The best guard dog breeds: review and characteristics of pets

• Dogs

The concept of guard dog breeds usually means four-legged service dogs that have innate skills or good results in training in the following “disciplines”: protective guard, sentry, escort, sentinel and sentry service. In the common understanding, guard dogs are bred to protect property, territory or a person (owner). Differences in the theory and understanding of the “majority” give rise to a lot of controversy. Let us immediately note that all service breeds are universal to one degree or another, and a good trainer will teach any dog ​​how to guard. The question is whether the four-legged animal feels that guarding is his duty and calling or whether he “defends” the object because it is necessary. Below, we will look at the photos and names of breeds that are worth having for protection.

Ninth place – Moscow Watchdog

Despite the fact that this dog breed was developed relatively recently, it has already won the trust of many people. The main feature of Moscow guard dogs is their size - these dogs are huge and look intimidating. The Moscow Watchdog is not just an excellent guard, but also a devoted friend. There are never any problems with dogs of this breed.

Read more about the Moscow Watchdog breed

Features of training

How to properly raise your four-legged friend, since guard and security (guard) dogs are different areas of training? For guard breeds, intelligence and a calm, self-controlled nervous system are very important. It should be taken into account that the growth of an individual does not always play the main role, since the watchman’s task is to notice the threat in time and warn the owner.

It is for this reason that aggression is an undesirable quality, otherwise the dog will constantly react to any sounds and bark all the time. A good guard dog, on the contrary, should not be seen or heard until the moment when its intervention is necessary. Guard dogs are excellent at recognizing normal everyday noise and those sounds that pose a danger.

Bodyguard dog for humans

Any dog ​​that has security and guard skills can become protection for a person. Moreover, even if these skills are weakly expressed and the pet is not a worker. Thanks to his boundless devotion and love, he is able to protect his master in any dangerous situation.

A stable nervous system and psyche of the pet is another important factor. For example, a dog that is afraid of everything will be able to bite an enemy, but only if it is he who is in danger. In turn, a large and kind dog will get involved in a squabble, defending its owner.

Thus, we can conclude that a properly raised animal with a balanced psyche can become an excellent bodyguard for a person.

The guard dog is entrusted with a special mission - protection, protection of the owner and his property. With the right approach, the dog will cope with this task perfectly. In fact, a representative of any breed is capable of becoming a guard, but for this each dog must be trained. It is important not to forget, whatever the character of a four-legged friend, a person takes full responsibility for his behavior and upbringing.

Main guard breeds

Almost any dog ​​can be trained to guard a house or territory, even a mongrel one. Sometimes mongrels are much smarter and smarter than their noble brothers and loudly and promptly warn their owner about danger. They are also jokingly called the Siberian Shepherd. But there are certain stereotypes and views in society , therefore, when they talk about watchdogs, they usually mean shepherd dogs.

These include:

• German.
• Caucasian.
• Central Asian.
• Eastern European.
• South Russian.

The following dogs are also classified as guard dogs:

• Miniature Schnauzer.
• Giant Schnauzer.
• Rottweiler.
• Moscow watchdog.
• Doberman.
• Saint Bernard
• The Schipperke is a small indoor breed.

Naturally, this list is incomplete, since many more breeds can be a good watchdog. By and large, watchdog qualities are not a matter of breed, but of upbringing. It takes a lot of time and effort to turn a naughty puppy into a smart dog with excellent guard skills.

Eighth place – Alabai

This breed of dog is a good guard, but a difficult learner. Alabai is difficult to train and rarely listens to its owner. To ensure that problems never arise with a dog of this breed, it should only be owned by a person who can easily find a common language with every dog.

Read more about the Alabai breed

Seventh place – Caucasian Shepherd

Caucasians are unpretentious, keeping a dog of this breed is very easy. The appearance of the Caucasian Shepherd is not just terrifying; at the sight of this dog, not a single thief will even try to break into the yard or apartment. However, despite their menacing appearance, Caucasians are very friendly and loyal to their owners. Naturally, like any dog, the Caucasian Shepherd needs to be trained and taught, otherwise problems may arise with it.

Read more about the Caucasian Shepherd breed

9 best breeds of guard dogs, or When a thief has no chance

Scientific and technological progress has given us video surveillance systems, alarm systems, motion sensors, and yet we cannot imagine protecting a site without a stern watchdog. In this article we will look at the breeds that cope with this task best.

The dog guarding the area must be large, strong and easily trainable. She needs sensitive hearing, a keen sense of smell, high intelligence and well-developed intuition. Sentinel instincts are extremely important, allowing them to show appropriate aggression, as well as the ability to “pull themselves together” when the threat has passed.

Size also matters. Yes, many dog ​​handlers argue that neither the height nor the weight of the animal play any role, because the dog must only identify the threat and warn the owner about it. But, choosing between a medium-sized dog and a large, strong animal, most of us will prefer the second. After all, the inhabitants of the house are much calmer when the guard dog scares off the intruder with its very appearance.

And of course, a dog living in a kennel needs thick hair with undercoat, otherwise it will not withstand the winter cold. So, there are a lot of requirements. Who should you choose as a watchman?

German Shepherd
The first one that comes to mind is the German Shepherd.

This breed was originally intended for herding sheep, and the ability to keep order is in its blood. The dog's developed intelligence allows it to understand the situation well, distinguishing its own from strangers and peaceful behavior from aggressive behavior. This is an extremely loyal and, importantly, well-trained animal. But it is necessary to train him. There are cases when shepherd dogs, left to their own devices, have their protective instincts going off scale. This gave rise to curious situations when the dog, for example, stopped letting its owners into their own car. Of course, if the dog has been trained, this will not happen.

