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Do you live in a busy city and worry about your safety? Or maybe you have small children and want to make sure they are always safe? A guard dog might be the perfect addition to your family! Not all guard dogs are created equal, and each breed has its own unique qualities that might make it a better fit for your family.
According to American Kennel Club, some dog breeds make ideal guard dogs because they have a strong instinct to defend their family and house. Guard dogs are devoted, courageous, and vigilant. If they are provided with good training, guard dogs are the right choice. If you want a dog that will not only let you know when a guest arrives but will also instinctively know when to defend you in a dangerous circumstance.
In this article, we will discuss the guard dogs good for families and what makes them ideal for this purpose.
Guard dogs good for families
Many people believe that guard dogs must be large in order to be effective. This is not necessarily true. Some of the best guard dogs are actually small breeds. The most important thing is that the dog is loyal and protective of its family.
There are several things to consider when picking a guard dog breed for your family. Some of the most important factors include:
- Whether the dog is good with children
- How much space does the dog need
- How active the dog is
- Whether the breed is prone to aggression
Here are some of the breeds of guard dogs good for families:
1) German Shepherds
The German Shepherd is a popular choice for guard dogs, as they are very alert and attentive. They are also good with children, as they are gentle and patient. However, German Shepherds need a lot of space to run and play, so they are not well suited for small homes or apartments. They are also quite active, so they need plenty of exercise. German Shepherds can be prone to aggression if not properly trained, but this is usually only directed towards strangers or other animals. Overall, the German Shepherd is a loyal and reliable dog that makes a great guard dog for families.
2) Rottweilers
As guard dogs, Rottweilers are feared by many because of their size and reputation. However, these sensitive and intelligent dogs are actually excellent guard dogs for families. They are naturally protective of their loved ones and make excellent companions.
Rottweilers need plenty of space to run and play, and they are quite active. They are also very independent, which can make them seem aloof. However, once they bond with their family, they are extremely loyal. This breed is sometimes prone to aggression, but with the proper training and socialization, they can be gentle and loving members of the family.
3) Doberman Pinschers
Doberman Pinschers are excellent guard dogs. They are alert and watchful, but they are also good with children and other family members. They do not require a lot of space, and they are relatively active. However, they can be prone to aggression if not properly trained. Overall, Doberman Pinschers are one of the best guard dogs good for families. With proper training, they will be loyal and protective, but they will also be loving and affectionate with their family members.
4) Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a guard dog that is good with children. It needs a lot of space, is very active, and is prone to aggression. This breed is a good choice for families who want a guard dog that will protect their home and children. The Belgian Malinois is an intelligent breed that is easy to train. It is also a brave breed that is not afraid to confront an intruder. The Belgian Malinois has a lot of energy and needs plenty of exercises. This breed is also very loyal and protective of its family.
5) Bullmastiffs
Bullmastiffs were originally bred in England in the 19th century to guard estates. They are a cross between the English Mastiff and the Bulldog. Today, they are still used as guard dogs but are also popular family pets. They are gentle and loving with children, but their size can be intimidating to strangers.
Bullmastiffs need plenty of space to roam and are relatively active for a large breed. They require daily exercises, such as a long walk or a run in the park. Bullmastiffs are not normally aggressive, but they can be protective of their families if they feel threatened. When properly trained and socialized, they make excellent guard dogs and loyal companions.
6) Akitas
Akitas make one of the best guard dogs good for families list. They are naturally suspicious of strangers and will bark to alert their owners of someone approaching the house. Akitas are also loyal and affectionate with their family members, making them good protectors. They are not typically aggressive but may become aggressive if they feel threatened or if they sense that their family is in danger.
Akitas need a lot of exercises and should have access to a large yard or park where they can run and play. They are relatively active dogs and do best in homes where they will have plenty of opportunities to go on walks and play fetch. Akitas are not typically prone to aggression, but like all dogs, they can be aggressive if they are not properly socialized or if they feel threatened.
7) Boxers
The Boxer is a guard dog that is good with children and other pets. They need moderate exercise and are not prone to aggression. With proper training, they make loyal and protective companions. Boxers are often used by police and military forces due to their intelligence, strength, and size. They can be trained to perform a variety of tasks, such as guard duty, search and rescue, drug detection, and even acting as a Seeing Eye dog for the blind.
The Boxer is an intelligent breed that is easily trained. However, without proper socialization and training, they can become aggressive. Boxers typically need plenty of space to run and play. They are active dogs that require regular exercise. While the Boxers are not prone to aggression, they can be territorial and may bark at strangers. Boxers are on the list of guard dogs good for families because they are loyal and protective companions.
