10 guard dog breeds for a private home: the best breeds for the street

For owners of country houses and garden plots, the question is very relevant: which dog to choose as a reliable guard for their home and its inhabitants. The ideal watchman should have a large or medium athletic build, a pronounced territorial instinct, a tough character, developed intelligence, independence, fearlessness, endurance, be well trained, distrustful of strangers, unpretentious in maintenance and resistant to weather changes.

A good watchdog must first of all warn its owners about the threat, and only then boldly attack the ill-wisher. At the same time, even having a set of necessary qualities, any breed of guard dog needs comprehensive education, professional training and physical activity. As a result of our analysis of sites and forums dedicated to dog breeding, we have compiled the TOP 20 best dogs for guarding a private home.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

According to many experts, this is one of the bright favorites among guard breeds. The animal is distinguished by its formidable appearance, incredible strength, independent character and qualities such as fearlessness, courage, determination and perseverance.

The Caucasian Shepherd is loyal to its owners, incredibly smart, easy to train, unpretentious in maintenance and ideal for protecting the local area. In critical situations, she does not show concern, makes independent decisions and attacks uninvited guests without warning. For comfortable keeping, this dog must be provided with a covered outdoor enclosure and space to run.

Care and maintenance

From the very beginning, the breed was planned as unpretentious in maintenance. And so it happened. The Moscow Watchdog can get along in any conditions and does not require special care. The only problem is the size of the dog. Because of this, medicines and food become especially expensive. In addition, the pet is not well suited for apartment life; such a dog will feel best in a country house with a large territory. The watchdog can live outside in a booth or enclosure.

Before buying a puppy of this breed, you need to think carefully about the place for the pet. There must be a lot of it. In addition, you need to purchase a comfortable large lounger or mattress, bowls for water and food on stands, hygiene products, brushes, and toys.

Ears and mucous membranes are examined regularly. But they need to be cleaned and washed as they become dirty.
It is important to maintain oral hygiene ; chewing ropes for large breeds are a good help. If purulent discharge from the eyes and ears occurs, you should contact a veterinary clinic.

Nutrition

Moscow watchdogs are not picky: they will eat everything their owner gives them. These dogs, despite their large size, do not eat much due to their slow digestion. However, for a dog to fully develop properly, it needs a diet of three components:

Cereals (cereals, several types of cereals);
Vegetables and fruits (fresh and boiled in porridges);
Meat (several types, preferably lean, boiled or raw; approximately 50% of the daily diet).

You should not feed your dog sweets and baked goods; Giving small bones, fatty and spicy foods is prohibited.

Watchdogs can also be fed dry foods. If the owner has chosen this path, then he should buy premium and super-premium food. This is much simpler, but the choice of products must be made more carefully; good food is really expensive. Low quality food is not suitable for this breed and can be detrimental to your pet's health. It is necessary to mix a vitamin complex and supply your pet with calcium for proper bone growth.

When purchasing a puppy from a breeder, you need to find out what the dog ate. A sudden change in food can lead to bloating and stomach upset. You cannot mix natural food and dry food; you should stick to one type of food.

Muscovites have a tendency to gain weight quickly. Therefore, you cannot overfeed them.

Puppies are typically fed 3-4 times a day.
Adults – 2 times (in the morning and evening after walks).
The serving size depends on the activity of the pet.
If the dog lives on the street, there should be more food, especially in winter.

Health

These dogs are distinguished by good health and good immunity. They easily tolerate the cold, and during the hot season they try to hide in the shade. Problems can only arise if the care and maintenance are improper. Moscow watchdogs have practically no genetic diseases.

One way or another, puppies still need timely vaccination. It is also necessary to periodically examine your pet at a veterinary clinic to monitor its condition. Healthy Moscow watchdogs are active and cheerful.

If you observe negative symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting, yellow whites of the eyes, lack of energy, loss of interest in food, you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic and undergo a course of treatment.

Vaccinations

Puppies of all breeds must be vaccinated after maternal immunity wears off.

This happens at 1.5-2 months , then you need to get the first vaccination against enteritis, parainfluenza, leptospirosis, mumps, salmonella, hepatitis.
Vaccination is repeated after 2-3 weeks , then at 6 and 12 months .
It is important to update your vaccination every year.
As a rule, the first two procedures are carried out in a kennel, where the dog’s veterinary passport is obtained.
The second necessary vaccination is against rabies. It is done when the puppy reaches six months of age. It also needs to be updated every year. This vaccination is required to take your pet abroad.

There are several rules for grafting:

The dog must be absolutely healthy and disinfected from worms (two weeks before); pregnant and lactating bitches are not allowed to undergo vaccination;
The puppy cannot be walked before the second vaccination;
After each procedure, it is important to maintain quarantine (14 days);
All drug labels are pasted into the animal’s passport;
Vaccinations are done by specialists in veterinary clinics;
In case of prolonged side effects (malaise, fever, vomiting), you should consult a doctor.

Vaccinations cannot be neglected; unvaccinated animals (especially puppies) are susceptible to diseases that most often lead to death. The cost of the vaccine ranges from 400 to 1000 rubles.

Diseases

Moscow watchdogs are not genetically predisposed to diseases.

The most common problems are with the musculoskeletal system, namely dysplasia of the hip and elbow joints. It leads to deformation of the limbs, lameness and acute pain. Unfortunately, this disease is incurable, but it is possible to relieve your pet’s suffering with medication or surgery. To avoid problems, you need to monitor your dog’s weight and exercise.
The second most common disease is obesity. It occurs due to the pet’s low activity and immobility. The diet must be adjusted and balanced, taking into account all physical activity.
In addition, Moscow watchdogs are prone to allergic reactions to food and hygiene products. Therefore, they need to be selected carefully.

Walk

The Moscow Watchdog is a large dog that is prone to laziness and obesity. Walking them takes at least 2.5 hours a day. When living in an apartment, walks should be twice a day (morning and evening for 1-1.5 hours). The dog should be given active exercises such as running and swimming (in summer). Puppies are walked more often ( 3-4 times a day) for 30-40 minutes.

The hind limbs cannot be loaded . Active jumping will not contribute to strengthening, but will develop dysplasia. Such large dogs should always be kept on a leash to avoid aggressive outbursts towards strangers. Socialization should begin as early as possible so that the puppy gets used to people.