The German Shepherd requires long walks and regular exercise to maintain good physical condition. It is not advisable to keep her on a chain

The Moscow watchdog shows itself to be an excellent guard

. The appearance of this good-natured bumpkin should not be misleading. A calm, affectionate and friendly dog ​​becomes a ferocious predator when it comes to protecting his family and territory. At the same time, dogs of this breed do not show the slightest aggression towards pets, and they can be left with children without fear.

• Read also:  How to change a puppy passport to an adult one. Dog documents: how to make a pedigree for a dog

Moscow Watchdog
It is worth noting that the Moscow Watchdog has a rather independent disposition and cannot be called a breed that is easy to train. The dog is loyal to all family members, but it chooses one (usually the strongest man) as the leader, the unquestioned authority. And it is he who, most likely, will have to do the upbringing.

The Moscow Watchdog is perfectly adapted to survival in the conditions of central Russia. Representatives of this breed are distinguished by wide, large bones and well-developed muscles. Height at the withers varies from 66 to 78 cm, weight - from 45 to 60 kg. A huge advantage is the rather long and very thick coat with undercoat, which does not require regular combing or any other care. The dog is strong, active and quite mobile, so keeping it on the site will be the best option for it.

Giant Schnauzer

- a large (66-70 cm at the withers) and powerful dog, whose weight can reach 48 kg. This breed was used in military service during the Second World War and proved itself to be the best. These dogs have strong innate instincts, and they are capable of not only scaring away an intruder by barking, but also attacking him. The Giant Schnauzer is well suited for both living in a suburban area and for living in an apartment. With proper training, dogs of this breed are calm, balanced and not jealous. They get along well with other pets.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

. Many consider her the ideal watchdog, and for good reason. This is an amazingly strong and hardy animal with long thick hair that is not afraid of even extreme cold. Guarding skills are innate, so the dog needs education and discipline rather than training. A pleasant “bonus” is that, despite its impressive size, the Caucasian Shepherd is not very gluttonous. Having a slow metabolism, it is able to store accumulated reserves for a long time.

Giant Schnauzer

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Any guard dog needs constant communication with its owners. Otherwise she might go wild

Alabai
Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Alabai)

- another contender for the title of ideal guard, tall, muscular, with long legs and strong jaws.
The height of an adult dog at the withers is about 65 cm, weight can reach 100 kg. Short but thick fur provides the animal with good protection from the cold. Note that the Alabai needs training and education from a very early age. He will retain the skills acquired by the puppy for the rest of his life. Important!
Dogs of this breed must be given freedom to move and regularly taken outside the site. A dog deprived of physical activity quickly weakens, which affects not only his health, but also his ability to guard the entrusted territory.

Komondor

- a real giant among guard dogs. Height at the withers can reach 80 cm. Such impressive dimensions are explained by the fact that Komondors were originally bred to guard large livestock. Having a calm and independent character, the dog gets along well with its owners, loves children, but is extremely wary of strangers. A distinctive feature of Commanders is their long, soft fur that hangs in “icicles,” which gives them a slightly comical appearance. But this breed should not be taken lightly. In a critical situation, this funny animal becomes extremely aggressive and dangerous.

Now we will list several smooth-haired breeds that are intended for keeping in a house or on a plot in regions with a mild climate.

Dobermans
Dobermans,

Contrary to popular belief, they are “family” dogs that form strong bonds with people. This is what explains their aggression. When it comes to protecting its owners, the dog will attack without hesitation. Long paws that allow you to quickly catch up with an intruder, as well as strong jaws, are a serious reason to go around the house guarded by a Doberman in a wide arc. Therefore, early and consistent training is of utmost importance. Only then will the dog grow up adequate, calm and obedient.

Rottweiler

- another popular smooth-haired dog - with a height of about 67 cm, it weighs about 45 kg, which allows it to always remain active and mobile. Dogs of this breed are smart, unpretentious in food and maintenance. They have highly developed protective instincts, which, as in the case of the German Shepherd, can get out of control, so the animal needs to be trained from early childhood.

Staffordshire Terrier

- a breed that many are wary of. And this is understandable. Staffies have long been fighting dogs, aggression was cultivated in them, but this practice has long been abandoned, and the situation has changed for the better. With proper upbringing (and these dogs are easy to train and love training), the dog will turn out to be a calm, devoted protector, wary of strangers.

Rottweiler

Staffordshire Terrier

Of course, there are other guard breeds; we have listed only a few of the most popular ones. But you shouldn’t count on hunting dogs, such as hounds or huskies, as well as rescue, sled and fighting dogs. For them, protecting the territory is not a priority.

To conclude the topic, we note that even the best watchdog cannot be the main, much less the only, defender of the home. Unfortunately, there are ways to neutralize even a well-trained beast. Alarms and other security systems are still necessary.

Large breeds for private sector protection

German Shepherd

If you need a dog to guard a house on the street, or an apartment, then a German Shepherd is the ideal choice. This breed is very trainable, remembers commands for a long time even after a long period of inactivity, is good with children and is an unsurpassed protector. The fury of a German Shepherd is enough for a gang of robbers, and the affection is enough for all family members.

When adopting a German Shepherd, remember that this breed is incredibly active and requires increased physical activity. Any owner who has adopted a dog for protection and security must take care of the physical development of the pet. By the way, Germans take third place in the list of the smartest dogs.

