The Best Family Guard Dog Breeds

Bringing a watchdog or guard dog into your home is a great way to enhance security as well as have a loyal friend and companion for life. When researching various guard dog breeds and deciding on which type you'd like to bring into your home, you should consider your options carefully, depending on your particular circumstances.

There is a difference between a watchdog and a guard dog. Watch dogs act as an alert, barking to warn occupants of approaching strangers. A number of dog breeds may fit this role, including Chihuahuas, however, guard dogs breeds, on the other hand, possess the physical ability to make a potential intruder incapable of harming his owner through restriction or injury.

Several dog breeds can be considered watch dog or guard dogs. Owners and families wishing to adopt this kind of dog should examine a number of factors before choosing a breed. Watchdogs and guard dogs often possess the same characteristics which include:

• A sense of territory
• Aggressiveness
• Strength
• Courage
• Resistance to counterattack
• Loyalty
• Tendency to protect family
• Tendency to be properly trained

Here is a list of some of the most popular watch dog and guard dog breeds. Keep in mind that there are several more; this is just to get you started in your search:

• Bull Mastiff. These dogs are very strong physically because they possess a large amount of muscle. They are also intelligent, highly alert, and courageous. Despite its watch dog ability, it is obedient within a family environment, making it a great pet.

• Doberman Pinscher. Like the Bull Mastiff, they are also strong, intelligent, alert, and fearless; they are also loyal and obedient to owners. Doberman Pinscher's are fast runners, making them capable of hurting an intruder and able to protect a household with a large lot.

• Rottweiler. These dogs have strength, confidence, and courage, proving their ability to be a watch dog or guard dog. They tend to be aloof to strangers, making them a great protector. Along with all of their watchdog characteristics, Rottweiler's also show loyalty to their family members.

• German shepherd. This breed usually remains calm until an occasion arises where its assistance is needed. They keep a detached attitude that allows it to resist being influenced by superficial attempts and befriending.

Special Note: Pit Bulls have been the center of quite a bit of controversy in over the last few decades. However, despite their seemingly "bad reputation", they can make very sweet and loyal family dogs. Read more about adopting a Pit Bull if this is the kind of dog you'd like to bring into your family.

Many small breeds can act as watch dogs, but are not necessary guard dog breeds, because of their ability to bark liberally when danger to their owner is a possibility. Some of these breeds include: Scottish terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Yorkshire terrier, Chihuahua and Dachshund.

Remember that watchdogs and guard dogs still need to be cared for like any other pet you bring into your home. Although they might seem somewhat independent, they require companionship and affection from their families in order to return it. Also keep in mind that you will also need to put in some time for proper training.

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