10 Most Popular Guard Dogs From Around the World
by Leo Reyes on Aug 28, 2008 with 26 Comments
Guard Dogs belong to the special breed category because they possess special talent or skill that make them naturally effective as protectors of life and property.
Here are some of the most popular guard dogs from around the world:
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are large breed of dogs that originated in Germany. They are normally seen in the company of the police or military personnel as their partners in crime prevention and investigative work. German shepherds are strong, intelligent, obedient, protective and loyal. As working dogs, they are well known for their police work. Because of their keen sense of smell and their ability to work under extreme conditions, they are widely used in search and rescue operations, including explosives searching and narcotics detection, cadaver searching, among others.
Doberman Pinscher
Although Doberman Pinschers are ideal for companionship because of their being lively and energetic, the earlier breeds were commonly used as guard dogs just like the German shepherd, because of their intelligence and alertness. Doberman is a medium size dog that generally weighs between 70-100 pounds.
Doberman Pinschers are generally gentle, intelligent and loving dogs. A typical Doberman attacks only if it has been mistreated or in a case where its family is mistreated. It is less known to attack humans in contrast with other dogs like Pit bull or the German shepherd.
Rottweiler
Like the German Shepherd, Rottweiler originated in Germany. Rottweilers are powerful breed of dogs with well developed guarding and herding instincts. They are ancient breed that were used by their masters in herding cattle and were very effective in driving away intruders. Ownership of this dog requires specialized attention as they could be dangerous to humans. The unusual and dangerous behavior of most Rottweilers is traceable to irresponsible ownership, abuse or neglect by their masters. In the USA, Rottweilers were number two in known and documented fatal attacks on humans. Rottweilers are not recommended for dog owners who don’t have much experience or understand a little about dog psychology. Rottweilers normally weigh 90 to 110 lbs.
American Pit Bull Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is a dog breed that was believed to have originated from England and Ireland and was a crossbreed of a Bulldog and Pit Bull breed. The resulting cross breed was brought to the USA by immigrants from UK. They were used by farmers and ranchers for protection from intruders and as family companions. The APBT today continues to demonstrate obedience, versatility and agility .They are primarily used in competitions for their noted qualities that complement sports related competitions. But more than these known qualities, they excel as working dogs because of their intelligence, their being energetic and for the endurance. In the United States, they are used in search and rescue operations, narcotics and explosives detection and in boarders patrol. American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium size dog that weighs from 35 to 65 lbs.
Anatolian Shepherd or Kangal
Anatolian Shepherd is a breed of dog from Anatolia in Central Turkey. This dog was bred primarily for guarding flocks of sheep from wolves, bears, jackals and cheetah. It is muscular breed and weighs from 80 to 150 lbs. This dog was developed to be independent and forceful.
The Kangal Dog on the other hand is the national breed of Turkey and was originally used as livestock guard dog. This breed of dog is protective and gentle to small children and later became popular as guardian of families as it watch members of the family with great devotion. Anatolian Shepherd weighs from 80 to 150 lbs.
Black Russian Terrier
Black Russian Terrier (BRT) was originally developed in Russia as a guard dog. BRT gives the impression of strength and courage. This breed is highly intelligent dog and very loyal to its master. At times it may seem aloof and needs human companionship. They bond deeply to family members. BRT needs a lot of exercise because it has a tendency to be hyperactive and sometimes destructive if not given a chance to burn off its energy. Black Russian Terrier normally weighs from 80 to 143 lbs.
American Bulldog
American Bulldog is said to be the closest surviving relative of the Old English Bulldog because they were not altered substantially in their breeding evolution while in America as their European relatives. The American Bulldog is well built, stocky and looks very strong and stable. This dog is massive in comparison with the French Bulldog or other foreign bred Bulldog. They are quite fond of children but at times they do not know their own strength and so they should be supervised when they are with small children. The American Bulldog is best with experienced owner as they are quite powerful dogs. American Bulldog normally weighs from 60-120 lbs.
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiff is a breed of dog that is said to be a cross between the Old English Bulldog and the English Mastiff. It was originally bred in England to immobilize intruders and as a guard dog for the family. The Bullmastiff is a courageous, loyal, calm and loving dog. It has also a strong protective instinct and will defend its owners against treat from intruders. They normally attack and knocks the intruder over with its massive built and pins them to the ground. Parental supervision is suggested when they are in the company of children. Bullmastiff normally weighs from 110-120 lbs.
Kunming Wolf Dog
Kunming Wolf Dog originated in China. It is similar in appearance to the German Shepherd dog but stands taller in the back and has a shorter coat. This breed was created in 1950s to meet the needs for military dogs. Kunmings are seldom used as pet dogs but is widely used by Chinese military and police. Kunmings are relative small and normally weighs from 66-84lbs.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff dog is one of the largest breed of guard dogs. It is a sturdy and massively built and weighs over 100lbs. As a flock guardian dog in Tibet, it is tenacious in its ability to confront predators the size of wolves and leopards. Tibetan Mastiff weighs normally more than 100 lbs and with a lifespan of about 14 years.
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Published in: Pets
s hayes | Aug 28, 2008 | Reply
Fantastic, informative, well written article
Lauren Axelrod | Aug 28, 2008 | Reply
Great article Leo. I have a Siberian wolf but, I’d definetly like to have one of the cunming wolf dogs also.
nobert soloria bermosa | Aug 28, 2008 | Reply
awesome dogs,love to have any of them
Kay | Aug 28, 2008 | Reply
My vote for a good guard dog is an Australian Shepherd. They are fiercely loyal and protective. This shocks most people because Aussies are playful, friendly and want to meet everyone. However, if something is a threat, they change modes and protect their territory and owner. My dog will stop and sit between my feet when we are out for a walk and someone comes by who he deems a threat. I remember even when he was a puppy, maybe 7 months old, I was out walking him and a guy walking on the other side of the road, was drunk, my puppy stopped infront of me and stayed there until the guy was in his house. That’s protection. Most dogs who are regarded as protective come across as mean and tough even on good days. I’d rather have a dog who is friendly and then really shock the people who think he won’t attack because of that.