Giant Schnauzer

For him, guarding a private home is his favorite pastime. Unpretentious, loyal and incredibly brave, the Giant Schnauzer is a formidable guard who will not be afraid of the devil or God when it comes to protecting his owner. Rizens are easy to train, gentle towards children and affectionate towards their owners.

This breed is very active and will not miss the opportunity to frolic with its owner. Be sure to physically exhaust the dog so that all the dog’s energy is directed in a peaceful direction, and also contributes to the gain and maintenance of muscle mass. Perhaps the only drawback of the Giant Schnauzer may seem to be grooming.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

The breed is one of the largest, so there is no need to say what will happen to those who decide to visit you with bad intentions. The strength of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog will be enough to defeat a pack of wolves in the face of ill-wishers, devotion - so as not to abandon the owner in difficult times, and kindness to steadfastly endure any childish pranks and rejoice at every step of the owner.

Being a very large breed, the Caucasian Shepherd does not require long walking. 1-1.5 hours of walking a day with the opportunity to frolic is enough to maintain the pet’s physical strength at a level.

Alabai or Asian Shepherd

In some ways, these dogs are similar to Caucasian Shepherds, they are also very ferocious and large dogs. True, they are not as shaggy as Caucasian Shepherds. Alabai are difficult to train, they can be stubborn and are happy to demonstrate this character trait to everyone. Therefore, we advise you not to get this dog if you do not have experience in training such animals. If you have no experience, but you have already got a dog, then we advise you to apply for training to special schools where experienced instructors work. The Asian Shepherd is a reliable protector of your family and home.

Which dog to choose to guard a private home and is safe for children.

Under such contradictory conditions, choosing a breed will not be an easy task, because there will not be many worthy contenders. In order not to make a mistake with the choice, we turned to professional dog handlers.

First of all, our dog must be safe for children. This means we will choose from calm, non-irritable breeds that are not prone to leadership. A beloved pet should be kind, affectionate and devoted to all family members. The breed should be able to get along with a child and always be a friend and companion, no matter what.

Now let's talk about guard qualities. A pet that performs a security function in a private home will spend most of its time outdoors, that is, it should easily withstand the cold seasons, and in hot times it should be able to withstand the heat.

For comfortable living conditions, it is advisable to build your own home for the dog - a windproof, insulated booth; if necessary, lock it in an enclosure.

What protective functions of the home do you plan to assign to your four-legged friend?

• Alerts and deterrence. Small breeds cope with this task very well. The role of the dog is a timely warning signal for the owner. The dog will start barking as soon as the stranger approaches the protected area. For maximum efficiency, you can keep several of these dogs.
• Protection of the territory, protection of the owner and all family members. The breed must have developed guarding qualities; the dog must be able to protect, be trainable and carry out given commands.

Is it possible to adopt an adult guard dog or is it better to adopt a puppy?

Many people believe that a dog must grow up with children, so it will treat them better. This statement is not entirely true. It will depend more on the character of the dog. If we know that an adult is loyal to children, then I am more than sure that this will continue to be the case. Therefore, age is not a decisive factor; you can safely take both a puppy and an adult pet.

Choice of gender. Who is better: male or female?

Let's say we have already decided on the breed, but now we face an equally difficult choice: male or female?

This choice, of course, is individual; you should focus on your preferences, since much depends on the breed and character of the selected specimen, rather than on its gender. But we will still allow ourselves a small comparison to understand the picture as a whole, what can be expected from our smaller brothers, and what from our sisters.

Male . Larger, physically stronger than a bitch. Has better developed security qualities. More difficult to train.

Bitch . More affectionate, responsive and gentle, softer and more pliable with members of his family than a male, but at the same time capable of excellent service in protecting his territory. If you have small children or are planning to have them, then you should give preference to females.

A dog is like a family member and your child's best friend.

Psychologists have long noticed that the appearance of animals in the house has a very beneficial effect on the development of children, making them more open, joyful, and kind. Notice how much joy people get even after petting an unfamiliar dog; in our case, communication between children and the animal will occur every day. The child, without noticing it, will spend more time outside, playing or studying with the four-legged animal. When your child has a hobby, he will choose a walk and communication; this is much more useful than sitting in front of the TV or computer.

Allergy to dogs in children.

Symptoms that may occur in children due to allergies:

• burning and redness of the skin.
• appearance of a rash.
• runny nose, cough, high fever.
• redness of the eyes and increased tearing.

In most cases, when there are signs of an allergy, the culprit is not the animal itself, but the microorganisms that the animal brought on the fur: pollen or plant seeds, fungal spores, fluff, dust mites.

In this case, you need to try to keep the dog clean: groom it more and wash it more often. Carry out wet cleaning and ventilation of rooms in the house and places where you stay with your pet more often. If possible, get rid of allergen accumulators: carpets, fabric pet rugs. If this is not enough, then install air purifiers around the house and treat your dog's fur with anti-allergenic products.

At the same time, you should consult an allergist. With the help of the tests you can identify the allergen.

Now let's get back to our main question: which dog should you choose?

Each breed of dog has its own focus: the qualities that nature has endowed them with.
Thanks to expert opinion, we were able to collect data typical for the specified breed as a whole. But we should also not forget that each dog is unique, and its habits, character traits and other personal qualities may not coincide with the data presented in the table. Table of dog defects with characteristics for home protection.

Explanations for the table: Compatibility with children - this characteristic shows how well a given breed combines with children.

4 points - the dog and the child get along well and will find a common language. 5 points - these breeds are very good with children.

Security abilities . The parameter shows how well the dog will protect the owner and the protected area.

1 point - not suitable for protecting the territory. 3 points - not very effective in protecting a country house. Most often due to the fact that they love people and are unable to cause them serious injury. 4 points - the dog will protect the owner in case of threats. Such dogs are good watchdogs, but are not very suitable for guarding a country house. 5 points - the dog will, without a doubt, protect the owner. The first warning to an outsider is growling and barking, then it will begin to close the distance. If she senses danger, she will begin to bare her teeth and so on in an increasing manner. A guard dog will not get scared and will not stop until the enemy moves to a safe distance. If necessary, she can rush and injure an uninvited guest.

Sentry abilities . The characteristic shows how effective the pet is when performing guard duty. A true watchman has keen hearing, a sense of smell and increased attentiveness. It also has innate instincts to control its territory. If strangers appear, it notifies the owner.

3 points - they warn of danger, have good guard abilities (but are completely unsuitable for protection). 4 points - they warn of danger, have good watchdog abilities. 5 points - the pet copes with its task “excellently”.

Frost tolerance . As a rule, these are mountain or northern dog breeds with thick hair. We recommend keeping such dogs in an enclosure. They can easily endure winters, but have a hard time withstanding heat.

Heat tolerance . When the sun is scorching, animals try to hide in the shade; at such times they need plenty of drink. Short-haired dogs can tolerate heat more easily.

Possibility of living in an apartment.

Most breeds can be kept in an apartment, provided there is enough free space and sufficient exercise. But there are also those that are completely unsuitable for this because of their characteristics. For example, Alabai feels more comfortable on the street. And there are those who need a cold climate.

Weight and size of dogs . Having an idea of ​​weight, you can indirectly understand its size. This division is very arbitrary, and someone may disagree with us. When choosing, also take into account: small four-legged animals, as a rule, create more noise, while large ones will fight back better.

Weight up to 20 kg . Small size dogs: Beagle, Welsh Terrier, Jagdterrier. Weight 20-30 kg . Medium-sized dogs: American Staffordshire Terrier (STAFF), Royal Poodle, Shar Pei, Basset Hound, Dalmatian (Dalmatian), Bobtail, Boxer. Weight from 30 kg or more. Large: Alabai, American Bulldog, Briard, German Shepherd, South African Boerboel, Bloodhound, Maremma Abruzzese Shepherd, Newfoundland.

Average cost on the market (for 2021). Prices for animals are constantly changing and may depend on the region of Russia. Cost is always a compromise between supply and demand. If the breed is popular among breeders and the pets produce large offspring, then there is an overabundance of offers for sale on the market, in which case the price will be low. For example, there are a lot of offers for: Jagdterriers, which are sold for almost nothing. Take advantage of this.

The level of the breeder is the requirements for the future owner. Any breed needs to be dealt with and the right upbringing instilled in them. But please note that if the level is indicated, then you need to work with the dog and invest much more effort and time into it. It's the same as with people - if you don't take care of your own child, then what do you think will grow out of it?

If the level is indicated, then the breed will be able to forgive you for mistakes and shortcomings in education.

Most other dogs can also be great with children and guard the house, but it will take some effort. It's all about proper upbringing and training of the animal. We wish you to choose the right pet and get a faithful friend and a reliable guard for your home.

Author: Dmitry Samokhvalov, technical editor of Rucam-Video.

Questions, comments and suggestions write to: [email protected]

Sixth place – Doberman

The Doberman is an excellent home guard dog. This breed is a service breed, so these pets are very smart and quick-witted. The house is under the supervision of a Doberman and never receives unwanted guests. Having such a dog, you don’t have to worry about the safety of your money and other valuables. In addition to its security abilities, the Doberman is an excellent companion and loyal friend.

Read more about the Doberman breed

What to consider when raising a puppy

• It is necessary to completely or at least partially limit the animal’s communication with strangers. In such conditions, the pet will treat every stranger with distrust and suspicion: without this feeling, full-fledged protection of the territory is impossible.

• Don't forget to take your dog for walks and introduce him to new places. She must behave calmly and confidently in different situations.
• A protective dog cannot help but be a leader. Allow the puppy to win games, but only until a certain age (6-7 months), otherwise the desire to overcome the owner may develop into aggression.

This is interesting! A good option for those who want to achieve ideal training are special courses in which the animal is taught obedience and following various commands.

Video

Fifth place – Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is a very expensive and rare breed of dog. Animals of this breed are very kind, well-mannered and patient. But when it comes to the life and health of the owner, Cane Corsos turn into a ferocious beast that is capable of tearing anyone apart. That is why this breed of dog is suitable for guarding apartments and private houses.

Read more about the Cane Corso breed

Apartment security guard

A more stringent selection is required here, because the pet will live side by side with a person. Sometimes the main criterion is the size of the animal, especially if we are talking about modest areas. But for fans of large and giant breeds, this factor is not decisive, and they get a mastiff or Great Dane while living in a small apartment.

If we talk about average indicators, most future owners pay attention to the following:

• the dog must be medium or small in size;
• it is desirable that the animal sheds little or does not have this tendency at all and does not have the characteristic smell of a dog;
• short coat;
• the pet should not have excessive salivation;
• the dog must be clean;
• the animal should not be hyperactive and require a lot of space.

Of course, the owner himself determines what is important to him and what he can “turn a blind eye to.”

Fourth place – Boxer

The Boxer is a very strong and strong dog. He quickly remembers all commands and always obeys his owner. This dog breed is popular all over the world, and very often, these dogs are bred as guards.

The Boxer gets along well with children and other pets, he will always be a loyal friend and an excellent bodyguard.

Read more about the Boxer breed

Little ones

What small dogs are best for home guarding?

