Whether you want a dog that you could take in a war zone or you just want a pooch who helps you sleep easier at night, many dogs have been bred for generations to have fearlessness, loyalty, and the willingness to do whatever necessary to guard and protect their families. Which are the biggest and protective breeds of dog a family can own?
Height: 23-28 inches Weight: 60-100 pounds Lifespan: 12-15 years
Giant Schnauzers are strong, powerful, and dominant dogs that require strict training. This breed requires a lot of mental and physical stimulation and requires constant attention. They were farm protectors and later they migrated to city life, where they worked protecting butcheries and stockyards. These shaggy canines’ protective nature and undying loyalty make them great domestic guard dogs.
Height: 24-28 inches Weight: 60-90 pounds Lifespan: 10-14 years
If you have a large piece of property that you are trying to protect, a Doberman Pinscher is a great guard dog for you. This breed is incredibly fast and is able to reach an intruder in a short amount of time. Doberman Pinschers are a gentle, loyal, loving, and highly intelligent breed. Doberman attacks only if it believes that it, its property, or its family are in danger.
Height: 24-26 inches Weight: 100-170 pounds Lifespan: 12-15 years
This ancient breed was widely used in tribes of China and Nepal to ward off leopards and guard sheep. Tibetan mastiffs are among the very largest dogs ever bred, weighing up to two hundred and twenty pounds in males. Their prowess as guard dogs and protectors of the family is well established, with records dating back hundreds of years of their ferocity and loyalty protecting families living from Nepal to central Asia. They are excellent family dogs. Owners must understand canine psychology and be willing and able to assume the primary leadership position.
Height: 25-29 inches Weight: 100-200 pounds Lifespan: 7-10 years
They’re the tallest dogs in the world, rising as high as three and a half feet at the shoulder, but a trim body size means they aren’t the heaviest, rarely weighing more than 150 to 160 pounds. During the Renaissance, these dogs would sleep in their master’s chambers and protect lords against assassination. This dog is perfect protection because they are very loyal, powerful and strong dogs.
Height: 24-28 inches Weight: 75-120 pounds Lifespan: 10-12 years
The Akita is a dominant and independent dog breed. Although they are very affectionate towards their human family, they have strong guarding instincts and will not be friendly towards strangers. Akitas are extremely loyal and devoted pets that thrive on proper human leadership. A dog with the correct Akita temperament should be accepting of non-threatening strangers, yet protective of their family when faced with a threatening situation.
Height: 23-24 inches Weight: 66-120 pounds Lifespan: 11-13 years
This dog is one of the most protective dog breeds in the world. The Sharplaninac is also known as the Illyrian Sheepdog. They are large livestock guardian dogs that need to work and be active. They are intelligent, devoted and independent. The Sarplaninac is not a dog for beginners or inexperienced dog owners. They take their job quite seriously and will protect their flock ferociously – the Sarplaninac has been known to fight wolves, lynxes, and even bears.
Height: 31-36 inches Weight: 105-120 pounds Lifespan: 6-8 years
Wolfhounds, as their name suggests, are tough and loyal enough to hunt down large predators who pose a threat to the farm or flocks, but are often gentle enough to be kept as family dogs that get along well with children. When it comes to meeting new persons, however, wolfhounds need to be restrained or else they will bark and even attack someone who comes onto their territory.
Height: 25.2-27.5 inches Weight: 80-100 pounds Lifespan: 10-12 years
Traditionally they are used to protect herds of sheep. The Komondor possesses a natural guard dog ability. This breed is active, courageous, loyal and known for its dignity and strength. If properly socialized and trained in obedience, this breed makes a devoted family pet. Their bizarre appearance belies a very protective nature, one that often springs into action whenever it senses danger.
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