15 best guard dogs in South Africa (breeds with pictures)
Throughout history, the idea of domesticating a dog has always been associated with protection. Even in modern times, dogs are still in the upfront when it comes to guarding their owners against unwanted people and animals. However, there are specific breeds that are favoured for the sole purpose of offering protection due to their unique characteristics. The best guard dogs bear a unique type of temperament and physical strength that is needed to ward off intruders.
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A guard dog is a brilliant addition to any establishment. The presence of these dogs reduces any chances of any burglary activity. The best guard dogs require experts in dog training to help heighten their guarding skills.
More so, when buying a guard dog for a home environment, homeowners have to train them for a smooth transitioning into their homes. The list below is a compilation of the 15 best guard dogs in South Africa.
Which is the best guard dog?
The question of who is the best guard dog in the world depends on the preference of the owner. However, dog experts consider the Bullmastiff, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, and Doberman dogs as the best guard dogs in the world.
What is the best guard dog for a family?
Dogs are considered man’s best companions due to their loving nature towards their owners. Do dogs really protect their owners? Yes, guard dogs are really protective of their owners. The guard dogs below are among the best guard dogs breeds in the world and particularly in South Africa.
Boerboel
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Boerboel is a sizeable mastiff-type breed that originates from South Africa. The Boerboel is always bred for the sole purpose of guarding a home or a farm. The guard dogs are fast in defense against predators as well as tracking down the wounded. Boerboels are among the most powerful dogs in the world and they are much loved for their loyalty.
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German shepherd
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The German shepherd is a medium-sized breed that originates from Germany. They were initially bred to help in guarding sheep. However, because of their remarkable traits, they progressed into being guard dogs. They showcase high confidence, extreme intelligence, fearlessness, and quickness in learning commands. German shepherds are usually calm in the home environment but they become very vigilant and overprotective when the home is threatened.
Doberman Pinscher
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The Doberman dog was created for the sole purpose of protection. Most people consider the breed as one of the best guard dogs due to their loyalty, high intelligence, and alertness. The kind bears a variation in temperament and only attacks when provoked. They are quick in sensing danger and trained to restrain an intruder but not to kill.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
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The Rhodesian ridgeback is originally from South Africa. The dog was bred to help in hunting lions. They portray a high level of loyalty to their owners with great hostility towards strangers. Proper training of the Rhodesian Ridgeback makes them naturally obedient.
Bullmastiff
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The Bullmastiff breed is a large-sized mastiff dog with a short muzzle and a solid build. This breed is a hybrid result of crossing the English Mastiff and the Old English Bulldog, which is now extinct. The kind is vastly known for its courage, physical strength, instincts, and loyalty.
Bullmastiff security dogs typically use their high power to knock down intruders or block their path. The mastiff dog is very compliant in a family environment and makes a great household pet.
Rottweiler
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The Rottweiler is a breed that was initially used in herding. Although they are still used for herding in most parts of the world, they have progressed into search dogs, guard dogs, and police dogs. The breed can be very aggressive if not properly trained.
It is always important to introduce the dog to as many people as possible to reduce their hostility. However, with proper training, the Rottweiler is reliable, alert, and a very loving companion.
Giant Schnauzer
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The Giant Schnauzer is a breed that originated from Germany in the 19th century. They bear exceptional qualities such as boldness and alertness, which makes it a good guard dog. However, the breed requires strict training for the constant stimulation of their mental and physical abilities. Even so, the Giant Schnauzer is loyal and robust, and it bears a reliable temperament, which makes it an excellent guard dog.
Caucasian shepherd
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The Caucasian shepherd is also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka. Initially, this breed was used in protecting livestock. The kind bears a powerful urge to defend and might turn out unmanageable if not adequately trained. However, the breed is courageous, strong-willed, and quite assertive. With proper training, the Caucasian shepherd is among the best guards around.
Pitbull
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For the longest time, Pitbulls have been among the best guard dogs. The dog was initially bred for baiting bears and bulls as well as for dogfighting.
Cane Corso
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The Cane Corso is a muscular guard dog that originates from Southern Italy. The dog was traditionally bred for hunting big game and for protection. Their stable temperament and powerful physic make them excellent dogs for guarding and protection.
Weimaraner
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The Weimaraners are solidly built for outdoor activities. They possess high speed and alertness, which makes them perfect candidates for hunting. The boldness portrayed by this breed might be a little too much for smaller children.
Are Weimaraners good guard dogs? Dog experts give the breed a rating of three out of five in guarding. The Weimaraner breed is among the best family dogs due to their loving nature.
What are the best guard dogs for families with children?
The following breeds are some of the favorable guard dogs for kids.
Dalmatians
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Their playful nature recognizes the Dalmatians, which makes them the best dogs for children. Are Dalmatians good guard dogs? Well, the breed is perfectly fit for being a guard dog as it was originally bred for guarding during the war.
Dogo Argentino
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As the name suggests, Dogo Argentino, also known as Argentinean Mastiff, originates from Argentina. The breed is a large and muscular dog developed for the sole purpose of hunting big game such as pumas, cougars, and wild boars.
Dogo Argentinos are highly protective of their territory and would guard it fearlessly. The breed is quite gentle with children, making them among the best dogs for kids.
The Bandog
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The Bandog is a large and stubborn breed of dog. The dog exhibits characteristics of fierceness, which makes it excel in offering protection. For experienced pet owners, the dog comes across as a trainable and easy to maintain. Naturally, the breed is good-natured and quite fond of children. The dog is quick to act when faced with danger.
Neapolitan Mastiffs
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The Neapolitan Mastiff is quite fearless, protective, and child-loving. They are quick to notice strangers but become calm when they see their owners welcoming them. They might come across as over-protective if not exposed to socialization at a young age. The best thing about Neapolitan Mastiffs is that they are protective and require no specialized training, making them the best guard dogs for first-time owners.
Various other guard dogs did not make it to this list. However, our list comprises of some of the best guard dogs in South Africa.
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