We believe protection is for everyone and protection dogs should be tailored to each individual person’s needs. Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds are some of the most popular protection dog breeds because of their tenacious and hard working personalities. Don’t let this make you think they are your only protection dog options though! Many dogs are incredibly well suited and built for protection dog work. Let’s take a look at three right now. Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, and Giant Schnauzers are all great protection and family dogs that may suit your family. We know protection dogs aren’t a one-size-fits all, which is why we believe in a personalized approach to matching you with your perfect dog companion. Without further delay, here are three of the best dogs for protection and family!
The Doberman Pinscher
- Medium to large size
- Bred for protection
- Bonds strongly with owner
We love Dobermans for many reasons – they have the athleticism almost that of a Belgian Malinois and the people oriented personality of an American Bulldog. These dogs have an incredibly fierce look and are often used in movies as the guard dogs or intimidating characters. You may hear the terms “velcro dog” and the “dobbie lean” often used to describe the characteristics of a Doberman Pinscher. They are often referred to as velcro dogs because of their desire to be by your side so constantly that when you need to leave you feel as if you are ripping off velcro from your side to get out the door. The Doberman also exhibits a “dobbie lean” as they are known for coming up to their owners and ever so lovingly leaning their whole body weight against their owners legs for love and attention. This breed generally excels in all areas of their obedience and protection work and make good dogs for a family in need and want of protection
Doberman Protection
Dobermans make incredible protection dogs because they are highly intelligent and highly trainable. They bond strongly with their owners and develop a fierce loyalty to them. Dobermans generally respond well to protection training and excel in their obedience training and special skills training as well. Dobermans are one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. They are athletic, energetic, strong and courageous and will do anything to protect their people.
Learn more about Dobermans and their training here
The Rottweiler
- Medium to large size
- Bred to herd livestock and pull butchers’ carts
- Can be standoffish to strangers and new people
Rottweilers love their own people and are extremely loyal to their owners. They are not always immediately inviting towards strangers, as they are so protective of their owners. Their discernment and standoffishness give them the right personality to become great protection dogs. Rottweilers take their time to ensure a stranger is not a threat before lowering their guard. Rottweilers are also very attached companion dogs, they make great dogs for someone who enjoys the friendship of their dog. Rottweilers are known to follow family members around the house because they crave connection with their owners.
Rottweiler Protection
Rottweilers make great protection dogs because of their build, personality and trainability. Protection is in their blood but becoming a great protection dog is in their training. They are loyal to their owners and family and take their protection very seriously. Great protection Rottweilers should come from great bloodlines, have an easy going and assertive temperament, and exhibit training potential from a very young age. They should show no signs of aggression as aggressive dogs do not make for good protection dogs.
Learn more about Rottweilers and their protection skills here
Giant Schnauzer
- Medium to large size
- Composed, assertive and guarded personality
- Compact and great family dog
Giant Schnauzers gained traction as a breed during the 1800s in the Bavarian Alps. They were developed from the standard Schnauzer and were bred for their strength and athleticism. Though they originated from standard Schnauzers, they are two distinct AKC breeds now. They were originally used for herding and cattle minding but as the need to wrangle livestock became less and less prevalent they began being used primarily for guarding. They excelled in this work and have continued to be used as guard dogs, police dogs, military dogs, rescue dogs and protection dogs ever since. They are hypoallergenic which means that if allergies are a concern, the Giant Schnauzer may be the solution to your protection needs.
Giant Schnauzer Protection Dog
Giant Schnauzers make great protection dogs because they are extremely loyal to their families and they were bred for herding and protecting flocks. They are large but compact and can be the perfect size for a family dog and a protection dog at the same time. They can be friendly and outgoing, but most of the time they are more discerning of strangers and new people. They put their family first and make their family’s safety the #1 priority. They are brilliant dogs with great work ethic and a love for learning, this makes their protection training something that comes second nature to them.
Learn more about Giant Schnauzers and their history here
Doberman vs. Giant Schnauzers
How do these two dogs compare? Dobermans are generally taller and weigh a little bit more than Giant Schnauzers. Dobermans have a short, straight coat while Giant Schnauzers have a curly, hypoallergenic coat. They are both trainable, teachable and hard working and both of them do well in family settings. Dobermans have the potential to be more standoffish to strangers, while Giant Schnauzers may warm up to new visitors more quickly.
Read about our other favorite dogs for protection right here!
It might seem a bit overwhelming to pick out which personal protection dog is right for you and your family, but we pride ourselves on matchmaking you to your perfect protection dog. You can contact us via phone at 855-461-3647 or on send us a message right here.
