Dogs have been man’s best friend for thousands of years, serving not only as companions but also as protectors. When it comes to home protection, not all dogs are created equal. Some breeds have a more natural tendency to guard their home and family and can be more intimidating to potential intruders. In this blog post, we will highlight 20 of the most intimidating giant purebred (FCI recognized) dogs for home protection, including their top weight and a brief summary of why they make the best guard dogs.
Are there any legal implications of using dogs for home protection?
Using a dog for home protection is legal in most places, as long as the dog is properly trained and controlled. However, it is important to research and understand local laws and regulations regarding dogs for home protection, as some areas may have specific requirements or restrictions.
1. Boerboel – up to 200+ pounds
The Boerboel, also known as the South African Mastiff, is a breed with a rich history in South Africa. These dogs were originally bred by Dutch settlers to protect their farms and homesteads from wild animals and other potential threats. The Boerboel’s natural protective instincts and strength made them highly valued by their owners, and their reputation as fearless protectors quickly spread throughout the region.
Their size and muscular build, combined with their deep bark and intimidating presence, make them excellent deterrents to potential threats.
Additionally, their strong sense of loyalty and devotion to their owners, combined with their high level of intelligence, make them easy to train and highly obedient. As a result, Boerboels are highly sought after as family pets and personal protection dogs. Despite their size and strength, Boerboels are known to be gentle and affectionate with those they know, making them great companions for families with children. With their combination of strength, loyalty, and protective instincts, the Boerboel is a highly respected and valued breed as a guard dog and companion animal.
2. Broholmer – up to 150+ pounds
The Broholmer, also known as the Danish Mastiff, is a breed with a long history dating back to the Middle Ages in Denmark. Originally bred to protect estates, hunting lodges, and livestock, the Broholmer was highly valued for its strength, courage, and loyalty. These dogs were often used to track and hunt large game such as deer and boar, and their fearless nature made them excellent guard dogs. As time passed and the role of the Broholmer evolved, they became popular as family pets due to their gentle and affectionate nature with those they know. Despite their size and imposing appearance, Broholmers are known to be patient and gentle with children, making them a popular choice for families.
Their protective instincts, combined with their strength and deep bark, make them excellent guard dogs and a strong deterrent to potential threats.
With their combination of loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature, the Broholmer is a highly valued and respected breed, both as a family pet and as a guard dog.
3. Bukovina Sheepdog – up to 200+ pounds
The Bukovina Sheepdog, also known as the Carpathian Sheepdog, is a breed with a long history in the Carpathian Mountains of Eastern Europe. These dogs were used by shepherds to protect their flocks of sheep from predators such as wolves, bears, and other wild animals. Their courage and fearlessness in the face of danger made them highly valued by the shepherds, and their reputation as fierce protectors quickly spread throughout the region. The Bukovina Sheepdog’s natural protective instincts and strong sense of loyalty make them excellent guard dogs. They have a deep bark that serves as a powerful warning to potential threats, and their size and strength make them a formidable presence.
In addition to their protective abilities, Bukovina Sheepdogs are also known for their strong work ethic and high level of intelligence, making them easy to train and highly obedient.
With their combination of strength, loyalty, and intelligence, it is no surprise that the Bukovina Sheepdog is a popular choice for families seeking a loyal and protective companion.
4. Bullmastiff – up to 130+ pounds
The Bullmastiff is a breed with a rich history dating back to 19th century England. They were originally bred as gamekeepers to protect large estates and hunt poachers.
These dogs were specifically bred to combine the courage and tenacity of the English Mastiff with the speed and agility of the Bulldog.
This combination resulted in a breed that was both physically powerful and highly intelligent, making them excellent at deterring potential intruders. Their protective instincts and strong sense of loyalty to their owners have made Bullmastiffs sought after as family pets, as well as watchdogs. Their imposing size and muscular build often serve as enough of a deterrent to keep potential threats at bay, but their docile and affectionate nature with those they know makes them great companion animals as well. Despite their size, Bullmastiffs are known to be gentle giants, making them a popular choice for families with small children.
5. Cane Corso – up to 110+ pounds
The Cane Corso, also known as the Italian Mastiff, is a breed with a rich history dating back to ancient Rome. These dogs were initially used as hunting and guard dogs, tasked with protecting estates and livestock. Their loyalty and bravery made them highly valued by their owners, and their reputation as fearless protectors quickly spread throughout Italy.
In more recent history, the Cane Corso has been utilized as a police and military dog due to their high level of intelligence and obedience.
With their imposing size and athletic build, Cane Corso dogs are able to deter would-be intruders and their deep bark serves as a powerful warning to potential threats. Additionally, their naturally protective nature and strong bond with their owners make them excellent guard dogs, ensuring that those they protect are always safe.
6. Caucasian Shepherd – up to 170+ pounds
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a large and powerful breed that has a long history of serving as a guard dog in the Caucasus region. These dogs were originally bred to protect livestock from predators and to guard homesteads and properties. They are known for their bravery, strength, and territorial instincts, making them highly effective as guard dogs.