Leo Reyes | Aug 29, 2008 | Reply
Thank you Kay for your comments. I don’t blame you for choosing Australian Shepherd. They are lovable dogs and very protective too. However they are less popular than those cited in the list.They could be popular in Australia but not elsewhere in the world, maybe because they were developed as herding or working dogs early on,in the American West. Its origin and history is also vague. Some say that they originated in Spain and was use there as shepherds though they were developed in North America in the 19th century. Thus the name “Australian Shepherd” is quite misleading to some dog lovers.
I wish I could own one, because they are really lovable and playful dogs aside from their known guarding instincts.
Melissa Joyce | Aug 29, 2008 | Reply
I had never heard of a Black Russian Terrier before this article. It is such an attractive breed. Nice article.
Liane Schmidt | Aug 29, 2008 | Reply
I didn’t know the Black Russian Terrier was a guard dog. Nice article!
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
Leo Reyes | Aug 29, 2008 | Reply
Thanks again Kay. And thank you guys for your nice comments
Borlok VA | Aug 29, 2008 | Reply
I agree with Kay. Australian Shepherds, as well as Queensland Heelers are very protective and super lovable. I’d like to add one more to the list, however – Chows. They are super loyal, also.
Dimitar | Aug 30, 2008 | Reply
Have any one heard about a Macedonian Sharplaninec? A very massive dog oven used by villagers who live in the mountains for guarding them against bears. There are some stories about a Sharplaninec who killed a grown bear.
Dimitar | Aug 30, 2008 | Reply
Have any one heard about a Macedonian Sharplaninec? A very massive dog often used by villagers who live in the mountains for guarding them against bears. There are often stories about a Sharplaninec who killed a grown bear.
Leo Reyes | Aug 30, 2008 | Reply
Yes I know a little about Macedonian Shaplaninec dogs. They are known as an ancient livestock guarding breed from the mountain region of Macedonia. Its name was derived from one of the mountains of Macedonia. the Shar Planina mountain.They must be good guarding dogs but not yet as popular as those found in the list. It is considered as a rare dog and I wish I could have a pair for breeding purposes.
Thanks for the information.
Giotto | Sep 2, 2008 | Reply
What about Cane Corso or Neapol Mastiff? thats a beast of a dog used for a really long time for guarding homes.
Sharplaninec are not a RARE breed. they are found all around the balkans and again in big numbers. and thats a hell of a dog, more like a bear that a dog.
Leo Reyes | Sep 2, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for additonal info about Sharplaninec. Regarding Cane Corso, I agree that this dog breed is also a good guarding dog.The Neapolitan Mastiff seems to be more superior that the Corso because of its massive built and fearsome appearance.One of its good qualities is its known protective instincts.
Yes I would definitely include the Neapolitan Mastiff in the list if there is a slot for one more.
Thanks Giotto for the valuable information.
Riste | Sep 2, 2008 | Reply
Yes, you definitely need to take a look at the Sharplaninec breed from the Balkans. It’s an extremely loyal dog and a fierce fighter. As Dimitar said they are known to take on even bears or a group of wolfs. It is very common breed on the Balkans and it’s a must if you have a house on the mountain.
Here’s a clip where a Sharplaninec handles 3 wolfs. At the he kills only 2 of them (although for the second wolf the dog gets some moral support
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHNcplI5Qtg&feature=related
Leo Reyes | Sep 2, 2008 | Reply
Thanks Riste for your pitch about Sharplaninec dogs. Now I know that they are common in the Balkans. Unfortunately there seems to ba a limited number of ownership outside of the Balkans. That is why I said that I wish I could have a pair for breeding purposes.
Thanks for the enlightenment.
Vojo | Sep 2, 2008 | Reply
http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Sarplaninec
This is a Macedonian guard dog. Maybe the best !
Henry | Sep 2, 2008 | Reply
doberman is the best.
acecampillo | Sep 3, 2008 | Reply
Great article! I love Rottweiler because we also have one.
God Bless!
Terry Leatherwood | Sep 12, 2008 | Reply
Nice article! I have a boerboel and I believe them to be the perfect family guard dog. Well behaved with strangers they are introduced to. Great with Kids. I believe the best mastiff breed as they haven’t been ruined by breeders. Yet!
Angrified | Sep 13, 2008 | Reply
I love this article. I’ve been looking for a sweet dog who likes children but can also protect. These are some good dogs to think about. Thanks!
tales2tell | Nov 3, 2008 | Reply
My heart belongs to my bullmastiff.
This gentle giant breed, so loving, caring and loyal. Not for the clean freak or faint of heart. Also not for those who think they should get a dog for their kid.
Christiane | Feb 3, 2009 | Reply
Well written article … if you like to know more aout Kangals and anatolian shepherds und get detailed information please visit our page http://kangalworld.blogspot.com. See pics an vids of these wonderful dogs or buy dog stuff at our shop!
Freddy Perez | Mar 4, 2009 | Reply
well truely i would never go with a purebred dog because of disorders,my dog is Chow/Labrador/German Shepherd/and Pitbull but if i did choose a purebred i would go with German Shepherd or Saint Bernard
Josef | Aug 1, 2009 | Reply
I see that you have a good knowledge of dogs, so i suppose you have heard of the Caucasian Shepherd? I Believe they also make very valuable guard dogs. And Boerboels as well, which are probably more popular.
Kaan | Sep 2, 2009 | Reply
Kangal is the best