Ridgeback

The birthplace of this breed is South Africa. Primitive tribes needed an ally in hunting for game and other everyday matters. This dog also showed itself well as a guard, because it could not sleep for several nights in a row.

At the moment, the dog lives in many families, where it finds understanding and love, and in return gives its protection and courage. A small and unpretentious breed. A very adaptive dog, he easily tolerates changes in environment and climate. He starts games with the children and maintains a friendly atmosphere in the family. Sometimes he likes to bark at night, but in conditions of silence and poor lighting, a process worked out by evolution is activated when you need to monitor the situation around you, without making noise, so as not to attract wild animals.

Dachshund

Yes, yes, don't be surprised! A small guard dog with a great watch character. A true hunter and guard who served and protected man for more than one generation. Adaptation and getting used to new conditions is extremely difficult, because the dog is mischievous and can bite, so it is better to take puppies so that they get used to discipline and order from an early age.

Inside every dachshund lives a huge bull terrier. A dachshund will tear anyone and everyone apart for its owner, and besides, these dogs have a well-developed sense of ownership. You don’t even have to teach your dachshund the “guard” command; it will do it without your prompting. You can safely leave the dachshund next to your suitcase or bag, and he will not let anyone near him except you. The Dachshund does not feel jealous of children and tries to spend a lot of time near the baby, ensuring his safety.

You can safely go to work, leaving your dachshund alone at home. She will proudly carry out her post, and even if a criminal tries to break down the door and take valuables out of the house, then an unpleasant surprise awaits him in the face of an angry dachshund. Any criminal will run away with his heels shining!

The diet should be predominantly protein, with a small proportion of cereals and vegetables. Dachshunds need physical activity every day. This is a restless dog that will destroy the whole apartment if you make it bored. Relationships with children also need to be built brick by brick. Relationships with cats and other animals are just as tense, although there are exceptions when the dachshund is neutral towards other pets.

Miniature Pinscher

Of course, the smallest purebred dog of their guard class and its name: pinscher. The miniature pinscher (miniature pinscher) is often called a miniature Doberman, but this is not true. This happened because of the courage, perseverance, and bravery of the representatives of these breeds. Its compact size did not prevent it from gaining love and adoration among dog handlers around the world for its responsibility and protective qualities.

A very energetic and fearless breed with an extravagant gait. Height at the withers is only 30 cm, weight is about 15-20 kg. It is difficult to adapt to new conditions, which means you need to create the most friendly atmosphere possible so that the dog quickly joins the team. Neutral towards cats, children and other dogs. He listens only to the owner, and he, as a rule, is alone. In the absence of activity, he finds something to occupy himself with, but he cannot stand isolation and lack of communication.

Beagle

Miniature short-haired guard with cute floppy ears. The color is most often white-gray-brown. The muzzle is expressive, the eyes are emphasized. It has well-developed, sculpted muscles that grow from any physical activity.

He grew at the withers - 35-40 cm, weight - up to 30 kg. A very active but reserved dog. Never barks at passers-by or cats. Treats other dogs well and politely, makes contact easily. Protects the territory responsibly, but is distracted by extraneous factors.

French Bulldog

And again, put aside your surprise! In accordance with the classification of breeds adopted by the FCI, the French bulldog belongs to the group of companion dogs for protection and is in the subgroup of small-format fighting dogs .

Bulldogs are very brave dogs with good reactions and are easy to train. But due to the fact that most “Frenchies” are individualists, they are sometimes aggressive towards other animals.

The French Bulldog, thanks to its love of games and the constant need to take care of someone, is especially suitable as a companion for children and as a companion for the elderly.

A compact, “pumped up” dog that can provide reliable protection. Loves children and pets and is easy to train. He doesn’t adapt to new conditions very quickly, but if you make a little effort (spend more time with him, play with him, feed him treats), the process will go faster.

The character is calm, but can sometimes be harmful if you deprive her of communication with family members or other dogs. Sometimes he likes to bark out the window. Snores at night.

Swiss Mountain Dog

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was bred in the Swiss Alps. Uncontrolled selection of native species with the mastiff imported from Italy is likely. A versatile dog, it is ideal for keeping on a farm. The Swiss Mountain Dog is a watchman and guardian of the territory, livestock and owners. Carries luggage and gives rides to her adored children.

Active, in motion, yet calm, balanced and friendly. The Swiss Mountain Dog is good as a family dog ​​and companion, but prefers a yard and spacious premises. The dog is large and strong, with heavy bones and developed muscles. The breed standard calls for a three-color coat: black with a white chest, white and tan muzzle and red tan marks.

By the end of the 19th century, the Swiss Mountain Dog breed was almost lost. Cynologist enthusiasts restored her. One legend claims that the Mountain Dog descended from large mastiffs that accompanied Roman legionnaires in the Alps. Another one tells the story of the Phoenicians and Spanish dogs who gave rise to the Mountain Dog breed a millennium BC.

Average

Which medium-sized guard dogs would be best for protecting a private home:

Boxer

A German fighting breed, which is distinguished by its charismatic appearance, athletic and muscular physique, and kind character. Easily fits into families or work teams, intuitively senses people with bad intentions. He loves children, but it takes a little effort to get him into the game.

Chases wild cats and doesn't particularly like domestic cats. At the slightest threat to the owner or his family, he rushes to defense, but does not attack as a last resort, as if biding his time . As practice shows, when you see such a dog, thoughts of attack immediately disappear. Despite its impressive muscle mass, the dog can develop high speed. At the same time, the dog is very funny and goofy with his loved ones.

