Also known as the Appenzeller Mountain Dog or Appenzell Cattle Dog, the Appenzeller sennenhund is a tri-color, medium-sized squarely built dog - quite a muscular and agile animal. Hailing from Switzerland, these dogs are also known for their affectionate, intelligent, and fearless demeanor.
Another good characteristic of these dogs is that they get along well with other animals which makes them perfect for homes where there is more than one pet. For the same reason, the Appenzeller will be an excellent cattle dog on farms. Furthermore, they possess boundless energy and learn quickly. When it comes to protecting their families, though, Appenzellers will even ignore a juicy meal and guard the humans first.
Do take note, though, that Appenzellers thrive better in colder climates and require sufficient space for living.
4. Akita
Akitas are fiercely loyal canines who have strong protective instincts, making them one of the best and most loyal guard dogs in the world. The standout feature of Akitas, though, is that they are incredibly curious and will immediately investigate even the slightest of sounds and any hint of an intrusion into their family home. They usually investigate quietly but if the dog feels there is something wrong, it will bark loudly.
Akitas originated from the snowy, rural, mountainous region of Japan and in the Middle Ages, they were renowned for guarding the Japanese emperor and his family. They are also very social and playful animals apart from being fiercely loyal and will hence make a wonderful guard dog.
5. Airedale terrier
Known as the "King of the Terriers," the Airedale terrier was originally bred in the late 1800s and is likely a cross between smaller Terrier breeds and a larger hunting dog called the Otterhound. Generally friendly and ebullient, the Airedale terrier is a wonderfully quick learner and is also great with kids, both of which make it such a popular family pet. During the First World War, these terriers were used to deliver messages in the course of the battle which earned them immense respect for their bravery and focus all over the world.
On sensing a threat, the Airedale terrier will bark unceasingly and can even put its powerful jaws to use when needed. However, these dogs do need to be engaged intellectually and physically on a regular basis and they can even be aggressive toward other animals. Thus, they need to be trained well.
6. American Staffordshire terrier
Despite their bulldog-like appearance, American Staffordshire terriers are quite playful and energetic. Also known as AmStaff, these are medium-large, muscular, strong, and athletic dogs who enjoy mental stimulation and are known to possess a high level of pain tolerance. The Staffordshire terrier was bred for bear and bullfighting and is aggressive and protective. These dogs are also known to be remarkably persistent and will fight to protect their family if they feel they are threatened in any way. Moreover, the AmStaff is also highly protective of property, which makes it an excellent guard dog.
Since it is such a protective breed, the American Staffordshire terrier has to be taught the difference between good and bad strangers. You would also need to train the terrier to behave properly in society because of its long history as a fighting dog.
7. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a large, muscular guarder who is also known to be a gentle giant with a low tendency for aggression. While it may be docile at home, Bullmastiffs are fearless animals and can make use of their weight and agility to overpower a person. These dogs are eager to please and amazingly loyal, making them a popular choice as a family guard dog.
A cross between a Bulldog and a Mastiff, the Bullmastiff’s strength and physical abilities are its most attractive features. They were originally used to guard estates since they don’t bark much and could stealthily sneak up on predators. However, what makes them unique is that they don’t require much exercise and are also a low maintenance dog in terms of grooming. Thus, the Bullmastiff will be a great choice for a family guard dog.
8. Beauceron
While they strongly resemble Doberman pinschers, Beaucerons are actually the largest of all the French sheepdogs. Having an imposing and powerful personality, Beaucerons are a remarkably intelligent breed, apart from being sensitive, and dynamic.
They are also calm and confident when guarding their human family. However, Beaucerons do require some training to ensure that they don’t start dominating their own families. That being said, while these dogs are strong, smart, and recognized for their sheer size and strength, the Beauceron can also become an incredibly sensitive and gentle companion for any human.
9. Cane Corso
The name 'Cane Corso' is translated from Latin which means "bodyguard dog”. Hence, you can get the idea that this dog has literally been bred for guarding duties. Cane Corso is an Italian dog breed that has been historically used as a guard dog, war dog, and hunter. It is a smart, trainable, and confident animal known to be a peerless protector.
Also, Cane Corsos are of a heavy build (often weighing more than 100 pounds or 45 kg) and have a deep-toned bark that is extremely effective in warding off trespassers. It is said that these dogs are impervious to pain and possess an inbred instinct for guarding. Amazingly, Cane Corsos are usually gentle, pleasant, and warm with their family and also bond really well with kids.
10. Doberman pinscher
Sleek, powerful, fast, and dauntless, Doberman pinschers are widely regarded as one of the best guard dog breeds in the world. While historically, these dogs have been known to be an ultra-aggressive breed, they are actually affectionate, docile, and fun around their human families. Its exceptionally fast speed allows it to reach an intruder in a short amount of time and its magnificent physique helps it tackle any unwanted human adversary with ease. It will also bark a lot if needed and pin an intruder against the wall until humans take charge.
Known as the fifth-smartest dog breed in the world, Dobermans also do a terrific job of protecting without much formal training. By using a structured training program, you can ensure that your Doberman pinscher lives up to its reputation of being among the world's finest protection dogs.
