19 Big Guard Dogs: Choose Your Favorite Protector

The saying that a dog is man’s best friend did not come about for no reason.

Dogs are truly real-life companions, and a large number of dog owners will tell you how they communicate with their pets in their own way, and how they have a special relationship.

Although dogs may not actually understand our language, in a large number of situations, we can all notice how dogs feel our emotions, share our fears, and rejoice in happy moments with us.

There are various reasons why people actually have dogs.

Some have been attached to dogs since early childhood, some love all animals and want to have as many pets as possible, and to some people, a dog is the keeper of the estate and the guardian of the family.

So, which dogs are good guard dogs? What are they actually doing, and how are they protecting us?

When you imagine a fine guard dog with a confident attitude ready to intimidate a person who has appeared uninvited in his territory, a picture of a large dog with a somewhat frightening appearance probably appears in front of you.

It is the big guard dogs that are the topic of today’s article. Keep reading and learn more about the 19 big guard dogs we have chosen for all canine lovers today.

19 Exceptional Big Guard Dogs

There are many guard dog breeds that will be excellent in the task of guarding their human family and property. Some of them don’t even have to be that big or intimidating to be successful guard dogs!

However, we are talking about really big guard dogs today, which are usually the first thing that comes to the mind of people who are thinking about dogs that are good protectors.

So, let’s find out which are the 19 selected powerful dogs that make excellent guard dogs.

1. Akita

First on our list of big guard dogs is the Akita. This dog originated in Japan where it was used as a guard dog of royalty, so it is clear that this dog was actually made to guard!

Nowadays, we have two types of Akita dogs: the Japanese and the American Akita. With small differences in their looks, both of these dogs are excellent as protectors and human companions!

The Akita is a very brave dog that does not like strangers, and whose looks tell people that they should not approach this dog just to cuddle him.

The Akita doesn’t even have to bark – it’s enough for him to mumble a bit and will probably instill fear in a stranger that he sees for the first time and whom he doesn’t trust!

However, an Akita can be a marvelous family pet with proper socialization and training from an early age. Precisely because they are so attached to their human family, these Japanese dogs are excellent guardians. These dogs will react to the slightest sign that their owner may be in danger or that an intruder is on their property.

Still, the Akita is an extremely smart dog that can be stubborn, so it is probably a better choice for an experienced dog owner who is also a good trainer rather than for first-time dog owners.

This dog is friendly with people he loves, but he will mostly enjoy his alone time, and will not demand to be part of every activity. Simply, his most important task is to guard his loved ones!

2. American Bulldog

The American Bulldog is a marvelous family dog that loves to have a lot of space. These dogs adore their family, and have strong instincts to guard them. This being said, they also need a lot of exercise on a daily basis, so therefore, they require an experienced dog owner.

This dog was originally bred to help farmers with their work assignments. Today, these dogs are loved family pets of many people. They can even adapt to apartment life, but they still feel the best in a house with a big yard where they can spend the large amount of energy they have.

Besides being guard dogs, American Bulldogs are also great watchdogs. So, not only will these dogs inform their owner that there is a stranger on his property, he also might confront the stranger himself!

We all feel safer when we know we have a guard dog at home, but it is necessary to be careful that the dog would not go too far with his guarding instincts.

So, with American Bulldogs, it is crucial to train and socialize them on time, which means finding the balance for your dog to be a good guard dog, and at the same time, know how to behave when strangers are around.

3. Beauceron

The Beauceron originated in France where he was used as a herding dog on farms. So, this dog used to guard sheep, and he is known for being the biggest sheepdog from France.

This dog has not lost his protective instinct throughout the years, so today, he is still a great guard dog and a loving family pet.

However, this dog does not like to be left alone, and needs to have a task to do all the time. The Beauceron is always suspicious of unknown people, so he needs to be properly socialized.

Beauceron owners will need to undertake obedience training at the dog’s early age.

This dog needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation. What he enjoys the most is spending hours and hours outside with his human family. However, being a curious and large dog, a Beauceron will most likely jump over a fence easily!

So, what does owning a Beauceron require? An experienced dog owner who will know how to train this big, energetic, and agile dog. When you successfully overcome these minor obstacles, you will get the best guard dog!

4. Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is a versatile dog that used to be a herding dog, but today, he is equally excellent as a police dog and a family dog. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Belgian Malinois is a hard-working, smart, and confident dog.

This dog is very intelligent and athletic, and has a high energy level. You might have heard that Belgian Malinois are aggressive dogs.

Is this true? No! The truth is that this dog is demanding in the sense that he needs a lot of exercise, does not respond well to apartment life, and is not confident with strangers.

These characteristics make a great guard dog; not an aggressive dog! Besides the Belgian Malinois needing a lot of space and exercise, he also needs to be with his human family members all the time.

If left alone for too long, he might develop separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behavior.

