Boxers
The first pooch on our list is the boxer. This solidly built dog with alert ears and drooping jowls is quite popular with people. Boxers are known to be loving in nature, and quite loyal to their owners. However, there’s also another side to boxers.
We’re talking about their protective properties. This isn’t the type of dog you’d want to mess with. While they aren’t as large as some of the others on this list, Boxers are fast, athletic, and more than capable of protecting those they love.
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Belgian Laekenois
The Belgian Laekenois is a hybrid breed of shepherd. As the name states, this breed originates in Belgium. The history behind the Laekenois is pretty fascinating. These animals are quite keen in regards to their senses. They have elite anticipatory skills, and it comes paired with unabated love for their owners.
Interestingly enough, this breed — commonly used to herd livestock — has been traditionally utilized in the arena of warfare. The Belgian army uses them today, and they were also used during World War II. Additionally, Laekenois also serves the purpose as both a guard dog and as a police dog for many in the current climate.
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Akita
The Akita breed emanates from mountainous regions of Japan. For centuries, these dogs were revered for their protectoral skills. They can weigh over 100 pounds — which makes them a formidable foe against both animals and humans alike.
As reported, these dogs have loving relationships with their owners. Akita’s have personalities which absolutely flourished when feeling love and trust. With that said, they’re a bit leery around other unfamiliar dogs.
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Bergamasco Sheepdog
This dog does look like a walking mop. However, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is more than meets the eye. The thick, matted coat actually works as a defense mechanism versus threatening parties. This stems from the animal’s origin high up in the Alps of Italy.
These dogs are not only incredibly loyal in nature, but they also are immensely hard-working. Even better, these watch dogs are highly intelligent and quite easy to train.
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Rottweilers
There’s no disputing the fact that Rottweilers are rather intimidating dogs. You often see them portrayed through movies and music videos as big, tough, violent animals. While we won’t say that Rottweilers are violent in nature, you sure don’t want to tick them off.
Their protective skills are very apparent. There’s even an element where Rottweilers love to romp around and play in open fields. With that said, they are naturally predisposed to being a bit too aggressive should overstimulation occur.
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Puli
Another dog resembling a mini mop, the Puli dog breed originates in Hungary. Despite its cute and unassuming appearance, Puli dogs are actually most know for protecting the livestock on farms. This includes herding dogs when need be.
Puli’s are alert, attentive, intelligent, quick, and highly capable animals. Don’t let the small size of this breed fool you…they can be downright vicious when protecting something it values. Along with that, they’re also very territorial as it pertains to their owners/family.
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Bernese Mountain Dogs
Bernese Mountain Dogs are beautiful animals. The male dogs can weigh up to 150 pounds as fully grown adults. A trademark of these dogs is their playful nature. Due to their large frames and penchant for fun, some categorize them as being both silly and clumsy.
However, there’s no doubting the loyalty and love they have for their families. Hailing from the Swiss Alps, this breed traditionally can be a bit aloof. However, if threatened, the switch will flip real quick.
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The Great Pyrenees
Rooted as dogs in mountainous terrains, the Pyranees are terrific as protectors of both land and humans. For one, they offer jovial personalities for the most part. Dedicated in doing their job, owners won’t have to worry about the Pyranees moodily running off or being overly disobedient.
They’re also not small dogs (roughly 100-120 pounds at full-grown size). For that matter, intruders and the like will think twice before crossing an angry Pyranees.
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Great Dane
Now here’s one of the most physically imposing dogs on the planet. Great Danes are gigantic in nature with their long, angular bodies and elongated faces. Some can even weigh close to 200 pounds at the primes of their lives. Historically, these dogs were hunters for centuries in Europe.
Today, they’re easy going dogs with intimidating profiles. They are massively protective of their families. Those who they perceive to be strangers may not be greeted with a warm welcome. However, with their own kin, they’re exceptionally loving creatures.
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St. Bernard
You’ve seen the St. Bernard dogs from the Beethoven series. These gentle giants have ancestors who famously saved people left stranded in the treacherous Alps of Switzerland, Italy, and Austria.
Of course, you’re looking at a dog whom — at full growth — can weigh over 180 pounds. While not the most energetic dog in the world, St. Bernard dogs are very loving and even-keeled. Territorial in nature, these dogs are terrific workers, companions, and protectors of their loved ones.
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Shar Pei
The Shar Pei might not look like an intimidating dog. In recent pop culture, the dog is viewed as a cute and cuddly pooch with an infinite amount of wrinkly rolls. If we revisit historical findings from centuries ago, the Shar Pei — native to China — was used as a watch dog for prominent royal families.
Interestingly enough, native Shar Pei’s in Asia look dissimilar to the ones in the U.S. The breed in Asia is bigger in nature with less wrinkles and (generally speaking) less health issues. The mini Shar Pei’s in the States are often smaller in nature, and feature the iconic wrinkly appearance.
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Anatolian Shepherds
The Anatolian Shepherd hails from the central part of Turkey. Over the years, this dog is known for being fast and aggressive — yet assertive, smart, and loyal. Those qualities are accentuated brilliantly when these dogs are called upon to herd/protect livestock.
Though not all dogs possess the exact same traits, Anatolian Shepherds are universally revered for their alertness in the face of potential adversity. They’re extremely territorial, and that’s said to extend to the guarding of family members.
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Black Russian Terriers
Though they look cute and cuddly, these dogs are no joke. Dating back nearly 80 years, Russian Terriers were used within the military to carry out various tasks. One of those responsibilities involved being a guard dog.
