As a first-time dog owner, choosing the right breed is crucial. Not only do you want a companion that fits your lifestyle, but you also want a dog that will protect your home and family. Unfortunately, many first-time owners make the mistake of choosing a breed that is not suited for their needs and lifestyle. This can lead to behavioral issues and even aggression, putting both the dog and the owner at risk.
Choosing the wrong type of dog as a first-time owner can have serious consequences. Not only can it lead to behavior issues and potential harm to your family, but it can also result in the unfortunate decision to give up the dog. In fact, according to a study by the ASPCA, approximately 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year due to behavioral issues or lack of proper training. This is why it’s important to do thorough research and choose a breed that will fit well with your lifestyle and personality.
In this blog post, I will share with you some of the best guard dogs for first-time owners. These dog breed are reliable, easy to train, and have a high degree of protective instinct. If you’re on the lookout for the perfect guard dog for your home, be sure to check out this list!
Top 10 Guard Dogs for First-Time Owners
1. German Shephard
German Shepherds can make good guard dogs for first time owners, but it is important to consider several factors before deciding if a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature, which can make them well-suited for guarding duties. However, like any dog, they require proper training, socialization, and exercise in order to thrive.
Here are a few things to consider when deciding if a German Shepherd is the right choice for you:
Training: German Shepherds are highly intelligent and can be trained to perform a variety of tasks, including guarding duties. However, they can also be strong-willed and may require firm, consistent training in order to learn the commands and behaviors that you want them to exhibit. If you are a first-time dog owner, it may be helpful to enroll in a training class or seek the help of a professional trainer to ensure that your German Shepherd is properly trained and socialized.
Socialization: German Shepherds are known for their protective nature, but this trait can become problematic if the dog is not properly socialized. It is important to expose your German Shepherd to a variety of people, animals, and environments from an early age in order to prevent them from becoming overly protective or aggressive. This will help ensure that your German Shepherd is able to interact with others in a positive and controlled manner.
Exercise: German Shepherds are known for their high energy levels and need to be exercised regularly in order to stay healthy and happy. They require daily walks and playtime, and may also benefit from more strenuous activities like running or hiking. If you are a first-time dog owner and are not used to being active, it is important to consider whether you will be able to provide your German Shepherd with the physical activity they need.
Size and weight: Moreover, they are a large, sturdy breed of dog that is renowned for their ability to guard and protect their owner from danger. Male German Shepherds usually have 30-40kg weight while females weigh around 22-32kg.
Ease of Training: German Shepherds are one of the easiest breeds to train and are often used in law enforcement and the military due to their obedience and high intelligence. They need firm, consistent training to socialize properly.
Nature: Although they are gentle with their family, German Shepherds can be aggressive when it comes to strangers or other animals.
Best time to start training: German Shepherds are best trained from a young age, ideally around 7 weeks old.
2. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are one of the most popular breeds of guard dogs in the world, thanks in part to their reputation for being tough as nails when it comes to defending their owners against predators or other threats. They were originally bred to be working dogs, and their size and strength make them ideal for guarding and protecting their owners.
Size and weight: Rottweilers are a large breed of dog, weighing in at around 80 -135 pounds on average.
Ease of Training: Rottweilers are relatively easy to train, although they can be stubborn at times. They respond well to firm, and consistent training and socialization are important to prevent them from becoming too protective. They need a firm hand in their training, and after they are properly trained, they can be quite effective guard dogs.
Nature: Rottweilers are loyal and devoted to their family, but they can be aggressive towards strangers or other animals if not properly trained and socialized. They are usually very obedient dogs and make great guard dogs for first-time dog owners who want to be able to train them easily.
Best time to start training: Rottweilers should be started on their training and socialization as early as possible, ideally around 6 weeks old when they are puppies because grown-ups are difficult to train.
3. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are another popular guard dog breed that is known for being fiercely loyal to their family. They’re also intelligent and easy to train, making them one of the most popular breeds for families looking for a guard dog.
Size and weight: Doberman Pinschers are a large and tall breed of dog, weighing in at around 70 pounds on average.
Ease of Training: Doberman Pinschers are intelligent and easy to train, making them one of the best breeds for families looking for a guard dog, especially for first-time owners. They are hard-working dogs and respond well to rewards but must make them understand that you are the boss.
Nature: Doberman Pinschers are fiercely loyal to their family and will do anything to protect them. They are also great with children, making them an ideal breed for families.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of a Doberman Pinscher is 10-13 years.
Best time to start training: Doberman Pinschers should be started on their training and socialization as early as possible, ideally around 8 weeks old. Also, they are well known for their ability to learn quickly and retain their training.
4. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for their loyalty, obedience, and affectionate nature. They make great guard dogs for first-time dog owners because they’re gentle enough around children that most families can enjoy having one as a pet, but also have the stamina and instincts to protect their homes from danger.
Size and weight: Labrador Retrievers are a medium to large breed of dog, weighing anywhere from 50 to 80 pounds.
Ease of Training: Labrador Retrievers are relatively easy to train, although they can be stubborn at times. They respond well to positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods.
Nature: They are known for their loyalty, but they can also be too protective if not properly trained. They are social and love to b around people.
Best time to start training: Labrador Retrievers are best trained from a young age, ideally around 8 weeks old.
5. Boxer
If you’re looking for a loyal and loving guard dog, the boxer is a great choice. These dogs are known for their goofy personalities and their ability to form strong bonds with their owners. Boxers are also protective of their family and home, making them excellent guard dogs.
Size and weight: Boxers are a medium to large breed of dog, weighing anywhere from 50 to 80 pounds.
