Dogs make amazing pets. They are loyal and loving, and they love to play and show affection. A dog will become a part of your family very fast. While those are all great reasons to have a dog, some homeowners decide to get one for a practical purpose as well. The best guard dog breeds for families with children are just what you need to protect your family and belongings, and even just to let you know someone is at the door.
A guard dog is better than a standard security system. They often sleep close to someone in the household, and their noses can sense when something isn’t right. Unlike a security system, they can’t be rewired or installed incorrectly and are more dangerous and a nuisance for any would-be intruder. Some homeowners feel that having a guard dog instead of a Cavapoo puppy means having a dangerous and possibly vicious animal in the house. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The fact is that the best guard dogs are very loyal to their families and would never cause them harm. They work to keep danger at bay and protect them. They aren’t necessarily vicious by nature.
Suggested: Benefits of Adopting a Pet
6 Best Guard Dog Breeds For Families with Children
Not every dog is suited for guard duty. However, here are six breeds that do the job well and make for the best guard dogs.
1. Akita
When you have a guard dog, you want it to be intimidating. An Akita can definitely pull that off. Akitas have strong builds and large heads that hold powerful mouths. In addition, their solid bodies are muscular and able to knock over an adult several times their size. That said, an Akita is a wonderful addition to any home. It can be trained as a puppy to identify who is part of the pack and who is not. They are very loyal and affectionate and love to spend time with people playing or just snuggling up on the couch.
2. Rottweiler
Rottweilers have a bad reputation. Many people consider them to be violent and erratic. The good thing is that this stereotype is a myth. Not only that, but the breed’s reputation makes a Rottweiler intimidating for intruders. It’s true that if a Rottweiler is not trained properly, then there is a risk of getting bitten or even worse you might experience puppy blues, but if properly trained, they are amazingly loyal and fun-loving. When you search for Rottweiler puppies for sale, find one that has been trained correctly. A Rottweiler is a joy to have in the home and will always be ready to spring to action if they sense something or someone dangerous nearby.
3. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Caucasian Shepherds are big dogs, but they are also fluffy and cute. Kids love to snuggle and play with these dogs, but an intruder would not want to encounter one. The fluffy fur hides a muscular body that will launch itself at any perceived threats. They are also known to be very careful and gentle when dealing with people and other animals they trust. You can leave your Caucasian Shepherd in the room with your toddler and also by the door at night to keep an eye out.
4. Bullmastiff
Even the name of Bullmastiff sounds intimidating. These dogs are a mix of Mastiff and Bulldog, which means they are big in size and solid in muscle. They can be very intimidating to anyone who comes to your home, and they are very good at watching over the pack. They tend to get over 100 pounds, so you need to make sure they are well-trained, so they don’t injure someone by accident. They love to spend time with family and can play safely if appropriately taught. Unfortunately, as with many large dogs, a Bullmastiff is susceptible to many health issues. However, despite their short lifespan, they will fill those years with love and affection as well as solid protection.
5. Estrela Mountain Dog
Estrelas are known for their gentle nature, so they are safe to have around family, children, and other pets. They love to be with a close-knit pack and will spend as much time as possible around others in their pack. The Estrela gets its name from a mountain range in Portugal, which is very fitting. They are big and solid, and no intruder will want to tangle with one. They are fiercely loyal and protective, and you will love having one around the home.
6. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is another huge dog that combines size and appearance to create a scary look that will stop anyone in their tracks. They can get to be up to 150 pounds, with profuse wrinkles and folds covering their entire body. You don’t have to worry about a Neapolitan “crying wolf” however, because they rarely bark unless there is a true threat present. They socialize well with family, children, and pets. However, they are not always comfortable with visitors. They have a hard time knowing the difference between someone who is supposed to be there and someone who isn’t. Therefore, a Neapolitan might be more suited to a home that does not have a lot of traffic.
Conclusion
There are almost 50 million homes in the United States that have dogs. This immediately makes them safer from intruders and other dangers because dogs naturally try to protect their packs and families. However, having a trained guard dog will give you extra protection and the ability to differentiate between threats and visitors. Any one of these breeds would be a great choice, so pick one that works best for your home.
Also Read:
