The best guard dog breeds to help protect your home

As experts in home security, PhoneWatch have found that in addition to having a monitored house alarm, having a guard dog at your home or premises can be a strong deterrent for burglars.

When considering guard dogs, certain breeds are known for their protective instincts while their presence and reputation can intimidate even the bravest of potential burglars. Each dog has its own unique temperament which can be heavily influenced by their inherent characteristics of the breed they belong too.

Here are some of the best guard dog breeds that are often considered the most effective at home security:

1. German Shepherd
   German Shepherds are one of the most popular choices for guard dogs. This is mainly due to their intelligent, loyal, protective, and highly trainable nature. Due to their protective instincts, they are often used as police and military dogs throughout the world.
2. Rottweiler
   Rottweilers have a reputation for being powerful and confident dogs. They are protective of their families and can be wary of strangers which makes them a well-suited guard dog. Rottweilers can benefit from proper training and socialisation to reign in and control any aggressive tendencies.
   
   
3. Doberman Pinscher
   Dobermans, on first impression, appear as very alert and dominant dogs. They also have strong characteristics of loyalty to their family or pack and possess a naturally protective tendency. While fearless dogs, they do benefit from proper training to control any excess aggressive tendencies.
   
   
4. Great Dane
   Known as being highly social and great companions, Great Danes can also be very good as guard dogs. While not as aggressive as other breeds like the Rottweiler, their imposing size can intimidate burglars, coupled with their heightened alertness to their surroundings. They thrive better as family guard dogs rather than guarding premises, due to the more social aspects of their personality.
   
   
5. Boxer
   With their intimidating presence and protective nature, Boxers are great guard dogs when properly socialised and trained. They are devoted to their families and form strong bonds. They are very alert and don’t back down in the face of threats. They also showcase a more playful side to those who they know well.
   
   
6. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
   These terriers operate better as watchdogs over guard dogs. They are naturally protective and will often challenge those who put their owner in danger. They benefit from training as they can be quite fearsome, especially when challenged by other dogs.
   
   
7. Mastiff
   With their large size supported by a powerful frame, Mastiff’s can make a burglar stop in their tracks. Despite their size, they’re quite a calm and gentle dog but with strong instincts for protection.

Increasing your home security

Owning a guard dog or any dog for that matter comes with responsibilities. Guard dogs in particular need specialised training and socialisation to be effective guard dogs.

The most effective way of deterring burglars is ensuring burglars know your home would not make an easy target. Most burglars are drawn to quick and easy robberies. They do not want to be chased by a Doberman. Nor do burglars want a dog repeatedly barking at them while they attempt to enter an open window. Guard dogs however are only one measure to protect your home and may not suit everyone and can be restricted by the guard dogs’ consistent alertness. It is unlikely that they can protect your home 24/7 365 days a year. You can deter burglars from entering your home by upgrading your property security with our outdoor security tips, and leveraging home automation ideas.

Marguerite Cotter, PhoneWatch Marketing Director says “Research from PhoneWatch and the CSO recorded crime statistics 2022, have shown that people with a monitored alarm system are 4.5 less likely to be burgled. It is always visually effective to display a home security bellbox and monitored security stickers on your home, to advertise that it is protected 24/7 and alarm activations will trigger an instant response. A well-trained guard dog and a monitored alarm system can make perfect crime fighting partners to make burglars think twice before entering your home.”