Ease of Training: Boxers are relatively easy to train, especially if you use positive reinforcement methods. However, they can be stubborn at times, so patience is key.
Exercise Needs: Boxers are a high-energy breed and require a lot of exercises. They should be taken on daily walks or runs, and given plenty of opportunities to play and run around.
Nature: Boxers are known for their goofy and fun-loving personalities. They are also highly intelligent and very loyal to their family and home.
Best time to start training: Boxers are relatively easy to train, so you can start training them as soon as you bring them home other than that start the training when they are 3 weeks old they can learn how to obey commands at that age.
6. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in America and for good reason. They make great family pets, are good with children, and are relatively easy to train. Golden Retrievers also have a reputation for being exceptionally loyal and devoted to their owners, which makes them ideal guard dogs. While they may not be the most aggressive breed, their size and strength make them more than capable of deterring potential intruders.
Size and weight: Golden Retrievers are large dogs, weighing anywhere from 55 to 75 pounds.
Temperament: Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle and friendly dispositions. They are loyal and devoted to their owners and make great family pets. However, they can also be protective of their families and make excellent guard dogs.
Training: They are relatively easy to train and are highly intelligent. They respond well to positive reinforcement and patience. They require a moderate amount of exercise. They should be taken on daily walks or runs and given plenty of opportunities to play. They are also highly trainable and intelligent, which makes them good guard dogs.
Grooming: Golden Retrievers have medium-length coats that shed moderately. They should be brushed regularly to help reduce shedding and keep their coats healthy.
Best time to start training: It is best to start training them as puppies, but they can still be trained as adults.
7. West Highland White Terriers
West Highland White Terriers are a small breed of dog, known for their loyalty and affectionate nature. These little dogs may not look like much, but they’re actually one of the best guard dogs for first-time owners. They’re alert, loyal, and protective of their families.
Size and weight: West Highland White Terriers weigh anywhere from 15 to 25 pounds.
Ease of Training: Westies are also relatively easy to train and don’t require a lot of exercise. However, they do need plenty of socialization so they don’t become too fearful or aggressive. Also as working dogs, they have been bred to follow orders.
Nature: West Highland White Terriers are known for their loyalty and protective nature.
Best time to start training: They are best trained from a young age, ideally around 6-8 weeks of age.
8. Australian Cattle Dogs
If you’re looking for a guard dog that will be loyal and protective but is also gentle and good with children, then the Australian Cattle Dog may be the perfect breed for you. With their herding instincts, these dogs are always on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary, and they’ll bark to alert you if they sense something wrong. They’re also very intelligent and easy to train, so you can be sure they’ll follow your commands when it comes to protecting your home.
Size and weight: Australian Cattle Dogs weigh anywhere from 35 to 50 pounds.
Best time to start training: As a puppy, the earlier you start training your Australian Cattle Dog, the better. These dogs are quick learners, so you’ll be able to teach them everything they need to know about guarding your home in no time. Just be sure to use positive reinforcement methods such as treats and praise, as this will help them learn more effectively.
9. Bulldog
The bulldog is another excellent option for first-time owners. These dogs are known for being gentle and loving but also have a protective streak. Bulldogs make great guard dogs because they’re loyal and will do anything to protect their family. However, they don’t require a lot of exercises, so you won’t have to worry about taking them for long walks.
Size and weight: They weigh anywhere from 40 to 50 pounds.
Ease of Training: Bulldogs are generally considered to be easily trained. This is likely because they are very food motivated – meaning they will do just about anything for a treat!
It is vital to start training early with bulldogs, as they can be stubborn and set in their ways if left untrained. But with patience and consistency, most bulldogs can be taught basic obedience commands and tricks.
10. Welsh Corgi
Welsh corgis are another small breed of dog that makes a great guard dog for first-time owners. These dogs are known for their loyalty and protective nature, and they will bark to alert you if anything is out of the ordinary. Welsh corgis are also relatively easy to train, so you can be sure they’ll follow your commands when it comes to protecting your home.
Size and weight: They weigh anywhere from 25 to 30 pounds.
Ease of Training: Welsh corgis are considered to be one of the easier breeds to train. However, as with all dogs, they will need plenty of patience and consistency. But if you’re willing to put in the work, most Welsh corgis can be taught basic obedience commands and tricks.
Best time to start training: Puppies are the best time to start.
Final Thoughts
According to the American Kennel Club, over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, with almost one in five requiring medical attention. Choosing the right guard dog can not only provide you with peace of mind, but it can also prevent these types of incidents from occurring.
There are a number of different dog breeds that make great guard dogs for first-time owners. If you’re looking for a loyal and protective dog, then any of the breeds on this list would be a great choice.
Just be sure to do your research to find the right breed for you, and start training early to ensure your new guard dog is well-behaved and obedient. Thanks for reading!
FAQs
Are there any breeds of guard dogs that are better suited for first-time owners than others?
Some people may feel that certain breeds, like the Labrador Retriever or the Golden Retriever, make better choices for first-time dog owners than others. This is because these breeds are typically less aggressive and more easygoing.
How can you tell if a dog is suitable as a guard dog?
There are certain traits that are typically associated with guard dogs, such as a strong sense of protectiveness, loyalty, and obedience. If you are looking for a dog with these qualities, it is important to do your research and talk to breeders or trainers to find the right fit for you and your family.
What should you consider before getting a guard dog?
There are a few things to keep in mind before getting a guard dog, such as whether or not you have the time and space to properly train and exercise the dog, whether you have small children or other pets in the home, and if you are prepared to handle some additional noise and activity level in your household.
