Here are some of the most popular guard dogs from around the world:
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are large breed of dogs that originated in Germany. They are normally seen in the company of the police or military personnel as their partners in crime prevention and investigative work. German shepherds are strong, intelligent, obedient, protective and loyal. As working dogs, they are well known for their police work. Because of their keen sense of smell and their ability to work under extreme conditions, they are widely used in search and rescue operations, including explosives searching and narcotics detection, cadaver searching, among others.
Doberman Pinscher
Although Doberman Pinschers are ideal for companionship because of their being lively and energetic, the earlier breeds were commonly used as guard dogs just like the German shepherd, because of their intelligence and alertness. Doberman is a medium size dog that generally weighs between 70-100 pounds.
Doberman Pinschers are generally gentle, intelligent and loving dogs. A typical Doberman attacks only if it has been mistreated or in a case where its family is mistreated. It is less known to attack humans in contrast with other dogs like Pit bull or the German shepherd.
Rottweiler
Like the German Shepherd, Rottweiler originated in Germany. Rottweilers are powerful breed of dogs with well developed guarding and herding instincts. They are ancient breed that were used by their masters in herding cattle and were very effective in driving away intruders. Ownership of this dog requires specialized attention as they could be dangerous to humans. The unusual and dangerous behavior of most Rottweilers is traceable to irresponsible ownership, abuse or neglect by their masters. In the USA, Rottweilers were number two in known and documented fatal attacks on humans. Rottweilers are not recommended for dog owners who don't have much experience or understand a little about dog psychology. Rottweilers normally weigh 90 to 110 lbs.
American Pit Bull Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is a dog breed that was believed to have originated from England and Ireland and was a crossbreed of a Bulldog and Pit Bull breed. The resulting cross breed was brought to the USA by immigrants from UK. They were used by farmers and ranchers for protection from intruders and as family companions. The APBT today continues to demonstrate obedience, versatility and agility .They are primarily used in competitions for their noted qualities that complement sports related competitions. But more than these known qualities, they excel as working dogs because of their intelligence, their being energetic and for the endurance. In the United States, they are used in search and rescue operations, narcotics and explosives detection and in boarders patrol. American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium size dog that weighs from 35 to 65 lbs.
Anatolian Shepherd or Kangal
Anatolian Shepherd is a breed of dog from Anatolia in Central Turkey. This dog was bred primarily for guarding flocks of sheep from wolves, bears, jackals and cheetah. It is muscular breed and weighs from 80 to 150 lbs. This dog was developed to be independent and forceful.
The Kangal Dog on the other hand is the national breed of Turkey and was originally used as livestock guard dog. This breed of dog is protective and gentle to small children and later became popular as guardian of families as it watch members of the family with great devotion. Anatolian Shepherd weighs from 80 to 150 lbs.
Black Russian Terrier
Black Russian Terrier (BRT) was originally developed in Russia as a guard dog. BRT gives the impression of strength and courage. This breed is highly intelligent dog and very loyal to its master. At times it may seem aloof and needs human companionship. They bond deeply to family members. BRT needs a lot of exercise because it has a tendency to be hyperactive and sometimes destructive if not given a chance to burn off its energy. Black Russian Terrier normally weighs from 80 to 143 lbs.
American Bulldog
American Bulldog is said to be the closest surviving relative of the Old English Bulldog because they were not altered substantially in their breeding evolution while in America as their European relatives. The American Bulldog is well built, stocky and looks very strong and stable. This dog is massive in comparison with the French Bulldog or other foreign bred Bulldog. They are quite fond of children but at times they do not know their own strength and so they should be supervised when they are with small children. The American Bulldog is best with experienced owner as they are quite powerful dogs. American Bulldog normally weighs from 60-120 lbs.
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiff is a breed of dog that is said to be a cross between the Old English Bulldog and the English Mastiff. It was originally bred in England to immobilize intruders and as a guard dog for the family. The Bullmastiff is a courageous, loyal, calm and loving dog. It has also a strong protective instinct and will defend its owners against treat from intruders. They normally attack and knocks the intruder over with its massive built and pins them to the ground. Parental supervision is suggested when they are in the company of children. Bullmastiff normally weighs from 110-120 lbs.
Kunming Wolf Dog
Kunming Wolf Dog originated in China. It is similar in appearance to the German Shepherd dog but stands taller in the back and has a shorter coat. This breed was created in 1950s to meet the needs for military dogs. Kunmings are seldom used as pet dogs but is widely used by Chinese military and police. Kunmings are relative small and normally weighs from 66-84lbs.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff dog is one of the largest breed of guard dogs. It is a sturdy and massively built and weighs over 100lbs. As a flock guardian dog in Tibet, it is tenacious in its ability to confront predators the size of wolves and leopards. Tibetan Mastiff weighs normally more than 100 lbs and with a lifespan of about 14 years.