With their strong protective instincts towards family members, Caucasian Shepherds make excellent guard dogs for individuals or families who need a high level of protection.
The breed’s massive size and aggressive demeanor are also highly intimidating, deterring potential intruders. Caucasian Shepherds are independent and fearless, and will fiercely defend their families and property if necessary. They are also known for their loyalty and protective instincts, making them excellent companions as well as guard dogs. With proper training and socialization, Caucasian Shepherds can make excellent guard dogs for individuals or families who need a high level of protection.
7. Central Asian Shepherd – up to 170+ pounds
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a large and powerful breed that has a long history as a guard dog in its native region of Central Asia. These dogs were originally bred to protect livestock from predators such as wolves and bears, and were valued for their courage, strength, and independence. Central Asian Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and fearless nature, making them highly effective as guard dogs.
They are also known for their territorial instincts and strong protective instincts, and will fiercely defend their families and property.
The breed’s size, strength, and aggressive demeanor also make them highly intimidating, deterring potential intruders. With proper training and socialization, Central Asian Shepherds can make excellent guard dogs and are well-suited for individuals or families who need a high level of protection.
8. English Mastiff – up to 230+ pounds
The English Mastiff is a large breed of dog that has a long history of serving as a guard dog.
They were originally bred to protect estates and castles in England and were used for hunting large game such as bears and boars.
The breed’s size and strength, combined with its protective instincts, make them ideal as watchdogs. They are known for their loyalty, courage, and stability, and will fiercely defend their families and property. English Mastiffs are also known for their calm and gentle temperament, making them suitable for families with children. With proper training and socialization, English Mastiffs can be excellent guard dogs and loyal companions.
9. Irish Wolfhound – up to 120+ pounds
Irish Wolfhounds, despite their gentle and friendly nature, can make excellent guard dogs due to their impressive size, alertness, and protective instincts.
With an average height of 28 inches and a weight of up to 120+ pounds, Irish Wolfhounds are one of the tallest and most intimidating dog breeds, making them a natural deterrent to potential threats.
They are highly alert and observant, making them quick to detect any danger and respond accordingly. Irish Wolfhounds also have a strong sense of loyalty to their family and will defend them if necessary. Additionally, the breed is highly trainable and can be taught to perform various guard duties, making it a reliable and dependable protector.
10. Kangal Shepherd Dog – up to 140+ pounds
The Kangal Shepherd Dog is a breed originating from Turkey and is renowned for its guarding instincts. It is a large, muscular and powerful breed with a natural instinct to protect its family and property.
The downside is that, due to its size and loud bark, they can be overly aggressive with visitors and unknown dogs.
However, the Kangal Shepherd Dog is fearless and will defend its family against even the most formidable of intruders. Its deep bark can be a deterrent to potential threats and its size and strength make it a formidable opponent. The breed is highly trainable and can be taught to perform various guard duties, making it a reliable and dependable protector. Overall, the Kangal Shepherd Dog’s protective instincts, physical abilities, and trainability make it an excellent choice as a guard dog.
11. Leonberger: up to 170+ pounds
The Leonberger is a large breed of dog from Germany known for its gentle and friendly nature.
Despite its sociable personality, the Leonberger is highly protective of its family and can make a good guard dog.
Its size, strength, and confident demeanor can be intimidating to potential intruders, making it a great choice for home protection. The breed is also highly intelligent, making it easy to train for various guard duties. Additionally, the Leonberger is highly alert and observant, which helps it to detect potential threats and respond accordingly. With its protective instincts, physical abilities, and trainability, the Leonberger is a reliable guard dog that will need plenty of space to run around and keep its family safe.
12. Mioritic Shepherd Dog: up to 170+ pounds
The Mioritic Shepherd Dog, also known as the Romanian Sheepdog, is a large and powerful breed native to Romania. It is a highly intelligent, loyal and protective breed, making it an excellent guard dog.
The Mioritic Shepherd Dog is naturally suspicious of strangers and will defend its family and property with ferocity if necessary.
Its large size, strength and courage make it a formidable deterrent to would-be intruders. Additionally, the breed has a strong work ethic and is highly trainable, making it well-suited for various guard dog duties. Overall, its protective instincts, physical abilities, and trainability make the Mioritic Shepherd Dog an excellent choice as a guard dog.
13. Neapolitan Mastiff – up to 150+ pounds
The Neapolitan Mastiff is an excellent guard dog due to its large size, imposing appearance, and protective nature.
This breed was originally bred for guarding estates in Italy, and its loyalty and courage are unparalleled.
The Neapolitan Mastiff has a strong instinct to defend its family and property, and its deep bark can be an effective deterrent to intruders. Despite its imposing size, this breed is known for being gentle and affectionate with its family. With proper training and socialization, the Neapolitan Mastiff can be a loving and protective companion that will ensure the safety of its loved ones.
14. Presa Canario – up to 145+ pounds
The Presa Canario, also known as the Canary Mastiff, is a large and powerful breed of dog that originated in the Canary Islands. This breed was originally developed for working on farms, guarding livestock and property, and for use in dog fighting. The Presa Canario is known for its courage, loyalty, and protectiveness, making it an excellent guard dog.
