A truly versatile dog, the Giant Schnauzer can be trained for any role. Whether you need a guard dog or one trained for therapy, this breed is highly intelligent, easy to train, and loves to be around people.

Originating in Germany in the nineteenth century, this large, powerful dog was crossbred  between Standard Schnauzer and a Great Dane as cattlemen needed a bigger dog to help drive their herd. During the twentieth century, they were used as a guard dog, and later, and for the military during World War II. For awhile, this breed faded in popularity but has seen a recent rise lately as it reprised its role as a herd dog.

This is a highly intelligent, active breed and is not suited for apartment living unless you want the dog to bounce off the walls. A nice adequate yard and frequent walks will keep your Giant Schnauzer happy and healthy.

Also, these dogs do very little shedding, so they need constant brushing and grooming or their coat tends to get knotted. The colors of their coat range from solid black to a salt and pepper mix.

The Giant Schnauzer makes an excellent guard dog for they were bred for the sole purpose of working. Their large size and strong bark make excellent deterrents to intruders. They have boundless levels of energy, and at the same time, with proper training, are calm loyal dogs. They love being around their master and respond well to training as long as a firm, consistent pack mentality is established. Giant Schnauzers tend to be dominating, so the key to training is to understand your role in the pack. You must be the Alpha male and demonstrate authority with a calm and consistent manner.

Without proper training, these dogs can become overprotective and immediately suspicious when introduced to new, or less familiar, faces.  Also, without the proper daily exercise and mental stimulation, they can get destructive. If not kept busy, these dogs will find something to do whether it’s rearranging your living room or digging up your yard. Most people who buy Giant Schnauzers tend to give up on this breed within two years because of the high level of maintenance this beautiful dog needs.

As with any large breed dog, exercise and proper grooming, firm and consistent training are keys to keeping the animal in good health.

Pulis are very intelligent, acrobatic breed of dogs that is described as light, quick, agile and able to change directions instantly and are obedient enough to train for athletic competition. They are devoted and form close bonds with their owners and make great guard dogs.

The Puli is an ancient sheepdog, from Hungary, introduced by the migration of the Magyars from Central Asia for more than 1,000 years ago. The Puli were used for both herding and guarding livestock. The Puli would commonly work together with the much larger, white Komondor, a Hungarian dog breed of (solely) livestock guardian dog. The Komondor is a large, solidly-built dog, around 30 inches tall. The Komondor (or several Komondors if the there was a large amount livestock) were guarding the sheep or cattle mostly at night, while the Puli was herding and guarding them at daytime. When wolves or bears were attacking the livestock, the Puli would alert and the Komondors would come and fight the intruders. The Komondors were usually resting at daytime but at night will walk around the flock, constantly moving, patrolling the area.

It is said that nomadic shepherds of the Hungarian plains valued their herding dogs, paying as much as a year’s salary for a Puli.

As for as physical appearance goes, the head is in proportion to the body. The almond shaped eyes are deep set, rather large, and dark brown with black or slate gray eye rims. The ears, set on somewhat higher than the level of the eyes, are hanging, of medium size, V-shape, and about half the head length. The skull slightly domed and medium broad. The stop is defined, but not abrupt. The muzzle is strong and straight, a third of the head length, and ends in a nose of good size. The nose is always black. Flews and gums are black or slate gray. Flews are tight with a full complement of teeth, comparatively large, meet in a scissors bite.

The dense, weather resistant coat is profuse on all parts of the body. The outer coat is wavy or curly, but never silky. The undercoat is soft, wooly and dense. The coat clumps together easily, and if allowed to develop naturally, will form cords in the adult. The cords are wooly, varying in shape and thickness, either flat or round, depending on the texture of the coat and the balance of undercoat to outer coat. The Puli may be shown either corded or brushed. It is essential that the proper double coat with correct texture always be apparent. With age the coat can become quite long, even reaching to the ground; however, only enough length to properly evaluate quality and texture is considered necessary so as not to penalize the younger or working specimens.

Only the solid colors of rusty black, black, all shades of gray, and white are acceptable; however, on the chest a white spot of not more than two inches is permissible. In the black and the gray dogs an intermixture of some gray, black or white hairs is acceptable as long as the overall appearance of a solid color is maintained. The fully pigmented skin has a bluish or gray cast whatever the coat color.

The breed does very well in obedience and agility. Traditionally, the Puli dog breed was used both as a livestock guarding dog, and herding dog as well. They make very good watchdogs, as they are very protective of their master and territory. The Puli is sensitive, fun loving, courageous, but also tough and headstrong sometimes.

