Top 21+ Loyal Guard Dog Breeds That Will Help Protect Your Family

American Staffordshire terrier

The AmStaff, which is one of several types of pit bull dogs, is affectionate, playful and energetic, making it one of the top security dog breeds. These dogs enjoy mental stimulation and have tons of personality, the AKC says. They also require a good deal of exercise but can become overheated in warm weather. Veterinarian Anita Patel, DVM, the area medical director for IndeVets, describes these pooches as "serious and alert," with an innate tendency toward guarding and protecting their loved ones. "They are also extremely muscular, more so than many of the other breeds in this category, which only further testifies to their excellent ability to provide protection," she adds.

Weighing between 40 and 70 pounds when fully grown, AmStaffs are muscular and powerful, and they have a reputation for being unruffled by pain. Because of their long history as fighting dogs and a natural drive to hunt prey, AmStaffs need proper training and socialization, especially if they live with children or other pets.

Height:	17 to 19 inches
Weight:	40 to 70 pounds
Life expectancy:	12 to 16 years

Black Russian terrier

This massive dog was bred as a kind of "superdog" for the Russian army in the 1930s, according to the AKC. A team of scientists used genes from 17 breeds to develop this friendly-looking but aloof and fiercely protective dog to patrol its borders. Weighing up to 130 pounds, and with a shock of shaggy black fur covering its eyes, nose and mouth, the black Russian terrier is immensely powerful—and could inadvertently knock over small children. This breed needs strong human leadership so it doesn't dominate family members.

Height:	26 to 30 inches
Weight:	80 to 130 pounds
Life expectancy:	10 to 12 years

Chesapeake Bay retriever

DiNardo says this is the most naturally protective of the sporting dogs. Although the Chesapeake Bay retriever is sensitive and devoted to family, a Chessie can be stubborn and is not nearly as effusive toward strangers as other retriever breeds. Bred to retrieve waterfowl, Chessies like to be active and, specifically, to hunt, so they're not a good fit for sedentary families. The AKC says this dog will shed, but a good brushing about once a week will keep the hair on your floor to a minimum. Especially if your dog finds itself in murky waters, its waterproof coat has a tendency to be a bit musty and smelly.

Height:	21 to 26 inches
Weight:	55 to 80 pounds
Life expectancy:	10 to 13 years

Estrela mountain dog

This dog is loving and devoted toward children and other family members, but it might choose one individual as its adored person. Intelligent and brave, it won't hesitate to defend its people or their home, the AKC says. The Estrela is relatively calm in temperament, but it definitely needs its space and daily walks. If it's cooped up in tight surroundings, it might turn destructive. This big dog—which can weigh up to 135 pounds—can be hard to find outside its home nation of Portugal.

Height:	24 to 29 inches
Weight:	75 to 135 pounds
Life expectancy:	10 to 14 years

Anatolian shepherd

These extra-large dogs were bred more than 6,000 years ago to protect livestock, so they're suspicious and watchful by nature. Given their size—up to 150 pounds—and their loud bark, they're likely to deter any would-be interlopers. The downside is that they can be overly aggressive with visitors and unknown dogs. And because they are territorial, they need a fair amount of space to "patrol," so apartment life isn't for them. They are very loyal and protective of their families but not necessarily obedient, except with firm training. Their great love is protecting livestock, which they consider family as well.

Height:	27 to 29 inches
Weight:	80 to 150 pounds
Life expectancy:	11 to 13 years

Great Dane

Unlike the clumsy Scooby-Doo, real-life Great Danes are graceful despite their incredible height of about 30 inches. They're also courageous and have a deep, scary-sounding bark—not at all like Shaggy's best friend. It's this bark, combined with their intimidating size, that makes Great Danes a good choice for a watchdog.

"The Great Dane's imposing size and commanding bark may seem intimidating, but beneath their exterior most likely lies a gentle and affectionate companion, perfect for family life," Phifer says. What a perfect combination for a family guard dog: a pooch that looks and sounds formidable (and probably won't actually bite or attack an intruder) but is all about cuddles! Great Danes are also playful and patient with kids. They do tend to have shorter lives, though—usually about 6 to 10 years.

Height:	28 to 32 inches
Weight:	110 to 175 pounds
Life expectancy:	6 to 10 years

Rhodesian ridgeback

This breed's name comes from the distinctive ridge of fur that grows in the opposite direction of the rest of the dog's coat and stands up along its spine. The AKC notes that this watchful dog was originally bred to help hunt lions, so standing up to suburban threats is no big deal. They can be stubborn and domineering, and like all other guard dogs, they need to be trained. Among family, ridgebacks are affectionate, patient, friendly and loyal—but definitely need to be taught how to interact with children.

Height:	24 to 27 inches
Weight:	70 to 85 pounds
Life expectancy:	12 to 15 years