Top 20
Guard dog breeds
Some dog breeds are more alert and territorial. These breeds score well for guarding: learn about their temperament and training needs before contacting a breeder.
- 1
German Shepherd Dog
A large working dog loyal, vigilant and remarkably versatile.
Guarding: 5/5Large Germany
- 2
Belgian Malinois
A lively, loyal and protective working dog, as intelligent as it is athletic.
Guarding: 5/5Medium Belgium
- 3
Rottweiler
A powerful, stable dog and deeply loyal when it is well trained.
Guarding: 5/5Giant Germany
- 4
Cane Corso
A protective, powerful Italian molosser, deeply attached to its family.
Guarding: 5/5Giant Italy
- 5
Beauceron
A large French shepherd dog, loyal, deterrent and remarkably versatile.
Guarding: 5/5Large France
- 6
American Staffordshire Terrier
An athletic, loyal and affectionate terrier that requires a firm, gentle and responsible education.
Guarding: 5/5Medium United States
- 7
Great Dane
A harmonious giant, affectionate and protective with a big heart.
Guarding: 5/5Giant Germany
- 8
Dogue de Bordeaux
A powerful French mastiff, calm and very attached to its family.
Guarding: 5/5Giant France
- 9
Belgian Tervuren
An elegant, vigilant and tireless Belgian Shepherd, as gifted for work as he is devoted to his family.
Guarding: 5/5Large Belgium
- 10
Altdeutscher Schäferhund
An old-type German Shepherd, rustic, versatile and very attached to its owner.
Guarding: 5/5Large Germany
- 11
Dogo Argentino
An athletic molosser, loyal and protective, built for an active life.
Guarding: 5/5Large Argentina
- 12
American Akita
A dignified, loyal and protective Keeshond, reserved for owners capable of training it with calm and consistency.
Guarding: 5/5Giant Japan
- 13
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
An athletic, loyal and demanding dog, intended for experienced owners.
Guarding: 5/5Large Slovakia
- 14
Dobermann
Also called Dobermann Pinscher, this loyal German guard combines power, vigilance and attachment to its family.
Guarding: 5/5Large Germany
- 15
Mastiff
A calm and protective giant, affectionate with his family and impressive by his mere presence.
Guarding: 5/5Giant United Kingdom
- 16
Belgian Shepherd Dog Groenendael
A black shepherd, elegant and vigilant, as brilliant at work as he is attached to his family.
Guarding: 5/5Large Belgium
- 17
Hovawart
A large protective family dog, gentle and remarkably well-balanced.
Guarding: 5/5Large Germany
- 18
American Bulldog
An athletic, loyal and protective molosser, very attached to its family.
Guarding: 5/5Large United States
- 19
Canary Mastiff
A powerful, balanced and protective molosser, recognizable by its black mask.
Guarding: 5/5Giant Spain
- 20
Kangal
The great protector of Sivas: calm, territorial and independent, distinct from the Anatolian Shepherd.
Guarding: 5/5Giant Turkey
This ranking is based on scores from 1 to 5 assigned to each dog breed in our listings. In a tie, breeds with more breeders in France rank higher.
Other dog breed rankings
- Dog breeds suited to apartment living
- Dog breeds for families with children
- Dog breeds for first-time owners
- Most affectionate dog breeds
- Dog breeds that get along with other pets
- Easy-to-train dog breeds
- Dog breeds that bark less
- Calm, low-energy dog breeds
- Dog breeds that shed less
- Dog breeds that drool less
- Low-maintenance dog breeds
- Most intelligent dog breeds
- Hardiest dog breeds
- Dog breeds that need little exercise
- So-called hypoallergenic dog breeds
- Small dog breeds
- More affordable dog breeds