Grooming

These dogs do not need constant haircuts or trimming.

Hair care comes down to regular brushing with a slicker brush and a furminator.
As a rule, 3-4 times a week is enough.
Guards are bathed rarely, a couple of times a year. Street dogs are not washed at all: they are wiped with a hard cloth, snow, or sprayed with a hose.

Central Asian Shepherd (Alabai)

A very powerful defender and reliable guard of any objects with pronounced territorial behavior. Representatives of this ancient breed are not distinguished by a strong emotional attachment to humans, are unpretentious and are accustomed to survive in harsh conditions.

Alabais are devoted to their owners, balanced, independent, always strive to control the environment, are aggressive towards other people's dogs and in difficult situations warn about themselves with a loud growl. Being first-class guards, they are willful and disobedient “students”, so work on their education should begin from puppyhood.

Features of feeding and diet

It is important not to overfeed your pet. The diet should be formed from the following products:

lean meat, offal;
sea fish (navaga, cod);
porridge from buckwheat, rice, millet, rolled oats;
vegetables and fruits;
fermented milk products (cottage cheese, low-fat kefir, yogurt).

It is worth giving preference to premium or super-premium industrial feed.

Vitamins and supplements in capsules will be of great benefit. Vitamin-mineral complexes contain chondroitin and glucosamine necessary for joints and bones. It is advisable to exclude these products:

mushrooms;
legumes (beans, peas);
sweets, flour products;
small bones;
River fish;
spicy, smoked, salted products.

From about two months, puppies begin to be given lightly stewed vegetables, for example, soft pumpkin, cabbage, zucchini, potatoes, beets, tomatoes. A good dressing would be unrefined vegetable oil. Since representatives of the breed often suffer from allergies, each new product should be introduced into the diet in small quantities.

Moscow watchdog

This young domestic breed is a worthy option for guarding a country house. It is characterized by innate guard qualities, a terrifying appearance, huge size, strong structure, good trainability and controllability.

The Moscow Watchdog is a devoted, sociable, balanced and independent dog with fearlessness, perseverance, and the desire to protect household members and the entrusted object. The favorite military tactic of the “Muscovite”: let everyone in, don’t let anyone out. Thanks to its unpretentiousness, long hair and thick undercoat, this formidable guard can effectively guard a large territory and patrol the perimeter in harsh climatic conditions.

Arranging a place for guard breeds to live

Setting up a security guard's place of residence is quite simple. This does not require a lot of investment or any special devices. It is enough to install a booth on the territory, preferably in a place with a good view of the territory, and insulate it from the inside. You can use well-dried hay or a special bed as bedding. The area protected by the dog must be fenced; it can be a high fence or a fine-mesh mesh. The main thing is that the animal cannot stick its head through and get stuck.

German Shepherd

A versatile, easy to train breed with a balanced psyche, excellent reactions, the ability to protect and work in a team. Energetic, quick-witted, hardy, courageous and unpretentious, German Shepherds are widely used in service, search and security activities.

They are loyal friends, love contact with family members, are loyal to other animals, are very active, emotional, and require attention and regular exercise. They treat strangers with suspicion and prefer to keep them under close surveillance. Thanks to their well-developed coat, “Germans” can be kept in an outdoor enclosure and used to protect the local area.

Read The best dogs for an apartment - TOP 20 breeds

How to properly raise a watchman?

You need to raise a guard dog from childhood . It is necessary to instill respect for all family members. It is a mistake to think that the animal will independently begin to recognize and love all the family. In this case, a strict rule is observed: only one person feeds the dog, and this is the owner . This is done so that in the future thieves will not be able to feed the animal - and so that she understands who to obey in the first place.
It is forbidden to expand the social circle of guard animals too much . The dog must clearly understand: its primary task is to protect its owner and his family. Guests and friends should not be allowed to pet, much less feed, the puppy.
At the same time, guard breeds are necessarily socialized : they are taught to calmly react to other animals, cars, and unfamiliar situations. The owner’s task is to walk the dog, including outside the yard.
The most important and common mistake in raising a guard dog is complete dominance of the owner.. This animal will protect you in the future, and it will need the ability to quickly make decisions and navigate different situations. If you completely suppress the will of a dog, it will grow up scared and will not be able to do this.
Guard dogs are instilled with self-confidence, a sense of superiority over strangers, and a winning instinct. It’s worth reading about special games that develop a feeling of victory in a dog, or taking it to a dog handler. Then, as an adult, she will not be afraid to fight.

Tibetan mastiff

An ancient breed, specially bred for protection in the harsh climatic conditions of the Himalayan mountains. The Tibetan Mastiff is quite balanced, not prone to excessive aggressiveness, but is extremely distrustful of strangers and is capable of frightening just by its appearance.

He is tall, athletic, with a large head, powerful paws, long hair and a thick mane, which makes him look like a lion. The breed is distinguished by intelligence, stubbornness, independence, cleanliness, unpretentiousness in maintenance and loyalty to animals.

The mastiff tends to constantly monitor the entrusted territory, loudly warns approaching strangers about itself and immediately attacks if the protected perimeter is violated.

How to choose a puppy

A Moscow Watchdog puppy can be purchased in the post-Soviet space.

It is highly not recommended to buy such a serious dog from private individuals. You may end up with an unhealthy, aggressive pet.
A good breeder will present all the necessary documents, talk about the breed line, show the parents, and give advice on keeping and caring for the pet. It is necessary to ask about all diseases of the breed line, to clarify the presence of problems in the puppies.
Little guard dogs are furballs, fluffy and playful. They will be active and restless, and should not have deviations from the standard or obvious pathologies. You need to decide on the gender of your future friend, because males are larger, stronger and more stubborn than females, but their protective qualities are better.

The cost of a puppy depends on its class. A pet without a pedigree can be purchased for 6,000-10,000 rubles, but a show class suitable for exhibitions will cost 50,000-60,000 rubles .

Rottweiler

A universal breed of service dog bred in Germany, characterized by endurance, energy, hard work, aggressiveness and excellent guard qualities.

