A professional dog trainer has revealed the five breeds he considers to be the “most protective” of their owners and families – and there’s a controversial mention. Deciding to get a dog is a significant commitment that requires a substantial lifestyle change.
Before welcoming a canine companion into your home, it’s crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages as well as think about how the dog may affect your life. They require constant care, attention and dedication from their owners throughout their entire life.
Many people conduct thorough research before settling on a breed, with numerous options available. Some prefer a lap dog while others want a protective guard dog.
This is where content creator and “dog behaviour expert” Casey Ray comes in. He regularly shares videos on YouTube providing insight based on his decades of experience working with dogs.
In a recent video, he revealed the top five dogs he considers to be the most protective. The trainer began: “I should preface by saying all five of these breeds are more your powerhouse type breeds with big hearts.
“So, early training, early socialisation, structure, maintenance is vital for these dogs to thrive – but when these five breeds have that; fantastic.”
Remember, regardless of the breed, never leave a dog unaccompanied around babies and children.
Pit bull terrier
A controversial start, the ownership of pit bulls is a fiercely debated topic due to their history as fighting dogs and their intense physical strength.
Casey said people “either hate them or love them” and described them as “the misunderstood protector”.
He explained: “The kind of downside to these is their pain tolerance and heart make them ultimate ride or die companions. And that’s exactly, unfortunately, the same reason why they’re good fighting dogs.”
The expert added: “But, you know, this breed, they don’t guard out of aggression. They protect out of devotion.”
He admitted they are “controversial” but said they “will take a bullet for you”.
The term “pit bull” typically refers to several breeds. Pit bull terriers are a banned breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
Owning, breeding, selling, or abandoning a pit bull type dog is against the law here in the UK.
Belgian Malinois
Also known as the Belgian shepherd, the Belgian sheepdog or the Chien de Berger Belge, this breed is a medium-sized herding dog.
They’re recognised for their protective, confident, friendly, hard-working natures, as well as their stubbornness. They’re alert and active dogs, requiring lots of exercise, mental stimulation and training.
Casey described this breed – one he has extensive personal experience with – as “the professional guardian”.
He emphasised his love for this breed and praised their loyalty and devotion to their owners.
Dobermann
Dobermanns are relatively large dogs renowned for their obedience, loyalty and intelligence, as well as their fearlessness alongside their alert, confident temperaments.
They’re typically kept as guard dogs or companion dogs.
Casey said: “This breed is fantastic and [can] be a fantastic family breed, but it will rise up when needed. And again, it goes back to you have [to have] the proper socialisation, training structure on these dogs.
“They know what’s a threat and they will fire up.” He summarised: “Sleek, intelligent, and fiercely loyal.
“Designed to protect and please. They sense danger long before you do and act with precision, not chaos.”
Rottweiler
Casey began: “A blend of mass, muscle, and heart. Protective instinct that runs deep.
“This breed here is the one that actually got both me and my wife into the dog world, the dog industry back in 1994, ’95, somewhere around there.
“It’s the Rottweiler, the defender with a heart.”
Rottweilers are medium to large dogs that originally come from Germany. They’re popular due to their loyalty, obedience and courage, while their devoted good-naturedness makes them favoured among families.
They’re recognised as calm, confident and self-assured but they do require training and early socialisation to “harness” their “territorial instincts in a positive way”, according to the AKC.
Casey added: “The Rottweiler, you cannot go wrong – it’s a fantastic breed.”
German Shepherd
In the top spot, Casey placed “the ultimate protector”, the German shepherd. They’re beloved thanks to their protective instincts, as well as their loyalty.
This is a breed known for its strength, intelligence, confidence and courage, albeit with a stubborn streak.
Casey stated: “They will take a bullet for you. This dog is strongly bonded to their family and they will rise to the occasion whenever they need to.”
