This working breed of dog was developed in 17th century Germany. They were largely unknown outside of Bavaria until the German military used them during World War I.
With a lifespan ranging from nine to 13 years, the German shepherd can provide nearly a decade of service. This relatively new breed of dog has been preferred for use in disability assistance, search-and-rescue operations and with military and police due to its large size.
This breed of working dog is a favorite of the United States Secret Service, which uses Belgian Malinois to guard the White House.
Originally known a “Rottweiler Metzgerhund,” or “Rottweil butcher’s dog,” these were herding dogs until the middle of the 19th century. Today they are commonly used as guide dogs for the blind and as police dogs.
This dog was originally developed by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector, at the end of the 19th century. Its long muzzle provides extra leverage when it bites.
A medium-sized dog that was developed in Germany and was bred from English bulldogs, these are known to be menacing looking but without a violent streak, making them a good option for apartment dwellers and families with children.
Also known as the Dogo Argentino, this dog was bred for big-game hunting from the Cordoba fighting dog, but it can be good with children if properly socialized and trained at an early age. This breed is used as service dogs but also for military work.
A short-haired, medium-sized dog that is known for its strength, confidence and temperament. It can be too friendly at times, even to strangers, which can make it a less ideal personal-protection animal.
Also known as the Canary Mastiff or just the “Presa,” this breed can be aggressive towards other dogs and highly suspicious of strangers. As such, it requires early socialization and obedience training, but this large animal can be a good personal guard for active individuals.
This wrinkle-faced dog may look cute, but this ancient bred has been a guard dog in China for centuries. It is suspicious of strangers but extremely loyal and devoted to its owners.
We’ve previously discussed the ins and outs of personal protection dogs: What they are exactly, what one can expect from them and how to go about finding the right one to suit your particular needs.
Now, we’d like to tell you about some personal protection dog breeds that are out there right now. For that, we decided to go to the experts; in particular, Patrick McDonnell, the owner of Ultimate K9 out of Milwaukee.
“There aren’t really a top 10 best dogs for personal protection,” McDonnell said when we asked him. “But I have my favorites.”
McDonnell shared his thoughts on a few protection dog options that might suit one’s needs. Scroll through the photo gallery above to see the personal protection dogs he recommended.
