Protection dogs are dogs that are specifically trained to protect a person or property. They are also colloquially referred to as guard dogs.
In practice, however, there are clear differences. A guard dog is primarily there to raise the alarm in the event of a potential danger. Protection dogs, on the other hand, can also:
- Attack on command
- Patrol
While most guard dogs do not need any training, protection dogs are specifically trained. You have to circumvent the so-called “protection dog training”.
These breeds are also very self-confident compared to other four-legged friends, have a strong protective instinct and are generally very attentive. [1]
Below you will learn about the 31 best protection dogs, their characteristics and what makes them special.
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#1 Rottweiler
The Rottweiler: Brave, fearless and loyal. He is the perfect shepherd, rescue, guard and police dog. A real protection dog.
They are super trainable. No wonder! After all, they are among the top 10 most intelligent and also among the strongest dogs in the world.
The males are usually very confident and fearless. Females, on the other hand, tend to be more trusting. But they are both friendly.
They need a lot of exercise and are the ideal guard dogs. Maybe it's better to let them sleep in the garden as they snore very often. [2]
Fun fact: Maybe you still know the old children's game “Lotti-Karotti”? Connoisseurs call this four-legged friend a similar name: Rott or Rottie.
#2 Malinois
The Malinois comes from Belgium and was primarily bred to work as a sheepdog. For example, during the World War for transporting wounded soldiers. [3]
However, this protection dog breed is suitable for almost any purpose. Because you are really trainable, active and friendly.
They are also suitable for family life. No matter whether for family trips or sports. Because they are great jogging partners.
In general, they are very versatile. For example, as a sniffer dog for the military and police for bombs, drugs, cash and even corpses.
Fun fact: When making your next Amazon delivery, it's better to warn the postman in advance, because this four-legged friend is so protective that he often stands in front of his master.
#3 Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman, an ideal watchdog. Territorial and protective by nature. They protect their family, to whom they are also very trusting.
They actually have floppy ears, which were previously “cropped”, i.e. cut to a point. Today, however, this is banned in Germany.
They have a very difficult time tolerating strangers and usually react aggressively. In the past, the protection dog breed was even used for dog fights. [4]
They are very proud and self-confident animals, but they still react sensitively to criticism and have difficulty staying alone.
Fun fact: If your Doberman is afraid of bad weather, for example, you will notice at the first bad thunderstorm that you suddenly have a lap dog with you.
#4 German Shepherd
The German Shepherd was originally bred as a work dog. Today, however, he is primarily a family, police, military, guard and rescue dog.
They are particularly obedient and loyal and are very trusting towards the family. Just a few points why they are the second most popular dog breed.
These protection dogs have a really powerful bite, a whopping 73% of the strength of a shark! Also 225 million olfactory receptors. So around 45 times more than us humans. [5]
They are good for beginners and are also very friendly with the family. However, it is very difficult for them to stay alone, as they start to bark, gnaw and dig.
Fun fact: Anyone who finds it difficult to say goodbye to puppyhood will hit the jackpot with the German Shepherd! They sometimes suffer from pituitary dwarfism. Even in old age, the dogs look like puppies.
#5 Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff originally comes from Great Britain and is one of the top 50 most popular dog breeds worldwide.
They need to be socialized very early, otherwise they often become very independent. In most cases, however, they are very trusting towards family and children.
They are also often used in films. Like Sylvester Stallone's own guard dog in «Rocky.» [6]
They used to be trained to detain thieves without injuring them. Because they are very strong. Her pain tolerance is also very high.
Fun fact: If you have problems with your gastrointestinal tract, no problem! With this breed, you can also blame any smells on the dog. Because they also often have flatulence.
#6 Hollandse Herdershond
The Hollandse Herdershond comes in two types: long-haired and short-haired. Depending on the species, they get along well with heat and cold.
They originally come from Holland. In the past, they were mainly kept as sheepdogs on farms and are therefore versatile. [7]
Some of them also serve as protection dogs. They behave friendly towards children. The same applies to other dogs. They are therefore also suitable as family dogs.
However, they are also used for work as police, search and rescue dogs. Sometimes also as service dogs, due to their excellent trainability.
Fun fact: Anyone who has fallen in love with Dobby from Harry Potter will love this dog breed. At birth they have almost the full size of their ears and are considered particularly cute.
