protecting Your Household