Rottweilers are recognized by their spectacular appearance, heroic strength, innate nobility, balanced character and incredible affection for the owner. They make attentive bodyguards and vigilant watchmen. In unusual situations, they prefer to wait a little before making a decision. They enter the fight with a swift throw, powerfully attack, knock them down and grab them with their entire mouth.

These dogs are stubborn and tend to claim leadership, so special attention should be paid to their early education. A well-developed undercoat allows them to be used to protect personal territory.

Which dog breeds are definitely not suitable for a summer cottage?

hunting dog breeds

They are good hunters, but not watchmen. At their dachas, where many people keep chickens or other small animals, they are also not averse to hunting. They are either friendly or indifferent towards people. So none of them are watchmen.

rescue dog breeds

Their size is impressive, but guarding skills are definitely not their strong point. They were created to help people, so they are genetically very good-natured and completely incapable of showing anger towards people.

fighting dog breeds

They are heroes in battles with other animals (they were bred for this purpose), but they behave almost familiarly with people.

boston terriers

These dogs are good guard dogs, but are completely unsuited to living on the street: they are afraid of drafts and often catch colds.

"hairless" dog breeds

Dogs with a small amount of fur simply cannot survive outside in the cold. He may have enough anger towards intruders, but in winter such dogs are taken from their enclosures into the house, and the territory of the dacha will be without a guard all winter.

Of course, if you try hard, you can train these dogs to be guard dogs, but you will need to go through a special course of professional training with them, and often there is no time for this. It is better to focus on those dog breeds that are naturally given to be good guards for the dacha.

Black Russian Terrier

These large service and guard dogs are distinguished by excellent physical characteristics, endurance, stable psyche, devotion to the owner, unpretentiousness and strong immunity.

Black terriers love to communicate with household members, are well controlled and easy to train. Security qualities are inherent in them at the genetic level: they have observation, courage, excellent reaction, excellent speed, distrust of strangers, territorial instinct, and are able to serve in unfavorable natural and climatic conditions.

Watchman or security guard

Not everyone had to think about how (besides size and appearance) the dogs that protect the territory entrusted to them differ from each other. But such a difference is of fundamental importance when choosing an animal.

Guard dogs are designed to promptly notify the owner of a stranger entering the territory. Trained animals do not use barking, but body language, and can, if necessary, detain or search for a person using fresh tracks. In everyday life, guard dogs warn of the appearance of strangers by barking loudly.

The task of a guard dog is not limited to attracting people's attention. A guard dog will attack the enemy and can cause serious injury to him. In fact, such a dog is capable of taking on the function of a bodyguard.

Thus, both guard and guard dogs have a highly developed territorial instinct. They will protect your property with the same courage, but will take a different approach.

When training service guard dogs, dog handlers are faced with the task of teaching the animal both classical guarding and the ability to include security skills (detaining an enemy without damaging vital organs) if necessary.

And although the sense of protecting territory is characteristic of all dogs, even the smallest or mongrel ones, it would be wise to purchase an animal specifically designed for protection.

Qualities required for a guard dog:

Balance (moderate excitability) - the animal should not show aggression unless necessary.
Courage - When threatened, these dogs must confront the enemy without hesitation.
Intelligence and acumen. These qualities are manifested in attentiveness, the ability to notice suspicious noises, distinguish familiar people from strangers, evaluate their intentions and act according to the circumstances.
Physical health and endurance. They are especially needed for dogs living on the street (on a chain or in an enclosure). Equally important are keen vision, hearing and smell.

Video: a dog guarded a flooded house, standing up to his neck in water

Cane Corso

One of the rare, very expensive and oldest breeds of the Molosser group, bred in Italy. These are muscular, intelligent, hardy and unpretentious guards who intuitively determine the degree of danger of a given situation. Cane Corsos are characterized by good manners, patience, and love for children and animals. They do not have a tendency to causeless aggression, but when a threat to the safety of the owner or a protected object arises, they make independent decisions and react in a timely manner.

The owner must have leadership qualities, as these dogs are characterized by stubbornness, reactivity and extreme mobility. Suitable outdoor conditions: a spacious indoor enclosure with a warm booth and long walks in the yard.

Conditions

Having dealt with the legislative part, you need to make sure that the dog is comfortable. If an animal is bred to guard the house, then it is logical for it to live mainly on the street. It is ideal to build a large kennel for him, in which the dog could sleep and hide whenever he wants.

Important: when building a booth, you need to take into account the size of the dog: the animal must stand quietly in it and lie down with all its paws extended.

It is up to the owner to decide whether to keep the dog on a chain or not . The same applies to the aviary . It is a common belief that to protect your home, it is enough to buy a large breed animal and put it on a chain or in an enclosure.

But in many countries, a law has long been introduced on keeping a dog on a chain: this has a very negative impact on the psyche and health of the animal.

Over time, this will become a problem for the owner: from loneliness and the stress it causes, the dog can become aggressive and uncontrollable. Getting a dog that you can only let off the chain at night, and then with caution, is not the best idea for protection.

A dog kept in the yard of a private house needs socialization and even walking just as much as a pet dog. While she is still a puppy, it is worth going to different places with her more often, introducing her to other animals and people, so as not to end up with a wild animal later.

Important: while the guard dog is small, you need to teach it to react adequately to all family members; it will not be able to automatically understand where strangers are and where they are. If there are children and elderly people in the family, and there is no time to take care of the animal, it is better to abandon the idea of guarding the house with a dog and install an alarm system.

If you still decide to keep your dog in a non-free-range environment, you should not skimp on the length of the chain so that the animal can run and exercise. The same applies to the enclosure: the living space “one meter by one meter” is not suitable for guard dogs, which are usually quite large. And, in any case, once a week the dog will need to be let off the chain and taken for a walk so that it can warm up well and communicate with its owner. Otherwise, the dog may become depressed .

Smile

Another question that is often asked is: should you take your dog indoors for the winter? One of the criteria for choosing a guard dog is a good coat. So, if the animal has a warm shelter, it is well-fed and has gained wool before winter, there will be no problems. The dog will winter well outside, performing its functions. It is worth checking the ears and paws; if they are warm, there is no need to worry. If there is no confidence that the dog is well prepared for winter, it would be more humane to take a friend into the house.