#7 Great Dane
The Great Dane, as the name suggests, comes from Germany. On average, these four-legged friends only live between 8 and 10 years.
They need a lot of exercise and were originally bred as hunting dogs for large game animals, although they only have a mediocre hunting instinct.
This type of Great Dane is one of the top 16 most popular dog breeds. Zeus and Titan are the most popular names for this protection dog breed.
By the way, “Zeus” holds the world record for the largest dog. He was a whopping 225cm tall when standing on his hind feet. [8]
Fun fact: Anyone who enjoyed watching “Scooby-Doo” as a child will quickly recognize this four-legged friend. Because Scooby was a Great Dane.
#8 Cane Corso Italiano
The Cane Corso Italiano is a very friendly family dog, but needs to be socialized around children. He tends to be very reserved and skeptical of strangers. [9]
They come from Italy and were originally used as guard and protection dogs against predators and thieves, but today they are mostly used as family dogs.
These four-legged friends are very heavy and muscular; they can weigh up to 50 kg. However, they only live around 9 years.
They are also among the 32 most popular dog breeds worldwide. Furthermore, they like to make their master happy through obedience.
Fun fact: It's not just dogs that should have respect for this breed of dog. In the past, the four-legged friends were even used as protection against lions!
#9 German boxer
The German Boxer is loyal, friendly and cheerful. It is one of the 11th most popular dog breeds worldwide. [10]
They are very patient, loving and devoted. Just ideal family dogs. They also get along very well with children.
They are also excellent guard dogs. Their short snouts allow the animals to hold onto their prey and breathe at the same time.
The protection dogs are also well suited for apartments, but they have difficulty staying alone and do not cope well with heat and cold.
Fun fact: If you let this four-legged friend lick you, you should be prepared, because at a whopping 43 cm, the Boxer holds the world record for the longest dog tongue.
#10 Dogo Canario
The Dogo Canario comes to Spain from the Canary Islands and is also considered a symbol for these islands. That's why they are shown on many postage stamps.
It is considered very expensive, but also aggressive and potentially dangerous. It is even banned in some US cities, Australia and New Zealand.
The protection dog breed is very dominant, strong and hardly tolerates strange dogs. They can even become very aggressive towards pets. [11]
They require little sleep and are not suitable for beginners or apartment life. They also have a particularly strong bite.
Fun fact: A robot mop is definitely worthwhile for this breed of dog, as in many cases they leave a drool stain around every 5 meters.
#11 Boerboel
The Boerboel comes from South Africa and was previously kept primarily as a guard and hunting dog. Especially for hunting leopards.
They are super strong and muscular. However, not suitable for apartment life and first-time owners. [12]
These protection dogs were almost extinct during the Second World War and are still very rare internationally today.
In some countries they are even banned. For example in Denmark, Russia and Ukraine because they are considered potentially dangerous.
Fun fact: At least here you don't have to worry about holes in the bed or loud barking, because these dogs love to intimidate other dogs through constant dominance.
#12 Shar Pei
The Shar-Pei is a very trusting and loving dog. Nevertheless, it is less suitable for beginners. [13]
He comes from China and his name translates as “Sand Hau”. He is also known as a Chinese fighting dog.
The relatively lazy dogs were almost extinct in 1973 with only 60 left alive. Even today they are still threatened with extinction.
Its wrinkles also serve to protect this guard dog breed from deep bite wounds. But they don't get along well with heat and cold.
Fun fact: Even without effervescent tablets, this dog's tongue has a blue-black color. This makes it one of only two species in the world.
#13 Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog comes, as the name suggests, from the USA. These four-legged friends can live up to 14 years.
It weighs up to 50 kg, is extremely muscular and can have a wide variety of fur colors. He also often has Dalmatian-like fur. [14]
He is often aggressive towards strange dogs. They are generally rather intolerant towards strangers and often confuse extroverted behavior with aggressive behavior.
They are good family and protection dogs. However, they need an experienced master and are also great jogging partners.
Fun fact: So much for the topic, only cats stay stuck in trees, no. These hunting companions also let their instincts get the better of them. They climb up without knowing how to get back down.
#14 Tervueren
The Tervueren is primarily used as a guard and sheepdog and comes from Belgium. It is named after the local community…