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 affectionateQuietestHypoallergenicActiveSmartestСторожовіНайбільшіНайменшіДовгожителіНайздоровішіНайспокійнішіДружні до котівМорозостійкіМисливськіНе слиняві
1
Pyrenean Mastiff (Mastín del Pirineo)Family 5.0Training 3.5Weather 5.077 cm2
Anatolian Shepherd Dog (Karabash)Family 4.5Training 3.0Weather 5.076 cm3
Kangal Shepherd DogFamily 4.0Training 3.0Weather 4.576 cm4
Akbash DogFamily 4.0Training 2.5Weather 5.076 cm5
Kuchi Dog (Afghan Shepherd)Family 3.5Training 2.5Weather 5.075 cm6
English MastiffFamily 5.0Training 3.5Weather 3.575 cm7
Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog)Family 4.5Training 2.5Weather 4.573 cm8
Moscow WatchdogFamily 4.5Training 3.5Weather 5.072 cm9
American Tundra ShepherdFamily 3.5Training 3.0Weather 5.072 cm10
BroholmerFamily 5.0Training 3.5Weather 4.072 cm11
Romanian Mioritic Shepherd DogFamily 4.5Training 3.0Weather 5.072 cm12
Bucovina Shepherd Dog (Ciobănesc de Bucovina)Family 4.5Training 3.0Weather 5.071 cm13
Poligar Hound (Rajapalayam Dog)Family 4.0Training 3.0Weather 3.570 cm14
Black Russian TerrierFamily 4.0Training 4.0Weather 4.070 cm15
Caucasian Shepherd DogFamily 3.5Training 2.5Weather 4.570 cm16
Buryat-Mongolian WolfhoundFamily 4.5Training 3.0Weather 5.070 cm17
KuvaszFamily 4.0Training 3.0Weather 4.570 cm18
KomondorFamily 3.5Training 2.5Weather 4.070 cm19
Rafeiro do AlentejoFamily 4.5Training 3.0Weather 5.069 cm20
Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)Family 3.5Training 2.5Weather 3.568 cm21
Mudhol Hound (Caravan Hound)Family 4.0Training 3.0Weather 3.568 cm22
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog (Karakachan Dog)Family 4.0Training 2.5Weather 5.068 cm23
Doberman PinscherFamily 4.5Training 5.0Weather 2.068 cm24
Estrela Mountain DogFamily 4.5Training 3.0Weather 5.068 cm25
East European ShepherdFamily 4.5Training 5.0Weather 5.068 cm26
Ukrainian ShepherdFamily 4.0Training 3.0Weather 5.068 cm27
Majorca Shepherd DogFamily 4.0Training 3.5Weather 4.067 cm28
Himalayan SheepdogFamily 4.0Training 2.5Weather 5.066 cm29
American Indian DogFamily 4.5Training 4.0Weather 4.566 cm30
American Akita (Great Japanese Dog)Family 4.0Training 3.0Weather 4.066 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.