Looking for a new family pet that will also make great guard dog for your home as well? I’ve got you covered! When it comes to protecting your home and family, there is no such thing as being too safe. That’s why having a loyal and reliable guardian dog by your side can make all the difference. Not only will they provide security and peace of mind, but they’ll also be a loving addition to your family.
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Many of you may know by now that we no longer have Bentley and Ella, our beloved Cocker Spaniels, due to no fault of their own. We loved them with our entire beings, but my allergies didn’t. I didn’t find out I was allergic to my dogs until we’d had them for over a year. I knew that I suffered from seasonal allergies, but my allergies were on high alert even when allergy season was over.
I tried everything, and each year my allergies continued to get worse. I couldn’t do it any longer after 6 years, and they’re now in a great home with a beautiful family TOGETHER, living out the rest of their lives and their best lives.
Now I know that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. Don’t let any breeder sell you that story. However, there are dogs that won’t aggravate your allergies quite as much as other dogs. Dogs such as my grandpuppy Brooklyn, a Goldendoodle, and many others, including our new doggies. But this post isn’t about hypoallergenic dogs but about dogs that make not only great family pets but also great watchdogs or guard dogs for your home.
A dog is a man’s best friend, and the same can be said for a family’s guardian dog. Not only will a well-trained and bred guardian dog protect your home from burglars and strangers, but they will also become a beloved member of the family. Guardian dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to do your research to find the right fit for your home and lifestyle. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 guardian dogs for your home and family. From German Shepherds to Rottweilers to Akitas, there’s sure to be a perfect guardian dog out there for you!
The Akita
The Akita is a noble breed of dog with a long and fascinating history. Originating in the remote northern prefectures of Japan, the Akita has been used as both a protector and a loyal companion for centuries. The large, muscular build gives them an imposing yet elegant appearance, and they are often seen with a regal bearing. The fur of the Akita is thick and weatherproof, making them incredibly hardy and well suited to colder climates. A perfect blend of daring strength and devoted loyalty, the Akita remains one of the most popular breeds in the world today.
The Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a magnificent family pet and guard dog. These majestic animals make great companions with their fun-loving, playful personalities and can provide great protection for the family. Originally bred to pull sleds in the Arctic, these dogs are known for their strength and power, as well as their intelligence and loyalty. Their thick coats make them wonderful family guardians during cold winters, making them an ideal pick for families living in cold climates. Despite their history of working hard in frigid temperatures, these dogs still remember to be a loving family companion.
The Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is an incredible family’s companion and guardian dog. Bred for centuries in Central Turkey, this powerful and loyal breed shares many similarities with the ancient Molosser family of working dogs. Larger than the typical family dog, these gentle giants stand between 28 to 38 inches in height, making them a consistent presence beside their family members. Their physical characteristics are just as impressive as their loyalty, boasting an almost impermeable double coat of fur that allows them to thrive even in harsh climates. As its name implies, this breed loves to guard its family and will be unhesitatingly courageous if any become threatened. Those fortunate enough to have an Anatolian Shepherd as a guardian dog can only imagine the immense pride they must feel for having such a devoted family member by their side.
The Boxer
The Boxer is a family’s guardian dog, renowned for its loyalty and protectiveness. They are incredibly intelligent and typically learn commands quickly, making them easy to train. A Boxer’s short coat needs little grooming and maintenance; in fact, this breed is known for its low-maintenance nature. As affectionate family pets, they love spending time with family members and make great companions for kids of all ages. Not only are Boxers loyal and protective family dogs, but they are also athletic and energetic – perfect playmates for an active family.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is one of many large, beautiful dog breeds that captures the hearts of its owners with it fiercely loyal nature. Originally bred as a livestock guard dog in Tibet, these dogs are especially fond of children and behave protectively towards them. The Tibetan Mastiff is also known to form strong, loyal bonds with their owners and be incredibly protective of their family and home; they have even been known to take on larger animals. While they can seem intimidating due to their size and temperament, these noble guardians are actually very intelligent dogs that love to please their owners when properly trained and socialized. All in all, the Tibetan Mastiff adds a special elegance and affection to any home that is lucky enough to house such majestic creatures. If you’d like to own your own TM, Jason Kestler of Kestler Family Farm is a great place to start.
The Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is an impressive and unique dog breed with long-standing roots. This family’s guardian dog not only has the power and physical strength of a working and guard dog, but they also carry a calm, agile spirit that ensures they can become trustworthy family companions. The Bullmastiff is fiercely intelligent, making them ideal family pets that understand family dynamics and who can confidently face off any unwelcome guests. Boasting courageousness and loyalty that many breeds lack, it’s no surprise why the Bullmastiff is an admiration for so many with an eye for impressive dogs.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are renowned for their devoted loyalty, protectiveness, and intelligence. They are a natural choice as guardians, and make great watchdog companions due to their alert and vigilant behavior. Not only are they an excellent first line of protection against threats, but they also possess a keen perception of danger that allows them to react quickly in difficult situations. Not surprisingly, German Shepherds rank among the most popular guardian dogs worldwide–a testament to the power and courage of these loyal canines.
Rottweiler
Known for its strength, courage and family-protective disposition, the Rottweiler is undoubtedly a powerful breed. This breed’s ferociousness is blended with loyalty and affection towards family members; they make great family guardian dogs. The Rottweiler is an impressive breed with a history that stretches back over 2000 years – first being used to move livestock and guard family property in Rome and Germany. They possess a strong instinct for protection without being aggressive, capable of distinguishing the difference between what requires action and what does not. Despite its strength and size, the Rottweiler can be calm and gentle given regular socialization training from an early age.
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a loyal family dog that was originally bred in Germany as a guard dog. They are an intelligent and alert breed with an active, energetic attitude that makes them perfect for family guardianship. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of mental stimulation and exercise but when they receive it, they can become good family companions, provided the family can wear down the sheer amount of energy these dogs have. Although some may regard them by their intimidating appearance, this doesn’t reflect their loving nature towards family members. When properly trained and socialized from puppyhood onwards, Dobermans can be loyal and protective family dogs with even temperaments.
Great Dane
The Great Dane is a majestic creature that commands respect. Known as one of the tallest breeds in the world, these gentle giants can grow up to an intimidating height, with some males standing as tall as two feet at the shoulder. This impressive size is thanks to selective breeding and generations of dog fanciers. Despite their towering presence, Great Danes are incredibly sweet and loving – they make excellent guardians due to their size alone, but also rely heavily on their adoring family for companionship. Combined with their clownish personalities, this breed may be huge in stature, but equally huge in heart.
In Conclusion
Working with a guardian dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences. They are loyal, loving, and trustworthy, often providing their owner or family with a deep sense of safety and security. With so many varieties to choose from, it can feel overwhelming trying to decide which breed is the best fit for you and your family. Our list of the top 10 guardian dogs with their unique traits and characteristics should help you narrow down your choices. Whether it’s a Rottweiler, German Shepherd, or Ancient Tibetan Mastiff, make sure you do your research before committing to a breed. Most importantly, don’t forget to evaluate what type of lifestyle best fits each guardian breed’s needs before taking one home. Choosing the right breed will open up an amazing bond between you, your pet, and your family that can last for years to come.