When it comes to choosing a dog to add to your family as a companion and home protector, one of the first questions you’re probably asking is “Which breed should I pick?” Every household is a little bit different, as are the potential scenarios you’re protecting against, so while there isn’t necessarily a single “best” breed for home protection, there are a number of breeds that have risen to the challenge through careful selection, responsible breeding and specialized training, making them well-suited for the job.
Gold Coast K9 has over thirty years of experience training world-class protection dogs, and during that time, we’ve found that the following five breeds excel as home protectors and loyal family companions. These breeds not only have a lot to offer their families by way of vigilant protection and heightened awareness, they also provide loving, well-adjusted companions for both adults and children alike.
German Shepherd
As one of the most popular dog breeds in America, German Shepherds are seen as some of the most versatile family dogs. They are a medium to large sized dog, with an average weight between 60 to 100 pounds, and a short to full plush coat. They make some of the best guard dogs because they are very receptive to training, naturally intelligent, alert, confident, and obedient. You may also see them being used as service dogs for individuals with disabilities, with police and military for protection and detection, or even herding. A properly selected and trained German Shepherd is responsive to commands, a vigilant protector, and is also a relaxed, loving, and gentle family companion.
Malinois/Belgian Shepherd
The Malinois, which may also be referred to as Belgian Malinois or Belgian Shepherd, is often mistaken for a somewhat smaller German Shepherd. They are a short-haired, medium to large sized breed ranging from 55 to 100 pounds. They are very intelligent, watchful, driven, alert, hard-working, and confident. They are typically lighter and nimbler than a German Shepherd, with a strong athletic build. When properly selected, they make an excellent family companion and protector due to their willingness to please, along with their physical prowess and confidence in their ability to guard. Their energy and enthusiasm make them a great choice for an active family or high-valued clients’ security detail as well.
Dutch Shepherd
Originally used for farm work in the Netherlands, the Dutch Shepherd is highly trainable, and shares a striking resemblance to German Shepherds and Malinois. They are a medium to large sized breed, weighing from 55 to 100 pounds, with a short to full plush coat. They are extremely obedient and intelligent, allowing them to be a loyal companion with a natural instinct to keep an eye on their surroundings to ensure safety. This easygoing and friendly breed plays well with kids and other pets, displaying plenty of love and affection. Some experts claim that Dutch Shepherds are among the smartest shepherd breeds.
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher can credit its origins to the dedicated efforts of a tax collector from Germany who bred dogs to create the perfect guard to protect himself and his livelihood back in the 1800s. Since then, Dobermans have branched out to other lines of work including search and rescue operations, general service and emotional support, police and military protection and detection work, in addition to being used as loyal family protectors.
A properly trained and socialized Doberman Pinscher makes for a clever, attentive and fearless guard dog, who can also turn off the “tough” attitude while at rest or play with their family and are known to be gentle and friendly with children and other pets. They are medium to large in size, weighing anywhere from 50-100 pounds with a sleek, short coat that is easy to groom.
Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is a medium to large sized breed, weighing between 55 to 110 pounds. They make great protectors and pets for people with allergies specifically, as their wiry coat hardly sheds and they’re one of the largest breeds known to be hypoallergenic. Giant Schnauzers are also receptive to training, obedient, and very affectionate.
Much larger and stronger than the standard Schnauzer, the Giant Schnauzer is a highly intelligent, agile, and independent spirit. This independent thinking when coupled with proper socialization, training and their innate drive to protect makes them fearless protectors, and a great choice for families who are looking for an affectionate, loyal and playful companion. Giant Schnauzers typically do best in single-pet households, where they can be the pride of their family.
Getting Acquainted Period
It’s important to keep in mind that regardless of the breed you choose and the level of training they’ve received, your dog will require an acclimation period in order to settle in to their new home and role. This “getting acquainted” period can last a couple of weeks and allows your dog to grow accustomed to the new sights, sounds and people that will make up their new day-to-day routine.
Due to the influx of new stimuli, this transition period can cause some stress and anxiety for your dog, so it’s important to remain calm and patient with them and to reinforce any commands or training they received prior to coming home with you.
To help ease this transition, Gold Coast K9 trains owners on how to reinforce obedience with a clear and consistent management program and provides you with a manual for everything you to need to know regarding your new companion.
Gold Coast K9’s Home Protectors
While breed is just one factor to consider when purchasing a home protection dog, it’s an important step in determining the right match for your protection needs and household. At Gold Coast K9, we hand select the best protection dogs from around the world based on the specific needs of each client. Those home protection candidates go through an extensive screening and evaluation process prior to training to ensure they’ll not only be the best match for a particular client, but also a loving and loyal companion.
Our dogs are the gold standard in home protection and each Home Protector receives the following overarching training and development before being placed in their new home:
- Socialization
- House/Kennel Training
- Pressure Ready
- Environmental Confidence
- Obedience
- Bark on Command
- Threat Protection
- Search interior residence and exterior for intruder
In addition to the training above, Gold Coast K9 also offers the option for custom training for dogs based on the security requirements of each client. This could involve anything from livestock socialization or odor detection to helicopter/plane socialization or tracking capabilities.
