Dogs are all very loyal and intelligent animals. That is exactly why they play such a huge part in our lives and our families. However, to many households and properties, dogs are far more than just a family member.
Many households and businesses use dogs for protection, not just family pets. This is because they are incredibly loyal creatures that would do anything for their owners. However, some dogs are bred to be more loyal and protective than others. These are the dogs that are typically purchased by families and businesses with protection in mind.
In this article, we will take a look at the best and most common dog breeds to help protect your home and properties.
Why Do Homes & Businesses Need Guard Dogs
While it is not exactly commonplace for all businesses and households to have guard dogs, many still do. This is because the protection and loyalty of the guard dog is just another line of defence and deterrent against any potential suspicious behaviour or even burglaries.
Between 2022 and 2023 there were over 191,490 reported burglaries across England and Wales. That is an average of 525 a day and a house being burgled every 165 seconds.
Data has shown that you are 67% less likely to be burgled if you have a loud barking dog present in your home. These statistics are based on any barking dog. So you can only imagine how much more of a deterrent a dog trained for protection would be.
In addition to this, many businesses use guard dogs to help fully secure their premises. This is because the dogs will be used to patrol areas, detect intruders, and provide an extra layer of protection to properties that can act instantly in the event of a threat.
The 10 Best Breeds of Guard Dog
In the UK for a dog to be defined as a guard dog the breed must have been approved and defined by the National Association of Security Dog Users (NASDU). Several different breeds within the UK are commonly used as guard dogs across both commercial and residential properties. However, some are more popular and more effective than others.
Akitas
The beautiful Japanese Akita is one of the most loyal breeds of dogs there is. They were originally bred to guard Japanese royalty as the loving canine is highly attentive, sharp and brave. Their protective nature, build, size and love for their owners make them extremely fierce and effective guard dogs.
This courageous breed is naturally suspicious of strangers and will constantly watch over you, your family and your property at all times. While the dog will require very stringent obedience training and guard dog training, the breed will typically perform its natural guarding duties with little to no proper training. However, firm training is necessary to help prevent any unnecessary aggression or standoffishness.
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are a beautiful breed which was originally bred to protect the game from poachers in the English countryside. The bullish look and large stature of this amazing breed are more than enough to intimidate intruders. However, the bullmastiff is a born protector which is bred with natural guarding instincts and is therefore an amazing guard dog for any property.
These dogs will protect the perimeter of their properties and will not hesitate to charge at anyone they feel poses a threat. Because of their natural guarding instincts, the bullmastiff needs structured and stringent training to reinforce the breed’s natural guarding instincts in a much more controlled manner.
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are one of the most popular guard dog breeds in the world, and it is clear to see why. The breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty and protective nature which makes them a very popular and effective guard dog. Dobermans create incredibly strong bonds with their owners and therefore develop a fierce loyalty to them.
They are bred to have a natural protection instinct with little to no training. However, a stringent training regime will turn these stunning dogs into very loving yet calculated guard dogs. All of these amazing qualities make them amazing family dogs whose protective instincts can be triggered in the vent of any danger.
Rottweilers
Rottweilers are a breed that has previously had a bad reputation for being an aggressive dog breed. However, the breed is extremely loving, friendly and intelligent. These gentle giants are incredibly loyal and affectionate but are typically very hesitant to strangers until they can verify that they pose no threat.
The sheer size and stature of these gorgeous dogs can be enough of a deterrent from any suspicious behaviour. However, with strict training and a consistent routine rottweilers make amazing natural guard dogs that will do anything to protect their owners.
Australian Shepherds
Australian shepherds are a highly devoted and highly intelligent breed that are bred to be lean and tough working dogs. These dogs create an unbreakable bond with their owners and family and therefore take their role of guarding them incredibly seriously.
These loyal characteristics cause the dogs to be extremely protective and even aggressive towards anybody or anything that they see as a threat. With the right training and a strict schedule, these Australian Shepherds can be nurtured into the perfect family guard dog.
Belgian Malinois
The incredibly intelligent and athletic Belgian Malinois breed is one of the military and police forces’ favourite breeds. Its high energy, agility, and intelligence make these dogs one of the most fired guard dogs in the world. They were originally bred as herding dogs, which gives them a natural protective instinct over their families and flocks.
These dogs’ high energy and athleticism help them to thrive when they have a job to perform. Specialised training and proper socialisation to be comfortable in unfamiliar situations make these dogs phenomenal family dogs and extremely effective guard dogs.
Cane Corso
The cane corso breed is an Italian dog breed that was originally bred as war guard dogs and hunters. The breed has an extremely large stature and heavy frame is incredibly intimidating and is a phenomenal deterrent of its own. However, these dogs are incredibly loyal and powerful which makes them an incredibly effective guard dog breed.
The bite force, power, size, intimidation and personality make these dogs incredibly popular for protection work. However, with the correct training and routine, these powerful dogs can be made into the perfect loving family dog that will only use their aggression and power when they sense a threat.
Komondor
While these unique dogs are known mostly for their signature ‘dreadlocks’, you should not let their looks fool you. These incredibly large dogs are incredibly strong and powerful. This, along with its courageous working dog nature, makes this breed a brilliant protector of you, your family and your property.
This breed possesses a very strong protective instinct and loyalty that gives them the purpose and need to protect their family. With a structured training program, you can shape the breed’s natural desire to protect into a more controlled and calculated threat to any potential dangers.
German Shepherd
German shepherds are the ultimate guard dog. These beautiful dogs are incredibly loving, kind-hearted, gentle, and loyal. Their incredible level of loyalty and instinctual need to protect along with their incredible power and intelligence makes these dogs the best guard dog and friend that you could need.
Similar in looks and temperament to the Belgian Malinois, the German Shepherd is once again a favourite amongst the military and police forces. These dogs are bred to protect and serve and will do everything in their power to keep their owners and family safe. These dogs are also easily trained and can therefore be trained into extremely effective guard dogs.
Guard Dog Services From Crime Guard
Here at Crime Guard, we have an expert team of highly experienced, professionally trained and licensed dog handlers. Our security guard dogs services are very effective at carrying out patrols around your premises, providing high-quality security solutions, and deterrents.
