I Used to Think Pit Bulls Were the Best Guard Dogs, But These 10 Breeds Are Better

Akita

Akitas are profoundly loyal and courageous – two characteristics you would want to see in an excellent guard dog. This ancient Japanese breed was developed in the early 17th century in the Akita prefecture, from which they get their name. Years of selective breeding produced a dog capable of working in packs to hunt large animals including wild boar and the Yezo bear!

Why Akitas Are Better Than Pit Bulls

• Akitas are taller and heavier than pit bulls, making them more physically intimidating. They can be 28 inches tall and weigh up to 130 pounds.
• These dogs also have an extremely thick coat which allows them to spend longer periods patrolling your property in colder weather.
• Even though Akitas can be stubborn and a little aloof, they are exceptionally alert and are constantly on the lookout for suspicious people or things.

Bullmastiff

This bulldog and mastiff cross is nicknamed “The Gamekeeper’s Night Dog” and were bred to chase and pin down poachers on large English estates during the mid-to-late 19th century. They are big enough to look very scary but intelligent enough to learn how to detain but not maul a poacher or an intruder.

Why Bullmastiffs Are Better Than Pit Bulls

• Bullmastiffs are the larger breed, they can reach 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh over 130 pounds.
• Whilst the two breeds are evenly matched when it comes to intelligence, the bullmastiff is a more independent thinker and will show initiative.
• Your bullmastiff is likely to have a tendency to jump on people – given their size this is an effective intimidatory tactic for a guard dog.

Doberman Pinscher

A tax collector in 19th-century Germany decided he needed an imposing guard dog to protect him when he was on his rounds. By combining German Pinschers with Rottweilers and a few other breeds he ended up with the dog that we now call the Doberman Pinscher – named after him. This fearless, powerful animal is generally regarded as one of the world’s finest protection dogs.

Why Dobermans Are Better Than Pit Bulls

• Dobermans weigh up to 100 pounds and stand up to 28 inches in height making them a bigger dog than a pit bull.
• Whilst the Doberman was purposefully bred to protect, pit bulls were fighting dogs. They could be pitted against bulls, rats, or other dogs.
• The Doberman’s natural aloofness and suspicion of strangers is more suitable for a guard dog than the pit bull’s sociable and submissive nature.

German Shepherd Dog

The large, agile, and intelligent German shepherd dog is an all-purpose worker, and that includes being a guard dog if needed. They are found in police and military units where their courage and loyalty are highly valued. These dogs will put their own life on the line to save you.

Why German Shepherd Dogs Are Better Than Pit Bulls

• The physical size of a German shepherd dog is more intimidating than a pit bull. German shepherds stand 26 inches to the shoulder and weigh around 90 pounds.
• The breed standard for German shepherd dogs describes a ‘certain aloofness’ and this lends itself to guard dog duties. Pit bulls want to be everyone’s friend.
• These dogs can run much faster in pursuit of an intruder and are amazingly intelligent and good at dealing with new situations.

Rottweiler

A confident guardian breed, the Rottweiler can trace its ancestry to the mastiffs of the Roman legions. They are powerful and imposing dogs with thickly muscled hindquarters and thick necks. In addition to personal protection work, they make excellent search-and-rescue dogs.

Why Rottweilers Are Better Than Pit Bulls

• The Rottie can challenge pit bulls when it comes to being physically intimidating. They stand at 27 inches in height and can weigh over 135 pounds.
• Their aloof demeanor is perfectly suited to a guardian role – more so than the pit bull friendliness.
• Their bark is so terrifying that it alone is often enough to put off a would-be intruder or attacker!

Tibetan Mastiff

These densely-coated dogs make excellent guardians. They are an independent dog that needs plenty of exercise. Training them can be tricky because they are not very food driven and their recall is unlikely to ever be reliable enough for them to be let off leash.

Why Tibetan Mastiffs Are Better Than Pit Bulls

• As an ancient breed that was deigned with the sole purpose of guardianship, they have a stronger in-built protective instinct than pit bulls.
• These physically imposing dogs stand at around 26 inches in height and weigh up to 150 pounds. Their thick coat makes them look even bigger.
• Their natural aloofness with strangers and territorial nature is perfectly suited to a guard dog role.

Australian Shepherd

As the cowboy’s herding companion, the Australian shepherd is actually more closely connected with California than Australia and is originally a European breed. Its guardian heritage was formed by hundreds of years of protecting (and herding) cattle and sheep. They are exuberant dogs with a strong work ethic and need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy.

Why Australian Shepherds Are Better Than Pit Bulls

• Aussie’s have an extremely strong work ethic and are never off-duty, they are exceptionally watchful dogs.
• Herding dogs also have a strong protective instinct and that is certainly true of the Australian shepherd.
• Whilst your Aussie may alert you, they will not normally attack an intruder. However, because they respond so well to training, this is something that you may be able to teach them to do – if that is what you want.

Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is a serious, protective and intense dog who needs an expert hand. These are not a good choice for first time dog owners. They are a large dog who forms a strong bond with their owners. Also, they are very eager to please and respond well to training if you get it right.

Why Belgian Malinois Are Better Than Pit Bulls

• Belgian Malinois are more physically intimidating dogs, standing at around 26 inches to the shoulder.
• They are also much faster and more agile than pit bulls, these guys will easily catch a fleeing intruder.
• These dogs are extremely alert with very sharp senses so they can alert you to potential threats.

Cane Corso

These noble dogs can trace their ancestry back to ancient Rome where they were used for charging enemy lines. There name translates as ‘bodyguard dog’ so you can’t get much closer to a guard dog than that! Early socialisation is vital if you want to keep one as just a pet.

Why Cane Corsos Are Better Than Pit Bulls

• These are supremely confident dogs who are competent and super cool – just what you want in a body guard!
• Their physique is impressively intimidating – they have rippling muscles and a proud, tall stature.
• Whilst this breed is loyal, they are also assertive and wilful – a stranger will not get the better of them.

Komondor

Don’t let the rather comical appearance of this breed fool you, they can make a brave and loyal guard dog. These dogs have a calm nature but when danger arises they spring into action and are very fierce. Their crazy dreadlocks are there to protect them from extreme weather and sharp-toothed predators.

Why Komondors Are Better Than Pit Bulls

• They are a larger and more powerful dog than pit bulls. Komondors stand over 27 inches in height and weigh over 100 pounds. They have a heavy bone structure and are very muscular.
• Despite their large size, these dogs are surprisingly agile – they move with long strides and can pursue an intruder over rough ground.
• That coat gives them better protection from attack than a pit bull has. They are also very brave and independent.