They are loyal to their owners and wary of strangers. They are highly active and keep a playful, puppy-like behavior their entire life.

As a working dog, the Puli are very obedient, focused and determined when assigned a task. Some of them are used as police dogs. As a livestock guarding dog they are fiercely protective of their flock, and, despite their relatively small size, will try to scare and drive an intruder away, however they very rarely inflict any real injuries. They are also very good herding dogs.

As a family dog, they make good security dogs and faithful family guardians. They can be very friendly and playful, even at old age. They regard their family as their flock, and will keep their distance until they are sure the stranger is not a threat. When annoyed, they may attack without warning, so a considerable distance may be advisable for strangers not known by the Puli. They can be extremely independent and obstinate, and only accept strong willed individuals as master.

As a very interesting breed of guard dog, the Komondor is distinguished by imposing strength, dignity, courageous demeanor, and pleasing conformation. It is a large, muscular dog with plenty of bone and substance, covered with an unusual, heavy coat of white cords.

The Komondor was originally bred for livestock guarding. It is big, strong, and armored with a thick coat. The coat provides defense against wild animals and the weather and vegetation. The coat of this dog looks similar to that of a sheep so it can easily blend into a flock and camouflage itself giving it an advantage when predators such as wolves attack. The coat is the trademark of the breed.

As a working dog, Komondor usually lives during the greater part of the year in the open, and his coat serves to help him blend in with his flock and to protect him from extremes of weather and beasts of prey.

Characterized by a powerful, deep chest, which is muscular and proportionately wide, the Komondor is a powerhouse. The breast is broad and well-muscled. The belly is somewhat drawn up at the rear. The rump is wide, muscular, and slopes slightly towards the root of the tail. Softness or lack of good muscle tone is a fault. Shoulders are well laid back. Forelegs are straight, well-boned, and muscular. Viewed from any side, the legs are like vertical columns. The upper arms are carried close to the body, without loose elbows.

The origin of this breed is often debated. Some believe the Komondor were a dog of the Magyars, while others believe it to be a dog of the Sumerians. According to the most probable explanation, Komondors were brought to Hungary by Cumans, the Turkish speaking, nomadic people who settled Hungary during the twelfth and thirteenth century.

The name of this dog is pronounced “quman-dur” which means “belonging to the Cumans” or “the dog of the Cumans,” which distinguished it from a similar Hungarian sheepdog breed which later merged with the Komondor.  

The unique dreadlock appearance gives a hint of common origin with the Puli and the Bergamasco. Also, there might be a link between the Komondor and the big, white Russian livestock dogs, the South Russian Ovcharka. The dreadlock coat developed under dry and extreme temperatures as it provides superb protection against cold and hot weather, but is not too comfortable in wet weather.

 Today the Komondor is a fairly common breed in Hungary.

One of the most beautiful dogs in the world, the American Akita is a great choice for guard dogs. Considered a new breed in the United States, the Akita is quickly rising in popularity as a pick for both a family pet and as home security. Descendant from the Akita Inu, this breed has quickly become a separate distinctive type within the breed in the United States and Canada.

With its massive bit agile frame, triangular, bear-like head and square, powerful jaw, this breed can be a great deterrent just by its stance in the front yard. Because the Akita was originally bred in the mountains of Japan, the dog makes a great protector of property located in cold regions.

While similar looking to the Husky, don’t confuse the Akita as a pack animal. These dogs like to a maintain dominance and do not get along with other dogs of the same gender. They are not hard to train, but do need constant reinforcement for this dog has an independent spirit that needs constant reminding of who is in charge.

What is most significant about the Akita is its curled tail. The bushy tail goes up and curls over the back, and some breeds even have a double curl. Most Akitas live a long life as long as they are given a lot of exercise.

Training is essential with the Akita. The dog is a very alert and responsive dog and its courage and loyalty are legendary, but as puppies they like to bite and if not trained to stop it can become a problem as an adult. Also, as I stated, they can be aggressive to other dogs, so having a bunch of Akitas to guard your property might not be the best idea unless you are a professional trainer.

Akitas make great housedogs but can be very intimidating because of their size. Female Akitas get along better with kids, but it is never a good idea to leave them alone with children. What is interesting is that they get along well with cats and have been compared to be very catlike. Akitas clean themselves like a cat and some even bury their one feces making them the cleanest breed of dog.

The perfect owners of an Akita as a guard dog are those who have a family for this dog has a lot of personality and needs the stimulation of others to remain healthy and obedient. Love, discipline, and a big yard in Maine are essentials to enjoying the Akita.