8) Great Danes
While guard dogs are traditionally associated with being large and intimidating, the Great Dane is a gentle giant. Standing anywhere from 28 to 32 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 110 and 180 pounds, these dogs are certainly imposing. But their size isn’t the only thing that makes them good guard dogs; they are also incredibly loyal and protective of their family. As a result, they make excellent guard dogs for families with small children.
In addition to being good with kids, Great Danes also require small space. An apartment or small house is perfectly suitable for this breed, as they are relatively inactive indoors. Great Danes are also relatively easy to care for; they only need to be brushed once or twice a week and only require a moderate amount of exercise. However, Great Danes are prone to aggression. This breed can be territorial and might become aggressive if they feel their family is in danger.
9) Kuvasz
Originally from Hungary, the Kuvasz is a large, white guard dog that was historically used to protect livestock. Today, they make another best choice of guard dogs good for families. They are gentle and patient with children, but their size and strength make them good deterrents against intruders. Kuvasz needs plenty of space to run and exercise, so they are best suited for homes with large yards. They are relatively active dogs, but they are not prone to excessive barking or aggression. With proper training and socialization, Kuvasz can be loyal and loving family pets.
10) Giant Schnauzers
The Giant Schnauzer is a large and powerful dog breed that was originally developed in Germany for use as a guard dog. Today, they are still often used for this purpose, but they also make excellent family pets. Giant Schnauzers are patient and loving with children, and they need plenty of space to run and play. They are also relatively active dogs, so they require daily exercise. However, Giant Schnauzers can be prone to aggression if not properly trained and socialized. They are a hypoallergenic dog breed that is perfect for people with allergies. Overall, they make great guard dogs for families who can provide them with the exercise and attention they need.
11) Anatolian Shepherds
The Anatolian Shepherd is a guard dog that is good with children. This dog does not need much space and is relatively active. However, this breed is prone to aggression. The best way to prevent this is to socialize your dog from a young age and provide plenty of outlets for its energy, such as exercise and training. If you are looking for a guard dog that will also be a loving member of your family, the Anatolian Shepherd is a great breed to consider.
12) Caucasian Shepherds
The Caucasian Shepherds is an excellent guard dog for families. They are very good with children and have a calming presence. They need a lot of space to run and be active, but they are not prone to aggression. This breed is very intelligent and easily trainable. They are also very loyal and will protect their family from harm. If you are looking for a guard dog good for families and has a calm disposition, then the Caucasian Shepherds is the breed for you.
13) Central Asian Shepherds
The Central Asian Shepherd is a large and powerful guard dog that is also good with children, making it an excellent choice for families. Though this breed needs plenty of space to run and stay active, it is not overly hyperactive. Central Asian Shepherds can be prone to aggression if not properly trained, but are generally gentle and even-tempered dogs. Overall, the Central Asian Shepherd makes a great guard dog for families who can provide them with the space and exercise they need.
14) Alaskan Malamutes
Alaskan Malamutes are guard dogs that are good for families. They were originally bred to guard Inuits’ campsites against polar bears and other predators, so they’re very loyal and protective of their pack. They need a lot of space to run and play – at least an acre – and they’re very active, so they’re not the best breed for city dwellers. They’re also prone to aggression if they don’t get enough exercise, so it’s important to make sure they get plenty of daily exercises. However, their loyalty and guarding instincts make them ideal guard dogs for families with children.
15) Siberian Huskies
Siberian Huskies are well-known for their loyalty and affectionate nature, which includes them in the list of best guard dogs good for families. They are also good with children and generally not prone to aggression. However, they are very active dogs and need a lot of space to run around. They also escape artists, so it is important to make sure they are properly fenced in. Overall, Siberian Huskies make great guard dogs for families who have the space to accommodate their high energy levels.
16) Portuguese Water Dogs
The Portuguese Water Dog is an excellent guard dog for families. They are good with children, and they need a lot of space to run and be active. They are not prone to aggression, but they will bark at strangers. Portuguese Water Dogs are also good swimmers, and they love to play in the water.
17) Newfoundland Dogs
Newfoundland dogs are gentle, large guard dogs that make great family pets. They are patient and good with children, but their size means they need plenty of space to run around. They are also very active dogs and require a lot of exercises. Newfoundland dogs are not prone to aggression, but they will bark if they sense something amiss. Overall, they are among the guard dogs good for families and provide loyal and loving companionship.
18) Leonbergers
The Leonberger is a large, muscular dog that was originally bred in Germany as a guard dog. Thanks to their size and strength, they are still often used for this purpose today. However, they are also gentle and good-natured, making them ideal guard dogs for families with small children. In addition, they are relatively active dogs that need plenty of space to run and play. They are not prone to aggression, but they will bark loudly if someone approaches their home or family. Overall, the Leonberger makes an excellent guard dog for any home.
