The Best Guard Dog…Is Impressive, Large and Strong – Ideal For The Protection Of Property And People.

Trying To Find The Best Guard Dog?

Many people now wish to own a dog for home security purposes. A well-trained dog can protect you, your family and your home from unwelcome intruders and vandals, thus providing peace of mind all round. Potential intruders are deterred when they see a large dog sitting on your front step or in your garden.

Guard Dog or Watch Dog?

Guard dogs are not the same as watch dogs and must be properly trained and socialised, to qualify for the trusted position of the family-loving guardian and pet.

A typical watchdog usually belongs to a breed that barks when strangers approach and will alert their owners to danger by barking and threatening the intruder. However, they are unable to carry out their barking threats, due to the lack of size or strength, but will do their best to protect their home and family.

On the other hand, best guard dogs, are impressive, large and strong. They are naturally protective and when properly trained and handled are ideal for the protection of property and people. When these dogs are roused to attack they have the ability to cause serious injury, however, they can also be gentle pets and loving family members, when properly trained early in life.

Best Guard Dog Breeds

When choosing a breed it is important to consider size, intelligence and ease of care, as well as your physical ability to handle a large dog. My research produced the following excellent contenders from well-respected guard dog breeds:-

• Chow Chows – medium in size, they have a keen intelligence, with an independent spirit and innate dignity giving this dog an aura of aloofness and it is naturally reserved and discerning with strangers.

• Doberman Pinscher – is a dog of medium size, with a square body that is compactly built, muscular and powerful, giving it great endurance and speed. They are elegant in appearance, with a proud carriage, which reflects great nobility and temperament. Always energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient.

• The Rhodesian Ridgeback – Is a strong, muscular and active dog of even, dignified temperament and a mature animal is a handsome, upstanding and athletic dog, capable of great endurance with a fair amount of speed. The Ridgeback is devoted and affectionate to his master, but reserved with strangers. The peculiarity of this dog is the ridge on its back, which is regarded as the characteristic feature of the breed.

• Bull Mastiffs – Are powerfully built but active and show great strength, endurance, and alertness. The foundation breeding was 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog. The breed was developed in England by gamekeepers to prevent the poaching of game. Fearless and confident in temperament yet docile. The dog combines the reliability, intelligence, and willingness to please, required in a reliable family pet and protector.

• Rottweiler – Is a medium-large, robust and powerful dog, black with clearly defined rust markings. His compact and substantial build denotes great strength, agility and endurance. The breed’s temperament is a calm, confident and courageous dog with a self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate friendships.

• A Rottweiler is an intelligent dog responding quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in his environment. He has an inherent desire to protect home and family, with a strong willingness to work, making him especially suited as a companion, guardian and general all-purpose dog.

• German Shepherd Dog – Is a strong, agile, well-muscled animal, which is very alert and full of life and when the occasion demands, eager, fit and willing to serve as companion, watchdog, blind leader, herding dog, or guardian. They have built-in instincts for guarding the home, which is why they are considered to be one of the best guard dogs. Also their sheer size and deep powerful barks make them a great burglar deterrent.

Inexperienced prospective dog owners should not buy guard dog breeds that are:-

• Very energetic – these dogs enjoy activity and need plenty of exercise and attention to keep them out of trouble. Older owners may not be able to control or cope with their demands.

• Large breeds – People with babies and young children should generally avoid large breeds, as they can unintentionally injure a child in play, due to their huge body size and momentum.

• Highly aggressive – which if ill-treated, are more likely to bite their owners.

• Dominant natured – these dogs are usually stubborn and difficult to control.

• Have a strong drive to hunt prey – they are harder to control and likely to chase and attack livestock.

Good Guard Dog Breeds for Inexperienced Owners

Good breeds for first time, or inexperienced owners, or people with children are:- Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Irish Setters or Wheaten Terrier.

N.B. – It is important to realise that owning a trained guard dog, is just like possessing a weapon and you must take responsibility for its behaviour!

So make your neighbours, friends and relatives aware of your guardian and warn them not to visit unexpectedly. Also remember to warn tradesmen and other strangers who intend coming to the house, that you have a dog protecting the premises.

Guard Dog UK – The Law.

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

The Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act 1997

Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 prohibits four guard dog breeds:- “The Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro”.