Tosa Inus are one of the most fascinating, and misunderstood of all dog breeds and make great guard dogs. Tosa Inu’s origins began on the smallest Japanese island Shikoku. They were raised in the old Tosa province of the island, hence their name, and the Tosa province was one of the most popular areas for dog fighting.

Known as the Japanese Mastiff, the origins of the Tosa started with the Japanese being impressed with the large Western Bull Mastiff and decided to breed it with Bulldogs, Great Danes, and St. Bernards to improve the size and strength of the native Shikoku ken.

Tosa Inus are one of the few dogs that are still used legally for dog fighting, but these matches are not held with the same notoriety of the illegal fights known all over the world. Dogfights with Tosa Inus are handled under strict rules and never end with the death of either participant.

Tosas are stately, massive dogs who are athletic and surprisingly agile. Their head is large with a broad skull and a moderately long, squared-off muzzle. The jaws are very powerful, the skin at the neck forms a dewlap, the ears are fairly small and pendant, falling along the cheeks and the eyes are small, dark and almond-shaped, with a dignified expression. The long tail is very thick at the root then tapers to a point, reaching the hocks and the short-haired coat is dense and harsh. The preferred color is solid red, though black, yellow, fawn, brindle and multi-colored is also permissible.

The height of the Tosa averages around 24 inches with a weight ranging between 80 and 200 pounds and lives about 12 years.

As for use as a guard dog, the temperament of a Tosa is that of a very brave fearless dog attuned to his master’s wishes. They are protective and loyal. The Tosa can be exceptionally quiet and were bred to be a quiet dog because of Japanese fighting rules. The Tosa can be affectionate toward family members, reserved with strangers, but will accept someone new if introduced. However, due to their size, they should not be left around children.

If you choose to own a Tosa as a guard dog, a large fenced yard is sufficient for its exercise demands. But, they like to go for walks or jogs to satisfy its own need to walk. You might get behavioral problems if Tosas are not taken on daily walks.

Finally, keep Tosas away from other dogs that like to fight because this dog will win. They have a high tolerance for pain due to its fighting origins. So if you decide to own a Tosa as a guard dog, let it know its place, keep it away from other aggressive dogs, or you might end up with a dangerous weapon that will not be easy to take down.

Guard Dog Breeds

Starting in March, I will now start to profile different breeds of dogs that I feel make good guard dogs.  There is a lot of misinformation out there on what qualifies as a guard dog and I think it comes down to what the individual dog trainer wants from their guard dog. Remember, some dog owners think that watch dog and guard dog are interchangeable terms, but they are not the same. A watch dog is a simple barker that lets you know that people are near or on your property, while guard dogs  are specifically trained to obey commands and to stop, “attack”, those who enter your property.

Almost any dog can be used as a watch dog, but to have a guard dog there needs to be specific qualities that work well with the owner’s need. When looking for a guard dog, you need to understand the temperament and intelligence of the dog breed before you select an animal for obedience training. For example, with an American Akita, you need to understand that this dog breed is highly intelligent and loyal but very independent and needs constant reassurance of its role or else the Akita will move away from its training. Since I have an American Akita, I figured I would start my monthly profile with this breed.

The American Akita

For those who are not familiar with Akitas, there are two types. The original Japanese Akita Inu, which were a breed of dog designed for fighting, and the American Akita, which is now a separate recognized breed from the Japanese Akita. Internationally, they are considered separate breeds, but in the United States and Canada, they recognize them as distinction of the same breed.

For those that want a family dog and a guardian, there is no better breed than the American Akita. This dog breed quickly asserts itself within the pack and will adjust its temperament and relationship based upon members of its pack. To males and master, it will rough house play to match whatever you throw at the dog while still be gentle and protective of women and children. The American Akita is very intelligent, bold, and fearless, and this can be a problem if not disciplined as a puppy. Without firm discipline or obedience training, without a clear understanding of who is their pack leader, an Akita can become very aggressive when it comes to other animals. It will assert dominance over these animals since it has no clear leader. While some might see this as a detriment, for those who wish to have an Akita as a guard dog, this is a blessing.

American Akitas as Guard Dogs

With Akitas, more than any other dog breed, they understand their role within a pack and quickly understand who is the pack leader among human/animal relationships. It knows that there are defining lines and will respond well to obedience training as long as there is a clear pack leader. If this is not clear to the dog, it will make itself the dominant member of its clan. Akita’s thrive on firm leadership and lots of exercise and stimulation. Without these key elements, this dog breed will become bored and very disrespectful. Akitas are very mindful of who they are. They are not pleasers. If they do decide to fetch or play, it is because the mood suits them not because they feel a need for your approval. This a clear distinction between Akitas and other breeds and must be clearly understood if you are wanting to train this breed to be a good guard dog. If wanting a watch dog, the sheer size of this dog is a great deterrent, and an Akita is not usually an excessive barker. But if they are raised around small yippy dogs who bark at the wind, they will display this annoying trait.

