These 11 of the best guard dog breeds for families are selected for their proven ability to safeguard and to bond.
#1 Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans have a strong instinct to protect you and form a strong bond with your family.
They will attack an intruder who doesn’t retreat after hearing them bark.
The bite force of a Doberman Pinscher is said to be 305 PSI.
#2 German Shepherd
The GSD is an ideal guardian for families. I love the German Shepherd since it is usually selected for security roles due to its natural protective instincts.
Its excellent sense of smell makes the German Shepard popular in law enforcement and military work.
If an intruder encounters a German Shepherd, that individual is likely to be attacked.
German Shepherds have the potential to bite with force ranging from 175 to 238 PSI.
#3 Rottweiler
Rottweilers are excellent guard dogs. They are fearless, strong, and have an intimidating physical appearance. They are extremely affectionate with family but reserved with strangers.
With a bite force of 328 PSI, this breed has one of the strongest bite forces among domestic dogs. They can cause severe, potentially life-threatening injuries in an attack.
Note – Rottweilers account for 9% of fatal dog attacks annually.
#4 Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff was a cross between two native British breeds – 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog. It was originally bred in the 19th century as a gamekeeper’s night dog.
It is a good-natured, calm, and affectionate breed, which leads to their nickname of gentle giants.
They are natural guardians of the home because they do not bark much.
Without proper socialization, the Bullmastiff can be quite aggressive. It has a bite force that is estimated at 550 PSI.
Note – the Bullmastiff is one of the very few breeds developed by man for the purpose of attacking man.
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#5 Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is an Italian breed of mastiff. Their imposing appearance is their first line of defense against intruders. They are very protective of who they consider to be their people.
The breed is also able to herd livestock and subdue large prey. With a bite force of 650 PSI, the Cane Corso can take down prey much larger than itself.
In 2023, a video went viral with two cane corso dogs defending their home against an intruder. Even if the owner was the actual intruder, the “video is meant to highlight the guardian instinct that guardian breeds.”
#6 Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois are known for their strong protection abilities. They are intensely devoted to their handler, making them ideal for high-stakes security roles.
They are also fine with kids. These dogs will happily come along on any family adventure while protecting the whole family.
The bite force for the Malinois is 195 pounds of pressure per square inch.
In September 2014, Hurricane, a Belgian Malinois who served as a Special Operations Canine, helped to catch a fence jumper who managed to trespass on White House grounds.
Hurricane was later awarded the PDSA Order of Merit, the DHS Award for Valor, and the USSS Award for Merit.
#7 Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer was developed in the Bavarian Alps. A confident owner is their ideal match. They make good pets for people who want an active, protective dog.
They can make for great family dogs if properly socialized.
#8 Akita
The Akita is a powerful, dominant, and loyal breed. In Japan, Akitas were bred to hunt bears. Akitas are not excessive barkers; however, they will alert the family if anyone is entering their territory.
Akitas are wonderful with children if you socialize them properly from a puppy stage.
#9 Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breed originally from Southern Africa. They are known as an all-purpose “Renaissance hound.” Ridgebacks were bred as hunting and guarding dogs.
They are also protective family dogs.
Note – they should be treated as family and not made to live solely alone in the yard.
#10 Appenzeller Sennenhund
The Appenzeller Sennenhund originates in the Appenzell region of north-eastern Switzerland. Appenzeller Sennenhunds have a strong desire to protect since they’re very attached to their families.
They are loyal and intelligent.
#11 Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is, as its name suggests, a very large dog that was bred to be a livestock guard dog for the farmers in the Pyrenees Mountains of Europe.
They are a wonderful guard dog for any family. They’re even-tempered and love attention, especially from children.
The bite force of a Great Pyrenees ranges between 220 and 240 PSI.