Important: you need to immediately decide where the dog will spend the winter. Taking an animal into the house during extreme cold, and then throwing it outside in the thaw is a sure way to catch a cold. In warm weather, the dog may begin to shed, plus he will already get used to the warmth.

Boerboel

African breed of working dogs with excellent watchdog qualities. They belong to an ancient family of mastiff-like animals and are distinguished by their impressive size, muscular build, endurance, good speed, agility, instant reaction and the ability to quickly assess the situation.

Boerboels are not prone to excessive malice and unmotivated aggression, they treat children well and are loyal to other animals. At the same time, these dogs are independent, stubborn, strive for dominance and are extremely active, so they need a leader owner, quality training and space for physical activity.

Read Breeds of long-eared dogs - top 20 rating

Small guard dogs

Despite their compact size, small guard dog breeds are endowed with excellent watchdog qualities. They can easily engage in battle with the enemy in order to protect their owner.

Boston Terrier

This is the most positive dog that has a “golden character”. He has mannered habits from birth, so the pet behaves exemplary under any circumstances. Small size (height - 25 cm, weight - 12 kg) is not a death sentence, since calm behavior hides alertness and readiness to defend its owner at any moment.

Advantages of the breed:

Gets along easily with both people and animals.
Learns quickly.
Loves to learn everything new.
Not aggressive.

Cons: prone to various diseases.

Miniature Schnauzer

This miniature pet has a strong character, so you can safely trust him to guard your home. The peculiarity of such a four-legged friend is its rapid adaptation to a new place. Suitable for keeping in an apartment or private premises, since the height of an adult dog reaches only 33 cm and weight – 7 kg.

Positive sides:

hardy;
fearless;
does not show stubbornness in learning;
obedient;
not whimsical.

Negative traits: openly shows hostility towards strangers.

Doberman

A popular German breed of service dogs, quite suitable for guarding private property. Dobermans are characterized by an elegant appearance, devotion to their owner, they have good physical characteristics, a balanced character, intelligence, a stable psyche, fearlessness, are easily trained and moderately aggressive.

When a threat arises to family members or a protected object, they instantly rush at the intruders and fight to the end, not sparing their lives. These dogs require a steady hand, training and exercise to build their stamina. Short hair and a slight layer of fat do not allow Dobermans to be kept outside when cold weather sets in.

South Russian Shepherd

An ancient herding breed with a spectacular appearance, remarkable guard skills and boundless loyalty. These dogs are lighter than their Caucasian and Central Asian relatives, but are not inferior to them in height, endurance, independence, innate fearlessness and ferocity.

Thanks to their unpretentiousness, extreme suspicion of strangers and thick fur, South Russian Shepherd Dogs can be effectively used in the security service even in the harsh natural conditions of the northern regions. However, this breed is not very popular among owners of suburban real estate due to its long white coat, which requires careful care.

Differences between guard and guard breeds

The science of cynology, which studies aspects of the life of dogs, classifies four-legged friends into several groups.

Depending on their purpose, dogs are divided into:
sentinels;
hunting;
shepherds;
decorative.

All guard dog breeds used to protect a private home will instantly warn owners of an upcoming threat. A guard dog is a type of dog - it is specially trained to protect the home and its inhabitants.

Shepherds drive out livestock and protect them from danger; indoor and decorative four-legged friends do not have special skills and become pets.

Cattle species include:

Australian: kelly, coli, moody;
Shepherd dogs: white Swiss, Portuguese, Romanian, Caucasian, German, Central Asian, Croatian and South Russian.

There are certain breeds of lap dogs, most of them are small animals:

terriers: Yorkshire, Australian silky;
pinschers: dwarf, affenpinscher;
Spitz;
poodles;
chihuahua;
Pekingese.

A guard dog must be chosen conscientiously. It is recommended to pay close attention to the individual characteristics of her character and special training. The animal must be smart in order to warn its owners in time about impending trouble, and bark loudly.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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The size of the dog is of no small importance.

An ill-wisher will be careful not to enter a house that is guarded by a huge animal, and will not expect meanness from a small individual - a small guard dog will surprise and frighten the intruder.

An animal aimed at protecting a home must undergo special training and learn to sense the approach of danger. An untrained animal may bark for no reason and it will be difficult for owners to understand when it is giving a warning.

Criteria that a guard dog must meet:
Dimensions from medium to large;
undercoat that allows you to survive the cold winter;
lack of trust in strangers;
easy learning;
strength and endurance;
lack of interest in other animals.

Giant Schnauzer

A large, multi-purpose breed from the Schnauzer group, bred in Germany. By nature, these dogs are distinguished by balance, self-confidence, courage, activity and loyalty. They are hardy, unpretentious, easy to train, have excellent immunity and unusually developed sensory organs.

Giant Schnauzers are suspicious of strangers and have excellent search, detection and guarding skills. They can be stubborn and require attention, regular exercise and walks. Well suited for guarding country property with accommodation in a spacious enclosure.

Belgian Shepherd

A herding breed that has four subspecies: Groenendael, Malinois, Tervuren, Laekenois. These dogs are distinguished by natural intelligence, quick wit, excellent memory, courage, good receptivity to training and devotion to the owner.

Belgian Shepherds are medium-sized, proportionally built, hardy, energetic, unpretentious, adapted for outdoor living, resistant to seasonal changes and have excellent watchdog qualities. Suitable for maintenance and security service in small suburban areas.

Description of the breed

Few people know the Hovawart, so to speak, by sight, so they are often confused with different breeds. But they have their own breed standards , and once you get to know them better, you can’t go wrong.

The weight of an adult can vary from twenty-five kilograms to forty.
The average height of males is sixty-seven, plus or minus three centimeters. The average height of a female is sixty centimeters, plus or minus three centimeters.
The head is wedge-shaped, with a clearly defined transition from the forehead to the nose. The nose itself is pointed and elongated. The color of the nose depends on the coat, and can be either black or light brown. The eyes are not located at a great distance and have an oval cut. Eye color usually ranges from a light shade of brown to a dark shade. The lips are clearly defined in a darker tone. The ears are small, soft, drooping. The tip of the ear reaches the lower line of the lip.
The body has an elongated shape with a wide chest, highly developed muscles and a straight back. The limbs are set clearly vertical to the ground, strong, capable of rapid movement. The tail tapers strongly towards the end, is of medium length, and is carried downwards.

In addition to fur, dogs also have a dense undercoat. The coat itself is not too long, slightly wavy. Three colors are considered standard :

black,
black and tan,
straw.

Hungarian Shepherd (Komondor)

One of the largest dogs in the world, whose calling is to be a watchman and a faithful guard. The Komondor has an unusual appearance, impressive dimensions, and good watchdog and security abilities.

This dog is very smart and cunning, characterized by thoroughness, trainability and obedience. Even when this is not required of her, the Hungarian Shepherd carefully guards her own territory, is wary and angry towards strangers, and at a critical moment is able to make her own decision.

Raising guard dogs

Fundamental when raising from puppy to guard is choosing the right breed. Problems most often arise with uncontrolled dogs. First of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the pedigree so that the parents have working qualities. Everything else can be trained.

First, the dog undergoes a standard obedience course, and after that it is sent to protective guard duty. If you do not do this, then you will have in your hands a trained, aggressive, but completely uncontrollable animal that poses a threat not only to enemies, but also to your family.

The dog must follow the owner’s orders unquestioningly, distinguish strangers from their own, work from play, and under no circumstances take food from someone else’s hands, otherwise such a protector can easily be poisoned.

Kuvasz

Another large Hungarian guard dog breed with a shorter, thicker white coat. The ancient Magyars used these ferocious dogs to protect houses from predatory animals and robbers. Kuvasz radiate nobility and strength, are proportionally built, have developed muscles, tirelessness, are undemanding in terms of living conditions and can easily withstand bad weather.

They have a tough, self-possessed character, courage and fearlessness, and are ready to selflessly defend their owner and the entrusted territory at the cost of their own lives. Due to their innate pride, Kuvasz dogs are difficult to train, so serious attention should be paid to their early education.

Read The best herding dogs - 20 breeds and their uses

Yards for country housing

Which dogs should you choose to guard your country house? These dogs are ideal for living in a yard, so it is best to keep them outside. But here are street guard dogs with photos that will do an excellent job of protecting the owner’s house and property, but will require careful training and limiting their communication with other family members and suburban street keeping:

Moscow watchdog

It was very popular in Soviet times, but even now it is excellent for a large country house. With proper upbringing, she is so kind and affectionate that even a child can cope with her, calm and balanced.

The pride of Russia: Moscow guard dog with photos, detailed characteristics and description of the breed

Rottweiler

Strong, powerful, highly trainable dog. This is a reliable bodyguard for the whole family, moderately calm, of solid size and distrustful of strangers. It is possible to raise a Rottweiler near children, but you will need to control the situation: do not allow the child to torment the animal, and do not allow the puppy to show aggression.

Under no circumstances should you scold a child in front of a dog : this will lower his status in the eyes of the animal. The advantage of the breed is its endurance and devotion. If you once explain to an animal who is included in the “friend” category, he will tirelessly defend them.

Outdoor keeping in the yard of a private house is an ideal option for a dog of this breed. The main thing is that the enclosure is built according to the rules , the fence is high, and the gate is tightly closed.

You cannot keep a Rottweiler on a chain, this will have a bad effect on its development and psyche!

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

This breed is one of the first that comes to mind when thinking about who to get to protect the home. And this is the right choice. The breed was bred for herding sheep and protecting private territory, and has still retained all its qualities. Decisive and respectable in size, Caucasians will scare away from your home not only people with bad intentions, but also just passers-by.

Therefore, when getting such an animal, you need to be sure that you will be able to dominate it . If you manage to build a relationship in which the owner will be the main one, then you will not find a better and more devoted defender.

But contact with children should only be allowed under supervision: Caucasians, despite their frightening appearance, love to play. But if an adult is able to control these games, then such a “carcass” will simply knock a child off his feet and frighten him.

Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog is a formidable guard breed, but at home it is an easy-going, easy-to-manage, good-natured, cheerful pet that is especially good and patient with children . Modern dogs of this breed are more affectionate than their descendants and need people more.

Imaginary dog

This breed is very happy when working . It doesn't matter whether it's guarding sheep, running around the countryside or protecting his family, the main thing is that the Pyrenean feels needed . It will be boring in the house, but outside, in the yard, it will be quite relaxed and interesting. The main thing is to give him enough attention, just like any other dog! When kept outdoors, the coat becomes very thick and beautiful.

Alabai

Another very large, ancient breed that requires serious training. To climb into the area where the Alabai roams, you need to be crazy: this animal will defend the territory to the last . They are extremely unkind to strangers and animals, so anyone who wanders onto the site will be in danger.

At the same time, the breed will require a respectful attitude from the owner. Even small Alabai will fight for seniority and, most likely, will need to take special courses to train them.

Alabai treat children calmly, they can even become friends, and over time, Alabai will get used to being in the neighborhood with any other animal - but will show that he is in charge.

Doberman

Another guard breed, bred specifically for this purpose. A beautiful, short-haired, strong, large and very difficult dog. The dog's height is quite high - from 80 cm, weight - 50-60 kg. The character is aristocratic, but only in relation to strangers. Very easy to train. Loves active games, walks, jogging. Does not attack cats if you wean him from this in childhood.

When starting this breed, you need to take into account that there is a lot of ferocity in its genes. This will have to be suppressed in the animal from puppyhood, devoting all his free time to training in the first year of life .

A Doberman is definitely not suitable if there are children living in the house, because there is a possibility (and a high one) that they will not get along . Otherwise, these are dogs that are loyal to their own and angry towards strangers, who are constantly on the alert. It is worth considering that in winter the Doberman will have a hard time outside: you will have to build a warm booth or take it into the house.

Anatolian Shepherd (Karabash, Kangal)

One of the oldest breeds of wolfhound dogs that ever existed in Asia Minor. These dogs are still used to protect pastures from predators and guard large objects.

They prefer to control the protected territory from a hill and, in the absence of the owner, will not allow even a familiar person into it. The breed is characterized by slender proportions, a muscular build, speed, agility and a strong jaw system.

Anatolian Shepherds are endowed with a subtle mind, a stable psyche, and are distinguished by a possessive attitude towards the owner’s property, friendliness with children and devotion to the family. They need a leader owner and training from an early age. Free-range territory enclosed by a high fence will reveal the best qualities of these formidable guards.

