We know that dogs are man’s best friend — they usually enjoy running, fetching, gnawing on bones and showing complete loyalty to their owners. But how much do you really know about how Fido works?
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Question 1 of 10
How long have dogs and humans shared a close relationship?
5,000 years
10,000 years
15,000 years
… The relationship between people and dogs goes back at least 15,000 years, potentially making dogs the first animals to be domesticated.
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Question 2 of 10
Which is not a sub-grouping of canids?
foxlike animals
wolflike animals
North American canids
… From about 15 million years ago, we can subdivide Canidae into three subgroups: foxlike animals, wolflike animals and South American canids, which includes the maned wolf and the crab-eating fox.
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Question 3 of 10
Which canid did domesticated dogs descend from?
jackals
wolves
coyotes
… Domesticated dogs descended from wolves.
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Question 4 of 10
Why should you carefully consider the breed of a dog before adopting it?
The breed might be a consistent winner at dog shows.
The needs of the breed might not match what you can provide.
The breed might be very expensive.
… Each year, thousands of dogs end up in animal shelters and rescue groups for doing what people have bred them to do. For example, dalmatians were bred to have incredible stamina so they could run alongside their coaches all day — therefore these active dogs need lots of exercise.
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Question 5 of 10
What can dogs use to tell what time it is?
the position of the sun
their episodic memory
circadian oscillators
… Dogs might use circadian oscillators — daily fluctuations of hormones, body temperature and neural activity — to know when food is likely to hit the bowl or when owners are likely to return from work.
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Question 6 of 10
What’s the smallest breed of dog?
shih tzu
Chihuahua
toy poodle
… The Chihuahua is the smallest domestic dog breed, weighing 2 to 6 pounds (0.9 to 2.7 kilograms).
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Question 7 of 10
How many toes do dogs have on their hind feet?
3
4
5
… Dogs have five toes on their front feet and four toes on their hind feet.
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Question 8 of 10
What’s the tallest breed of dog?
Saint Bernard
Great Dane
Irish wolfhound
… The Irish wolfhound is the tallest breed of dog, measuring 32 to 34 inches (81.3 to 86.4 centimeters) from shoulder to ground.
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Question 9 of 10
Which spectrum of colors can dogs not perceive?
green to red
blue to green
red to yellow
… Research indicates that dogs see colors, but cannot distinguish between the colors of the spectrum from green to red.
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Question 10 of 10
Toto was played by what breed of dog in the 1939 movie “The Wizard of Oz”?
cairn terrier
Yorkshire terrier
border terrier
… Toto, which was portrayed by a cairn terrier in the movie “The Wizard of Oz,” accompanies Dorothy Gale and her friends down the yellow brick road.
Adopting a dog is a wonderful experience on many levels. In addition to a cuddly companion, you get unconditional love and unwavering devotion. In most cases, you also get your own personal security detail. Canines are naturally protective of their families, happily putting themselves in harm’s way if it means saving the life of a loved one. That is, assuming your pet is able to identify a potential threat and respond appropriately. It’s a skill that some dogs are better at than others.
How do you know which breeds make the best family guard dogs? That depends a lot on the characteristics of your family and what you’re looking for in terms of pooch-based protection. In some cases, “talkative” dogs are best at keeping away would-be evildoers. While you know that your dog’s bark is much worse than its bite, criminals do not.
One important consideration in choosing a family guard dog is its tendency to be aggressive. An animal with a short fuse probably isn’t suitable for a family with small children. And even though an aggressive dog may seem like the perfect people protector, such animals will often respond the same way to a trespasser and a trick-or-treater. That could cause serious trouble in the neighborhood.
The key to rearing a good family guard dog is to train early and often in order to build your dog’s trust in you and himself. Confidence in an animal means the difference between reacting when it is important to do so and lashing out due to insecurity.
Now that you know some basics about people-protecting pooches, let’s explore some of the more protective breeds in our list of the top 10 family guard dogs.
This adorable Akita will grow up to be fine guard dog and family dog too. Image Credit: iStockPhoto/Thinkstock
10: Akita
If you’re looking for a guard dog that doubles as a nanny, an Akita may be the perfect pet for you. This large breed has strong protective instincts and will immediately investigate any hint of an intrusion into his family home. But unlike most other dogs, the Akita usually investigates quietly. If it barks, that probably means something is seriously wrong.
The potential downside of owning an Akita is that this breed tends to be quite independent, which isn’t always a good thing for a large dog with strong protective instincts. Akitas need to be trained and socialized early and continually throughout their lives. When considering an Akita or any potential guard dog, ask yourself how much you’re willing to work with the animal. Your canine companion will need to be under your control if it’s going to function as a guard dog. That will undoubtedly require a bit of skill and dedication on your part.
