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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.

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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. Intelligent, hard-working and versatile, they need a lot of activity and stimulation.

Australian Shepherd

Aussie Shepherds are medium size dogs with a huge amount of energy and drive. This breed is ideal for an active family because they love plenty of exercise and most of all they love to work.

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. 

Cane Corso

Cane Corsos are powerful and energetic large-size dogs with a protective nature. Smart, assertive and confident, they are best suited to experienced owners and large, rural properties.

Caucasian Shepherd

The Caucasian Shepherd is a powerful, independent, and large guardian dog with strong protective instincts, best suited for experienced owners in rural or spacious suburban settings.

Chow Chow

Chow Chows are distinctive looking, sturdy dogs with a teddy bear-like appearance. Very loyal to their owner and somewhat possessive, they are suited to a single-person or small household.

Dobermann

Dobermanns are loyal, affectionate and intelligent large sized dogs. Very energetic and highly trainable, they make great companions for active, experienced owners, as well as excellent watch dogs.

Dogue De Bordeaux

The Dogue De Bordeaux, also known as the Bordeaux Mastiff or Bordeauxdog, is a large dog of the French Mastiff breed.

German Shepherd

German Shepherd Dogs are smart and energetic large sized dogs that are popular with active families. They have a unique instinct to protect and are superb watchdogs.

Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a large, loyal, and protective watchdog, originally bred to guard livestock. Their strong guardian instincts make them wonderful family pets and reliable protectors.

Kangal

The Kangal dog is a traditional and very old livestock guardian breed from Turkey that is best suited to an active working role in protecting livestock, such as sheep, cattle and goats, on farms or freeholdings.

Maremma Sheepdog

Maremma Sheepdogs are loyal and independent large-sized dogs that protect livestock. Excellent watchdogs and companions, they are best suited to experienced owners in rural settings.

Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan Mastiffs are loyal and commanding giant-sized guardian dogs. Originally bred as guard dogs, they are fiercely devoted to their families, excelling in protection and as watchdogs.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are fast and powerful large-sized dogs that originated in Southern Africa. They are intensely loyal and independent dogs with a strong prey drive.

Rottweiler

Rottweilers are loyal, brave and smart large dogs that are devoted to their owners and make excellent guard dogs. Despite some negative publicity in the media, they are not generally dangerous dogs.
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