The Best Guard Dog Breeds for Families
The term “guard dog” often brings to mind a dog who is vicious, dangerous, and may even maim and end. This is a misconception, since guard dog training falls into one of three categories: personal protection, sentry, or attack dog.
Personal protection dogs, or alarm dogs, will alert the owner when there is an intruder or something suspicious is happening. Their loud, aggressive bark signals the owner that the situation needs attention. They are trained to protect their family and territory in a defensive way, and may jump, whisper, recall (hold without biting), or chase. It is not part of their training to bite, maim, or ruin, although they may choose to do so on their own if the owner is physically threatened.
Sentry dogs are trained to patrol and defend a fenced area or empty building without a handler. They are often employed in shipyards and warehouses. These dogs are trained to take action when they glance an intruder and will attack indiscriminately.
Attack dogs are often used by military forces or the police. They are trained to respond to physical aggression or a sudden movement and are potential killers. Attack guard dogs should only be handled by experts and must never be family pets. Owning a dog for protection who will attack will put the owner and his family in danger, since attack dogs may turn on their own family. Even innocent gestures may cause them to attack. The owner is also subject to lawsuits or arrest if his dog attacks another person.
Some breeds of dogs have shown exceptional ability as guard dogs for family protection. Large dogs with intimidating reputations and appearances, they make excellent protection dogs and family pets when properly and professionally trained. Dogs bred for their guarding instincts tend to have dominant personalities and need owners who will provide strong leadership.
German Shepherds are often trained as K-9 attack dogs by the police and military which has given them a reputation as mean, aggressive killers. With proper socialization and personal protection training, they make excellent family pets. They are alert, intelligent, and good with children. Many dog trainers judge the German Shepherd one of the best guard dog breeds.
Doberman Pinschers have a strong natural instinct to protect their “pack” family and territory, but this breed is not for everybody. This breed needs an owner who is not afraid of him and all family members need to learn how to handle the dog properly. Dobermans need thorough, consistent training from an early age, and should be with their families, not left alone in the serve yard. A well-trained Doberman Pinscher can be a gentle, loving family pet that will aggressively defend his family when necessary.
Chow Chows are usually well-mannered dogs, but have a strong protective instinct. They often become “one-person” dogs but will get along well with children and other household animals if raised with them from an early age. Often stubborn, independent and willful, they need firm, early obedience training. Breeders have been attempting to produce a more “family-friendly” temperament in this breed, and a well-bred and well-trained Chow can make a substantial family pet.
Boxers are clownish, people loving dogs that seem to possess the ability to read people’s character. They may welcome strangers who seem non-threatening, but will defend their owners and territory if they feel the need. High-spirited dogs that need to be trained not to jump on everyone, they do well with older children. They are likely to knock down small children with their rowdy play.
Giant Schnauzers are not as well-liked in the United States as some other breeds, but have proven themselves as first-rate guard dogs in European countries. Giant, noteworthy dogs with dominant personalities, Giant Schnauzers can be high-spirited. They require obedience training from an early age and are not suited for homes with pre-teen children.
Rottweilers are massive, powerful dogs. Calm, courageous, and protective of their families, they will fiercely defend their owners. Rotts need careful training as puppies so they do not become overly aggressive. Obedience training for this breed should begin at three months of age; if the Rott is allowed to become the pack leader in the family there may be tragic consequences. This breed is among the top of the list of dog bite fatalities. Do not choose this breed if you have pre-teen children in the home.
Although not traditionally bred as working dogs, Great Danes make marvelous guard dogs simply by virtue of their imposing appearance. They are one of the gentlest of dog breeds. Playful and patient with children, Gigantic Danes savor people and want to be around them. They will bark when important but only become aggressive if the situation calls for it. They are good with other dogs when raised around them. This breed needs obedience training at an early age so the owner can control this giant dog when he reaches full size.
The owner should never try to verbalize a personal protection guard dog himself. Improper technique may result in a dangerous dog. Give the dog basic obedience training for control as a young puppy, using positive reinforcement as a reward. Discourage overly rough or aggressive play, and never leave any dog alone with young children. Even innocent play can be dangerous with a large dog who doesn’t know his own strength. When the dog is about six months of age, enroll him in a personal protection obedience program with a trained professional who excels in this field.
