7 Best Guard Dog Breeds In The UK For Personal & Family Protection

Boxers are medium-sized dogs that are affectionate, playful, patient, and great with kids. Although they may appear intimidating with their brawny and athletic build, they are not inherently aggressive. Boxers are generally fun-loving and family-friendly, which builds a strong sense of loyalty, making them excellent protectors, especially for families with children.

This breed is known for its high energy levels and requires frequent exercise. With a Boxer in your family, you’ll always have an eager companion for walks, runs, and playtime in the yard.

However, ASPCA points out that Boxers are often described as mischievous, sneaky, and headstrong—traits that pet parents know translate to “some training required.” These lovable goofballs take about three years to reach full maturity, making for a prolonged puppyhood. However, with proper training and exercise, Boxers can develop into the ideal companions.

2. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd, also known as the Alsatian, was developed in 1899 by breeding various German herding dogs. Originally bred to herd sheep, German Shepherds are now renowned for their protective abilities, making them one of the best guard dog breeds. They are fearless, confident, and daring, which makes them a favorite for police work.

PetPlan notes that despite their guarding capabilities, German Shepherds have a calm demeanor at home. They tend to be gentle with children and other animals, but behavioral problems like aggression can arise if they are left alone too long or don’t get enough exercise.

Due to their loyal nature, German Shepherds can be defensive around strangers, so socialization is crucial. Puppies should be introduced to new people, places, and experiences early on. These dogs are eager to please and sensitive to their owner’s reactions, so positive reinforcement methods work best.

German Shepherds need at least two hours of exercise daily and plenty of mental stimulation. Without enough physical and mental activity, they may resort to destructive behaviors like chewing, chasing, pulling on the leash, and excessive barking.

3. Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher, originally bred by a German tax collector in 1890, is a medium-large dog known for its loyalty, fearlessness, and watchfulness. These traits make them one of the best guard dogs for large properties. With their speed and agility, Dobermans can quickly approach and deter intruders.

Due to their protective nature, Dobermans have gained a reputation for being overly aggressive. However, with proper socialization and training, they are affectionate and sweet-natured. They are loyal to their owners and can be great with children if raised with them, although some Dobermans may form a strong bond with just one person.

According to Purina, the Doberman is the fifth-smartest dog breed in the world, making them quick learners. This intelligence can simplify training but also requires you to keep sessions engaging to prevent boredom. As strong-willed dogs, consistent and proper training is crucial to ensure they become well-behaved members of the family.

Dobermans need a lot of exercise, so they are best suited for families with large outdoor spaces and active lifestyles. Without sufficient exercise, they can become irritable or even destructive. Despite this, they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they receive daily physical activity.

4. Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff, a cross between Mastiffs and Bulldogs, was developed by English gamekeepers in the mid-1800s to ward off poachers. Known for their physical strength, protective instincts, courage, and extreme loyalty, Bullmastiffs are one of the best guard dog breeds in the UK. If an intruder trespasses on your property, a Bullmastiff will likely use its strength to knock them over or block their path. Their sheer size alone can intimidate intruders and even some welcome visitors.

Bullmastiffs are also strong-willed and stubborn, requiring owners who are confident and committed to ongoing training. With the right training and care, a Bullmastiff can be a wonderful family pet, though they may be better suited to households without young children due to their size.

Bullmastiffs are not ideal housemates for other pets. Their high prey drive can make them dangerous for cats, and they are often aggressive toward other dogs, especially males.

As indoor dogs, Bullmastiffs cannot stay outside for long periods, particularly in heat and humidity, as they are prone to heat exhaustion. According to Orvis, they need moderate exercise daily, such as a few mid-length walks and low-key play sessions. Always watch for signs of heat exhaustion during any exercise.

5. Rottweiler

Rottweilers may have a fierce appearance, but they are gentle giants at heart, making them one of the best guard dog breeds for families. Historically known as Metzgerhund or butchers’ dogs, they were originally used to herd livestock and pull carts of butchered meat to markets. Rottweilers are extremely loyal, but their temperament can vary, so it’s important to find a well-bred puppy.

These active, intelligent dogs are confident and capable of acting independently, which is why they need guidance from an early age. While the Rottweiler is friendly and affectionate with family members, proper training is crucial to ensure their guarding instincts do not pose a threat to visitors.

Though usually quiet, Rottweilers bark when someone approaches the home, and their powerful voice alone can serve as an effective deterrent. Due to their strength and independent nature, Rottweilers are not ideal for first-time dog owners.

According to PDSA, Rottweilers are very active and require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and occupied. They need at least two hours of exercise every day, including interesting walks, extra playtime, time in a secure garden, and plenty of thinking games.

6. Belgian Malinois

The alert and lively Belgian Malinois has been a hardworking breed for centuries, originally serving as a sheepdog in Belgium and later becoming a military and police dog in the 20th century. Known for their fierceness and fearlessness, they are prominent members of K-9 units around the world.

The Belgian Malinois is a strong, intelligent, and loyal dog, making it an excellent choice for a guard dog. They excel at monitoring the perimeter of your property and will sound the alarm if anyone approaches. Their intimidating appearance alone can deter potential intruders.

Belgian Malinois are loving and patient with children in their family, but they should always be supervised around kids. As herding dogs, they may try to wrangle unruly children. Additionally, their territorial and jealous nature means families must commit substantial time to training.

AKC reports that these dogs have seemingly endless energy reserves, and simple walks are not enough to tire them out. They need to be kept active and engaged throughout the day, or they may become bored and resort to destructive behaviors like chewing and barking.

7. Giant Schnauzer

Known for their distinctive “old man” appearance, Giant Schnauzers are a breed developed in 17th-century Germany. These strong and powerful dogs make excellent guard dogs for homes and families. They will bark loudly to alert you to potential danger and will aggressively protect their territory from intruders.

Giant Schnauzers are good-natured but can be quite dominant. While they may seem intimidating to strangers, they are extremely loyal to those they know. Due to their size and temperament, they require a lot of mental and physical stimulation.

Despite their large size, Giant Schnauzers crave constant affection from their families, which contributes to their loyalty.

HillsPet points out that these powerful dogs need plenty of exercise, including walks, playtime, and activities like jogging. Without sufficient exercise, they may create their own games to keep busy. Giant Schnauzers excel in challenging dog sports and have the stamina to stay active from dawn until dusk.

Conclusion

Choosing the right security guard dog for your home involves considering various factors such as temperament, loyalty, and trainability. Breeds like the Doberman Pinscher, Bullmastiff, Rottweiler, Giant Schnauzer, German Shepherd, Boxer, and Belgian Malinois make great guard dogs due to their fierce loyalty, intelligence, and protective instincts.

These large breeds can serve as excellent security guard dogs, providing both companionship and safety. They are all highly trainable and benefit greatly from training classes to hone their skills. With the right care and training, these dogs not only enhance your home’s security but also make excellent pets for your family.