Are you looking for a dog that will protect you and/or your family at all times? A dog that does not get anxious in unexpected situations? In short, a dog with whom you can feel safe? Then look below for an overview of 20 protective dogs.
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinscher Specifications
- Breed name: Doberman Pinscher
- Height: 66 - 71 cm
- Weight: 34 - 45 kg
- Life expectancy: 10 - 12 years
Characteristics Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is one of the few dog species whose name refers to the person who "created" the breed. In fact, the Doberman Pinscher was bred in the 19th century by Louis Dobermann. Dobermann wanted a dog that could protect him. This was necessary, because Dobermann was a bailiff. It must have happened with some regularity that defaulters threatened him. To feel safer he bred the Doberman Pinscher. It is not exactly known from which species the Doberman Pinscher originally descended. The dog does show some typical similarities to Rottweilers and German Pinschers.
Akita
Akita Specifications
- Breed name: Akita
- Height: 64 - 64 cm
- Weight: 38 - 38 kg
- Life expectancy: 10 - 14 years
Characteristics Akita
The Akita is a dog breed of Japanese origin. The name "Akita" refers to the province where the dog originally comes from. The dog has a beautiful characteristic appearance and is known for its extreme loyalty. This dog is the national dog of Japan and plays an important role in Japanese culture. The dog appears in Japanese mythology. Dog figurines are also given as gifts. The dog figurines are a symbol of friendship and prosperity. In Japan the dog is also seen as a bringer of good luck.
Irish Wolfhound
Specifications Irish Wolfhound
- Breed name: Irish Wolfhound
- Height: 81 - 89 cm
- Weight: 54 - 61 kg
- Life expectancy: 6 - 8 years
Characteristics Irish Wolfhound
One of the largest dogs in the world is the Irish Wolfhound. Its large stature and rather impressive name might give you the impression that we are dealing with a monster on four legs. However, this is not true at all. The Irish Wolfhound has a calm and quiet character.
West Highland White Terrier
Specifications West Highland White Terrier
- Breed name: West Highland White Terrier
- Height: 28 - 28 cm
- Weight: 7 - 9 kg
- Life expectancy: 13 - 15 years
Characteristics West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier is also affectionately called the "Westie". With its dense, snow-white coat and dark eyes, the dog has something endearing. It is hard not to have a soft spot for this dog. Although the dog has short legs, he is still quite fast and agile. It has to be, because in the past this dog was not just a companion animal. It was also a hunter!
Boerboel
Boerboel Specifications
- Breed name: Boerboel
- Height: 61 - 69 cm
- Weight: 68 - 90 kg
- Life expectancy: 9 - 11 years
Characteristics Boerboel
The Boerboel is one of the few dogs with a Dutch name. However, the dog was not bred in the Netherlands, but in South Africa. The dog really has the character of a guard dog. The dog has a dedicated character. He takes good care of the family that he has to protect. However, you mustn't joke with the Boerboel. After all, he takes his job very seriously.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard Specifications
- Breed name: Saint Bernard
- Height: 71 - 76 cm
- Weight: 63 - 81 kg
- Life expectancy: 8 - 10 years
Characteristics Saint Bernard
Perhaps the Saint Bernard is one of the best known dog breeds out there. The Saint Bernard has a sweet, good nature. In addition, the image of the dog of course plays a huge role. After all, the dog is known as the rescue dog. It is probably for this reason that the dog can be seen in many famous movies. Today, the Saint Bernard is probably best known for its loyalty, patience and care for children. That does not mean, however, that the Saint Bernard is a softy. The animal is immensely strong, muscular and has an impressive look when needed.
Great Dane
Great Dane Specifications
- Breed name: Great Dane
- Height: 76 - 81 cm
- Weight: 63 - 79 kg
- Life expectancy: 7 - 10 years
Characteristics Great Dane
The Great Dane can have a somewhat intimidating appearance at first glance. Yet you should not let that fool you. The Great Dane is in fact a large dog with a sweet character. It is a real companion animal and for that reason it does not like to be alone. The dog can therefore be kept as a family dog.
Komondor
Specifications Komondor
- Breed name: Komondor
- Height: 70 - 79 cm
- Weight: 45 - 59 kg
- Life expectancy: 10 - 12 years
Characteristics Komondor
The Komondor is a dog with the appearance of a show model. The coat of this dog can become extremely long. Yet this Hungarian dog was certainly not a model. For years the dog has served as a very successful watchdog.
Dogue de Bordeaux
Bordeaux Dog Specifications
- Breed name: Bordeaux Dog
- Height: 58 - 69 cm
- Weight: 50 - 63 kg
- Life expectancy: 5 - 8 years
Characteristics Bordeaux Dog
The Bordeaux Dog is perhaps one of the most beautiful dogs out there, but at the same time has a rather sad history. The Bordeaux Dog has a powerful appearance, a sweet head and is quite athletic. The dog is considered a sweet family dog, which is very fond of its owner and family members.
Tibetan Mastiff
Specifications Tibetan Mastiff
- Breed name: Tibetan Mastiff
- Height: 66 - 74 cm
- Weight: 41 - 113 kg
- Life expectancy: 10 - 12 years
Characteristics Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is probably one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. The breed has been known for a very long time, so long that we know little about the origins of this wonderful dogs. What we do know is that they originally came from the Himalayas and were used to protect monasteries. It is rumored that the Tibetan Mastiff was introduced to Europe by travelers who brought the animal as a gift.
