One of the many reasons people choose to get a dog is for protection. Large, aggressive dogs often deter would-be intruders and can alert you if a stranger approaches your property. This is a desirable trait, but you also want a dog that will be gentle and loving towards your family members. Every individual dog has its own traits, but here are four breeds that serve as both excellent guard dogs and family pets.
German Shepherd
Although they often look fierce, German shepherds are loyal animals that can be surprisingly gentle. Their large size is often enough to scare people but these dogs are playful and intelligent family pets. German shepherd puppies imported from Germany often have bloodlines that make them fiercely protective of their families.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers have a bad reputation for being overly aggressive, but they make wonderful family pets when they are socialized properly. They often do not like strangers but are incredibly playful and gentle around their family members, even with kids.
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman pinschers are notorious guard dogs as they are large, brave and intelligent. However, they also make good family pets when they are socialized. Their intelligence allows them to understand what is and is not a threat so hey can be playful with kids and aggressive with strangers they don’t trust.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
If you prefer a smaller guard dog, a Staffordshire bull terrier could be the ideal choice. These small, compact dogs often weigh less than 40 pounds and are fiercely protective of their family. They are also playful and energetic so they make great family pets.
When choosing the right dog for your family, assessing its protective instinct is important. Consider adopting one of these breeds to find a companion that is gentle with your family members and will work to keep them safe.