Best Guard Dog Breeds to Keep Your Family Safe (2024)

History says Julius Caesar's forces fought against English mastiffs when the Roman emperor invaded Britain. The breed is physically impressive and, tipping the scales at more than 200 pounds, imposing in nature. They are incredibly loyal to their families. Due to their size, they can be hard to control, making training critical.

Height: 30 inches and up
Weight: 160-230 pounds
Life Expectancy: 6-10 years

Related: 12 Mastiff Breeds to Consider Adopting

Anatolian shepherds are working dogs and tend to be strong-willed. They're bred to be watchdogs and have a natural instinct to protect their flock. These intelligent dogs require training, socialization, and lots of exercise. Plus, you'll want to make sure your property is secure so they are not able to escape.

Height: 27-29 inches
Weight: 80-150 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years

If you've watched a movie or TV show with a police dog or dog who serves in the armed forces, you've likely seen a Belgian Malanois. These powerful and intelligent dogs require a lot of training, plus physical and mental stimulation. The breed may not be a good fit for families with small children or first-time dog owners.

Height: 20-26 inches
Weight: 40-80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years

Also known as a South African mastiff, a boerboel is well-suited for protecting property from predators. They're known to be confident and intelligent, yet a good choice for families when properly trained. The breed is very strong and loyal.

Height: 24-27 inches
Weight: 150-200 pounds
Life Expectancy: 9-11 years

This beautiful breed originated in the Pyrenees Mountains as livestock guard dogs. They tend to be good with families and require moderate exercise.

Height: 25 to 32 inches
Weight: 85 to 100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Loyal, loving, and intelligent, German Shepherds make excellent pets and are quick to protect their family. With adults measuring between 22-26 inches, German Shepherds one of the most popular larger dog breeds, and are also one of the most common police dog breeds.

Height: 22-26 inches
Weight: 50-90 pounds
Life Expectancy: 7-10 years

Smart, strong, and fast, Doberman Pinschers make excellent guard dogs, and their sweet nature and ability to learn quickly make them excellent companions too. They need plenty of exercise, so owners should plan for long daily walks or hikes.

Height: 24-28 inches
Weight: 60-100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Weighing up to 135 pounds, Rottweilers certainly look imposing, but they're generally calm, confident, and loyal family members. They can also be playful and cuddly, just be sure to provide plenty of socialization and training as Rotties can be territorial.

Height: 22-27 inches
Weight: 80-135 pounds
Life Expectancy: 9-10 years

Named for the Estrela Mountains in Portugal where it hails from, this breed was originally a flock guardian, and can be just as protective of its family. Estrela Mountain Dogs are especially lovey dovey and are great choices for families with young children.

Height: 24.5-29 inches
Weight: 77-132 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years

With a history that dates back to the Roman Empire and a name that translates from Latin as "bodyguard dog," the Cane Corso is a noble, intelligent, and sweet-natured breed with excellent guarding instincts. In addition to early and consistent training and socialization, they also need plenty of exercise and excel at canine sports like dock diving or tracking.

Height: 23.5-27.5 inches
Weight: proportionate to height
Life Expectancy: 9-12 years

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. 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.

Height: 24-28 inches
Weight: 70-130 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years

Appenzeller Sennehunds are quick and agile, bred to work on farms and drive cattle. They're intelligent and quick to learn, making them easy to train, and also very active, so they're better suited to homes with plenty of space to run and play.

Height: 19-22 inches
Weight: 48-70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Popular with ranchers thanks to excellent herding instincts, Australian Shepherds also make great guard dogs as they're clever, obedient, and protective of their families. Aussies are best suited to homes with plenty of space to roam as they're high energy and require plenty of daily activity and exercise.

Height: 18-23 inches
Weight: 40-65 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

The Belgian Laekenois was just recognized by the AKC in 2020, and it is an excellent addition to this list. It is set apart from the other Belgian breeds (like the Malanois) by its rough coat. The herding dog is loyal to its owner and friendly towards people it knows well. Expect a strong and lively dog.

Height: 24-26 inches
Weight: 55-65 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Sometimes called "a heart wrapped in fur" briards are a well-suited to kids thanks to a loyal, lovable nature. They also love to be active, making them perfect for owners who like four-legged companions while running or hiking. They're also a good fit for humans who don't mind grooming duty, as their long coats require frequent brushing and baths.

Height: 22-27 inches
Weight: 55-100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 years

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are strong and muscular. They're known as courageous and highly trainable with a lot of energy.

Height: 14-16 inches
Weight: 28-38 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

They may be on the smaller side for guard dogs, but Pulik make a big impression with their distinctive corded hair and their excellent herding instincts. They're quick, clever, and faithful, and their energetic nature makes them great playmates for kids.

Height: 16-17 inches
Weight: 25-35 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years

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.

Height: 23.5-27.5 inches
Weight: 55-85 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Bergamasco Sheepdogs are social creatures, affectionate with their families as well as other animals. They're signature coat is long and layered—and surprisingly low-maintenance—requiring just a few baths per year and zero brushing as they don't shed.

Height: 22-23.5 inches
Weight: 57-84 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years

Keen, alert, and fearless, boxers are natural guard dogs. Their patient, protective, and playful nature—and the fact that boxers crave lots of time with their humans—makes them a good fit for families with kids.

Height: 21.5-25 inches
Weight: 65-80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years