Protection Dog Breeds

A large number of different breeds are commonly used for guarding and protection work around the world. Of these, we have only found a handful that meet the standards we require for the family protection role. These include the German and Belgian Shepherd, Cane Corso, Rottweiler, Dobermann, and Giant Schnauzer. In our experience, these breeds offer the best balance of temperamental stability, intelligence, trainability, and protective instincts to double as a family guardian and companion.

The German and Belgian Shepherd are widely used by police and military forces around the world, and are perhaps the most versatile and adaptable working breeds ever. Protective while highly trainable and affectionate, their capabilities are second to none and they are one of our favourite breeds to work with. The Cane Corso, Rottweiler, and Dobermann all have a deserved reputation few would-be intruders or attackers are brave enough to challenge, while forming strong lasting bonds with their owners and families to the point of earning the nickname “Velcro dogs”. The Giant Schnauzer is a highly capable protector, but equally playful making it an excellent choice for young families. It is no coincidence that these breeds were specifically developed for demanding working disciplines demanding intelligence, which is strongly reflected in their potential for high performance.

Perhaps more important than breed, though, is an individual dog’s characteristics and a potential owner’s needs and motivations. All dogs have their own quirks and personalities which impact their suitability for this type of work, and rescue centres are sadly full of stereotypically “protective” dogs such as Rottweilers whose owners deemed as being too friendly. Similarly, a dog bred for the show ring is unlikely to be suitable for protection work.

If you are investigating which breed of protection dog would be best for you or your family, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We would be delighted to assist, and can be reached on [email protected].