Guard Dogs for Families

Dog is said to be a man's best friend. However, you would feel moreover lucky, if your "best friend" could protect you and your family from intruding strangers and unknown dangers. Instead of a cute, deary terrier dog breed, you could choose a fierce but lovable guard dog which would be a friend and more to you. Most dogs have natural inclination to protect their territory, hence they growl at strange faces or experiences. On the contrary, guard dogs are one notch up than the others, as they are bred and trained specially for guarding and protecting. So if you are wondering which dogs can guard families better, then take a look at the given list.

Good Guard Dogs

Guard dogs can be distinguished by their looks itself as they might look deadly and seem atrocious. This scary look is one which makes them an expert in defending your house, as their looks play a major role in scaring off unwanted trespassers from your property. Dark or black colored dogs make great guard dogs for households because their dark coats are more intimidating. Other qualities that you should keep in mind while selecting your family guard dog is that of loyalty and tenaciousness. Although, dog species is famed for its loyalty towards the owner, the guard dog is even more intensely protective towards his home and owners, and is often willing to put his life at stake.

So let's have a look at some dogs which would make excellent family guard dogs.

• Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Fila, Brazilian Mastiff): They are a mixture of dog breeds like bloodhound, mastiff and bulldog. Originally, they were bred and reared in Brazilian plantation. They are renowned for their unfriendly nature towards strangers. These mastiffs are absolutely faithful towards their masters. If you live in an isolated or remote place, then they can be the right choice as your guard dog. People who don't like to mingle much and have few guests coming to their houses, can have Fila Brasileiro as their guard dog.
• Rottweiler (Rottweil Dog, "Rottie"): Rottweilers are born leaders as they guide and protect the sheep in farms and ranches. However, they are efficacious in urban scenarios as well. Rotties are considered to be the descendants of ancient roman dogs. Characteristically black in color, rotties are self-assured, distant and courageous to the core. They thrive upon physical activity and hence, can't be contained inside a small apartment. Bigger gardens or lofts are the place to be in, for them. So, if you have a place large enough for the upkeep of this buoyant dog, you can surely keep him as your guard dog.
• Doberman (Dobermann, Doberman Pinscher): Doberman is one of the easily recognizable dog breeds. Ferociously intelligent and alert, they carved a name for themselves in the niche of guard dogs. They are also famed for their work with the cops. Doberman has an athletic build and are good at running. They are also believed to be moody. But this moodiness and possessive nature makes them excellent guard dogs.
• Belgian Shepherd Dogs (Belgian Sheepdogs): Traditionally known as sheep dogs, Belgian Shepherds have also proved their mettle while working with the Belgian police. They were brought to United States some eighty years ago and ever since, they are being used in this country as guard dogs. There are four types of Belgian Sheppard, (Groenendael, Tervuren, Malinois, Laekenois), each of them are suitable as family guard dogs.
• Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Big and strong, Greater Swiss mountain dogs are a very good choice as guard dogs. Their affectionate nature and playful disposition is one of the key reasons for their popularity as guard dogs. They have a non-aggressive nature and enthusiasm to please their owners, yet, have a keen, watchful ear for sensing anything extra-ordinary.
• Moscow Watchdog: Moscow watchdogs are adorable when they are little puppies. They grow up into heavy and competent canines. Though a foreign breed, they can easily adapt to their surrounding environment. They are engendered from a mixture of breeds like St. Bernard, Caucasian Shepherd and the Russian Spotted Hound. Being large and heavy, they prefer to live in wide and open spaces. Due to their heavy-set body and adorable nature, they are considered as top-notch guard dogs that are good with kids.
• Japanese Akita: As the name suggests, they are a Japanese breed of dogs. Japanese Akita dogs exhibit a leadership quality in themselves. They are known to be affectionate towards children, though, it might require dog training before you can leave your children and other pets in their guard, unsupervised. Other qualities in them which distinguish them as a guard dog are intelligence, spontaneity, and docilely, confidant nature.
• Great Dane: Great Dane are acknowledged as the 'majestic dog of all' because of their tall stature and agile gait. As a result of their built, they also require plenty of exercises and walks. Great Danes are called "gentle giants" as they have warmth and playful temperament.
• Argentine Dogo: Originally bred as game hunter dogs, Argentine Dogos are muscular and aggressive. They thrive on attention from owners, and are also fond of children. Studies have proved that they have a high tolerance for pain and that's why, they were good in game hunting. This trait also sets them apart from other dogs, as it brands them as guard dogs that are good with children and other pets.
• Rhodesian Ridgeback: Rhodesian Ridgebacks were used for duels with lions and their hunting. This South African breed is renowned for its bravery, strength and legerity. They have an inclination towards aloofness, but are also observed to be playful and loving towards their master and family. Socially reserved and vigilant, these dogs have an outstanding record as guard dogs.

Hopefully, this comprehensive list of guard dogs is what you were looking for. Every dog, mentioned in this article, would make a great companion, friend and also fight to protect you and your family. So whatever choice you make, rest assured about the safety of your home and family from intruders.