So, a Belgian Malinois is a great big guard dog, but he needs to be exposed to other animals and people from an early age in order for him to become an obedient and trained dog.

If properly trained and socialized, a Belgian Malinois will be the best protector dog for his family.

On the other hand, if a dog owner with no experience or no will for proper dog training deals with a Belgian Malinois, what he will get is a scared dog that will show aggression due to a lack of socialization and mental stimulation.

5. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog was originally bred to be a farm dog, and he has kept his working skills up to today.

His original purpose has changed since this dog is nowadays a family dog, but his working habits and his protective nature have remained the same!

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large dog, but he has a gentle soul. So, while training this dog, a dog owner should not be strict, and should use positive reinforcement.

This dog will probably scare intruders just by his large size, but he is also easy to train and loyal to his owner, so therefore, he is an excellent guard dog.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is not a dog that will usually show any sign of aggression, but will bark loudly and chase after strangers if he senses that his owner is not safe.

6. Boerboel

A Boerboel is a Mastiff-type dog. Just like other Mastiff dogs such as the Dogo Argentino, the English Mastiff, or the Tibetan Mastiff, the Boerboel is also an excellent guard dog!

Just like many other guard dogs, the Boerboel also used to be a farming dog. A Boerboel is a low-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming, and is, in general, a healthy dog, but this does not mean that it is easy to handle!

This big dog needs his space and a lot of daily exercise. Also, a Boerboel takes his guarding task very seriously. There is nothing more important for this dog than keeping his property and his human family safe!

This dog will not bark for no reason, so if you hear your Boerboel barking, you should check what is happening right away!

A Boerboel might show aggression towards strangers and towards other animals, which is why early socialization is necessary.

He is indeed a good guard dog, but don’t let his great size fool you. After all… there is a reason why this dog is known as the gentle giant!

If properly socialized, a Boerboel will be the best friend of small children and of families in general.

7. Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is probably most known for being a guard dog! Seriously, you will not need to have any security alarm if you have a Bullmastiff in your yard. One more plus: your family will have a loyal companion and a best friend in this dog!

The Bullmastiff is a strong and confident dog that does not allow intruders to come into their territory. Despite them being the best guard dogs, they are not suited for first-time dog owners.

A Bullmastiff needs a dominant master who will know how to train him to grow into an obedient dog.

You might instantly connect a guard dog with a lot of barking, but this is not the case with a Bullmastiff. He will do his work while being very silent!

He does not have to bark to make intruders go away from your property – he will do it without you even noticing that there was an intruder!

8. Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is a strong and powerful dog whose appearance might frighten even people who are usually not scared of dogs! So, even at first glance, you can conclude that a Cane Corso would make a good guard dog.

But, is a Cane Corso also a good family dog? Yes! With proper training and a lot of work, this tough guy will be your family’s sweetheart.

For a long time now, Cane Corso dogs have been used as guard dogs on farms, and also as hunting dogs. So, guarding is a natural instinct of a Cane Corso dog.

This dog will act protective when strangers are around, but will be the gentlest dog around his family.

So, a Cane Corso is the perfect choice for families that want to make sure their property is secured and, at the same time, want to have a loving and loyal dog.

9. Caucasian Shepherd

The Caucasian Shepherd is a seriously big dog whose looks tell you he will guard your property! Not only guard, this dog will even get in a fight in order to protect his family and his territory.

This dog is very intelligent, but at the same time, tends to be independent, so he is not easy to train. Also, he demands serious involvement with a dog owner since he might be aggressive towards strangers.

So, this dog is probably the best choice for people who need a real guardian for their property. Be sure that no one will be brave enough to approach your yard if a Caucasian Shepherd is guarding it!

10. Doberman Pinscher

The fearless Doberman Pinscher is next on our list of big guard dogs.

This dog is very energetic, and requires a lot of exercise to stay healthy and not to show aggressive behavior.

He is a good guard dog since he is suspicious of strangers, but very gentle and sensitive when it comes to his family members.

As a matter of fact, Dobermans love their family so much that they get seriously sad when they are left alone for too long. Furthermore, they can get to be overprotective with their loved ones, so it is important to socialize them from an early age.

11. Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux has been a guard dog for many years now. Compared to some other guard dogs that react immediately to any sign of intruders, the Dogue de Bordeaux might not show his guarding nature right away.

But, once he is sure that something unusual is happening, this dog will intimidate intruders and make sure his property is safe!

I don’t need to go any further by telling you that this dog used to fight bears and wolves. So, just imagine how intimidating he can get when he feels he needs to!

Even if he does not mean to attack, a Dogue de Bordeaux is so big that he can knock down a person in a second. So, to get a well-behaved dog that is a good guard dog at the same time, serious commitment and responsible dog training is required.

12. Fila Brasileiro

If you are looking for a good guard dog that will keep intruders away and that might be described as a scary dog breed, the Fila Brasileiro (or the Brazilian Mastiff) might be a good choice for you!

