Are you looking for the best guard dogs for preppers, survivalists, and homesteaders? These 5 breeds are our recommendation which will guard your family, property, or livestock for peace of mind. Not only should this partner be a vicious canine to intruders, but also an affectionate and loyal pooch towards you. Some dog breeds are born with a sense of protection, so it is up to you to find the one that suits your requirements.
5 Fearless Guard Dogs for Preppers
We understand that selecting the perfect guarding breed can be daunting. Therefore, we have gathered the 5 best dog breeds recommended by experts; you will be glad to know that some of them have been selected since ancient times.
Tip 1: Remember to consider the maintenance requirements before becoming the parent of any guard dog.
Tip 2: Establish a regular exercise routine with your pooch to keep him active and healthy.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Height: 24–30 inches
Weight: 100–170 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10–12 Years
For centuries, Caucasian Shepherd dogs have been used as guard dogs to protect properties and livestock from large and small predators such as wolves and coyotes, and they can also perform many other dangerous tasks. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), other names for this breed include Caucasian Ovcharka, Caucasian Sheepdog, Kawkasky Owstscharka, and Kaukasische Schaferhund.
Number 1 in our best dog breeds for preppers, this canine breed has a heavy coat, and is best used in cold climates. This breed of dog is self-confident, faithful, fearless, and very fierce when detecting danger or intruders, meaning they never compromise their job. Despite their aggressive behavior towards enemies, they are very kind and devoted to their family, especially to children. This makes these best guard dogs for preppers especially handy, if they have family to take care of, too.
Price: Between $1000 and $3000.
American Staffordshire Terrier
Height: 18–19 inches (male), 17–18 inches (female)
Weight: 55–70 pounds (male), 40–55 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 12–16 Years
Also known as AmStaff, the American Staffordshire Terrier are an excellent watch guard dog, capable of playing with children and forming strong bonds with their family. Thus, number 2 in our best guard dogs for preppers! They have a muscular body with a broad head and well-defined jaws. Their movement is graceful and agile, which enhances their ability to intimidate enemies. They can recognize the intentions of any character to determine who is an intruder. Otherwise, they are very affectionate towards new visitors. They require low maintenance; brushing their hair once a week is enough, and they only need to be bathed when necessary.
Training them is a long process, but the short summary is that they love doing new tasks. You can use this to increase their intelligence and obedience, but make sure to reward them with a good meal to keep them happy and motivated. Additionally, create an exercise schedule for them to keep their mind and body active, but keep in mind that they are sensitive to heat, so don’t increase the timing in warm weather.
Average Price: $1500 to $3000.
German Shepherd
Height: 24–26 inches (male), 22–24 inches (female)
Weight: 65–90 pounds (male), 50–70 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10–13 Years
Active and energetic dog breeds are perfect for those looking for guard dogs as well as a sport breed that can also perform outdoor activities perfectly. German Shepherds come in at number 3 as our best dog breeds for preppers. They are some of the best watchdogs and are often used in the police or army for various jobs or herding purposes.
Known for their intelligence and ability to do various tasks, these dogs come in 11 colors. I, personally, love the white color. Loyal and highly versatile, these canines make them an ideal guard dog for any household. However, not everyone can handle this type of breed; you must be an experienced owner.
They love spending quality time with their owners, especially with children. They have a moderate level of energy, so they can play for several hours.
Price: $300 to $2000+.
Doberman Pinscher
Height: 26–28 inches (male), 24–26 inches (female)
Weight: 70–100 pounds (male), 60–90 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10–12 Years
The dogs from Resident Evil? Haha, just joking! They have both beauty and brains. As seen in the movies and games, they can be fierce and dangerous towards intruders. Doberman Pinschers are even willing to risk their lives for their owners, their family, or their property. Their appearance alone is enough to intimidate any intruder. This in itself is why the Doberman is number 4 on our list of best dog breeds for preppers!
They are athletic and have powerful physical features, making them capable of performing any task. This is why they are often used as military and police dogs. They can easily adapt to any training task, but rewards are necessary, such as good food or plenty of playtime. They also love to take part in family activities.
Tip 4: During training, don’t be too harsh with them, as this can make them more aggressive… unless that’s what you want?
Price: From $1000 and up.
Bull mastiff
Height: 25-27.5 inches (male), 23.5-26 inches (female)
Weight: Proportionate to Height
Life Expectancy: 9–12 Years
Ending our best dog breeds for preppers, the Bull mastiff also known as the Cane Corso is a fearless protector, often used as a guard dog. The name, Cane Corso, comes from the Latin word for “bodyguard dog”. Bull Mastiff is known for its intimidating presence when it comes to protecting its owners.
It is an intelligent, loyal, and fearless breed of dog. It is fierce in its duty, but despite its intimidating demeanor towards intruders, it is incredibly affectionate towards its loved ones.
Price: $1000 to $4000
How to Train Guarding Dogs?
- It is an essential role in training your dog for various circumstances. The most effective way to train your dog is to reward good behavior with training treats. This will make them more obedient and improve their ability to listen to commands. Conversely, make sure you do not reward them if they disobey your command.
- Keep the training sessions short but effective. Longer sessions may frustrate the dog, so don’t forget to praise them for even small improvements.
- Make the training environment pleasant for them, so they will be excited about the next session.
Top Guard Dogs for Preppers Final Thoughts
There are a wide variety of guard dogs for preppers. We have covered our pick for the top 5 best dog breeds for preppers, homesteaders, and survivalists. These truly are the Best Dogs for Guarding. As mentioned above, it is up to you to select the right one for your situation. Most people think that if they own a guard dog breed, then there is no need to take care of them, and they will not understand their harsh behavior. But be kind to them, as they can be dangerous if they detect any threat – even if the threat is you. Best of luck in selecting your guarding dog!”
