Some say the bigger the better. How can a guard dog protect me and my family if it is not big enough? Well, that’s not completely true. While having a big dog already has a psychological impact on trespassers, that doesn’t mean all big dogs are good guard dogs.
Take a Great Dane, for example! They are lovable, cuddly giants. People would think twice before entering a yard when they see a Great Dane, but – these dogs are not great guard dogs.
However, in this article, we will discuss the biggest guard dogs, which are also excellent protectors of families and homes.
American Akita
They are fierce, strong, and big. American Akitas were bred for protection. And, that’s what they will do with their whole hearts.
Akitas have a booming bark that further brings shivers down the spine of anyone who even thinks of entering your home.
The average male stands around 28 inches tall and can weigh more than 120 pounds. Females are not far behind with 26 inches and around 100 pounds.
Just don’t forget that you need to be a confident owner if you want to properly control this dog breed. They are known to be stubborn and a bit free-spirited with a dose of same-sex aggression.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Adult males are on average 29 inches tall and 150 pounds heavy. These dogs are imposing size, which was deliberately done during breeding processes a long time ago. Why? Because they had to fight (and some still do) wolves and other predators while defending the sheep.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a typical big guardian dog with a calm demeanor when there is no danger.
But, as soon as they hear or see something alarming, their personality changes and they are ready to fight whatever it is to protect their flock. However, make no mistakes – they are not the attackers! They were bred to be gentle and watchful and only attack when provoked.
They are independent and as such need good socialization and consistent and patient training.
Boerboel
These dogs are all muscles and strength. Weighing more than 190 pounds and up to 27 inches tall, Boerboel is a massive guard dog that will definitely need a strong owner. Not physically strong, but mentally.
They need a secure, confident owner who knows what he/she is doing! No second guessing or allowing a dog to become alpha.
The good thing is that there is a high possibility no one will want to come into your yard when they see, or hear, a Boerboel.
Another important information to remember is to exercise these dogs regularly. They have a lot of muscles and they need to use them to keep the balance in their muscular-skeletal system.
Bullmastiff
When you mix an Old English Mastiff with a Bulldog you get a brilliant guard dog – Bullmastiff. Their average size is around 26 inches for both males and females, with males usually being slightly taller.
They usually weigh around 120 pounds, but males can easily go over 130. However, the AKC standards set the limit at 130 pounds for males. No matter if it’s 120 or 140, it is still a big dog full of muscles, a big broad jaw, and a thick muscular neck.
Bullmastiffs were bred for guarding in the 19th century and even today in the 21st century, they are well-known for their guarding capabilities.
Cane Corso
If you are looking for a big guard dog, look no further. Cane Corso can grow up to 28 inches tall and can weigh more than 170 pounds! This goes for both males and females, although it is common for males to be bigger and more muscular than females.
Cane Corso is not a dog for anyone. You need a ‘firm hand’ and lots of socialization from an early age all throughout adulthood. These dogs have the circle they trust, but anyone outside this circle is in danger of getting hurt.
That’s right, they will fiercely and aggressively defend their property and what they consider their family or pack. So, even though they are incredible dogs, they are very powerful and you should think twice before adopting or buying one.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Let’s make it clear right away – A Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a very powerful, willful dog that was bred to think independently and protect the flock as well as the property. Although they look like cuddly bears and are so beautiful, these dogs are not for beginners or even people who have never had experience with big guard dogs.
They can grow up to 30 inches tall and weigh more than 160 pounds. This is a truly big guard dog. They are bold and fierce, but kind and gentle to their family members. However, you have to socialize, socialize, and socialize these dogs from an early age.
I would recommend getting another big guard dog if you really want your guard dog to be big. Caucasians are like a whole different dog breed that needs lots of patience, stability, consistency, and a firm hand.
Central Asian Shepherd Dog
As with most big livestock guard dogs, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog, also known as an Alabay or Turkmen Wolf-Hound, is an independent dog that is not the easiest to train.
They are natural protectors but won’t have the eagerness of a Dobbie to please you and do all you asked them to do.
They are big dogs, with a minimum height of 27 inches and a minimum weight of 100 pounds. Females can be smaller and weigh less. They are usually up to 100 pounds and up to 26 inches tall.
This dog was bred to fight big predators, and as such are very brave and sturdy dogs. They need good socialization and lots of training to become a part of a family. Even though they will protect those close to them, that needs to come with lots of socialization from an early age.
Estrela Mountain Dog
Are you looking for a big guard dog that has an incredible reputation for being great with children? Estrela Mountain Dog might be for you, BUT… There is always a catch.
No matter if the dog is good with children, trained, big, or small they should NEVER be left alone with a child.