Just about as much as this dog loves his human family, he doesn’t love strangers around his territory. The Fila Brasileiro will be happy to guard your property and have many additional activities.

This guard dog can be an excellent family dog just as long as he is getting enough exercise and proper socialization. Otherwise, this dog might show destructive behavior and aggressiveness.

13. German Shepherd

This list simply cannot pass without one of the favorite family dogs around the world: the German Shepherd.

Wherever you are living, I believe that when you Google ‘German Shepherd breeders near your location’, you will get many options available. Why is that so? Why are German Shepherds such adored dogs?

Because they are so gentle and protective they will make a good choice for anybody! These dogs are good with children, love to be a part of any kind of activity, and live to guard the humans they love.

So, at the same time, the German Shepherd dog is strongly devoted to his family, and tends to be their protector when something unusual is happening.

When it comes to training a German Shepherd to be an excellent guard dog, it is necessary to start with it at the dog’s early age. German Shepherds do love to bark, so it is best to start teaching them obedience as early as possible.

14. Giant Schnauzer

Being very loyal to his human family, a Giant Schnauzer is one more exceptional guard dog. This dog is a serious hard worker that used to protect herds on farms. He is nowadays doing the same with his human family!

The Giant Schnauzer is also successful as a police and military dog, and as a guide dog.

Being a very intelligent dog breed, a Giant Schnauzer can learn fast to differentiate situations in which he should show his protective nature, and which situations do not require him to be involved.

15. Great Dane

Just as its name suggests, the Great Dane is a large dog, but he sometimes forgets this and tends to behave like a lapdog! So, Great Danes are loyal and affectionate with their humans, and also make great guard dogs.

Being so gentle, Great Danes do not like to be left alone for too long. What makes them good guard dogs? The immense love they have for their family, and a desire to make sure that all of their family members are safe and sound!

So, what you get with a Great Dane is the most loving companion for your family, but also a terrifying protector when needed. Sounds like the perfect guard dog, doesn’t it?

16. Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is another guard dog that used to protect flocks on farms. Although this dog is now mostly a family dog, his braveness and instinct to protect his loved ones has not gone away.

This big dog loves to give and receive attention, so he will enjoy a lot of playtime with his human family. But, not just that – he enjoys playing and spending time outside. He needs his exercise time in order not to develop destructive behavior.

So, once a Great Pyrenees recognizes a person as a part of his family, this person can be sure that this dog will protect him with his life!

17. Komondor

Next on our list is probably the weirdest dog breed of our selected big guard dogs: the Komondor.

Recognized for his dreadlocks-like white coat, a Komondor is a good guard dog that loves to bark loudly to make intruders go away!

The Komondor is aloof with strangers and is very protective towards his owner. There is a big chance that a Komondor will follow its owner wherever they go. He wants to make sure that they are safe all the time.

Just like he used to protect flocks in the past, nowadays, a Komondor sees his family as his flock that he needs to take care of!

18. Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog that has protective instincts in his blood! The Rhodesian Ridgeback dog breed used to warn people of the presence of lions, which is a trait that is still present in them.

Truth be told, they are not warning us about lions nearby today, but they will inform us about any intruder coming on our property!

They can sometimes be overprotective, so proper socialization and training are crucial. For a Rhodesian Ridgeback to be a good guard dog, but not to show aggression, it is necessary to expose him to different people, places, and experiences from an early age.

This way, the Rhodesian Ridgeback will learn how to recognize a potentially dangerous situation, and will not alarm his owner of any insignificant occurrence.

19. Rottweiler

Last on our list of big guard dogs is the Rottweiler. Rotties are very brave dogs that will react immediately to any sign that could indicate that his family members or property is in some kind of trouble.

The truth is that many people see Rottweilers as dangerous dogs. These dogs are used for all kinds of jobs, so they are equally good as police dogs, search and rescue dogs, and guard dogs.

In order to be successful in so many tasks, these dogs are sometimes taught to show aggression. But, this does not mean that they are aggressive in their own nature!

With proper training and socialization, a Rottweiler will show his protective nature towards strangers, but will be a loving friend to his human family.

Final Word

I believe that every person reading this text has chosen their favorite on our list of big guard dogs!

There are many reasons why it is a great thing to have a guard dog in your home, and these dogs are usually extremely agile and capable of doing a variety of jobs. But, we remind you that having a guard dog needs to be approached seriously.

Protective dogs must have proper training and socialization while they are still young. Otherwise, it is highly possible that you will get an aggressive dog that will think you need to be protected at all times.

Thus, a true guard dog should learn early how to distinguish which situations he should use his protective instincts, and which situations are harmless and do not require his engagement.

Finally, once you decide which big guard dog is the best option for you and your family, research the character and appropriate training and exercise requirements for that dog.

Your hard work, and the innate guarding skills of the dog will create the best protector of your home and family: all you have to do is choose the best guard dog breed for your lifestyle!