Best Watchdogs: Top 5 Protective Breeds, According To Canine Experts

1. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is the number one watchdog, according to the experts. “The Rottweiler is a large German guard dog breed that is deeply loyal to its family but wary of strangers. They are not a good choice for novice dog owners but make excellent watch dogs and guard dogs,” advises IHeart Dogs.

When you need a protector, this is the dog to turn to. “A Rottweiler is another breed that has a reputation for being aggressive. This breed can be a big goofy lovebug one moment and an intimidating defender the next. If a Rottweiler trusts you, the dog will likely be loyal and affectionate with you. Rotties are usually hesitant toward strangers until the dog verifies the person poses no threat. This dog can become an excellent guard dog when adequately trained. This breed needs socialization, structure, and a task driving its daily activities,” shares The Spruce Pets.

The breed historically protected cattle. “Very intelligent and loyal to their owners, this type of breed generally found unfriendly with strangers until the person is introduced properly. They are quick learners, strong and moves rapidly compared to other dogs. This breed is medium-large that is somewhat longer than it’s tall with powerful with a significant build,” writes Pets World.

2. German Shepherd

The almighty German Shepherd makes the cut as the number two best watchdog. “The German Shepherd dog is renowned for being the Jack-of-all-trades and it is still used as a police and military dog today. They are excellent guard dogs that will notify their owners of any strangers just a little too close to their homes,” shares iHeart Dogs.

You can’t be a lazy dog owner with this watchdog. “Similar in looks and temperament to the Belgian Malinois, the German shepherd is another intense, active breed also favored as a police or military working dog. This breed exhibits a deep sense of loyalty toward its family members. Just like other protective dogs, training is critical to keep these dogs focused on being guard dogs. You will need to socialize your German shepherd to avoid fearfulness and nervousness. This dog also needs about two hours of exercise daily,” advises The Spruce Pets.

With a German Shepherd at your side, you’re never alone. They’re the masters of making even the most mundane tasks feel like grand adventures. “One of the first breeds many people think about when they imagine a guard dog is the German Shepherd. A favorite of the police, these dogs are easy to train, fiercely loyal, have great stamina, and are great under pressure,” shares Pets Radar. “Their size, strength, and biting power also come in handy for warding off any potential home invaders. Not only that; they make wonderful pets who love to play with toys. Just make sure they’re robust enough to cope with rough treatment. So as well as a great guard dog, a German Shepherd is also a brilliant friend.”

3. Schnauzers

Schnauzers come in all sizes and personalities, yet they all have the same thing in common, they make excellent watch dogs. “The Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of the Schnauzers and arguably the best watch dog of them all,” praises IHeart Dogs. “Part of the terrier group, they are feisty little dogs that are very territorial and will threaten any strangers they feel are too close to their homes.”

Adopting a Schnauzer means having a living alarm clock that never forgets to wake you up with a chorus of barks, ensuring you’re always on time, whether you like it or not. “The dominant and loyal one, Giant Schnauzers is an energetic breed dog that starves company and is quick to support its humans,” shares Pets World. “The breed is very powerful and strong by personality. It needs strict training, mental & physical encouragement.  It is very loyal to their family and makes it one of the best guard dogs for families. Their thick and bushy coat has been grown out over the ages, which make them more difficult to seize by other dog or by an intruder. They remain calm down and bark rarely unless they feel imperiled. This nature makes them a perfect choice for families or for security purposes. These breeds are larger than the brawniest and smallest standard Schnauzer. They are strongly built with a thick layer and considered as a loyal member of the family.”

Some dogs are just so easy to love. “Originally bred in the Bavarian Alps to watch over homes, inns, and farms, Giant Schnauzers remain excellent guard dogs, and are affectionate with their families, intelligent, and easy to train. Giants need plenty of exercise, as well as weekly grooming,” notes Country Living.

4. Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff steps into the number four spot on our list of best watchdogs because of its fearlessness. “Fearless at work, docile at home, the Bullmastiff is a large, muscular guarder who pursued and held poachers in Merry Old England,” shares AKC. “Bullmastiffs are the result of Bulldog and Mastiff crosses. The Bullmastiff isn’t quite as large as his close cousin the Mastiff. Still, standing as high as 27 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 100 and 130 pounds, this is still a whole lot of dog.”

These dogs are so cute, but don’t let the sweet face fool you. “The Bullmastiff was once called the Game Keeper’s Night Dog because they were used to stop poachers on English estates,” explains The Spruce Pets. “Weighing in at more than 100 pounds, the Bullmastiff could put off an intruder just with its formidable presence, but this breed is also extremely protective. Bullmastiffs need intensive socialization and training starting as puppies so they can learn to be discerning and readily allow invited guests into your home. Though Bullmastiffs love children, their sheer size can lead to knock-downs, especially with rambunctious adolescent dogs. This is another place training is critical.”

Having a Bullmastiff as your watchdog means having a steadfast, loyal friend who would go to the ends of the earth (or at least the end of the leash) to keep you safe and happy. “They’re devoted family dogs and natural protectors,” raves Country Living.

5. Akita

The Akita is a royal member of the watchdog breeds. “The Akita is a muscular, double-coated dog of ancient Japanese lineage famous for their dignity, courage, and loyalty,” describes AKC. “In their native land, they’re venerated as family protectors and symbols of good health, happiness, and long life. Akitas are burly, heavy-boned spitz-type dogs of imposing stature…The large, independent-thinking Akita is hardwired for protecting those they love. They must be well socialized from birth with people and other dogs.”

You don’t need 20/20 vision with this dog around. “The Akita is a large Japanese dog that was originally bred for hunting and guarding. They will quickly alert their owners to any unusual activity. They are powerful dogs that are not well-suited for the novice owner, but are almost unparalleled in their loyalty to their owners,” IHeart Dogs comments.

Bred to be a loner on the lookout for trouble, the Akita can make a good pal, if you teach him how to be that way. “Akitas represent happiness and long life in Japan where the breed was developed in the 17th century, and are known for being courageous and loyal to their owners,” writes Country Living. “They’re independent thinkers and don’t always mix well with other dogs or strangers, so it’s especially important to provide consistent training and socialization from an early age.”

Which watchdog are you going to adopt next? Leave a comment to let us know!

You might also be interested in:

• Best Guard Dogs
• Best Dogs for Home Security
• Strongest Dog Breeds
• Most Loyal Dog Breeds

Sources:

• Country Living
• iHeart Dogs
• Country Living
• AKC
• The Spruce Pets
• Pets World
• Pets Radar
• Cesars Way
• Top Dog Tips
• Pet Moo

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