Fetch FinderThe best guard dogs are loyal, alert, confident and trainable. German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Cane Corsos, Akitas and Giant Schnauzers are classic choices that naturally watch over their home and family.
Breeds rated 5/5 for protectiveness
Large · 50–90 lb👪 Good family dogGerman ShepherdSmart, loyal and protective. German Shepherds thrive with an experienced owner who gives them a job, training and lots of exercise.
Medium · 45–70 lbBetter with adults or older kidsChow ChowDignified, independent and cat-like. Chows are quiet and clean, but aloof with strangers and best with experienced owners.
Large · 80–135 lbBetter with adults or older kidsRottweilerA powerful, confident guardian that's loving with its family. Rotties need firm, consistent training from day one.Large · 60–100 lb👪 Good family dogDoberman PinscherSleek, smart and devoted. Dobermans are excellent protectors and surprisingly affectionate at home.
Large · 85–100+ lb👪 Good family dogGreat PyreneesA calm, patient guardian bred to protect flocks in the mountains. Pyrs are gentle with family but independent and loud at night.
Large · 70–85 lbBetter with adults or older kidsRhodesian RidgebackA dignified, athletic hound with a ridge of hair along its back. Ridgebacks are loyal, quiet and independent.
Large · 90–120 lbBetter with adults or older kidsCane CorsoA powerful Italian guardian breed. Corsos are devoted to their families but need an experienced, consistent owner.
Small · 12–18 lbBetter with adults or older kidsLhasa ApsoA long-coated watchdog from Tibetan monasteries. Confident, independent and wary of strangers.
Medium · 45–60 lbBetter with adults or older kidsChinese Shar-PeiA wrinkly, hippo-faced guardian from China. Calm, loyal and devoted, but aloof with strangers.
Large · 70–130 lbBetter with adults or older kidsAkitaA powerful, dignified Japanese guardian. Loyal and affectionate with family, wary of strangers and other dogs.
Large · 55–85 lbBetter with adults or older kidsGiant SchnauzerA big, powerful working schnauzer that's smart and protective. Needs a lot of exercise and training.
Large · 120–230 lb👪 Good family dogMastiffOne of the heaviest breeds: a calm, dignified guardian. Gentle with family, very protective.
Large · 100–130 lb👪 Good family dogBullmastiffA powerful guardian bred to stop poachers. Calm and loving at home, fearless as a protector.
Large · 99–110+ lb👪 Good family dogDogue de BordeauxA huge-headed French mastiff that's loyal and calm, made famous by the movie Turner & Hooch.
Large · 40–80 lbBetter with adults or older kidsBelgian MalinoisAn intense, brilliant working dog used by police and military. Needs a job, training and lots of exercise.
Large · 80–130 lbBetter with adults or older kidsBlack Russian TerrierA huge, black working dog bred by the Soviet army as a guardian. Calm, confident and protective.
Small · 10–16 lb👪 Good family dogSchipperkeA small, black, fox-faced barge dog from Belgium. Curious, mischievous and a sharp watchdog.
Large · 70–115 lbBetter with adults or older kidsKuvaszA large, white Hungarian guardian. Loyal and protective, independent and wary of strangers.
Large · 80–100+ lbBetter with adults or older kidsKomondorThe famous "mop dog," with a corded white coat. A serious flock guardian that protects its family.
Large · 80–150 lbBetter with adults or older kidsAnatolian ShepherdA rugged Turkish livestock guardian. Calm, independent and fiercely protective.
Large · 70–150 lbBetter with adults or older kidsTibetan MastiffAn ancient Himalayan guardian with a lion-like mane. Aloof, independent and very protective.
Large · 110–150 lbBetter with adults or older kidsNeapolitan MastiffA massive, wrinkled Italian guardian. Loyal and calm at home, intimidating to strangers.
Large · 150–200 lb👪 Good family dogBoerboelA powerful South African farm guardian. Confident, loyal and protective of family.
Large · 80–100 lbBetter with adults or older kidsDogo ArgentinoA muscular, white Argentine hunting dog. Loyal and affectionate, but powerful and protective.
Large · 55–100 lb👪 Good family dogBriardA big, shaggy French herding dog that's loyal, protective and smart. A "heart wrapped in fur."
Large · 70–110 lb👪 Good family dogBouvier des FlandresA rugged Belgian cattle dog with a shaggy coat and beard. Calm, loyal and protective.
Medium · 35–55 lbBetter with adults or older kidsCanaan DogIsrael's national dog, an ancient, alert pariah breed. Loyal, territorial and wary of strangers.
Large · 70–110 lbBetter with adults or older kidsBeauceronA big, black-and-tan French herding dog with double dewclaws. Confident, loyal and protective.Watchdog vs. guard dog
- A watchdog barks to alert you when someone's at the door. Many small breeds, like Schipperkes and Lhasa Apsos, are excellent watchdogs.
- A guard dog is also big and confident enough to deter intruders. That usually means a large working breed.
Protective dogs need an experienced owner
A protective dog without training can become fearful or aggressive with guests, kids or other dogs. Before you get one:
- Plan on obedience classes starting as a puppy, and keep training all its life.
- Socialize early and often: introduce lots of people, places and dogs, so it learns what's normal and what isn't.
- Check your insurance and lease: some homeowner's policies and landlords restrict these breeds.
- Be honest about experience: many of these breeds are not ideal as a first dog.
If you want a family dog that's friendly and will bark when someone comes to the door, a moderately protective breed is often the better fit.
Take the breed quiz and choose "Yes, a real watchdog" to see protective breeds that fit the rest of your life.