Guard Dog Training - Worst Breeds

You want a guard dog to protect your home and family? Almost all dogs make a good watchdog that'll yap if a stranger approaches. But as a guard dog, there are certain breeds of dogs that just won't cut it.

Toy-sized Breeds

These dogs are nearly useless as guard dogs. They're so tiny, a well placed kick will put them out of commission (and out of the zip code you're in). They are more for show and to be pampered instead of doing any useful guard duties. Toy breeds include chihuachuas, pomeranians, pugs, toy poodles, yorkshire terriers, malteses, pekingeses and shih tzus. Some may make excellent watchdogs, however, with their endless yapping. But for guard dog duties? I don't think so.

Chow Chows

These are fairly large aggressive dogs and would seem to make fine guard dogs with training. But they can be too aggressive and do not take well to repitative tasks during training. There are more intelligent dogs that do better in guard dog training.

Great Danes

A Great Dane's size alone would make it seem like a suitable candidate to be a guard dog. But these dogs are gentle giants and a guard dog needs a streak of aggressiveness and fearlessness that make these gentle giants do not possess. As a visual intimidating factor, a Great Dane would serve that purpose very well. But for real guard dog duties, there are other breeds that will serve that duty better.


Alaskan Malamutes

You want a sled dog? Alaskan Malamutes are what you're looking for. You want a guard dog? We suggest you pass on these furry creatures. The malamute is a strong-willed breed that does not always comply with its master's command. Not what you want in a guard dog.

Bloodhound

Bloodhounds excel at sniffing out and tracking scents. But like the Alaskan Malamute, they do not always comply with its owner's command. Its independence and self-confidence is what drives bloodhounds to doggedly pursue a scent it is given. Trying to impose strict discipline onto a bloodhound will destroy its drive to search out and follow a scent. Instead, it will look to its owner to see what the owner wants it to do. Good trait in a guard dog, but bad when you want a determined scent tracker.

If you want a good guard dog, pass on these breeds. Almost any dog will make a good watchdog, but for a dog that will excel with guard dog training, look more to Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers or German Shepherds.