January 22 2020

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When it comes to burglary, the last thing intruders want is to attract attention to themselves. Which is probably why, according to research from the Co-op, a barking doggo is second only to CCTV cameras when it comes to putting burglars off a house*.

But which breed of pooch should dog lovers go for to protect their home and get along with the family? Most dogs, no matter how big and strong, will fit right into your lifestyle if handled from being young. But, just to give you a starting point, we’ve put together our list of the top five dogs that are both good guard dogs and pawfectly family friendly:

Akita

These dogs originated in Japan and were historically used to protect royalty – which should give you a good idea of their capability as a guard dog.

They’re big, strong animals that aren’t fond of strangers and don’t back down easily if they think their family is under threat. That being said, they’re also incredibly loyal, affectionate and playful if socialised from a young age.

Bullmastiff

This breed is a cross between the extinct Old English Bull Dog and the English Mastiff. Often called the ‘silent watchdog’, these strong and sturdy pups are fiercely loyal to their owners, making them one of the best guard dogs.

But while they’re born protectors, they’re also affectionate with a soft spot for children, fitting in well with growing families.

Estrela Mountain Dog

These gentle giants originated in Portugal and are in the most part still found there today. They’re courageous, loyal and protective.

As mountain dogs, they love to roam and need lots of exercise, so they’d be better suited to a larger family home. Great with kids and affectionate, they’re sure to quickly become a fond member of the family.

German Shepherd

Often used as police and military dogs, you may think German Shepherds aren’t bred for family life. But, with their friendly and loyal nature, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Easily trained, these dogs are really adaptable. If treated well and raised with a loving, affectionate family by their side, they’ll love their owners beyond compare. And provide top notch protection for their family home.

Giant Schnauzer

Bred as a working dog, the Giant Schnauzer is intelligent and devoted to their owners. If given the right amount of exercise and attention, they’re placid and sweet natured with a bark worse than their bite – although burglars won’t know that.

They’re better placed with families that have older children and enough room for them to roam and play.

So, there you have it, our top five picks for the best guard dogs to both protect the home and fit into family life. Do you have a friendly and fierce guard dog we missed? We’d love to hear from you. Let us know on our social channels.

*https://www.realhomes.com/news/dogs-remain-a-top-burglar-deterrent