10. Rottweiler

Strong and muscular, Rottweilers were originally used in Germany to escort cattle and carts. They are sensitive to strangers and never shy. These traits likely make them one of the most popular guard dogs that can be ferocious in protecting people and property.

Rottweilers cannot react to a situation immediately because they have a habit of “wait and see,” which allows them to act, if not with lightning speed, but correctly. This way there is less chance of an unnecessary attack.

Rottweilers are considered one of the most dangerous dog breeds in the world. Therefore, they need careful training, without which dogs may not see the line between protection and aggression. Rottweilers are good with children and make a great protector for a son or daughter.

American Staffordshire Terrier

Stocky Staffords do an excellent job as vigilant watchdogs because they do not like and are not sensitive to strangers. The breed is characterized by such qualities as excellent health, strong psyche, courage, determination, fearlessness, perseverance, devotion and receptivity to training.

Amstaffs require serious training, regular exercise and walks. They can be aggressive towards other dogs. Short hair and the absence of a fat layer exclude the possibility of keeping Amstaffs in open-air cages during the cold season.

Boxer

A popular German breed of large, stocky, smooth-haired dogs that often serve as bodyguards and house guards. The classic boxer is a strong, hardy dog that quickly remembers commands, is distinguished by an easy-going character, perfect obedience and boundless loyalty.

The dog gets along well with households and pets, is very active, loves exercise and long walks. He is extremely distrustful and wary of strangers. At the same time, the boxer does not tolerate inclement weather and freezing temperatures, so he cannot stay outside for a long time when cold weather sets in.

Akita Inu

An original Japanese large breed from the Spitz group, bred in mountainous areas to perform security functions and hunt large game. These hereditary guards have impressive size, power, endurance, hard work and strong immunity.

They are unpretentious, obedient and loyal to their owner, aggressive and suspicious of strangers, capable of adequately assessing threats and making independent decisions. Akita is suitable for keeping in a high-quality enclosure with a warm kennel and the possibility of entering the home.

Medium dogs

Medium-sized dogs have all the necessary qualities for protection - a strong grip, distrust of strangers, good hearing and scent. Among other things, medium-sized guards are strong, resilient, and have a high level of activity, something that the giant prototypes lack.

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a universal assistant, used both in the army and police, and as a companion. German Shepherds are smart, obedient, animals.

Character – balanced, without unnecessary aggression. Despite the established image, the German Shepherd is not suitable for guard duty, because... The peculiarity of the breed is strict obedience, strict execution of the owner’s commands; without an order, the dog does not make decisions on its own.

To perform guard duty, a German Shepherd needs a companion - either a person who will give an action command, or another dog who will not allow the “German” to lose vigilance.

Boxer

The German Boxer is a dog with the character of a teenager, which remains throughout the pet's life.

The Boxer is suitable for keeping in an apartment or private house, but must live inside - short hair does not protect against the cold.

The pet's character is cheerful, stubborn, the Boxer is self-confident, and overly active. A representative of the breed is suitable for people leading an energetic lifestyle, ready for long walks and constant training sessions.

The German Boxer is an intelligent dog who, with proper training, will become a family protector and property guard.

Belgian Shepherds

There are 4 breeds of Belgian Shepherds:

Malinois.
Tervuren.
Groenendael.
Laekenois.

These breeds are united by their country of origin – Belgium. The Groenendael and Tervuren are long-haired shepherds, the Laekenois are wire-haired, and the Malinois is smooth-haired. These breeds differ in coat type and color.

The most common are the Malinois and the Tervuren; the Laekenois is not even recognized as a separate breed.

The Malinois, the smooth-haired Belgian Shepherd, is gradually replacing German Shepherds in military service. The Malinois is a cheerful, obedient animal with an incredibly developed ability to learn. Belgian Shepherds are smaller in size than German Shepherds, more mobile, and less prone to joint diseases. Despite their modest size, Belgian Shepherds are excellent guard dogs. This is an efficient, obedient dog, always alert and ready to protect the owner and property. Thanks to their ability to learn, Belgian Shepherds compete in sporting competitions, including protective guard duty, invariably taking prizes.

Herder

The Dutch Shepherd, or Herder, descended from the Belgian Shepherds and inherited intelligence, endurance, and efficiency.

The Herder was originally bred as a herding dog, but gradually the purpose of the breed shifted towards guarding.

The Dutch Shepherd is obedient, ready to follow the owner’s commands, but if danger arises, it will protect and prevent the threat.

A brave, hardy animal that requires constant training and long-term physical activity.

Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a young breed, bred by crossing a German Shepherd and a Carpathian wolf in the 50s of the 20th century. Recognized as a separate species in 1999.

The wolf dog is hardy, smart and brave. Cowardice, unlike other mixed-breed wolves, is a disqualifying factor for the breed.

The wolfdog is a universal breed, used as a vigilant guard of the territory, for guard duty, as a bodyguard, and also in sports training.

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is forever attached to one owner. Meets strangers warily, but without aggression. Makes decisions independently when faced with danger.

Chow chow

A guard breed bred in Ancient China. The Chow Chow is distinguished by its developed intelligence, courage, excellent reaction, learning ability, loyalty to its family and a close relationship with its owner. The ability to stand up for themselves and a strong sense of ownership, combined with a distrustful approach to strangers, make these dogs wonderful guards of the house and garden.

They always warn of an approaching person and, if that person shows aggression, they are capable of instantly turning from a slow bumpkin into a lightning-fast warrior. For this breed, free space is of great importance; they will happily guard a large territory.

We hope this rating will help you decide and choose the best breed of dog to guard your private home! If you have questions and other candidates for our TOP, write in the comments!

TOP 62 best guard dog breeds

Australian Kelpie

A breed from the group of herding shepherd guard dogs of medium height. A distinctive feature is its vision features with a wide viewing angle. This allows you to control the territory and concentrate attention on objects for a long time. They are considered an ideal dog for working in pastures, suitable as a guard dog for the home.

Azawakh

The breed is named after the valley of the same name in the southern Sahara. Refers to greyhounds. Performs the functions of hunters, guards and companions. They belong to the “one-owner dog” category. It is difficult to get along with other pets and behave unfriendly towards strangers.

