In short The best guard and protection breeds are strong, brave and devoted defenders of home and family. These are serious dogs that need training, socialization and an experienced owner.
How we rated
Selected by guarding purpose (large and giant guardian breeds), ranked by size and power.
Rankings:For apartmentsFor kidsFor beginnersMost affectionateQuietestHypoallergenicActiveSmartestGuard dogsLargestSmallestLongest-livedHealthiestCalmestCat-friendlyCold-hardyHunting dogsNon-drooling
1
Spanish MastiffFamily 4.0Training 2.5Weather 4.080 cm2
Pyrenean MastiffFamily 5.0Training 3.5Weather 5.077 cm3
Kangal Shepherd DogFamily 4.0Training 3.0Weather 4.576 cm4
Akbash DogFamily 4.0Training 2.5Weather 5.076 cm5
Anatolian Shepherd Dog (Karabash)Family 4.5Training 3.0Weather 5.076 cm6
Kuchi Dog (Afghan Shepherd)Family 3.5Training 2.5Weather 5.075 cm7
English MastiffFamily 5.0Training 3.5Weather 3.575 cm8
Pyrenean Mountain DogFamily 4.5Training 2.5Weather 4.573 cm9
Moscow WatchdogFamily 4.5Training 3.5Weather 5.072 cm10
American Tundra ShepherdFamily 3.5Training 3.0Weather 5.072 cm11
BroholmerFamily 5.0Training 3.5Weather 4.072 cm12
Romanian Mioritic Shepherd DogFamily 4.5Training 3.0Weather 5.072 cm13
Bucovina Shepherd DogFamily 4.5Training 3.0Weather 5.071 cm14
Poligar Hound (Rajapalayam Dog)Family 4.0Training 3.0Weather 3.570 cm15
Black Russian TerrierFamily 4.0Training 4.0Weather 4.070 cm16
Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Alabai)Family 3.5Training 2.0Weather 4.570 cm17
Caucasian Shepherd DogFamily 3.5Training 2.5Weather 4.570 cm18
Buryat-Mongolian WolfhoundFamily 4.5Training 3.0Weather 5.070 cm19
KuvaszFamily 4.0Training 3.0Weather 4.570 cm20
KomondorFamily 3.5Training 2.5Weather 4.070 cm21
Rafeiro do AlentejoFamily 4.5Training 3.0Weather 5.069 cm22
Mudhol Hound (Caravan Hound)Family 4.0Training 3.0Weather 3.568 cm23
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog (Karakachan Dog)Family 4.0Training 2.5Weather 5.068 cm24
DobermannFamily 4.5Training 5.0Weather 2.068 cm25
Estrela Mountain DogFamily 4.5Training 3.0Weather 5.068 cm26
Neapolitan MastiffFamily 4.0Training 2.5Weather 3.068 cm27
Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)Family 3.5Training 2.5Weather 3.568 cm28
East European ShepherdFamily 4.5Training 5.0Weather 5.068 cm29
Ukrainian ShepherdFamily 4.0Training 3.0Weather 5.068 cm30
Majorca Shepherd DogFamily 4.0Training 3.5Weather 4.067 cmFAQ
Which breeds are best for guarding?
Cane Corso, Rottweiler, Dobermann, shepherds, Kangal, Tibetan and Pyrenean mastiffs, Giant Schnauzer, Black Russian Terrier.
Are guard dogs safe for the family?
Yes, with proper training and socialization — they are devoted to their family; aggression comes from a lack of training, not the breed.
Can a novice get a guarding breed?
Better not — the strength and guarding instinct call for experience, consistency and early socialization.