German Shepherd Dog
German Shepherd Dog Specifications
- Breed name: German Shepherd Dog
- Height: 61 - 66 cm
- Weight: 29 - 41 kg
- Life expectancy: 7 - 10 years
Characteristics German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd Dog is one of the most well-known dogs. At the same time, it is one of the most difficult dogs To describe. This is because the dog has many different characteristics. On the one hand, the dog is large, powerful and reasonably fast. On the other hand, the dog is also brave, will not hesitate to show aggression if necessary and can scare his opponents. At the same time, the dog can also be incredibly sweet and get along well with children (if raised properly). In short: the German Shepherd is a beautiful dog, with many (sometimes contradictory) characteristics.
American Akita
Specifications American Akita
- Breed name: American Akita
- Height: 66 - 71 cm
- Weight: 45 - 59 kg
- Life expectancy: 10 - 13 years
Characteristics American Akita
The American Akita is a sweet and intelligent dog, but certainly not a pushover. The dog is not only intelligent, this breed is also independent, proud and dominant. The American Akita has a strong will of his own and needs an owner who is clearly in charge. Otherwise this beautiful dog will become unmanageable.
Kuvasz
Kuvasz Specifications
- Breed name: Kuvasz
- Height: 71 - 76 cm
- Weight: 45 - 52 kg
- Life expectancy: 10 - 12 years
Characteristics Kuvasz
In the Netherlands you do not often find the Kuvasz. That is a pity because it is a beautiful dog. Yet it is not very surprising that few people own this dog. Throughout history, owning this dog has been a special privilege. Actually, it was only for the nobility to own this dog. They kept the dog as bodyguards.
Tornjak
Specifications Tornjak
- Breed name: Tornjak
- Height: 58 - 71 cm
- Weight: 28 - 50 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 - 14 years
Characteristics Tornjak
The Tornjak is a breed with a very long history. Documents have been found over 1000 years old where the breed is already described. However, the breed has an even longer history, possibly the dog was already used by the Romans. The Tornjak is a stocky dog with a sturdy build. However, if the animal is healthy, it is in good shape and enormously strong. This breed can easily be used as a watchdog. However, this also has a disadvantage. The animal is very suspicious of people he does not know.
English Mastiff
Specifications English Mastiff
- Breed name: English Mastiff
- Height: 76 - 81 cm
- Weight: 72 - 104 kg
- Life expectancy: 6 - 10 years
Characteristics English Mastiff
One of the most famous Mastiffs is the English Mastiff. It will not surprise anyone that this breed originated in England. The dog has a somewhat massive impression and is extremely strong. For the ignorant outsider this dog can therefore come across as somewhat aggressive. However, nothing is less true. The strength of this dog lies precisely in its quiet, calm nature. His English nickname is not for nothing the "gentle giant".
Miniature Pinscher
Miniature Pinscher Specifications
- Breed name: Miniature pinscher
- Height: 25 - 32 cm
- Weight: 4 - 5 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 - 16 years
Characteristics Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher is also called the "King of small dogs." The animal is brave and has a very watchful nature. Although this dog is not large, it is certainly not a defenseless lapdog. The dog has a funny character and its fearlessness sometimes even makes it a bit endearing. However, make no mistake: the Miniature Pinscher is a real dog that needs a clear leader!
Weimaraner
Specifications Weimaraner
- Breed name: Weimaraner
- Height: 64 - 69 cm
- Weight: 32 - 41 kg
- Life expectancy: 10 - 13 years
Characteristics Weimaraner
The friendly Weimaraner is a nice dog, with a special, stately head. This breed is particularly intelligent and was used for hunting in the past. Today it is a sweet family dog that gets along well with young children. However, the dog is not suitable for an owner who prefers to hang out on the couch with a bag of chips. The dog is in fact quite active and will gladly go outside for a nice walk!
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Specifications Entlebucher Mountain Dog
- Breed name: Entlebucher Sennenhond
- Height: 43 - 53 cm
- Weight: 23 - 29 kg
- Life expectancy: 11 - 13 years
Characteristics Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Among the Swiss mountain dogs, the Entlebucher Sennenhond is the smallest. The name of this dog refers to the valley where the dog was originally bred. The Entlebucher Sennenhond was mainly bred to drive cattle and to keep an eye on the herd when it was grazing. In addition, the dog was also used as a watchdog.
Black Russian Terrier
Specifications Black Russian Terrier
- Breed name: Black Russian Terrier
- Height: 69 - 76 cm
- Weight: 36 - 59 kg
- Life expectancy: 10 - 12 years
Characteristics Black Russian Terrier
The name Black Russian Terrier is a bit misleading. The dog is not, in fact, a terrier. It did originate in Russia. The dog is bred to protect and guard. Although the animal is a guard dog, it is not overly aggressive. However, they will not immediately make friends with strangers, something you would expect from a watchdog.
Argentine Dog
Argentinean Dog Specifications
- Breed name: Argentinean Dog
- Height: 61 - 69 cm
- Weight: 36 - 45 kg
- Life expectancy: 9 - 15 years
Characteristics Argentinean Dog
The Argentine Dog is a breed that has not been around for very long. This dog breed is also known by the name Dogo Argentino. The dog is fast, intelligent and well-muscled. The dog is bred to hunt large game in a pack. Think for example of pumas and wild boars. To catch these animals, strength, speed and good reactivity are required. A healthy Argentinean Dog is therefore in perfect balance. On the one hand, he is enormously muscled. At the same time, he is not massive, so he can remain fast and agile! In addition, this dog is a good athlete, who can keep running for a long time.