The best guard dog breeds for protection

Dogs have been protecting their humans at least since the days of Plato and Aristotle.

Our needs for security, companionship, and loyalty haven’t changed much since then, making dogs a popular choice for protection of our loved ones and our property. Watchdogs will bark or otherwise alert their people to perceived intruders but usually won’t attack.

Guard dogs have a protective instinct for their families, honed over hundreds of years, says Gina DiNardo, executive secretary at the American Kennel Club, and they will bite or otherwise defend against threats. The best guard dog breeds have an intimidating size and appearance, and also display intelligence, fearlessness, and loyalty, DiNardo says, while the best owners will begin training when their dog is still a puppy. Here are some great examples of protective pooches.

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