There’s a lot of debate among dog owners as to what a “guard dog” actually is. Below, five breeds are discussed, all of which should be considered home protection dogs. These are not sentry dogs, though a couple could be trained as such. The dogs described in this article are ones that live in your home or yard and will protect you, your family, and your possessions from intruders.

I chose these breeds from my personal experience as a breeder, trainer, and dog aficionado. There are many other breeds that excel in this area. These are just my personal favorites, based on my personal experiences and observations. Generally speaking, these breeds do not need guard dog training to be protective of their family and property, although you might want to "fine tune" them with a dog trainer.

It is important to understand that these breeds are typically very confident, with a dominant nature. They require early, consistent training and proper socialization from an experienced owner.

German Shepherd

This handsome dog is armed with 500 pounds of bite force and has a naturally protective instinct. They are very loyal and affectionate with their human families. They’re also one of the smartest breeds in all dogdom. A male typically stands close to 25 inches and weighs about 80 pounds. Initially bred to herd and guard sheep, the German Shepherd is now one of the most popular family and guard dogs in the US. Their work as police dogs is legendary, as is their performance as a search and rescue dog. This breed is responsible for many random bites, so early training is crucial. Also, some German Shepherds are very animal aggressive, so socialization is also important.

Akita

The Akita is perhaps the most intelligent of guarding breeds, other than the German Shepherd. They tend to think first before taking action. This Japanese breed is large and powerful, with males reaching 26 inches at the withers and weighing over 100 pounds. Their dense coat and their Spitz heritage make them ideal for cold climates. Akitas are usually somewhat wary of strangers but are extremely loyal to their human pack members. They are also territorial and will see anything that enters their yard as a possible threat, including other dogs, cats, squirrels, or strangers. The Akita doesn’t bark much but will let you know when there’s an intruder.

Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is a powerfully built Mastiff-type from Italy. They stand about 25 inches tall and hit the scales at around 100 pounds. This guy has been a guard dog since ancient times, so it’s in his blood. These dogs are very agile and athletic, with a short coat and a large head. The Cane Corso is a quiet dog that barks only when needed. They are very loving with their family members but can be aggressive when the family is threatened.

Wolf-German Shepherd Hybrid

These dogs are usually either ½ or ¼ timber wolf, and they are imposing and beautiful. For protection purposes, the dogs that are only ¼ wolf are best. When handled properly from a young age, they make wonderful pets and reliable guard dogs. They have a strong sense of loyalty to their human pack and feel it is their duty to protect them. They seem to be always “on duty.” Unless properly socialized, they can be aggressive to other animals – another reason for early training. Like most good guard dogs, the wolf-dog does not bark excessively. This dog demands special training and socialization and is a bad choice for a first-time dog owner.

Doberman Pinscher

The Dobie is the result of German tax collector Louis Dobermann’s effort of creating a dog that would protect him and the money he carried. This breed has a square, compact body with a short, sleek coat. The male might be as tall as 28 inches and weigh as much as 100 pounds. Dobermans are high energy dogs and require adequate exercise. While there have been some problems with this breed’s aggression, a dog from a reputable breeder that has been properly trained and socialized should be a loving, affectionate pet who will protect his family when the need arises. Doberman Pinschers are also considered one of the most intelligent breeds of dog.