Top 10 Guard Dogs

It is said that a dog is man's best friend. Different qualities including that of loyalty, fearlessness and being protective about the territory make dogs to be suitable for guarding. There are many types of dogs in the world that are suited for this type of work. The top 10 guard dogs amongst these are described in the following paragraphs. The list of guard dogs presented below should prove to be useful.

Top Guard Dogs

The descriptions of important guard dog types are presented below. Basic characteristics of these canines can be understood with information given below.

Caucasian Shepherd: The Caucasian Shepherd is a popular guard dog breed mostly found in countries like Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Afghanistan and Russia. The average weight of these dogs ranges from 46-82 kg. However, some Caucasian Shepherds weigh over 100 kg. Height of Caucasian Shepherds is from 74-88 cm. This dog adapts quickly to different climates. The rustic looking Caucasian Shepherd is agile and displays aggression in order to protect its territory. It is necessary to socialize these dogs in order to control their ferocious behavior. Owing to its ferocity and strong built, the Caucasian Shepherd is counted amongst top guard dogs in the world.

Argentinian Mastiff: The Argentinian Mastiff is characterized by a white-coat and strong built. These are ferocious dogs known to guard their territory without fear. The dog was primarily used for game-hunting in Argentina. Height of this dog is around 62 cm. The Argentinian Mastiff exhibits a territorial behavior and protects its territory from intruders. This mastiff dog requires proper training and it should be socialized; it helps the Argentinian Mastiff get along with other dogs; however, no matter how well the dog is trained/socialized, it won't tolerate the dominating behavior of other dogs.

Bull Mastiff: These strong and agile canines are amongst the best guard dogs in the world. The Bull Mastiff was bred in the 19th century for use by game keepers. These dogs were used to keep the poachers at bay. Height of the dog ranges from 63-69 cm, while it weighs between 50 and 59 kg. Bull Mastiff is known to have instinctual abilities that are quite strong; this dog is therefore, capable of discerning between friends and enemies quite easily. The Bull Mastiffs are best guard dogs for families as one can rely on them.

German Shepherd: The German Shepherd, as its name suggests originated in Germany. Height of these dogs ranges from 55 to 63 cm. Weight of the German Shepherd is between 22 and 40 kg. Fearlessness is the attribute which makes the German Shepherd one of the top 10 guard dogs. This dog is very protective about the owner and his/her family; The German Shepherd exhibits quite a responsible and matured kind of behavior while children are around; it is therefore, on of the guard dogs good with children The poised and composed demeanor is however, not the indicator of how aggressive German Shepherds can get when time demands.

Doberman Pinscher: Intelligence, loyalty and alert nature of Doberman Pinschers make them good guard dogs. These dogs along with aggression also exhibit a controlled behavior. With proper training, the Doberman dogs become capable of restraining intruders without necessarily hurting them. Height of these dogs ranges from 66-72 cm. Weighing between 34 and 45 kg, the Doberman Pinscher is a perfect example of attributes such as agility, endurance and strength. It is therefore, amongst the best protection dogs in the world.

Rottweiler: One of the oldest herding dogs, the Rottweiler has its origin in the Rottweil town of south west Germany. This dog breed stands 24-27 inches tall and weighs between 110 and 130 lbs. Proper training turns a dangerous Rottweiler into a more reliable and responsible guard dog. The self-assured and steady nature of Rottweilers is their biggest strength. The destructive behavior and energy of Rottweilers can be channelized with proper training.

The Moscow Watchdog: This large breed is one of the top 10 guard dogs and weighs between 100 and 150 lbs. This dog inherits the genes of three different breeds i.e. Caucasian Shepherd, St. Bernard and Russian Spotted Hound. The dog breeders of Moscow wanted to create a breed that readily listened to orders. The gentle temperament of St. Bernard and ferocity of Caucasian Shepherd have blended well in the Moscow Watchdog.

Boerboel: This mastiff dog breed originated in South Africa. The specialty of the Boerboel is that this dog is bred only for the purpose of guarding. The Boerboel should definitely feature amongst top 10 guard dogs because of its following qualities: strong instinct, intelligence, fearless, dominating and protective nature. The dog needs to be socialized while young in order to control its aggressive behavior. These dogs being aggressive in nature, one should keep them away from children.

Cane Corso: The Cane Corso, originally from Southern Italy is a large dog known for its steady temperament and powerful built. This rustic-looking canine was mainly used as a hunting dog. Height of the Cane Corso at it withers is 60-68 cm and weight ranges from 40-50 kg. This dog with a stable temperament can be easily socialized with human beings. However, it is a bit difficult for the Cane Corso to get along with other dogs. This dog is known to react only in case of a potential threat which makes them ideal and amongst the top 10 guard dogs.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: This large dog weighs between 60 and 70 kg while its height up to the withers ranges from 65-72 cm. The pack instinct of these dogs is very strong; it is their protective nature which makes them good guard dogs. The skin coat of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog displays three colors i.e. black, white and rust.

The information about top 10 guard dogs described in this article should help understand about their nature. Behavioral traits of these dogs including that of the temperament are described in short, in this article.