1. Home
  2. Dogs
  3. Dog Breeds
  4. Guard dog breeds

Guard dog breeds

Are you looking for a protector as well as a friend? Guard dog breeds have been keeping their human companions safe for generations, and today they remain our loyal, steadfast and brave guardians and companions.

To make it easy for you, we have put together a list of the most popular guard dog breeds in Australia. Learn more about their history, temperament, common breed diseases and conditions and lots of other interesting facts to guide you to choose the right guard dog for you and your family!

If you’re interested in looking at the most popular guard dog breeds, see Top 10 Guard Dog Breeds.

Search dogs by category or name

Toy dog breeds Small dog breeds Medium dog breeds Large dog breeds Giant dog breeds Ancient dog breeds Apartment-friendly dog breeds Australian dog breeds Blue-Eyed dog breeds Chinese dog breeds Companion dog breeds Cute dog breeds Dog breeds that don’t bark much Dog breeds that tolerate being alone Expensive dog breeds Family dog breeds Fluffy dog breeds German dog breeds Guard dog breeds Herding dog breeds Hound dog breeds Hunting dog breeds Hypoallergenic dog breeds Japanese dog breeds Long haired dog breeds Longest living dog breeds Low energy dog breeds Low maintenance dog breeds Mixed dog breeds Mixed poodle dog breeds Most popular dog breeds Mountain dog breeds Non shedding dog breeds Rare dog breeds Red dog breeds Russian/Siberian dog breeds Senior-Friendly dog breeds Short coat dog breeds Sighthound dog breeds Smartest dog breeds Tallest dog breeds Terrier Dog Breeds Therapy dog breeds Water-loving dog breeds White dog breeds Working dog breeds
OR
Affenpinscher Afghan Hound Airedale Terrier Akita Alaskan Husky Alaskan Malamute American Bulldog American Eskimo Dog American Foxhound American Staffordshire Terrier Australian Bulldog Australian Cattle Dog Australian Cobberdog Australian Kelpie Australian Shepherd Australian Terrier Basenji Basset Hound Beagle Beaglier Bearded Collie Bedlington Terrier Belgian Shepherd Malinois Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Bloodhound Boerboel Border Collie Border Terrier Borzoi Boston Terrier Boxer British Bulldog Brussels Griffon (Griffon Bruxellois) Bull Arab Bull Terrier Bullmastiff Cairn Terrier Cane Corso Cardigan Welsh Corgi Caucasian Shepherd Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cavoodle Chihuahua Chinese Crested Dog Chow Chow Clumber Spaniel Cocker Spaniel Collie (Rough) Dachshund Dalmatian Dobermann Dogue De Bordeaux Elkhound English Pointer English Toy Terrier Field Spaniel Finnish Lapphund Fox Terrier French Bulldog German Shepherd German Shorthaired Pointer German Wirehaired Pointer Golden Retriever Great Dane Great Pyrenees Greyhound Groodle Harrier Havanese Hungarian Vizsla Irish Setter Irish Terrier Irish Wolfhound Italian Greyhound Italian Spinone Jack Russell Terrier Japanese Spitz Kangal Keeshond Labradoodle Labrador Lhasa Apso Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog Maltese Maltese Shih Tzu Maremma Sheepdog Miniature Bull Terrier Miniature Dachshund Miniature Fox Terrier Miniature Pinscher Miniature Poodle Miniature Schnauzer Moodle Neapolitan Mastiff Newfoundland Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Old English Sheepdog Papillon Pekingese Pomeranian Portuguese Water Dog Pug Puli Rhodesian Ridgeback Rottweiler Saluki Samoyed Schnauzer Schnoodle Scotch Collie Scottish Terrier Shar Pei Shetland Sheepdog Shiba Inu Shih Tzu Siberian Husky Silky Terrier Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Spoodle Springer Spaniel Staffordshire Bull Terrier Standard Poodle Tibetan Mastiff Tibetan Spaniel Toy Poodle Weimaraner Welsh Corgi Welsh Terrier West Highland White Terrier Whippet Yorkshire Terrier

Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is the largest of all terrier breeds. The breed is tall and sturdy with a muscular body and covered in a thick, course coat of fur.

Akita

The Akita is distinctive large and powerful dog with an aloof attitude.  The Akita can be territorial and the dog is not usually welcoming of strangers.

American Bulldog

American Bulldogs are strong, stocky dogs that look tough but have a gentle and sensitive nature. They are friendly, affectionate and make great watch dogs.

American Staffordshire Terrier

American Staffordshire Terriers are muscular, energetic, medium size dogs suited to families who like to include their dog in their activities.

Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle dogs, also known as Blue and Red Heelers, are sturdy medium-sized working dogs used on farms and cattle stations.

Australian Shepherd

Aussie Shepherds are medium size dogs with a huge amount of energy and drive, ideal for active famiies.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are large dogs with a thick, tri-coloured coat and a love for family life. They have a friendly, easy-going nature and calm, devoted temperament.

Boerboel

The Boerboel is a very large, strong and muscular working dog. Loyal to a fault, the Boerboel is a tough breed that was developed to guard the homestead in hard African conditions.

Boxer

Boxers are medium to large-sized dogs with a muscular body and a broad, flattish face. Known as the clown of the canine world, they are happy, loyal and trustworthy family protectors.

British Bulldog

British Bulldogs are distinctive looking dogs with a gentle and sensitive nature. They are good with kids and make great family companions.

Bull Terrier

These are mischievous, playful and endearing medium-size dogs who are devoted to their family. They are strong, stubborn and independent, and are best handled by an experienced owner.

Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is a large strong breed of dog that has been used as a guard dog for many years. 
Page 1 2 3
Find the right dog breed for you with our Breed Selector   
Take the Quiz
Get this offer

Get advice at each stage of your puppy journey

Sign up to receive our popular Puppy Guide booklet, along with regular emails with helpful information to guide you through the crucial first six months of your puppy’s life.

Sign up

Why do puppies and kittens need pet insurance?

Get a quick quote

Go

Puppies & kittens get 2 months free2!

Get a quote
Dog insurance Pet insurance Bow Wow Meow

Receive our Pet Talk email newsletter


    Get 2 months free for your puppy!

    Congrats on your new bundle of joy

    To ensure your precious fur baby is covered from the start, we'd like to offer your first 2 months of our Nose-to-Tail Cover for free2!
    Get a quick quote

    10% discount for multiple pets1

    Free engraved pet ID tag on sign up3

    Customer Satisfaction

    21 day cooling off
    Easy to use Pet Portal
    GapOnly® in vet claims

    Protect your loved ones

    Sign up to get your first 2 months free and start saving on eligible vet bills!
    Get a quick quote
    Claim paid in 24hrs. Amazing service!
    Marc , Sept 23
    Claims process is fantastic!
    Monique, Apr 23
    Using the portal was quick & easy.
    Terry,Oct 23
    Peace of mind. Very friendly staff.
    Marilyn, March 23
    Exceptional service & quick payment!
    Simon, June 23
    One of the best insurers I have dealt with.
    John, Aug 23
    Very surprised at how much we saved.
    Fishman, Jan 23
    Has been a lifesaver!
    Cat, Oct 22
    Would not be without it.
    Alex, Jun 22
    Fast, efficient claims process.
    Clare, Nov 22
    Read more reviews