While this site neither condones nor approves of dog fighting, it does become a factor when people are searching for guard dogs. There is a close correlation in how a dog defends itself with the selection of a dog for guarding of family and property. While dog fighting is not legal in the United States, it is not illegal to own a dog bred for fighting.

Dog fighting has been documented in the recorded history of many different cultures, and is presumed to have existed since the early domestication of the species. Many breeds have been bred exclusively for the might, mind-set, and physical features that would make them better fighting dogs.

It has also been popular in many countries throughout history and continues to be practiced both legally and illegally around the world. Japan, Russia, South Africa, and much of Latin America have either no laws against dog fighting or are lenient against this crime. Japan is one of the only countries where this form of competition is not a blood sport, but a contest with strict guidelines and ceremony.

This list of the ten best fighting dogs in the world is organized for statistical purposes and is in no way a merit or support for the sport of dog fighting. It is only to help people in deciding what breed is best for guard dog training.

10.  Fila Brasileiro

The Fila Brasileiro is thought to have been developed from a number of breeds, predominantly the Mastiff, the Bulldog, and the Bloodhound. The Fila Brasileiro is an exceptional guard dogs and cattle herders. It does not hide its dislike of strangers, but these dogs are not disqualified from the show ring for showing aggression to the judges.

9. Pakistani Mastiff

All Pakistani Mastiffs have English Bull Terrier blood as well as blood from the crossings of several other British breeds such as English Mastiffs, Pointers and several types of British hunting dogs.

The Pakistani Mastiffs are victims of dog fighting but most of these rare dogs are used as guard dogs in Pakistan and India. It is because of their enormous size and strength that a few find themselves in the hands of people who choose to use them for dog fighting which is still illegal in Pakistan and its neighboring countries.

8. Cane Corso

The Cane Corso’s history is shrouded in mystery and differing opinions. It is generally agreed that the Cane Corso is a farm dog which has been used for stock control, property, guard dogs and big game hunting throughout its Italian history.

7. Caucasian Ovtcharka

The fighting strains of the Caucasian Ovcharka can contain blood of some European breeds, from mastiffs to American Pit Bull Terriers and Bandogs, but these crosses are a minority in the breed. These dogs were used for centuries to protect properties, guard livestock, kill wolves, hunt bears and the green for many other duties.

6. Presa Canario

Presa Canario was created during the 18th century for the purpose of being a guard dog, for the holding and driving of livestock, and exterminating wild or stray dogs. This dog breed was also used for dog fighting, a tradition the English settlers transplanted along with their Mastiff and Bulldog breeds. Canary Islanders consider these fights “honor fights” and not the sole purpose of the animal.

5. Dogo Argentino

The Dogo Argentino was bred specifically to avoid the dog aggression problems inherent in the Cordoba Fighting Dog when applied to hunting, specifically its lack of ability to hunt in a pack. The creators of the breed took great care to prevent this undesirable trait from manifesting in the Dogo Argentino, as the breed was always intended to be a pack hunter.

4. American Pit Bull Terrier

There is much debate as to where the APTB belongs on this list. To some, there is no better a fighting dog, but to those who fight dogs legally, this breed is farther down on their list. This dog is most popular for dog fighting in the United States where it is highly illegal.

3. American Bandogge

While these dogs weren’t bred to be fighting dogs, they do share hostile traits with their crossbreeds, at least when it comes to other dogs, meaning that they make a poor selection for people who’ve never owned a dog, or aren’t familiar with dogs that don’t socialize well with others. Still, some do use these dogs for fighting.

2. English Staffordshire Bull Terrier

English Staffordshire Bull Terrier had originally been bred for bull baiting. The fact that it can scrap with bulls shows that it’s pretty strong breed of dog for fighting.

1. Tosa Inu

The Tosa Inu is a massive, regal dog, standing well over 30 inches at the shoulders and weighing up to 150 pounds. This is an animal of legendary courage, intelligence and amazing presence. It has been described as the Sumo Wrestler of the Canine World and is considered a National Treasure in Japan. The sight of a Tosa Inu arrayed in full ceremonial fighting regalia and traditionally brought into the fighting arena by two handlers, makes an impressive and unforgettable impact.

