1 – Bullmastiff

This breed had an unusual beginning. They were bred to keep large estates free of poachers by tracking and pinning without causing harm. A silent guardian, they known being fearless and confident

2 – Chinese Shar-Pei

The Shar-Pei was bred as a perimeter guard dog and are still known today as being the ultimate protection dog. In fact, they are so protective, owners must be diligent about socializing their puppy, otherwise you will end up with a dog that only the family can be around.

3 – Tibetan Mastiff

Bred for family and property protection they are known for not liking anyone but their family in their home. Originally kept inside during the day and then turned out at night, they are quite well-mannered inside, though extremely independent and not to be trusted off leash outside unless confined

4 – Standard Schnauzer

Another breed bred for family protection, as well as protecting the livestock and managing the vermin population. They are a very protective breed and if not properly socialized will not tolerate anyone entering their home.

5 – Great Pyrenees

Although bred as a livestock (mostly sheep) protection animal, the Pyrenees make a great protection and alert dog for any home. This also means he barks…a lot. Keep this in mind when deciding if one is right for you.

6 – Doberman Pinscher

The dobie makes a great protection dog. After all, he was bred to be a personal guardian. Like the Pyrenees, he also makes a great alert dog.

7 – Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Developed in Switzerland as an all-around farm dog, including draft work, herding, and guarding, the swissy makes a great watchdog. They will protect anything on their property from harm.

8 – Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Like the Great Pyrenees, the Anatolian was bred for herd protection. He should be watched around children, as rough play can cause him to go into “guard mode.”

9 – Cane Corso

Often confused with the Pit Bull due to a similar appearance, the Cane Corso was bred in Italy as a watchdog and hunter. Although affectionate to their family, they take their watchdog job seriously and therefore need proper socialization to be good canine citizens.

10 – German Shepherd Dog

Bred for tending (a type of herding where the dog travels the border to keep the flock in the right place), the GSD has also become a natural guardian of whatever he sees as his “border” (i.e. your property). You can feel safe at night knowing your shepherd is on the watch.

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1 – Border Collie

Of course. Not much needs to be said – we all know he is intelligent. But he doesn’t just “like to work,” this high-energy breed must work, or he can become destructive

2 – Standard Poodle

The Poodle has been vying for the “most intelligent dog breed” spot with the Border Collie for decades. Studies have proven them to be almost as smart, if not smarter than the B.C., depending on the tests given. They also like to work with their owner, making them easy to train.

3 – German Shepherd Dog

It’s no surprise to see this breed here as well. Another one that is high on the intelligence level, the GSD is known for his loyalty; he will do literally anything to serve his owner, including risking his own life on the battle field. It is his fierce loyalty that makes him so pleasant to work with and own.

4 – Golden Retriever

Many think this breed is more beauty than brain, which is simply not true. While they may not be as intelligent as the BC, their good-natured and “willing to please” attitude makes them a fun dog to train and a good first pet.

5 – Doberman Pinscher

An intense breed, the Doberman is known for his “ability to absorb and retain training,” which is one of the reasons he is popular for war and police work . But this also means he needs to be socialized and trained right from the beginning in order for him to be an appropriate citizen.

6 – Shetland Sheepdog

Like most of the herding breeds on this list, the sheltie is known for being smart, willing, and looking for a job. They are easy to train, but if you don’t give him a job he will find one on his own – like herding the kids or chasing the cat.

7 – Labrador Retriever

While few hunting breeds make the list due to the fact most were bred to work independent of an owner with few cues needed, the lab (along with the poodle and golden) are not only intelligent, but willing to work with their human in whatever task is at hand. It is for this reason they make good service animals.

8 – Australian Shepherd

Yet another herding dog, the Aussie is on here for the same reason all the others are – they are intelligent but also willing to work and eager to please. They too, are high-energy and need a job.

9 – Border Terrier

While most terriers are known for being more difficult to train, the intelligent Border Terrier “learns quickly and responds well to obedience training” (www.akc.org). He is a high-energy breed that needs to be kept engaged, but as long as you can handle that, he can learn pretty much anything you can think of and will do it with that loveable tenacious terrier attitude.

10 – Novia Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Intelligent and high energy, the Toller is the smallest of the retrievers. They are known for being affectionate, loving, patient, and willing to work (www.akc.org). All of these traits make for a nice family dog that is easy to train.

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