They are confident and fearless, with a strong and muscular build, and an intimidating appearance that serves as a deterrent to potential threats.
Despite their size and strength, Presa Canarios are also affectionate and gentle with their owners and family. However, it is important to note that this breed requires consistent training, socialization, and strong leadership from their owner, as they can become aggressive towards strangers if not properly trained.
15. Pyrenean Mastiff – up to 220+ pounds
The Pyrenean Mastiff, also known as the Mastín del Pirineo, is a large and majestic breed of dog that originated in the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain and France.
This breed was developed as a guard dog and was used to protect livestock from predators and to defend their owners and their property.
Pyrenean Mastiffs are known for their courage, loyalty, and protectiveness, making them excellent guard dogs. They are confident and fearless, with a powerful build and an intimidating appearance that serves as a deterrent to potential threats. Despite their size and strength, Pyrenean Mastiffs are also affectionate and gentle with their family.
16. Rottweiler – up to 130+ pounds
The Rottweiler is a large and robust breed of dog that originated in Germany. Historically, they were used as herding dogs and as draft animals, pulling carts to transport goods to market. Over time, they became known for their bravery, loyalty, and obedience, making them highly sought after as guard dogs. Rottweilers are confident and fearless, with a powerful build and an intimidating appearance that serves as a deterrent to potential threats.
They are also known for their strong protective instincts and loyalty to their owners and their family.
With proper training and socialization, these dogs become not only reliable protectors but also beloved members of the family, offering both security and companionship. Despite their size and strength, Rottweilers are also affectionate and gentle with those they love. The Rottweiler’s unique combination of traits makes them an ideal breed for individuals looking for a reliable and highly protective guard dog.
17. Russian Black Terrier – up to 130+ pounds
The Black Russian Terrier, also known as the Tchiorny Terrier, is a large and sturdy breed of dog developed in the Soviet Union after World War II. It was created by breeding several different breeds including the Rottweiler, Giant Schnauzer, and Airedale Terrier.
The goal was to create a breed that would be suitable for military and police work, as well as for guarding and protection.
Black Russian Terriers are known for their intelligence, obedience, and courage, making them excellent guard dogs. They are confident and fearless, with a strong and muscular build, and an intimidating appearance that serves as a deterrent to potential threats.
19. Spanish Mastiff – up to 220+ pounds
The Spanish Mastiff, also known as the Mastín Español, is a large breed of dog that originated in the Iberian Peninsula, including Spain and Portugal. This breed has a long history of herding livestock and guarding properties, dating back to ancient times.
The Spanish Mastiff is known for its strength, bravery, and intelligence, making it an excellent guard dog.
These dogs are calm and confident, with a powerful build and an intimidating appearance, making them a deterrent to potential threats. They are also fiercely loyal and protective of their owners and their territory. Despite their size and strength, Spanish Mastiffs are affectionate and gentle with their family.
18. Tibetan Mastiff – up to 150+ pounds
The Tibetan Mastiff, also known as the Do-Khyi, is a large and ancient breed of dog originating from the Tibetan plateau.
Its history can be traced back to over 2,000 years ago where it was used as a guard dog by nomads to protect their livestock from predators and intruders.
Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their loyalty, protectiveness, and intelligence, making them excellent guard dogs. They are independent thinkers, fearless and strong, but also have a gentle and affectionate side towards their owners. Their size and fierce appearance also make them a deterrent to potential threats. Overall, the Tibetan Mastiff’s unique combination of traits makes them an ideal breed for individuals who are looking for a highly protective and dependable guard dog.
20. Tosa Inu – up to 200+ pounds
The Tosa Inu, also known as the Japanese Mastiff, is a large breed of dog that originated in Japan in the 19th century.
The Tosa Inu was originally used as a fighting dog in Japan’s dog fighting pits, but today is used as a loyal and protective companion.
Guardian breeds, like the Tosa Inu, are known for their loyalty, fearlessness, and strength, making them ideal for home protection. With a weight of up to 200+ pounds, the Tosa Inu is a formidable guard dog that will not only alert you to potential threats but also instinctively protect you and your family. Proper training and socialization are crucial for this breed to ensure they are well-behaved and trustworthy.
Best Dogs for Home Protection – Final Thoughts
When it comes to finding the best dogs for home protection, purebred giant dog breeds are a top choice. Due to their intimidating appearance, protective nature, and powerful build, they can act as a deterrent to potential intruders while also being gentle and affectionate with their human companions. From the majestic Cane Corso to the powerful Bullmastiff, these purebred dogs for home protection offer both physical presence and unwavering loyalty. So if you’re looking for a four-legged guardian to keep your home safe, consider one of these top 20 giant dog breeds – they will not disappoint!
It’s important to note that every dog is unique and their personality and behavior may vary. Before getting a guard dog, it’s essential to consider the responsibilities that come with owning a large and powerful breed, such as proper training and socialization.