That being said, yes, the EMDs are well-known in their homeland (Portugal) as ‘protectors of children’. These dogs were bred as livestock guardian dogs and have strong protection instincts towards those they consider family or ‘weak’, such as children, goats, sheep, etc.
They are independent and big – around 19-30 inches tall and weighing more than 130 pounds. That means you will need lots of patience to train these dogs, but you will never have a 100% obedient Estrela dog as you can expect from a Border Collie.
English Mastiff
Believe it or not, the biggest dog in the world was a 343-pound English Mastiff named Zorba. It’s no wonder it was an English Mastiff because even the average ones grow to weigh more than 200 pounds and 30 inches tall.
Females are smaller, but they are still incredibly big dogs with lots of muscles and drool. Yes, they drool a lot so be ready to have a towel at hand at any time.
English Mastiffs are usually docile and well-mannered, but can and will change their behavior in a second to protect their families. They are good guard dogs that will scare away intruders just with their looks.
Great Pyrenees
This dog breed is very popular as a livestock guardian breed. Lots of American families choose the Great Pyrenees as their farm and farm animals’ protector.
They are big with great watchdog instincts.
An average male Great Pyrenees can weigh more than 100 pounds and is usually taller than 30 inches. Females are close by, just a bit smaller. Nonetheless, no one wants to stand in the way of a big dog like this with a deep powerful bark.
You do need to know that they are stubborn and quite independent, so training them might come out ‘hard’ for those who are used to highly trainable dogs such as Collies or GSDs.
The GPs can be trained, but like other livestock guardian dogs, they will never be 100% eager to do whatever you want them to do or run to you as soon as you call out their name.
Neapolitan Mastiff
They have truly fearsome looks with their huge heads and skin hanging everywhere. The Neapolitan Mastiff is a big dog that drools everywhere! They can weigh from 100 to 150 pounds, where males are larger than females. And, they are quite tall – both sexes are around 30 inches.
Like most Mastiffs, the Neapolitan is also docile-looking and calm, looking like it doesn’t have the will to fight. Don’t get fooled. They don’t start the fight, but they will most certainly not run away from it but stick to the end.
Also, like any other dog breed no matter the size, they need good socialization from an early age.
Presa Canario
As you might have already heard, Presa Canario is not for everyone. This is a big dog with strong protective instincts. They will attack, not just defend.
I am not saying they cannot be controlled or trained. I am saying you need lots of hard work around them and their training/socialization and even then, you need to be careful with strangers.
Never leave a Presa Canario alone with children. They will connect with their human family members, but anyone else outside their circle is considered an intruder or ‘not a part of their pack’.
Presa Canario can weigh more than 150 pounds, even though these are not standards. If you want an AKC-standard purebred Presa, then they should weigh from 80 to 110 pounds.
Either way, it’s a big, powerful dog, with lots of muscles and huge protective instincts.
Saint Bernard
They look like teddy bears, they are fluffy and you have heard all the best about how they are gentle giants and ‘lap dogs’ the size of a bear. However, that is not completely true.
Saint Bernards are fluffy and usually calm and gentle, but they can develop negative behavioral traits if you don’t socialize them correctly from an early age and if you don’t show up (constantly) who is ‘the boss’.
Of course, this is something every dog needs, no matter the size. Our dogs see us as a part of their pack and we need to be ‘Alphas’ all the time. Especially when a dog grows to weigh more than 170 pounds and is around 30 inches tall.
But, most owners agree that they are easy going by nature and love the company of a human, little ones especially. Just remember they drool a lot!
Tibetan Mastiff
And finally, the last on our list is a dog breed with a long history. One of the oldest dog breeds and one of the most fearsome guard dogs – a Tibetan Mastiff.
They are usually more than 100 pounds, but males can easily go over 150. Add their thick fur to the weight and their height of more than 25 inches, and you get a very powerful-looking dog that would stop anyone from entering a property.
Of course, they need to be properly socialized from an early age. Once well-socialized and trained, they become great protectors and guard dogs with lots of love for the children. It goes without saying that no matter how well-socialized your dog is, you should never leave it alone with young children.
In The End
This is an article for those looking for ‘the bigger the better’. But, you have to know all the consequences and responsibilities of owning a big dog.
They are expensive to maintain (vet bills, food, transportation, etc.).
They need a firm hand and consistency.
They need good fencing if in a yard, and they do need a lot of room.
They usually drool a lot.
They need socialization from an early age.
You need to be the alpha at all times!
Most of them are livestock guardian dogs which means they are not going to listen to you 100% all the time because they were bred to think on their own while protecting the herd.