19) Irish Wolfhounds
The Irish Wolfhound is a gentle giant, making them a great guard dog for families with small children. They are also very active dogs, so they’ll need plenty of space to run around and stay healthy. However, their size can also make them prone to aggression if not properly trained – so it’s important to socialize them from a young age. Overall, the Irish Wolfhound is a loving and protective breed that makes a great addition to any family. Just be sure you have the space and time to commit to their care, and you’ll have a loyal friend for life!
20) Komondor
Many families choose guard dogs to protect their homes and property, but they are often concerned about the safety of their children. The Komondor is on the list of guard dogs good for families and children because it is not prone to aggression, is gentle, and is loving. This breed needs a lot of space to run and is very active, so it’s not a good choice for apartments or small homes. This breed is known for being very loyal and affectionate with its family. However, the Komondor does need training and socialization to prevent them from becoming too protective.
21) Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres is a large, powerful dog breed that was originally bred for herding and guard work. Today, they make excellent guard dogs for families. They are very devoted to their people and are very protective of children. They are also relatively calm dogs, although they do need plenty of space to run and play. They are not particularly active indoors, but they do need a daily walk or jog to keep them happy and healthy. Bouviers can be aggressive toward other dogs, but they are not naturally aggressive toward people. With proper socialization and training, they can learn to live peacefully with other pets in the home.
22) Briards
Briards are one of the oldest breeds of guard dogs, and they make excellent companions for families. They are devoted to their owners and very protective of their families, but they are also good with children. Briards need plenty of space to run and play, and they are very active dogs. They are not prone to aggression, but they may bark at strangers.
23) Tibetan Mastiffs
Tibetan Mastiffs are a giant breed of guard dog that is said to have originated in Tibet. They are known for their loyalty, size, and strength. Tibetan Mastiffs need a lot of space to run and be active, so they are not well suited for small homes or apartments. They also require a lot of exercises and can become destructive if not given enough attention. Although they are guard dogs, Tibetan Mastiffs are not naturally aggressive and can be socialized to get along with other animals and people.
24) Chinese Shar-Pei
The Chinese Shar-Pei is a loyal and protective dog that is good for families. This breed is a guard dog that is trainable, Alert, and Dependable. The Chinese Shar-Pei is a guard dog that is often used in law enforcement due to its bravery and determination. This breed does not need a lot of space, but it does need moderate exercise. If the Chinese Shar-Pei isn’t properly trained and socialized, it can be hostile. This breed may, however, become a loving and loyal family member.
25) Chow Chows
When it comes to guarding dogs, Chow Chows are a popular choice for families. This breed is known for being good with children, and they make loyal and protective companions. Chow Chows are also relatively easy to train, and they will guard your home diligently. However, it is important to note that this breed can be prone to aggression if not properly socialized. Chow Chows also require a fair amount of exercise, so they are not the best choice for inactive homes. Furthermore, this breed needs plenty of space to run and play. Overall, Chow Chows are one of the best guard dogs good for families who can provide them with the attention and exercise they need.
26) Akbash Dogs
The Akbash Dog is a large guard dog that is good with children and needs a lot of space. They are very active and require a lot of exercises, but are not prone to aggression. This breed is also resistant to cold weather and can be protective of its family. While the Akbash Dog makes a good guard dog, it is not recommended for families with small children or who live in apartments. They need a lot of space to run and play and may become destructive if bored or left alone for too long. If you are looking for a guard dog that will also be a faithful companion, the Akbash Dog may be the right breed for you.
Final Thoughts
The guard dogs good for families are those that are gentle yet still have the ability to protect them from harm. Guard dogs that are not properly trained and socialized can be aggressive but proper training can make them good pets. Therefore, it is important to consult with a professional before getting a guard dog to make sure that it is the right fit for your family.
FAQs
What are guard dogs?
Guard dogs are dogs that have been bred and trained to protect people and property. There are many different breeds of guard dogs, each with its own unique skills and abilities.
What are the best guard dogs for families?
The best guard dogs for families are those that are gentle and patient with children, yet still, have the ability to protect them from harm. Some of the best guard dogs for families include the Tibetan Mastiff, Chinese Shar-Pei, Chow Chow, and Akbash Dog.
What do guard dogs need?
Guard dogs need plenty of exercise and space to run and play. They also need to be properly trained and socialized so that they do not become aggressive.
How much does a guard dog cost?
The cost of a guard dog varies depending on the breed, training, and other factors. Generally speaking, guard dogs can cost anywhere from $500 to $5000.
Do guard dogs make good pets?
Yes, guard dogs can make good pets. However, it is important to remember that they are still guarding dogs and need to be trained and socialized properly. Guard dogs that are not properly trained and socialized can be aggressive. Therefore, it is important to consult with a professional before getting a guard dog to make sure that it is the right fit for your family.
