It’s not easy to know what makes a good guard dog. Great Danes? They’re big but way too friendly. Greyhounds? Too quiet. What you need is a protective, vigilant, and — whether you want a watchdog or a guard dog — intimidating canine who’ll bark like heck when a stranger comes knocking. To help you find the best protection dog, we’ve researched dozens of breeds to bring you 20 top-tier guard and watchdogs.
Size: Small
Kid-friendly: Yes
Training: Moderate
Don’t be fooled by this lap dog’s size or cute face. The Lhasa apso’s original Tibetan name means “Bark Lion Sentinel Dog” because it would work in tandem with mastiffs to guard monasteries. And because of their small size, they’re a logical choice for apartment-dwellers who need a watchdog. That said, don’t expect a Lhasa to stop an intruder. While they may think they’re big dogs, they only weigh around 12 to 15 pounds.
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Size: Medium
Kid-friendly: Yes
Training: Moderate
Fearless, protective, and muscular, the Boxer is the perfect all-around guard dog, which is why they’re so often used in military and police contexts. Unlike a Lhasa, a properly-trained boxer will stop an intruder in their tracks. And yet, they’re also incredibly loyal, friendly, and gentle around children.
Size: Medium
Kid-friendly: Yes
Training: Easy
Like the Boxer, the German Shepherd possesses all the traits that make a courageous guard dog. They’re eminently trainable, intelligent, and vocal when they have to be, though they do require a lot of attention. But if you’re prepared to put in the work, these dogs are exemplary guardians and even better companions.
Size: Large
Kid-friendly: Yes
Training: Moderate
Large and in charge, the Tibetan Mastiff is a gargantuan and imposing fluffball that isn’t afraid to subdue intruders with its pure size and strength. It may be difficult to find one of these in the U.S., and if you do find one, you’ll pay top dollar for this extra-large companion. But if you have the dough, then there aren’t many breeds that can match the Tibetan Mastiff’s domineering size and strength.
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Size: Large
Kid-friendly: No
Training: Hard
Bred to take on boars and bears in Japan’s forests, the Akita is powerful, protective, and fearless, making it the quintessential guard dog. Seeing the breed’s potential, the Emperor of Japan and samurai even employed them as royal sentinels. But for the same reasons that make the Akita an excellent protector, the breed can also be aggressive, stubborn, and difficult to handle.
Size: Medium
Kid-friendly: Yes
Training: Moderate
The Puli may look more like a mop than a vicious guard dog, but this herding breed is known for its protectiveness, particularly around children. Well-trained Pulik — the plural of Puli — are even known to watch over little ones, keeping them out of danger. That level of vigilance, combined with the breed’s penchant for barking, makes the puli a model guard dog.
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Size: Medium
Kid-friendly: Yes
Training: Easy
Hailing from the Swiss Alps, the Appenzeller Sennenhund was bred to herd and guard cattle. But this mountain breed also excels as a watchdog thanks to its fearlessness, intelligence, and mistrustful nature. (The American Kennel Club claims they can’t be bribed). And as long as they’re well-trained and socialized, it’s safe to leave your children with these cheerful working dogs.
Size: Medium
Kid-friendly: Yes
Training: Hard
With their floppy ears and permanent frown, the beagle isn’t exactly menacing. But as any beagle owner knows, they sure can bark, and that’s all you need in a good watchdog. And with their keen sense of smell and perceptivity, nothing is likely to get past a patrolling beagle.
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Size: Large
Kid-friendly: No
Training: Easy
The Cane Corso has been guarding homes since before the fall of ancient Rome. It’s in the breed’s Latin name: “bodyguard dog.” These massive canine bodyguards regularly weigh over 100 pounds, which, combined with the Cane Corso’s square jaw and athletic frame, makes this one intimidating animal.
Size: Large
Kid-friendly: No
Training: Hard
A “pariah dog,” the Thai ridgeback wasn’t bred like the German Shepherd; rather, this dog breed developed almost entirely through natural selection. But humans quickly learned that Thai Ridgebacks are athletic, hard-working guard dogs and hunting companions, which is how they’ve been used in Southeast Asia. However, first-time dog owners should be aware that the ridgeback is notoriously difficult to train.
Size: Large
Kid-friendly: Yes
Training: Easy
The Doberman Pinscher has a reputation for being vicious — and it’s not totally unwarranted. After all, there’s a reason these protective, courageous canines make good watchdogs. But just because they’re fierce guardians doesn’t mean they’re always ferocious. On the contrary, they can be great companions and family dogs, provided you train them well.
Size: Medium
Kid-friendly: Yes
Training: Easy
Full of energy, intelligence, and protectiveness, the Aussie is a force to be reckoned with, and owners should be prepared to spend lots of time playing with these ranch dogs. So if you have the time and want a tireless companion who’ll double as a watchdog, then look no further than the Australian Shepherd.
Size: Large
Kid-friendly: Yes
Training: Hard
Weighing in at around 150 pounds and standing at 27 inches tall, can we even be sure that the Boerboel is a dog and not a small horse? Whatever it is, this South African breed makes a worthy guard dog — and not just because of its size. These dominant pups are also protective and devoted to their owners, though the inexperienced should do their research before settling on this massive breed.
Size: Medium
Kid-friendly: No
Training: Easy
Israel’s national dog, the Canaan has been roaming the deserts of the Middle East for thousands of years. And because of its protective shyness and mistrustful attitude, this tough pariah dog makes a capable and watchful guardian.
Size: Large
Kid-friendly: Yes
Training: Easy
The Bouvier des Flandres, or “cow herder of Flanders,” was bred as a Belgian working dog, though today the Bouvier is commonly used in law enforcement and as a guard dog. And we see why. Put simply, the Bouvier is “built differently,” with its large bones and sinewy frame.
Size: Large
Kid-friendly: No
Training: Moderate
It may sound very French and very elegant, but the Beauceron is a muscular and intimidating breed known for its aptitude as a guardian. To know what it’s like to own a Beauceron, the AKC says to “imagine a border collie’s brain in a 100-pound body,” which, to be frank, is a little frightening.
Size: Large
Kid-friendly: Yes
Training: Yes
The largest of the German Schnauzers, this centuries-old breed was developed in the Bavarian Alps as a working dog. The AKC’s official breed standard describes the ideal giant schnauzer as “a bold and valiant figure of a dog.” And who wouldn't want a bold and valiant guard dog?
Size: Large
Kid-friendly: Yes
Training: Moderate
This shepherding dog traces its roots back to Bosnia and Herzegovina, where it was bred as a livestock guardian. And we see why. While the Tornjak may be friendly with its human friends, it also has a darker, more aggressive side when encountering other animals — or humans who threaten the Tornjak’s flock.
Size: Large
Kid-friendly: Yes
Training: Easy
Even its name inspires fear — or it ought to. This brawny English guard dog has been chasing down poachers and other baddies since the 19th century, so it will make an excellent guard dog. That said, the bullmastiff is also loving and mellow around friends and family. And while the Bullmastiff may look like a bodybuilder, its calm disposition means that it’ll be content with a few short walks every day.
Size: Medium
Kid-friendly: Yes
Training: Easy
Despite its name, the Spanish Water Dog makes an excellent terrestrial companion. In fact, the breed’s name is a misnomer, as these dogs were bred to herd and guard livestock. And while they’re friendly around compatriots, intruders beware; these vigilant hounds mean business.
