The 29 Best Guard Dogs

Pet Breeds ^ | 19 Oct, 2015 | Jackie Lam

[MtnClimber]

Large dogs are held in high esteem for a variety of reasons: for their large stature, their strength, and their protective nature and keen watchdog abilities. If you're looking for a reliable canine defender, it's important to consider not only the physical attributes of a dog breed, but its temperament, as well.

Using data from Animal Planet, PetBreeds found the 29 best guard dogs and ranked them by popularity, according to the 2014 AKC popularity rankings. (Three dog breeds that had no ranking were put at the bottom of the list.) Criteria used included that the breed must possess a strong watchdog ability and be known protectors. Only purebreds that were classified as being large or giant and to bark minimally were included.

[trisham]

:)

[central_va]

By default a good guard dog needs to be around and stay around to do his job.

I've owned many hound dogs and my hounds, if they pick up a good scent on something interesting, will bolt and they are gone - real gone. Sometimes for days. This is not the characteristic of a good watch dog.

Not to say they can't defend you, they just have to be there first.

[ChildOfThe60s]

And my daughter’s will eat anything given the chance. He’s particularly fond of deer poop. And we have lots of that around here, all over my backyard.

[central_va]

My Labs like to drag deer carcasses home. Every now and then my front yard looks like a murder scene. Rib cages and femur bones everywhere.

[Salamander]

OMG...it looks just like her!

I call her The Velociraptor.

Even Odin fears her hamstringing wrath.

;D

[trisham]

Dobies are great dogs!

[Salamander]

"I ain't skeered"

[trisham]

They’re also very handsome dogs.

[RandallFlagg]

What kind is that?

[gorush]

Pembroke Welsh Corgi w/ a “fluffy” coat.

[Salamander]

You will laugh yourself sick over this classic

http://www.webtree.ca/tree/keeper/dogs_in_elk.htm

[Altariel]

“taut”

[Salamander]

Yeah, I like ‘em, some.

:)

[trisham]

LOL! I hear you!

[Farmer Dean]

“No Rottweiler?”
I don't get that either.I see German Shepherd made number one,and we've had Shepherds for years.But I got a Rottie male about 2 years ago because I wanted more firepower.He and our Shepherds get along great and together they would just shred an intruder.

[Altariel]

Yes, you could practically make a winter coat with it!

They tend to love their three a.m. concerts.

[Salamander]

When we had the AKC show locally, I used to hang out with the Ridge owners because there were no other Ibizans at the show...and the Saluki people.

I could drown in a Saluki’s eyes.

:)

[gorush]

Then and now...

[RandallFlagg]

No schipperkey?
I KNEW it! Them thar thangs are demons!

[trisham]

When we take our dogs out beyond the fenced area, we have training collars on them. There are many deer in this area and we know that our dogs will chase them if they appear.

When outside, our dogs are either behind a six foot, chain link fence, or on leash. The majority of the time they are in the house, and by our sides. Ridgebacks are extremely loyal and affectionate. They never want to be far from us, but we do recognize that they are prey-driven.