Australian Shepherd

Something between a hyena and a husky. A very unusual breed, with protruding ears. The color is most often light, but there are also white or black and white options. Very friendly and calm towards other dogs and children. Doesn't like cats, but will make friends with a house cat. He is reluctant to learn commands and often reduces the learning process to a regular game.

He loves to go for walks, sometimes he breaks into the street himself. Does not require special nutrition, except that it loves fish and seafood. A good choice for those who lead an active lifestyle and walk a lot. This breed will be an excellent hunting or fishing companion, and will also serve as a nanny for your children.

Giant Schnauzer

The energy from this breed is in full swing every minute. If you are an active person, then this is a faithful and kind guard who loves children. He subtly senses the owner’s mood and does not insist on a walk if he sees that he is not in the mood.

An interesting fact is that only representatives of this breed have unique facial expressions that are very similar to human emotions. Even after a small offense, the dog feels guilty and tries to make amends for it. Does not attack domestic animals, but does not tolerate stray cats.

Chongqing

A breed from China that combines the features of a French bulldog and a pit bull. The dog is smooth-haired, the color is brown, red, brown. The character is wayward, but compromising, it can make concessions so as not to spoil relations with the owners and their environment.

Does not require a special diet or too frequent physical activity. Minimum: walks three times a week. He is not interested in street cats, but he can have a great quarrel with domestic cats. He perceives children as friends or brothers and does not attack unless provoked. He loves training and willingly learns new commands. Doesn't make noise at night and maintains discipline.

Shar Pei

Another visitor from China, with characteristic features - small, deep-set eyes and wrinkled, folded skin. The structure of the body is very powerful; considerable muscle mass is hidden under the folds. The character is calm, but to some extent arrogant.

The dog does not recognize everyone, you need to earn its respect so that it opens up and trusts you. Any food is suitable, because this breed is omnivorous. The only rule is less sweets. As for training, he shows miracles of logic, memory and learning speed. He loves cats and children, but in a conflict situation he shows his character.

Shar Pei, despite many disputes, is an excellent guard; if you are in danger, then Shar Pei will fight until his last breath!

Samoyed Laika (Samoyed)

A small fluffy animal that can protect your sleep and peace of mind. Very active and fast, he spent most of his history hunting. Can tolerate any climatic conditions. He eats only meat and does not like sweets.

Third place – Rottweiler

Dogs of this breed are very kind and attentive to children and other household members. Rottweilers are easy to train and quickly remember new information. Due to its calm nature, the Rottweiler can be kept both in an apartment and in a house. Dogs of this breed are very easy to care for.

Read more about the Rottweiler breed

Large

The largest and best guard dogs for the home:

Cane Corso

Italian breed, which is a national treasure. This breed was officially declared only a couple of years ago. Not long before this, the breed was on the verge of extinction, but now the situation has returned to normal.

The Cane Corso's relatives were Molossian dogs that lived in Ancient Rome. They descended from the mastiff-shaped dogs of the Etruscans, the Macedonian dogs and the war dogs of the Persians and Carthaginians. For more than 1000 years they have served and protected man.

This is evidenced by the name of the breed. The word “cane” is translated from Italian as “dog”, and “corso” means guard.

Italian dog breeders combined the following properties in one breed:

• Submission;
• Honor;
• Strength;
• Determination;
• Athleticism;
• Speed.

The dog is not afraid of any task, be it protecting the area or hunting a bear.

The future of the breed was under threat during the fall of Rome, where primitive selection was carried out. After the collapse of the empire, the breeding of dogs of this breed began to be chaotic and unscientific. The frequency of stillbirths increased because ordinary people did not have the necessary knowledge.

The Cane Corso was used for protection and maintenance in rural settlements, therefore, as society transitioned from agricultural to industrial, the demand for the breed decreased

Interesting Facts! The ancestors of the Cane Corso were gladiator dogs who fought in mortal combat against bears and lions.

In Europe, the Cane Corso is used to guard elite boutiques and jewelry stores. Prestigious and beautiful, and, at the same time, dangerous and strong breed. It has well-developed muscles, a proud figure, and a wide chest. Height at the withers is 70 cm for males and 55-60 cm for females. Average weight 45 kg. The head is large and heavy, the jaws are powerful enough to snap bones in flight.

Appearance evokes fear and respect. A serious expression on the face indicates to others who is in charge here. Representatives of the breed clearly distinguish between the owner, his family and strangers. Loves children and willingly plays with them. With proper training and adaptation, he will become friends with a cat if there is one in the house. Unpretentious to food and environmental conditions

Airedale

He is called the king of terriers. He received this title due to the fact that he is the largest representative among the representatives of this group. The breed was bred in the Aire Valley, located in Yorkshire. It was bred to hunt otters and river rats. These dogs have long, curly hair that hides powerful muscles. Endurance and strength, honor and courage are combined in this amazing breed.

During the First World War, a dog named Jack was recognized as the best signalman. This “private” carried messages to headquarters even from the most dangerous shooting ranges. He was not afraid of explosions and gunfire, for which he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for Valor.

At the moment, the breed is extremely rare, and it is difficult to get it and it is extremely expensive, however, it can serve as an excellent guard and companion for you and your children. Unpretentious to frequent walks - once a week is enough. If the weather is bad outside or you are not in the mood, the dog will definitely feel it and will not insist.

Dogue de Bordeaux

The main difference is its strong grip , which will stop any robber or attacker. In 1896, veterinarian Pierre Mengem published a short book on the Dogue de Bordeaux, standardizing the breed. Characteristic features are a large skull, a round muzzle, and limbs of medium length. Height is about 60 cm, weight is 40-50 kg.