Assuming your family has time to devote positive reinforcement and encouragement to your Akita, this breed makes an excellent guard dog and loyal family friend. It would be virtually impossible to harm a member of an Akita’s family while this animal is around.
The Gift of an Akita
As a sign of its symbolic importance to the people of Japan, the Akita breed is designated as a natural monument. When a child is born in Japan, it is customary to give the gift of an Akita statue to bestow health and happiness on the child and his or her family [source: American Kennel Club].
9: Great Dane
If you’re in the market for a family guard dog that looks like a fierce predator but acts like a gentle giant, look no further than the Great Dane. This friendly, easy-going breed is somewhat lackadaisical and loves to lounge around the house. He really isn’t much of a guard dog in terms of personality. But the mere sight of him would send any criminal running for the hills, despite that fact that a Great Dane is unlikely to attack an intruder. On the other hand, it will probably show off its sufficiently scary bark.
The best example of the Great Dane’s demeanor is displayed in the cartoon “Scooby Doo.” A Great Dane through and through, Scooby and his loyal pal Shaggy are more inclined to alternate between snacking and snoozing than to harm anyone. This is a great choice for a family looking for a pet that looks the part of a guard dog, but with low risk of actual aggression.
8: Airedale Terrier
Known as the “King of the Terriers,” the Airedale is an elegant and self-confident animal. They are also alert and energetic, though perhaps a bit more independent than other terrier varieties. This breed is also larger and considerably stronger than the other members of the terrier family, making this an ideal choice for family guard dog.
If you’re in the market for an Airedale Terrier, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a more high maintenance dog than some of the others on the list. They’re whip smart and highly trainable, but they also need to be engaged intellectually and physically. No lazy afternoons on the sofa for this dog. There is also no way unwanted guests can ever sneak into your home with an Airedale around — it’s simply too high-strung to allow it.
Airedale terriers are considered to be good with kids, but this can vary among individuals within a breed. For the most part, dogs that grow up with kids and have positive experiences with them tend to be good with them. The key is to socialize early.
A Presidential Pooch
Airedale Terriers have been popular guard dogs at the White House, protecting the families of Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, and Calvin Coolidge [source: American Kennel Club].
7: Collie
The collie is one of the most-loved dogs in the U.S. and around the world. Made famous by the movie “Lassie,” this beautiful and graceful animal is a devoted and affectionate family pet and an excellent guard dog. That is, assuming a loud bark is all the “guarding” you need. Because collies are vocal animals, they make better watchdogs than guard dogs. In fact, they will generally relax a moment or two after announcing a newcomer. For this reason, a savvy home invader may actually be able to subdue a collie with just a scratch under the chin and some small talk.
Overall, collies are very easy pets to own. Despite their luxurious coats, they do not need a lot of grooming. A good brushing once a week should suffice. Collies are also very sensitive, intelligent, and highly trainable. They do well as service dogs for people with disabilities, police dogs, and as search and rescue animals.
6: German Shepherd
The German shepherd is a very loving and lovable animal, which makes it a great choice as a pet and a wonderful guard dog for families with children. German shepherds form extremely strong bonds with their owners and families and will protect a child with their lives. They are also easy to train and very eager to please [source: American Kennel Club].
Confident and fearless, German shepherds make great watchdogs and guard dogs. This animal has the uncanny ability to remain calm and keep its wits about it even in chaotic circumstances — qualities that definitely come in handy during crisis or high-threat situations. This is why German shepherds are commonly used in police work and military operations and for assisting people with special needs.
The one potential downside to owning a German shepherd is that they don’t do well in couch potato families. German shepherds need constant mental and physical stimulation, so be sure you’re ready to commit to an active lifestyle before adopting.
Famous German Shepherds
Because of their intelligence and obedience, German shepherds are a great choice for work in the film industry. Hollywood hits that have starred German Shepherds over the years include “Rin Tin Tin” and Will Smith’s “I Am Legend.”
5: Bullmastiff
A gentle giant, the Bullmastiff is an expert hunter with a low inclination for aggression. That’s because this animal was specifically bred not to bite. Instead, the Bullmastiff was bred to use its weight and agility to overpower a person or game animal, pinning it down until help arrives. But don’t let the tough exterior fool you — the Bullmastiff is a softie on the inside. Extremely eager to please, this is a wonderful choice for family guard dog.
