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We all want to do our best to prepare for the worst. When economies collapse, supply chains dry up, and people are left to fend for themselves, you want to know that your family and property is protected.
One of the best ways to protect your family, your livestock, and your property is to have a guard dog (or three) on the premises. These guard dogs are fiercely loyal to their owners and can make intruders think twice about stepping on your land.
Add to that they would go to battle for you in fighting off any intruder, and these dogs are worth their weight in gold. Check out these top 10 best guard dogs to have when SHTF.
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Doberman Pinscher
There is something about the pointed and slightly bent ears of the Doberman Pinscher that is so intimidating. This breed is excellent at sensing danger and may accept strangers as long as their spidey sense doesn't go off. Doberman Pinschers are loving and often goofy around family members as well.
The Doberman's superpower is their sheer speed and desire to protect. This makes them great to have on larger properties with many acres to protect. They reach intruders quickly and require a lot of exercise when they aren't keeping the homestead safe.
They are in the working group and are about 26 inches high. Dobermans range in weight from 65-100 pounds and have a short and sleek coat.Â
German Shepherd
Favored along with the Belgian Malinois by police, the German Shepherd is a natural protector that is intensely loyal to family members. They are active and often intense in their job of guarding the family.
They have very high intelligence, making them easy to train and quick to alert to danger. German Shepherds tend to worry about things more than other breeds, making them fearful of strangers or anything new.Â
German Shepherds average about 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from 60-100 pounds. Their double coat helps protect them from the elements, but shedding is often a problem that requires more grooming.
Bullmastiff
As large working dogs, Bullmastiffs are a force to be reckoned with. Their overall appearance is intimidating with a short coat, thick muscles, and a skeptical face. They are a mix of bulldog and mastiff and seem to have the best of both breeds in one body.
Bullmastiffs are great with their family members and can be extra loving. They are born to protect and have natural guarding instincts to ward off danger.Â
This breed is known for its strength, courage, and sheer body size. They will often use their body to block intruders or knock people over that pose a threat. Bullmastiffs are about 26 inches in height and can weigh between 100-130 pounds.Â
Rottweiler
Deriving from Ancient Rome, Rottweilers are known for their strength and robust body shape. Rottweilers have a short, smooth coat and are often calm and confident dogs. They are great with family and children and take their protective job very seriously. Rottweilers need stimulation and a job to do, and they are easy to train.Â
Rottweilers are often known for their goofiness and playfulness with family, and they are always up for a jaunt around the house. They are more forgiving to strangers, but many outsiders view this breed to be scarier than it really is.
While the breed is a bit misunderstood by the world, owners of rottweilers will take it when it comes to their guarding capabilities. Rotties are about 25 inches tall and can range in weight from 80-130 pounds.
Puli
While this breed is covered with long cords of fur, don't let the soft appearance fool you. Pulik are known for their ability to herd and are extremely loyal. Their coats do require a lot of attention, making this breed a lot of work.
However, if you are willing to deal with the profuse amount of fur, you'll get a great guard dog that can withstand the weather and keep your property safe.Â
A Puli is actually quite quick on their feet despite the dreadlocks, and they can quickly get to trespassers on the property when necessary. The Puli breed can also tolerate other dogs. Puli dogs are vigilant in their protection and are easy to train.
They are extremely affectionate with family members and are good with kids. They are smaller than other guard dogs coming in at about 17 inches high and between 25-35 pounds.
Giant Schnauzer
Don't let their cute beard fool you; Giant Schnauzers are one of the best guard dogs around. They are powerful, strong, and can be a dominant force in the home. Giant Schnauzers use their size to intimidate strangers. They can be 27 inches high at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from 55-85 pounds.Â
Giant Schnauzers require a lot of brushing and grooming, making them a bit more work than other guard dogs. They are super affectionate with family and are good with young children. They do shed some and are high-energy. Giant Schnauzers are easy to train and always on alert, making them a great addition to your family when SHTF.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Hunting lions was the name of the game for this breed when it was originally bred. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are considered part of the hound group, making them look less intense than other breeds.
They are incredibly loyal to their family, great with children, and highly affectionate. You can spot a Rhodesian Ridgeback by the ridge of hair that grows along the top of their back.Â
This breed only barks when trouble is around, making them an excellent choice for guarding. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are about 25 inches high at the shoulder and weigh about 75 pounds. They have a short and smooth brownish-red colored coat. Obedience training is absolutely required for this breed to help structure their domineering personality.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
From their gladiator background, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are no stranger to being tough. This breed is smaller than other guard dogs, but no one told them that! At a top weight of about 40 pounds and about 16 inches tall at the shoulders, Staffies are less formidable in overall size. However, every last inch of the breed is pure muscle.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are quick to fight, making them a good guard dog to any unwanted visitors to the property. They are loving to family members and are extremely good with young children, with many of them acting as a live-in nanny to kids.
Staffies are always watching and bark more than other guard dog breeds. They are playful and easy to train as well. Many people confuse this breed with American Pit Bull Terriers.
Akita
Known as a courageous and loyal dog, Akitas originated in Ancient Japan. They are a double-coated working dog with a solid body type and a huge head. Akitas look soft and fluffy, but one look at their body, and intruders will think twice.Â
Akitas are quiet, which is great for those who can't stand barking dogs. They are suspicious of strangers but absolutely love their close family members. They are goofy and affectionate with family and young children.
This breed doesn't do well with other animals and will need constant attention from humans to create a lasting bond. Akitas are about 26 inches tall and are anywhere between 70-130 pounds.
Komondor
Another amazing guard dog with dreadlocks is the Komondor. This natural herding dog is part of the working group thanks to its ability to keep property and livestock safe. Komondors are large and strong, despite their long, white corded coat. This breed loves the family but is wary of strangers, making them a good guard dog.
Komondors are okay with other dogs but would rather hang out guarding livestock and other animals. Their temperament is very independent, making it essential to train this breed well. Males can tower over the homestead at 27 inches tall and over 100 pounds. Under all that fur is a large-boned, muscle-toned guard dog ready to go to work.Â
Any of these dogs are a good choice when it comes to guarding your property and family when SHTF. They are all quite affectionate and loving to those they know and are willing to sacrifice themselves to protect the humans in their life. Guard dogs are an important part of survival and can be the first line of defense against intruders.
When choosing a guard dog, look for a dog that is wary of strangers but quick to warm up to the family. Guard dogs should either look, sound, or act intimidating, making any trespasser think twice about breaking the perimeter of your property.Â
It is also essential to choose a dog that fits your lifestyle in terms of activity level and availability for grooming if necessary. Training is also a critical component in preparing any guard dog and can make all of the difference. Consider any of these top 10 best guard dogs to have when SHTF so that you and your family are safe.
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