Best guard dog breeds
Territorial, protective breeds suited to guarding with an experienced owner.
A good guard dog is not an aggressive dog: it is a confident, territorial dog with a high threshold, able to warn and to tell a visitor from a threat. A fearful dog bites more than a balanced one.
These breeds demand experience, serious socialisation from puppyhood and, in several countries, liability insurance and a licence. Check your local regulations before deciding.
Top 24 breeds
- 1. Komondor 85%
- 2. Australian Shepherd Husky 80%
- 3. Belgian Tervuren 80%
- 4. Blue Lacy 80%
- 5. Bouvier des Flandres 80%
- 6. Giant Schnauzer 80%
- 7. Anatolian Shepherd Dog 75%
- 8. Appenzeller Sennenhunde 75%
- 9. Australian Kelpie 75%
- 10. Boxmatian 75%
- 11. Briard 75%
- 12. Gordon Setter 75%
- 13. Newfoundland 75%
- 14. Welsh Springer Spaniel 75%
- 15. Xoloitzcuintli 75%
- 16. Akita 70%
- 17. American Leopard Hound 70%
- 18. Australian Shepherd 70%
- 19. Black Russian Terrier 70%
- 20. Boxweiler 70%
- 21. Broholmer 70%
- 22. Bullmastiff 70%
- 23. Canaan Dog 70%
- 24. Cane Corso 70%
The percentage shows how well each breed matches the criteria of this guide, not how "good" the breed is.
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- Best dog breeds for apartment living Breeds that cope well with a flat: moderate size, moderate energy and little barking.
- Best dog breeds for families with children Breeds that are affectionate with the family, tolerant with children and sociable with other dogs.
- Best dog breeds for first-time owners Breeds suited to people who have never had a dog: easy to train and forgiving of mistakes.
- Dog breeds that shed very little Breeds with minimal shedding and little drooling, for people who don't want hair everywhere.
- Dog breeds that tolerate being left alone More independent breeds, for people who are out of the house during the day.
- Calm, quiet dog breeds Low-energy breeds that bark little, ideal where neighbours are close.
- Best dog breeds for older people Manageable size, low energy and a docile temperament for easy day-to-day living.
- Best dog breeds for runners and active people Breeds with the energy and stamina for running, hiking or dog sports.
- Easiest dog breeds to train Breeds that learn quickly and respond well to training.
- Dog breeds that handle hot weather well Breeds adapted to hard summers.
- Dog breeds that get on well with other dogs Sociable breeds, for homes that already have a dog or for regular dog-park visitors.