Despite its strength and physical abilities, the Bullmastiff does not require much exercise. It is also a low maintenance dog in terms of grooming, which makes it a good choice for a family that wants a guard dog but doesn’t want to put forth a lot of effort.
Another good quality of Bullmastiffs is that they don’t tend to bark much. Silence was a virtue when they were originally used to guard estates so they could sneak up on predators. But that doesn’t mean they’re asleep on the job. This animal has excellent guarding skills — he just doesn’t like to make a big fuss about it.
4. Boxer
The boxer is a very high-energy dog, making it a great choice for a family with kids, especially older and very active ones. While not as large a dog as some of the others on this list, this medium-sized mutt is a powerful protecting machine in the face of danger. And when you consider that the boxer is also wonderfully affectionate, it makes this animal a great choice for family guard dog.
If you’re considering the boxer as a pet, you’ll be pleased to know that this is a highly intelligent and easily trained breed. But you should also keep in mind that the boxer has a tendency to jump on his loved ones, making it a somewhat less-than-perfect choice for families with small children. On the other hand, this habit can be managed with proper training.
Whether you’re planning to adopt a boxer or any dog, be sure to do a thorough investigation of the breeder and his commitment to breeding for sound temperament. Fear and anxiety is not a good quality in any pet, guard dog or not.
An Appropriate Appellation
The boxer gets its name from its tendency to stand on back legs and bat at its “opponents,” which traditionally included bison and other large game [source: American Kennel Club].
3: Bernese Mountain
The Bernese mountain dog is the perfect choice for a family that wants a pet whose presence would deter an intruder but is actually quite gentle. This breed is friendly with children and does very well around other animals. As one of the most social breeds, Bernese mountain dogs make loving and loyal family members.
Before adopting a dog — especially one that will serve as a guardian of the family — it helps to know the characteristics of its lineage as well as the breed. There are considerable variations within each breed and knowing a puppy’s parents will give you a sense of the demeanor your dog will eventually develop.
Also, before adopting a Bernese mountain dog, it’s important to consider your lifestyle. This breed requires regular exercise and daily grooming. The Bernese mountain dog is also quite sensitive to being left out of the social circle, so it’s not a good choice for a family that tends to be away from its dog for long stretches of time.
2. Newfoundland
If you’re looking for a dog that’s friendly with children as well as other animals, look no further than the Newfoundland. Affectionately called “Newfies,” these gentle giants offer protection by virtue of their imposing size and stature. No criminal in his or her right mind would break into a home with a Newfie inside.
Another potential perk of having a Newfoundland around it that this breed is strong enough to do heavy labor. Newfies were traditionally used as working dogs, performing such tasks as hauling wood from the forest and pulling fishing nets from the water. You never know when this kind of strength will come in handy around the house.
Newfies are also highly trainable, which is important for such a strong animal. The one possible downside is that this animal’s thick coat requires regular brushing. Newfoundlands also need regular exercise, so be sure to consider your willingness to work out before you adopt.
Quite a Doggie Paddle
The Newfoundland is first and foremost a water dog. With its amazing strength, webbed toes, and waterproof coat, this animal is perfectly built to rescue a drowning human [source: American Kennel Club].
1: Saint Bernard
With awesome strength, impressive smarts, and a gentle spirit, Saint Bernards are the ultimate family guard dog. They are loyal and loving and unfaltering in their protective nature toward their families, especially kids. Assuming you can put up with a bit of drool, the Saint Bernard may be the perfect pet for you.
Traditionally, Saint Bernards worked in the Swiss Alps rescuing avalanche-trapped travelers. This is good to keep in mind — you never know when you or someone you love might need to be pulled from a snow bank. The only potential downside to adopting this breed (other than the drool) is that it needs space to roam. Saint Bernards generally don’t do well when confined to small spaces.
If you’re planning to adopt a Saint Bernard, remember to train early and often. They key to good behavior for Saint Bernards and all dogs is to socialize them throughout their lives. Remember that you cannot train the guarding instinct out of a dog, but you can (and should) fine tune it so that it’s used appropriately.
