Many breeds of dogs make good guard dogs. Some of the breeds which make the best guard dogs will be discussed here.
Belgian Malinois
An alert, athletic and intelligent breed originating in Belgium, where they were used as shepherd dogs and guard dogs. They are compact and deep chested dogs with coat color ranging from fawn to mahogany with black tipping on the hairs and black facial masks and ears. This breed is naturally protective of their home and family and this, coupled with their high degree and curiosity and alertness, makes them excellent guard dogs.
Boerboel
A large Mastiff type dog, from South Africa, originally bred for guarding the home against threats and predators and known for their courage and physical strength. They are gentle with children and family, but their size and protective nature make them one of the best guard dogs. This is a large dog with a coat of red, black, brown or fawn and a black mask.
Bullmastiff
A cross of the Bulldog and Mastiff, they were originally bred to guard estates against poachers. At home, they are gentle and quiet but are fearless when facing a threat. They are large dogs with a short coat in red, fawn or brindle and a dark, wrinkled muzzle.
Doberman Pinscher
The breed was originally created by Louis Dobermann, a door to door tax collector who required a guard dog to accompany him on his rounds. The breed has been used as a police dog, guard dog and war dog. They are alert, loyal and protective dogs. The coat is smooth and short and is black, red, blue or fawn with tan markings.
German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd was originally bred to both herd and guard flocks. They were widely used as war dogs during World War I. An incredibly versatile breed, not only a capable guard dog, they have been used as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs and contraband detection dogs. These dogs are devoted, loyal and biddable. The coloring is usually tan with black saddle and facial markings and black tipping on the hairs, but most colors, other than white, are considered acceptable.
Giant Schnauzer
Pyrenean Mountain Dog
It is also known as the Great Pyrenees. This breed was originally used to guard flocks and later fortresses. They are excellent guard dogs being calm, serious and independent, devoted to family and wary of strangers. This is a large dog with a long coat and wooly undercoat. The coat is white, sometimes with colored markings.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
These dogs were originally bred as hunting dogs and protectors of the family. They are strong willed and physically powerful and can have a domineering temperament. They are large dogs with a wheaten colored coat that can range from light to red. The coat is short with the distinctive ridge of hair along the back from which the breed derives its name.
Rottweiler
Originally bred as cattle drovers and guardians, Rottweilers make excellent all-round guard dogs. They are confident, bold and alert and can have headstrong personalities. They are very protective of family and can be wary of strangers and are alarge, powerful and an imposing dog. The coat is short and black with tan markings.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
There were originally bred as fighting dogs with agile bodies and strong jaws. Although they are not always friendly with other dogs, they were designed to be extremely amenable with people and are sometimes known as ‘nanny’ dogs because they are so good with children. They are stocky, powerful, medium-sized dogs with a coat of red, fawn, white, black, blue or brindle, with or without white markings.
In general, any dog who is devoted to his owners, regardless of breed, will attempt to protect them in the event of a threat. Dogs that make the best guard dogs are those who are physically powerful, alert, protective by nature and generally wary of strangers and changes in the usual environment.