Protection Dog Breeds Listed Alphabetically:
⚠️ Warning: When considering training a protection dog, it's essential to understand that the owner must be as well-trained as the dog. These powerful breeds require handlers who can read subtle canine signals, provide consistent leadership, and understand proper deployment protocols. Without proper handler education, a protection dog's natural instincts can become mismanaged, creating potential liability rather than providing the intended security.
***Important: Before adding a protection dog to your family, please check the Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) relevant to your area.
You may also want to advise your home insurance company.
Browse Protection Breeds Listed Alphabetically:
Size Range: The lower end of each height/weight range represents typical female measurements, while the higher end reflects male averages.
Akita
Height: 24-28"
Weight: 70-100; 100-130 lbs
Protection Qualities: Fiercely loyal, naturally protective, aloof with strangers.
Protection: 5/5 | Trainability: 2/5 | Family-Friendly: 3/5 | Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #59
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American Staffordshire Terrier
Purpose: Bull-baiting
Height: 17-19"
Weight: 40-55; 55-70 lbs
Protection Qualities: Powerful and courageous with strong loyalty.
Protection: 5/5 | Trainability: 3/5 | Family-Friendly: 4/5 | Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #77
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Belgian Malinois
Height: 22-26"
Weight: 40-80 lbs
Protection Qualities: Extreme work drive, used by special forces, needs experienced owner.
Protection: 5/5 | Trainability: 5/5 | Family-Friendly: 3/5 | Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #33
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Belgian Sheepdog
Height: 22-26"
Weight: 45-75 lbs
Protection Qualities: Highly alert, instinctively protective, and extremely responsive to threats.
Protection: 4/5 | Trainability: 5/5 | Family-Friendly: 3/5 | Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #107
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Belgian Tervuren
Height: 22-26"
Weight: 45-75 lbs
Protection Qualities: Alert and observant, highly intelligent with strong protective instincts.
Protection: 5/5 | Trainability: 5/5 | Family-Friendly: 4/5 | Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #107
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Black Russian Terrier
Height: 26-29"
Weight: 80-140 lbs
Protection Qualities: Bred as military dogs, powerful and confident.
Protection: 5/5 | Trainability: 4/5 | Family-Friendly: 3/5 | Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #127
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Boerboel
Height: 22-27"
Weight: 150-200 lbs
Protection Qualities: Powerful farm guardian with strong territorial instincts.
Protection: 5/5 | Trainability: 4/5 | Family-Friendly: 4/5 | Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #114
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Bouvier des Flandres
Height: 23.5-27.5"
Weight: 70-110 lbs
Protection Qualities: Powerful build, natural guarding instincts, calm but decisive when needed.
Protection: 5/5 | Trainability: 4/5 | Family-Friendly: 4/5 | Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #101
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Boxer
Height: 21.5-25"
Weight: 55-80 lbs
Protection Qualities: Strong guarding instinct, excellent with kids, good deterrent.
Protection: 4/5 | Trainability: 4/5 | Family-Friendly: 5/5 | Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #17
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Bullmastiff
Height: 20-27"
Weight: 100-120; 110-130 lbs
Protection Qualities: Massive size, historically used to deter poachers, calm demeanor.
Protection: 5/5 | Trainability: 4/5 | Family-Friendly: 5/5 | Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #67
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Cane Corso
Height: 23-27"
Weight: 80-110 lbs
Protection Qualities: Ancient Roman war dog, territorial, requires firm training.
Protection: 5/5 | Trainability: 4/5 | Family-Friendly: 4/5 | Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #14
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Chow Chow
Height: 17-20"
Weight: 45-70 lbs
Protection Qualities: Aloof and dignified with strong protective instincts.
Protection: 5/5 | Trainability: 2/5 | Family-Friendly: 3/5 | Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #88
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Doberman Pinscher
Height: 24-28"
Weight: 60-100 lbs
Protection Qualities: Lightning-fast reflexes, intimidating appearance, excellent deterrent.
Protection: 5/5 | Trainability: 5/5 | Family-Friendly: 5/5 | Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #16
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Dogo Argentino
Height: 24-27"
Weight: 80-100 lbs
Protection Qualities: Bred for big game hunting, fearless, needs experienced handling.
Protection: 5/5 | Trainability: 5/5 | Family-Friendly: 4/5 | Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #95
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Dogue de Bordeaux
Height: 23-27"
Weight: 100-110; 110-140 lbs
Protection Qualities: Massive size, intimidating presence, natural protective instincts with calm demeanor.
Protection: 5/5 | Trainability: 2/5 | Family-Friendly: 4/5 | Energy: 2/5
AKC Popularity: #96
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German Shepherd TOP PICK
Height: 22-26"
Weight: 50-90 lbs
Protection Qualities: Police/military favorite, highly trainable, fearless yet stable temperament.
Protection: 5/5 | Trainability: 5/5 | Family-Friendly: 5/5 | Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #4
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Giant Schnauzer
Height: 23.5-27.5"
Weight: 55-95 lbs
Protection Qualities: Fearless, highly alert, forms strong family bonds.
Protection: 5/5 | Trainability: 3/5 | Family-Friendly: 4/5 | Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #57
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Great Dane
Height: 28-34"
Weight: 110-140; 140-175 lbs
Protection Qualities: Imposing size with generally gentle nature.
Protection: 5/5 | Trainability: 4/5 | Family-Friendly: 5/5 | Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #21
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Mastiff
Height: 27-33"
Weight: 120-170; 160-230 lbs
Protection Qualities: Massive size, natural guarding instincts, calm but formidable when needed.
Protection: 5/5 | Trainability: 3/5 | Family-Friendly: 5/5 | Energy: 2/5
AKC Popularity: #40
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Neapolitan Mastiff
Height: 24-31"
Weight: 110-130; 150-200 lbs
Protection Qualities: Massive, wrinkled guardian with an intimidating presence. Naturally protective, fearless defenders of home and family.
Protection: 5/5 | Trainability: 3/5 | Family-Friendly: 3/5 | Energy: 2/5
AKC Popularity: #128
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Rhodesian Ridgeback
Height: 24-28"
Weight: 70-100 lbs
Protection Qualities: Originally bred to hunt lions, discerning judgment, athletic.
Protection: 5/5 | Trainability: 4/5 | Family-Friendly: 5/5 | Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #43
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Rottweiler
Height: 22-27"
Weight: 80-135 lbs
Protection Qualities: Natural guarding instinct, physically imposing, deeply loyal to family.
Protection: 5/5 | Trainability: 5/5 | Family-Friendly: 4/5 | Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #8
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