The character is wayward, sometimes arrogant. However, he loves children very much , considers them his peers, and obeys his owner and his family. Loves to chase cats and gets along well with other dogs. Adaptation to new conditions occurs easily and quickly.

Doberman

Friedrich Louis Doberman, creator of this unique breed. He lived in Germany and worked as a tax inspector and a policeman at night. It is easy to guess that not everyone wanted to repay the debt, and Mr. Doberman had to think about how to increase work efficiency and protect himself from aggressive debtors.

In his free time, the policeman visited a shelter for stray dogs, but could not find the right combination of speed, strength, endurance and size. Then he decided to act independently and gave birth to this special breed.

Photo gallery

Photo 1. Dobermans in an autumn landscape

Photo 2. German pinscher puppy with a toy

Photo 3. Miniature pinscher - puppies under care

Photo 4. Mountain hound – puppies posing

Photo 5. Komondor, like an explosion in a pasta factory

Photo 6. Leonberger on a winter walk

Photo 7. Buryat-Mongolian wolfhound – puppies

Photo 8. Sulimov’s dog at work

Photo 9. The dog is resting

Second place – Staffordshire Terrier

Some people believe that Staffords are angry and unbalanced dogs. However, this is not entirely true, or rather, not at all true. The character of the Staffordshire Terrier depends directly on its upbringing. If you raise a dog correctly, it will be a good friend and even a “nanny” for children. The Staffordshire Terrier is ideal as a guard dog. Dogs of this breed do not like and do not accept strangers.

Read more about the Staffordshire Terrier breed

8). Chow chow

These teddy bears create such a pleasant impression with their appearance that no one will suspect them of aggression. Despite their melancholic character, chow chows are capable of showing aggression when a stranger tries to make close contact or pet them.

They can also be aggressive when defending their opinions or defending their food. If a chow chow bites under these conditions, it will not feel remorse. Otherwise, they are sweet, loyal creatures and wonderful companions.

First place – German Shepherd

This dog breed is one of the most popular and widespread. German Shepherds live both in private houses and in apartments. This pet is perfect for protection. Germans are very smart and quick-witted, they are easy to train and quickly remember commands. The German Shepherd is not just an excellent guard dog, but also a loyal friend for many years.

Read more about the German Shepherd breed

Choosing a good dog for protection is not difficult, the most important thing is to choose the pet that you like.

The best guard dog breeds: review and characteristics of pets

The best guard dog breeds have been perfecting their skills for centuries. Weak individuals died in battles with opponents, the strongest, smartest and most balanced dogs survived and gave birth to offspring. The so-called aboriginal dogs show excellent results in work, although there are a number of specially bred breeds for home guarding.

All guard breed dogs have a number of similar qualities:

• Cold mind - the dog quickly gets angry, but knows how to pull itself together.
• Desire to learn.
• Balance - does not attack until he sees a clear threat.
• Innate territoriality (not to be confused with sexual or dominant aggression).
• Focused on the owner, that is, on one person. Most guard dogs for private homes once defended flocks and spent months communicating only with the shepherd (shepherd).
• Endurance.
• Sensitive hearing.
• Acutely developed intuition.
• The ability to make your own decisions and cunning are very important qualities, since the typical behavior of a security guard is predictable for an enemy.

Some breeds do not need special training; their main mission is protection. Universal four-legged animals must clearly understand their task, that is, the owner will have to place emphasis in the process of basic education.

The future owner should know that not every barking dog is a guard dog. There are a number of breeds that were bred for other work:

• Sled dogs guard territory only in packs. If a four-legged animal lives alone, it can imitate protection, but you should not expect full protection from it.

• Cops are bred for hunting, this is their passion, their excitement... and security is something boring.

• Hounds need serious exercise; they happily run around the yard and chase birds, but they do not have a pronounced guarding instinct.

• Rescuers love people and are completely devoid of aggression.

• Burrowing dogs are very capable of learning and can begin to guard, but when the choice arises: hunting or guarding, the pet will succumb to instincts.

It is quite difficult to list all the breeds “suitable” for protection; it is more reasonable to highlight the twenty most worthy and “proven” ones. For convenience, we will divide our TOP into groups, depending on the size of the dogs. So, names, photos and descriptions of the best security breeds for apartments and houses.

Large breeds are suitable for keeping in a house, but some can live in an apartment. Most large guard breeds are strongly discouraged from being kept on chains or otherwise having their will limited. Dogs that have worked over large areas for generations need activity and daily work.

The Caucasian Shepherd is rightfully one of the best guards. An independent and confident dog. Needs an experienced owner, basic training and active socialization. He knows how to protect by nature and does not need specialized training. The breed is suitable for the street. The Caucasian Shepherd can sleep in a snowdrift and feel comfortable. If you decide to purchase a booth or build an enclosure, place the shelter in the center of the yard. If the dog does not have a view, he will not rest in the “house”.

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a “lighter version” of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. SAOs are more sociable and patient than Caucasians, and they are easier to train. Representatives of the breed need walks and communication with their relatives. Similar to Caucasian Shepherd Dogs, Alabais were bred to guard large flocks of livestock. Dogs are distinguished by their balance and endurance.

The Moscow Watchdog is a deliberately bred service breed. The state project was not completed, and the Moscow Watchmen were not recognized in the world. The breed is bred successfully in Russia and the former CIS countries, but is not popular. Many people compare the Moscow Watchdog with the St. Bernard; the breeds are similar only in appearance. In terms of character, it is more logical to draw an analogy with the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

Note! The Moscow Watchdog is officially recognized in Russia, but the FCI (Canine Federation Internationale) has not registered the breed. The reason for the refusal is the similarity with St. Bernard and the not always stable psyche in the blood lines.