Akbash

Turkish dogs of the Shepherd subsection are specially designed to play a guard role. The name translates as “white head,” which makes it invisible among a flock of sheep. Despite its large size, it has a cheerful, obedient character. Tolerates any weather conditions well.

Akita Inu

A breed from Japan that has a strong and stubborn disposition. Excellent guard qualities have been specially cultivated over the centuries. The largest of the Spitz-shaped animals. The character is complex. Natural stubbornness and hunter genes make her an active dog that is difficult to socialize.

Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd)

Powerful guard dog. Will not allow strangers to enter the territory. Reliably protects, has fearlessness and courage. The thick coat allows them to withstand any weather conditions, including extreme heat.

Ready to fight immediately, whenever possible. Previously used in dog fights, it is now prohibited. Puppies seem sweet and kind, but as they grow older they show strong qualities. Need early socialization.

English Mastiff

An ancient mastiff dog with an impressive body size. On the muzzle there is a black mask with skin folds. Corpulence is emphasized by prominent muscles. A calm, measured breed for a leisurely life. A good companion, a reliable watchdog for the family and home.

Appenzeller Mountain Dog

Medium sized Swiss Cattle Dog. Initially used as a shepherd, then as a watchman. Today he is a companion who enjoys being with his owner.

Dogo Argentino

Well-developed muscles and lean exterior turn the Argentine into a beautiful dog. Due to the combination of the best selection qualities, it has a high level of hunter intuition, a reliable watchman and a faithful pet.

African Boerboel

One of the few dogs that is not recognized by the FCI. Externally similar to the English mastiff. The guard instinct is well developed when they are entrusted with the protection of premises, small children, and private territories. In case of danger, it raises a sonorous bark with a bass voice. Capable of attacking and causing injury.

Banhar

Another name is Mongolian Shepherd. A breed with a phlegmatic, very calm character, but with a share of love of freedom. When parenting, you need to be patient. The exterior is distinguished by a fluffy coat of black, red or white color with a rich undercoat.

White Swiss Shepherd – BShO

A typical representative of the shepherd class with snow-white hair and 2 types of hair: short and long. An attentive watchman for the family, vigilant, neat and with a malleable character, high intelligence.

Belgian Shepherd

There are 4 varieties, differing in coat length. Compact, with a high head set, organic, with strong paws. Unlike other shepherd dogs, the character is cowardly or too aggressive, and always performs guard functions.

Belgian Malinois

One of the varieties of shepherd dogs with a typical color: a black mask on the face, red or fawn coat color. Stately figure with a toned stomach. He is intelligent and inquisitive. The owner will have to face stubbornness. With the right approach to education, it serves as a guard dog.

Bergamasco or Bergamasco Shepherd Dog

Originally from Italy. Refers to the most ancient representatives of shepherd dogs, which were not affected by selection work. Due to the specific structure of the hairline, they appear massive. The fur curls into dreadlocks, which protects against bites from other animals. The character is flexible and calm.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Swiss mountain dog with a typical color combination of black, white and red coat with rich undercoat and long center hairs. The character is light, pliable, cheerful. Loves family, children. Fearlessly defends his household and territory.

Bobtail

It is distinguished by a short tail, fluffy curly hair, and large size. When in danger, the guard bobtail barks loudly with typical intonation. It gets along easily in small spaces, tries to be a helper for people, and appreciates the love of its owner.

Boxer

Powerful, muscular dog. Height is slightly above average. Externally lean, with a typical slightly flattened muzzle. Can be aggressive and attack first. Intelligence is highly developed, obedience is excellent, provided the owner is attentive to behavior.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

A tall, stately dog, distinguished from the Bernese Mountain Dog by its shorter hair. She is taller, more agile, more muscular. The largest among Swiss cattle dogs, mountain dogs. The character is balanced and calm.

Dogue de Bordeaux

Large dog weighing up to 90 kg. Outwardly he looks like a formidable watchdog, although he is a good-natured person who cannot imagine his life without a family. Numerous folds of skin make it look like a huge Shar Pei. He is sensitive to danger, but will not be the first to enter into battle. Will warn with a dull bark or growl.

Beauceron

Descendant of the turf dog. They differ from similar breeds (Doberman, Rottweiler) in the length of their coat, stubborn, wayward character. They need constant activity, long sessions. He grows up very late and behaves like a teenager for a long time. Distrustful of others.

Bosnian Tornjak

The name comes from the word "corral". The breed is native to Bosnia and Herzegovina, where it is used as a herder for livestock. The height of the male dog is above average, the weight is about 60 kg. The self-confident Bosnian is difficult to train, but performs well as a watchdog.

Briard

An ancient herding breed from France from the Shepherd group. Characterized by a typical coat structure with long hanging hair. Height is high. Working guard representative of the Wolfs. Intelligence allows you to quickly remember commands and be loyal to the owner.

Bouvier

Compact, large dog up to 71 cm tall. Initially used as a cow beater. Shows no physical activity indoors. On walks he likes to run and play. Suitable as a watchdog, protecting a family, home, or territory. It is difficult to socialize, has arrogance and independence, but quickly learns obedience.

Bullmastiff

A powerful dog weighing up to 50 kg, height up to 68.5 cm. The coat fits tightly. Its impressive size and menacing appearance commands respect. The character is obedient and amenable to simple training. In case of danger, it warns with a menacing growl. An excellent watchdog for children.

Boerboel

Originally from South Africa, not recognized internationally. A powerful dog with developed muscles, strong limbs, and a toned body. There is a black mask on the muzzle. Previously, they were used as watchmen to protect children and peasants' houses. Today as a companion for a person.

Hungarian Puli dog

A medium-sized dog with a typical coat that curls into long dreadlocks. Unpretentious in food, obedient in behavior. Suitable as a watch companion, shepherd. Easily remembers commands.

Volpino Italiano

From the group of European Spitz dogs with small size and bright white coat. Despite its small stature, this is a brave dog. When in danger, it emits a loud, ringing bark. Capable of protecting the owner, always nearby.

East European Shepherd

A service breed intended for security purposes, bred in the USSR. Balanced, confident dog. Developed intelligence allows you to understand commands and words. The size is large, the coat is lighter than that of German shepherds, the back is without slopes. Protects and is sensitive to noise.

