20 best guard dog breeds: Most protective pooches revealed

The best guard dog breeds are the group for you if you're looking for a strong and fearless canine companion to watch over your home and family.

Not only do guardian breeds do a wonderful job of alerting you to when visitors arrive, they'll also quickly let you know if there's any potentially dangerous situation brewing around you that could pose a threat to you or your family. And while they do have a serious side, there's more to these dogs than meets the eye.

Some of our favorite guard dogs are also some of the most affectionate dog breeds around, with many of them loving to clamber up onto your lap for a snuggle - in spite of their often ginormous size! When they're not fiercely protecting their family, many of the pups on this list are serious softies who enjoy nothing more than giving and receiving bucket loads of love.

If you decide to welcome a guard dog into your home, it's important that you're a confident owner who will provide them with the early training and socialization they require in order for them to learn what behavior is and isn't appropriate when they're out in the world. A lot of these breeds are quite headstrong and you'll need a lot of patience and a firm hand to let them know who's boss. 

Thankfully, some of the canines in this list also feature in our guide to the most obedient large dog breeds, so training these guys will be a piece of cake! And, as long as they know that you're top dog, you'll find that these dogs make wonderful family companions. Let's take a closer look at 20 of the best guard dog breeds, so you can pick out the perfect companion to protect your property and your family. 

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