Lots More Information
Related Articles
Sources
American Kennel Club. “Airedale Terrier”. (Aug. 10, 2011) http://www.akc.org/breeds/airedale_terrier/
American Kennel Club. “Akita” (Aug .10, 2011) http://www.akc.org/breeds/akita/
American Kennel Club. “Bernese Mountain Dog”. (Aug 10, 2011) http://www.akc.org/breeds/bernese_mountain_dog/
American Kennel Club. “Boxer”. (Aug 10, 2011) http://www.akc.org/breeds/boxer/
American Kennel Club. “Bullmastiff”. (Aug 10, 2011) http://www.akc.org/breeds/bullmastiff/index.cfm
American Kennel Club. “Collie”. (Aug 10, 2011) http://www.akc.org/breeds/collie/
American Kennel Club. “German Shepherd”. (Aug 10, 2011) http://www.akc.org/breeds/german_shepherd_dog/
American Kennel Club. “Great Dane”. (Aug 10, 2011) http://www.akc.org/breeds/great_dane/
American Kennel Club. “Newfoundland”. (Aug 10, 2011) http://www.akc.org/breeds/newfoundland/
American Kennel Club. “Saint Bernard”. (Aug 10, 2011) http://www.akc.org/breeds/saint_bernard/
Akita Club of America. “Is the Akita the Right Dog for You?” (Aug 10, 2011). http://www.akitaclub.org/
Beymer, Jessica, DVM, DACVECC. Contra Costa Veterinary Emergency Center, Sacramento, CA, personal correspondence, Aug 8, 2011
Huelle, Jane, Owner/Trainer, The Dog Shop, personal correspondence, Aug 8, 2011
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Source (Google.com.pk)   Animal Planet Dogs Biography Dogs 101 is a show that aired on Animal Planet. It was centered on dogs and what they are like. Dogs 101 features 6 breeds (expanded from 5 during the first two seasons) of dogs per episode. This show explains each breed of dog and features opinions by experts ranging from trainers to groomers to veterinarians. The show was made for people who wanted a dog but didn’t know which breed they wanted  Season 1   Airedale Terrier    Akita    Basset Hound    Beagle    Bichon Frise    Bloodhound    Boston Terrier    Boxer    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel    Chihuahua    Collie    Dachshund    Doberman    English Bulldog    English Springer Spaniel    French Bulldog    German Shepherd    Golden Retriever    Great Dane    Irish Setter
   Jack Russell Terrier    Labrador Retriever    Maltese    Miniature Pinscher    Newfoundland    Pembroke Welsh Corgi    Poodle    Pug    Rhodesian Ridgeback    Rottweiler    Shar Pei    Shih Tzu    Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier    St. Bernard    Vizsla    Weimaraner    West Highland White Terrier    Whippet    Wire Fox Terrier    Yorkshire Terrier
Season 2
   Afghan Hound    Alaskan Malamute    Australian Shepherd    Bernese Mountain Dog    Border Collie    Brittany    Cairn Terrier    Cavachon    Chesapeake Bay Retriever    Chinese Crested    Chiweenie    Chow Chow
   Chorkie    Dalmatian    English Mastiff    German Shorthaired Pointer    Goldendoodle    Havanese    Italian Greyhound    Karelian Bear Dog    Korthals Griffon    Labradoodle    Lagotto Romagnolo    Lhasa Apso
   Miniature Schnauzer    New Guinea Singing Dog    Old English Sheepdog    Pekingese    Peruvian Inca Orchid    Pomeranian    Portuguese Water Dog    Puggle    Puli    Siberian Husky    Thai Ridgeback    Toy Fox Terrier    Xoloitzcuintli
Season 3
   Affenpinscher    American Eskimo    American Pit Bull    Australian Cattle Dog    Basenji    Boykin Spaniel    Bull Terrier    Bullmastiff    Cardigan Welsh Corgi    Cocker Spaniel
   Coton de Tulear    Dandie Dinmont Terrier    Gordon Setter    Great Pyrenees    Greyhound    Irish Water Spaniel    Irish Wolfhound    Komondor    Kooikerhondje    Leonberger
   Norwich terrier    Papillon    Rat Terrier    Saluki    Samoyed    Shetland Sheepdog    Shiba Inu    Silky Terrier    Tibetan Mastiff
Luckily for the toy breeds, providing companionship for humans has counted as suitable employment through the ages. This has ensured the survival of breeds without practical skills, such as the Chihuahua, pug and Pomeranian. Many toy breeds, such as the miniature pinscher, the toy poodle and the English toy terrier appear to be miniaturized versions of larger breeds. Ranging between under 6 pounds (3 kilograms) in the tiniest Chihuahua and 20 pounds (9 kilograms) in the stockiest of pugs, these diminutive dogs have made for loving companions since they were first bred centuries ago. Later, some toy breeds were the lapdogs of European royalty. Today their stature makes them excellent pets for people without a lot of extra space in their homes. And despite their tendency toward yappiness, they are considered the best dogs for novice owners, though their fragility can make them less than ideal pets for families with small children. This breed’s love of attention serves them well outside of their loving homes too. Loyal and intelligent, they are great at learning tricks, and many excel in obedience competitions.
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