Doberman

A stately, large representative (height at the withers up to 72 cm). An active dog that requires constant physical activity. The color is black or brown with typical tan markings on the lower jaw, chest, belly, and paws. He can jump high and run very fast. Attached to the family, peaceful with animals.

Eurasier

Spitz-shaped companion dog with guard qualities. Characterized by obedience and attentive attitude. Loves to play, run, follow commands. Quickly learns commands and tricks.

Spanish Mastiff

A huge dog, up to 77 cm tall by standards. Acts as a security guard, watchman. Quickly adapts to different conditions. Understands the needs of the owner, loves children of any age.

Ca-de-bo

The Major Mastiff is medium sized with typical behavior. An expressed favorable attitude towards family and children inspires trust. Understands commands and copes with training easily. Convenient to keep in an apartment.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

A large dog with a difficult character, weighing up to 110 kg. It is distinguished by massiveness and thick wool. Nature is endowed with an absence of fear and an increased level of anger. Copes with security tasks with an “excellent” rating.

Dogo Canario

A guard herding breed originally from Spain. Belongs to mastiffs with a height of 60 cm. A family breed for protecting children, home and territory. Easy to educate, loves to be around, needs care and attention.

Cane Corso

Italian Mastiff with a natural purpose of protecting people. Devoted to the family in which he is raised. Due to the pronounced muscles, he looks beautiful and stately. Always there, loves attention.

Commander

A Hungarian Shepherd whose appearance resembles a floor brush made from a large number of braids. It quickly masters basic commands and acts as a guard and defender. The character is flexible.

Korean Jindo

Hunting dog from South Korea. Freedom-loving, disobedient disposition. Loves the owner if he understands the dog's needs. Medium size, up to 55 cm. Very brave aggressive watchdog.

Leonberger

Large breed from the Mountain Dogs subsection. Can be used as a companion, protector. The coat allows you to withstand different weather conditions. Treats others without aggression, is loyal to children and acquaintances.

Maremma Abruzzese Sheepdog

A shepherd dog with a bear-like muzzle. Height is high (70 cm). Long limbs, strong muscles for the maremma - help in overcoming distances. He learns quickly and understands his owner's words.

Miniature Schnauzer

A medium-sized dog from the Schnauzer group, distinguished by its special silver color. Very active, cheerful. Gets along well with other animals and is not aggressive.

Moscow guard dog

A huge breed for guard purposes. Brought out in the middle of the twentieth century. in USSR. Can perform tasks in different conditions. Unpretentious, obedient, suitable for those who know how to handle large dogs.

Mudi - Hungarian Cattle Dog

Medium-sized breed. Guards, protects, loves household members. It is distinguished by a loud bark, which it emits when danger is close. Energetic and courageous, she knows how to stand up for herself and her owner.

Neapolitan Mastiff

Impressive size at the withers up to 70 cm and weighing from 50 kg, typical folds on the body helped to win fights. Today it is a dog with highly developed guard characteristics, adoring children and family. The character is calm.

German Shepherd

One of the most obedient breeds among service and watchdogs. Understands words and commands and learns quickly. Acts as a reliable security guard. A real human assistant.

German dog

A stately, large-sized dog with a large head and a muscular, lean body. The calm, independent breed was originally intended as a guard dog.

Pyrenean mountain dog

The French large breed of white color is a rarity for Russia. Protects herds from attacks by wild animals, loves to engage with the owner, but has the ability to make decisions independently.

Pumi

A medium-sized Hungarian dog bred to guard pastures. He quickly masters commands and loves canine competitions. They are shepherd dogs and prefer to be close to the owner.

Giant Schnauzer

It is called the "Giant Schnauzer" due to its height. Characterized by courage, hyperactivity, love of freedom. Very attached to family. Barks when there is danger, attacks, defends.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Outwardly, they look like a lean, muscular dog, capable of covering long distances and running quickly due to their high limbs. A characteristic feature is the ridge on the back. Loves activity and running. Barks loudly when in danger. Ready to be the first to attack.

Rottweiler

Large with a powerful torso and head, strong limbs. The character is complex, inexplicable aggression is possible. Needs early socialization. Any manifestations of negative behavior must be stopped immediately.

Black Russian Terrier

The breed was bred in the USSR and belongs to the service breed. It is distinguished by intelligence, obedience, and a small amount of aggression. Serves as a security guard and assistant. Special training is required.

Saint Bernard

A large dog with thick hair. Performs tasks of searching and protecting objects. For the home, this is a favorite who loves family and children. Does not enter into conflicts unnecessarily.

Thai Ridgeback

A native dog from Thailand with red colors. Has increased activity. An obedient, good-natured dog, when in danger, turns into a reliable watchdog.

Tibetan Mastiff

Mountain dog with thick hair. Suitable for keeping outdoors due to the specific structure of the hair. Ideal as a guard, it can attack, bark loudly, and warn of danger.

Tiger dog Kai

Rare breed of medium size. Hunting instincts are better expressed. Distinguished by agility, dexterity, courage. Can't stand loneliness or boredom.

Hovawart

Mountain guard breed. Temperament is calm and measured. Good-natured towards family and other animals. The original purpose of guarding the courtyard has been preserved to this day.

Miniature Schnauzer

Small sized service dog. He has a funny appearance, but behind it lies a complex character. He is active, shows independence and determination, and barks loudly when in danger.

Chow chow

A breed from the Spitz family. The size is average, but the courage is more than enough for several large dogs. He is jealous of his owner, loves and respects his household.

Shar Pei

A noble protector, distinguished by polygamy of skin folds. The character is complex, characterized by determination and independence. Not afraid of larger representatives, often conflicts.

Sheltie

Light, almost weightless, small dogs are intended not only for protecting livestock and pastures. They are excellent family companions. They enjoy walking and participating in competitions.

Airedale

A working breed from the terrier group. An adult dog drives away opponents with a sonorous bass voice; its protective qualities are perfectly expressed in its desire to be close to its owner. By nature they are endowed with obedience and calmness.

South Russian Shepherd

An almost extinct service guard breed due to numerous wars in the 20th century. Tends to make independent decisions. He is not afraid to be the first to defend himself. The dog's appearance is similar to the Commander.