The Black Russian Terrier is a relatively rare breed of dog due to its size and complex character. The four-legged animals were bred according to a government project as a working breed for service at important sites. Having received a large, powerful and restive dog, dog handlers were faced with the difficulties of training. Similar to the Moscow Watchdog, Black Russian Terriers take a long time to mature and require an individual approach.

This is interesting! The Black Russian Terrier is recognized by the FCI, and its second name, under which the breed has been recognized for a long time, is “Stalin’s dog.”

What kind of dog should be for a private home?

A dog in a private home is not just a pet, but also a serious guard. The animal should feel comfortable both at home and outside.

The requirements for a dog for your home are somewhat broader than for an animal for keeping in an apartment. Among them:

• Character determined by the breed : there are dog breeds that are adapted to outdoor conditions and have good guarding qualities. If Labradors are valued as family companion dogs, they are unlikely to become guard dogs. This also applies to hunting dogs.
• Temperament : Even within the same breed, dogs can be completely different. Having chosen a breed, you should not buy a puppy based on the first advertisement. He can grow up absolutely calm and domestic, even if representatives of his breed have opposite qualities.
• Size: The most obvious requirement. For a private home you need a dog of at least medium size, ideally large.
• Prospects for education : the dog should be formidable towards strangers, but allow them into the territory at the first request of the owner. Therefore, you need to choose an animal that is prone to obedience training. We are not talking about basic commands (for example, “Lie down”), but about more serious things. Given this requirement, it is worth looking not so much at the breed as at the puppy’s parents.

Security with dogs

Conducting security with service and guard dogs is a highly effective method. However, it has its own characteristics that everyone who will practically use it needs to know.

Let's look at some of them. First of all, you need to understand that a pair of attacking service dogs, in terms of the degree of injury caused, is equivalent to a bladed weapon. Moreover, weapons that do not malfunction. Not “falling out of the hands”, never “missing” the victim, always superior to the victim in physical strength, dexterity and speed of reaction. Guard dogs are not only impossible to handle with bare hands, but also quite difficult to hit with a firearm. Much more difficult than in a person. All this makes service and guard dogs indispensable participants in security activities. On the one side. On the other hand, it requires a clear knowledge of the rules and features of conducting security activities with dogs.

Most often, dogs are used to protect large open areas protected by patrolling. But they are also effective in protecting the interior of buildings (apartments, houses, offices) and checkpoints. All areas guarded by dogs must be equipped with warning signs: “PROTECTED BY WORK DOGS.”

During delivery to the place of duty, the guard dog must be muzzled, transported in special transport, and during pedestrian crossings, walk to the left of the guard, on a short leash.

When on duty, patrolling the territory with a security detail, the dog must be without a muzzle and on a long leash. You can let your dog off the leash in the following cases:

when there is a threat to the life and health of third parties from the violator;

when there is a threat to the life and health of security guards from the violator;

when the offender can escape;

when it is necessary to search for a violator over a large territory.

when the protected area is fenced with a fence of at least 2 meters.

A trained and trained guard dog must be able to perform the following functions:

on command to catch up with the hiding intruder

until the guard arrives, guard the intruder without attacking him or causing him further physical harm.

on command to begin an attack

on command, stop the attack, switching to the command “guard”

without a command to attack if the offender shows dangerous aggressiveness towards the owner guard or third parties.

do not be afraid of the sounds of gunfire and do not pay attention to them

on the command “come to me,” leave everything and return to the owner.

The owner-guard patrolling the territory with a dog, when a violator is detected, must first of all loudly and clearly warn him that the dog will be used to detain him. Give enough time to the offender to realize this fact and comply with the guard's demands (stop, show hands, follow the guard) without using a dog.

Patrolling of open protected areas is carried out by groups of guards with dogs. Two or more people in a group, each of whom leads his own dog. Using several dogs at the same time, even against a group of offenders, can be very effective.

Dogs should not be used openly, head-on, against armed intruders. In this case, you should do it from cover, from the side.

After neutralizing the violators using dogs, if the violators are injured, the guards must provide them with first aid. It is also necessary to draw up a report on what happened.

Dogs should not be used against children, pregnant women and disabled people. And also, dogs are not used in large crowds of people, where there may be other people between the dog, the intruder and the security guard. Each guard dog is assigned to one guard-owner. Guard dogs should be able to calmly move to another guard, but this is often undesirable.

The dog's service regime must be properly organized: each dog must have a separate comfortable place to sleep, sufficient and proper nutrition. When the air temperature is below 20 and above 30 degrees, the dog’s working time should not exceed 4-5 hours. During the hot season, the dog should be provided with water around the clock. A dog working as a guard must undergo all the basic vaccinations required in such cases.

Properly organized patrolling of a protected area provides an almost 100% safety effect. And here one cannot fail to note the colossal psychological effect. People are afraid of dogs. Sometimes even more than weapons. Apparently because the average citizen rarely encounters weapons, and everyone can well imagine the consequences of an attack by an angry dog. In addition, a dog cannot be bribed, it cannot be “turned off” with a certain sleight of hand or for money, in general, you cannot agree with it. Placement of warning signs around the perimeter: “CAUTION! PROTECTED BY DOGS” itself, as a rule, significantly reduces the number of attempts to get into the protected area. The economic effect of using dogs in security activities is also positive. The presence of dogs can significantly reduce the number of human guards and minimize the use of expensive special equipment. Their natural skills for guarding and protecting pay off in spades.