Around the world there is much debate as to which dogs make the best ones for guard duty. Most experts just judge the effectiveness of dogs they are familiar with, while ignoring unfamiliar less local dogs. Most lists tend to be regional and not global. In England, large terriers show up higher on the list, while in Europe they tend to lean toward the traditional dogs like German Shepherds and Doberman Pinschers. American lists tend to add Pit Bull terriers and while the Japanese add the Tosa Inu. The top ten list here takes these factors into account and presents a good balance of guard dogs from around the world.

10. Tosa Inu

The Tosa Inu is a stately, massive dog.  Bred for hundreds of years in Japan, the Tosa is surprising athletic and agile. With a large head and broad skull, it has a large mouth with very powerful jaws.  The sheer size and deep bark of this dog is an excellent deterrent for intruders.  Tosa Inus are crossbreeds between Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Mastiffs and were created to be large fighting dogs.  They are highly intelligent and do not need repetitious training, but do to their size, they should not be left with children unsupervised.

9. American Akita

The American Akita, separate from the Akita Inu, is a large dog breed that originated in the mountains of Japan.  The Akita is a beautifully striking dog with the appearance of strength and nobility.  Physically, these dogs were bred for cold weather. They have luxuriously thick coats and large bear-like heads. They are very affectionate, loyal and very territorial. They tend to be socially dominant towards other dogs, reserved barkers, and can be hard to train. But unlike the Tosa, the Akita is well suited for families looking for more than a watch dog.

8. Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is a large compact dog that operates well in clear defined pack relationships. It is a calm, versatile work dog that loves to be with its owner at all times. The Giant Schnauzer is easy to train and responds to firm consistent behavior. The key to this breed is for it understand that all other humans around it are higher up in the pack. The Giant Schnauzer lives in pack mentality, and it is crucial to have a consistent behavior with this dog to remain a great guard dog.

7. Komondor

The Komondor is a large dog with Hungarian origins that is covered with a heavy corded coat and a robust body. The Komondor is a natural guardian that is used to protect livestock and property. These dogs were almost wiped out during World War 2 when the Germans and Russians had to slay them before entering the properties they were invading.

6. Puli

Similar to the Komondor, the Puli is a medium sized guard dog. Its fur is similar to the Komondor and differs in color and tends to be darker than its cousins.  The Puli is an intelligent, agile dog used both for guarding and herding livestock and are very loyal, easy to train dogs.

5. Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breed that is indigenous to South Africa. The Ridgeback’s distinguishing feature is the ridge of hair along its back running in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat and are typically muscular with a light wheaten coat, which should be short, dense, sleek and glossy in appearance and neither woolly nor silky. Ridgebacks are loyal and intelligent, but tend to be aloof to strangers. A Ridgeback of proper temperament will be more inclined to ignore a stranger than to challenge them. This breed requires positive, reward-based training, good socialization and consistency, and is often not the best choice for inexperienced dog owners.

4. Bull Mastiff

The Bullmastiff is a powerful dog, which was originally a cross between the English Mastiff and the Old English Bulldog. Originally bred to find and immobilize poachers, the breed has proven popular as a family pet. A Bullmastiff can be fearless and confident, yet docile. It has a very strong protective instinct and will defend against any threat to its owners, as well as any threat to its territory. Their protective instinct combined with their great size and natural wariness of strangers means that early socialization and obedience training are essential.

3. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a medium to large breed originating in Germany as a herding dog. It is a hardy and very intelligent breed with well developed genetic herding and guarding instincts, but the potentially dangerous behavior in Rottweilers usually results from irresponsible ownership, abuse, neglect, or lack of socialization and training.

2. Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinschers are among the most common of pet breeds, and the breed is well known as an intelligent, alert, and loyal companion dog. The Pinscher are short coat dogs compactly built with endurance and speed and have a proud, watchful, determined, and obedient temperament. Although once commonly used as guard dogs, watch dogs, or police dogs, this is less common today.

1. German Shepherd

One of the most registered breeds in the world, German Shepherds are a relatively new breed of dog, whose origins date to 1899, and were developed originally for herding sheep. The breed is marked by a willingness to learn and an eagerness to have a purpose. Because of their strength, intelligence and abilities in obedience training they are often employed in police and military roles. Shepherds have a loyal nature and bond well with people they know.  They are in the top five on most guard dog lists.

Note, while the Pit Bull is a popular dog, it is also the top dog for viciousness and I would not recommend it for a guard dog due to its chaotic temperament and history. The Pit Bull can be a very loving dog and excellent deterrent as a watch dog and we need to bring these loving dogs back into the world as a safe breed for families.