Akita

The Akita comes from Japan, where they were used for centuries as a hunting dog and guard dog. The Akita is a spitz breed, which describes a type of dog with a double coat, long tail that curves over the back, and upright triangle-shaped ears.

Akitas bond very closely with their families, though they do best with older children who won’t pester the dog. They are naturally protective, but when properly socialized should never be aggressive.

Akitas aren’t very dog friendly, so they are often kept as the only dog, or as a male/female pair. Thanks to their hunting heritage, Akitas have a high prey drive and should not be trusted alone around small animals.  

Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is a herding breed that hails from Belgium and has been used extensively for police and military work. This dog is known for their fearless, protective nature. Mals are also highly trainable, which makes them one of the best family guard dogs.

This breed is very people-oriented and loyal to their families. Belgian Malinois puppies need a solid foundation of socialization and training so they grow up to be well-behaved family members.

This breed needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation and needs a job to do, whether as a working dog or training for a sport like agility, herding, or Schutzhund (protection competitions).

Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese mountain dog originated in the mountains of Switzerland, where they were an invaluable helper as a cattle drover, guard dog, and all-around farm dog. Berners also pulled heavy carts to market laden with milk and other goods for sale.

The tri-colored Bernese mountain dog is large and imposing, but they are known for being loyal family dogs that are exceptionally wonderful with children of all ages. They are reserved with strangers and will protect their family and property if necessary.

Bullmastiff

The bullmastiff was once called the Game Keeper’s Night Dog because they were used to stop poachers on English estates. Weighing in at more than 100 pounds, the bullmastiff could put off an intruder just with their formidable presence, but this breed is also extremely protective.

Bullmastiffs need intensive socialization and training starting as puppies so they can learn to be discerning and readily allow invited guests into your home. Though they love children, their sheer size can lead to knock-downs, especially with rambunctious adolescent dogs. This is another place training is critical.

Bullmastiffs become very attached to their human family and should be included in household activities.   

Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman pinscher was created by German tax collector Louis Dobermann to accompany him on his visits, looking intimidating and ready to protect him from any threat that might arise. Today’s Doberman is a wonderful family dog, tightly bonded to their people and fiercely protective, and they’re one of the best family guard dogs.

As long as Dobermans get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation they are generally calm in the house. Puppies need socialization and training so they grow up to be confident, well-mannered, and accepting of approved strangers. The breed is highly trainable, and enjoys dog sports like obedience and agility.

German Shepherd

Like the Belgian Malinois, the German shepherd is a herding breed that has a long history as a police and military dog. Highly intelligent and easy to train, these dogs are courageous and fiercely loyal.

The German shepherd is an outstanding family dog, and one of the best family guard dogs. They are also a fun playmate for children who are taught how to interact with dogs properly. However, careful socialization is necessary so that German shepherds don’t become anxious or fearful.

German shepherds are full of energy and need lots of physical exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. Training for a dog sport like agility, herding, obedience or Shutzhund (protection competition) is a great way to exercise a German shepherd’s body and mind.

Great Dane

Despite the name, the Great Dane in fact hails from Germany. The breed’s imposing size and deep bark are usually enough to deter would-be intruders. This is a good thing, since Great Danes are generally sociable with people, including friendly strangers. However, the Great Dane is alert and protective, and will face off with anyone trying to mess with the family or enter their home.

These gentle giants can be wonderful with children, though their great size might be intimidating to some kids. Early and consistent training is necessary to teach the dog not to jump up or knock people down, especially small children and the elderly.   

Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees, from the Pyrenees Mountains, is another one of the best family guard dogs. This breed has been used for centuries as a flock guardian, watching over and protecting sheep and other livestock from predators and thieves. As such, the breed is naturally protective and alert to the first sign of danger.

They tend to be rather independent but bond tightly with their human family. Great Pyrenees typically respond well to routine and positive reinforcement training, and will also need socialization to ward off fear-based anxiety issues.

These dogs don’t need a huge amount of exercise, but they enjoy being outdoors and appreciate daily walks.

Rottweiler

The rottweiler was developed in Germany as a cattle drover, moving cattle from field to market while protecting the herd. Rottweilers are large, powerful, self-assured, and can be imposing. One glimpse of a rottweiler is usually enough to deter intruders.

With proper training and socialization, rottweilers can be wonderful family dogs. Without it, some may develop significant fear-based anxiety issues that can lead to aggression.

They are highly intelligent and will notice very slight variations in appearance of places, objects, and even people. While the breed standard suggests that they should be able to determine a true threat from a non-threat, sometimes this requires extra socialization and training to reinforce.

Rottweilers love to have a job and will need some good mental stimulation as well. They do best with people who can provide routine, consistency, and daily positive reinforcement training.

Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard was created by monks who used the dogs for search and rescue of stranded travelers in the snowy Alps. The Saint Bernard is gentle and watchful over their human family, especially children. In fact, Saint Bernards have earned the nickname “nanny dogs” for their special affinity for children.

This is one of the best family guard dogs. They are brave and protective if the need arises, but their massive size is often enough to stop troublemakers in their tracks.

Early training and socialization will help the Saint Bernard grow into a calm, polite family member. Despite their size, the breed doesn’t need a ton of exercise—daily walks or brief play sessions in the yard is plenty.