As such, you can be assured that Russian Terriers are strong working dogs. They’re energetic, quite bright, and have the athleticism to carry out various tasks. Dating back to their ancestors, these dogs are calm and stoic in nature. The terriers are also said to be great with children and other family members.
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Australian Shepherds
These iconic ranching dogs are terrific companions for those on a working facility, or at home with a family. A key trait for these dogs is intelligence. They are alert when asked upon to carry out various tasks. One of those involves herding large quantities of animals.
In order to execute such a task, these dogs must be both intelligent and obedient. Along with that, they’re quite easy to train compared to other breeds.
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Doberman Pinscher
According to various reports, these dogs were bred to be guard dogs. There is an intimidation here without a doubt. The pointed ears, menacing look, powerful body, and long snout makes the Doberman Pinscher a very good dog from a protection standpoint.
We’ve often seen these dogs chronicled as such in media (movies, television, etc). These are athletic creatures — swift of foot and dynamic when pursuing something. From a training standpoint, these dogs also reportedly rank among the smartest of any breed. In short, the Doberman Pinscher seems like one of the better protective dogs out there.
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Pit Bull
Pit Bulls often get a bad reputation for being highly violent dogs. Despite the negative stereotype, these dogs are actually quite loving and loyal in nature. There’s a physicality present — with this breed featuring a powerful upper body and a rather large, box-shaped head.
However, Pit Bulls can make fantastic companions for single people and families alike. In terms of genetic makeup, this dog is said to be the amalgam of a bulldog and a terrier. It features the frame of the bulldog — yet the energy and swiftness of a terrier.
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Appenzeller Sennenhund
A herding dog from the Swiss alps? Sign us up. These dogs are uniquely built. Though they aren’t very tall, they’re stout and muscular in nature. Being situated low to the ground enables them to cover plenty of terrain in a hurry.
Historically speaking, the Appenzeller Sennehund is regarded as one of the most devoted breeds to its owners/responsibilities. Aside from being obedient and loving, they’re lightning quick, agile, and cerebral.
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Beauceron
This dog does resemble Cousin Itt from The Addams Family. However, don’t let the Beauceron fool you…this breed is highly effective when it comes to protective measures. According to some accounts, this breed — which emanates from France — was used on pastures to fight against wolves who’d be hungrily looking to nab a sheep or two.
Even further, the famed Doberman Pinscher was said to be partially bred using the Beauceron. This type of dog in the past has also been utilized by police forces in France. Much of that stems from its overall alertness and collective ability to be trained.
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Boerboels
These dogs aren’t for everyone. Known as the South African Mastiff, Boerboels were bred to be protective dogs. As you can see from the picture, these are larger animals with very muscular frames. They are known to be energetic and active by nature — which can be a good thing and a bad thing.
Sometimes, the energy can lead to aggression. While they might not be the best for those with younger children or families, Boerboels are said to be excellent as guard dogs. As the legend goes, these dogs were bred initially to help protect their owners from the exotic wildlife in Africa (such as baboons, hyenas, lions, and other predators).
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Bullmastiffs
The Boerboel’s cousin is the bullmastiff. These dogs originate from England, and their sole purpose is to protect those they’re indebted to. In other words, intruders and thieves may not want to cross the path of this pooch. As one can see, the taut upper body of these dogs are ripped with muscle.
Eventually, these dogs can grow to be quite sizable. While their physicality might be worrisome, bullmastiffs are said to be quite easy going as it pertains to training.
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German Shepherds
The German Shepherd is among the most regal of breeds out there. They are a family favorite based upon their beautiful coloring and striking appearance. However, they are also highly intelligent animals.
So much, in fact, that many Germans utilize these dogs in search-and-rescue situations. As we’ve seen abroad and in the United States, German Shepherds are also trusted dogs when carrying out police duties. Originally, they were used as herding dogs. However, as they’ve become more and more domesticated, German Shepherds have more pressing responsibilities.
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Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
There’s an interesting history surrounding this breed. It stems from a number of different dogs, and it was essentially developed as a means to give hunters a dedicated companion. Hailing from its namesake originally, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is cunning, athletic, quick, and active.
All of these characteristics are imperative for their dogs to carry out their main responsibility — which was initially retrieving the kills of their hunter owners. Possessing jovial and happy personalities, these dogs are also said to have a penchant for swimming.
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Thai Ridgebacks
These dogs are quite impressive on the hoof. Hailing originally from Thailand, these dogs are physical in nature. We’re talking about being both muscular and inherently athletic. The Thai Ridgeback is said to be quite independent and instinctual, yet loving with their owners.
Additionally, the overall athleticism possessed by these dogs enable them to cover a ton of ground. As such, they’re excellent when patrolling areas.
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Cane Corso
We have yet another breed of Mastiff here. This time, we head to Europe — as the Cane Corso originally hails from the lovely country of Italy. This version of the Mastiff is a bit smaller than other breeds as it pertains to height. However, the Cane Corso still has a powerful body with considerable muscles.
It was bred with the sole purpose of being a body guard to its owners. However, in the past, these dogs were also hunters, herders, and protectors of loved ones.
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Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois has been somewhat of an in-demand breed over the last decade or so as it pertains to those in the U.S. These jovial dogs have tons of energy. They gallop with terrific quickness/change-of-direction skills (making them adept at warding off predators/herding livestock.
Additionally, there’s a protective element which sits inherently within the makeup of this breed. They have a sweet disposition with children and their owners. As such, they are highly adept at keeping them safe.
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