The bark of some dogs is worse than their bite. With a guard dog, you want the opposite. That’s not to say that these canines are overly aggressive. It’s just that they have the stuff to back up what they threaten. The size of the pooch isn’t the only criteria. A smaller breed like the Chihuahua will make plenty of noise, but he doesn’t have the firepower to back up his menacing stance.
Other barking dogs like the Beagle would qualify more like watchdogs than guard dogs. There is a difference. The former lets you know a stranger is approaching your property—or you! It’s your job to take the next steps. The latter is an all-in-one solution. He’ll sound the alarm, but he’ll also back it up with action. They often have an intimidating appearance to further make their point.
Shedding is the bane of pet owners. We love our dogs, but not the maintenance that comes with them. Luckily, you can get the best of both worlds with canines that are low-shedding dogs. You get protection for your home without the hassle of vacuuming every day. If you’re looking for a guard dog that is low-shedding, continue reading to learn your options. You’ll find that you have plenty of choices.
The 10 Guard Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
1. Airedale Terrier
If you think all terriers are small, you’re in for a pleasant surprise with the Airedale. At 23 inches at the shoulder, he is an impressive figure, and he has the pedigree to prove that he’s an excellent guard dog. How many breeds can boast of serving in this capacity on the front with the British Armed Forces during World War I? To say that this dog is courageous is an understatement.
2. Komondor
The Komondor has what it takes to be a fearless guard dog. That was his job in his native Hungary, where he protected the family’s livestock from wolves. He won’t back away from threats; he’ll rush into the face of danger. His loyalty and alertness are ideal traits for this work. His large figure is undoubtedly a plus, too, with some males standing up to 31 inches tall.
3. Brazilian Mastiff
The Brazilian Mastiff, or Fila Brasileiro, is an excellent choice if you want a dog that is moderately aggressive. Combine his temperament with his massive size, and you have a formidable guard dog to protect your property. He is a loyal and affectionate pet that requires an owner who can take charge of his training from the start. The Fila is intelligent with excellent guard dog capability.
4. Puli
Don’t let the long hair of the Puli fool you. Once he gets his adult coat with its cords, he’s a low-maintenance pet. All he needs are regular baths. He has many of the qualities that make an excellent guard dog, such as fierce loyalty and discerning intelligence. It is an ancient breed that served as a herder and guardian of livestock in his native Hungary.
5. Giant Schnauzer
The imposing figure of the Giant Schnauzer is enough to make a would-be thief think twice. After all, the breed has served as European police dogs through the years and as a herder of cattle. He is alert and intelligent while giving his all to his job. Then, there is his size. Crossbreeding with the black Great Dane took him to new heights. He is sometimes a barker, which isn’t a bad thing for a guard dog.
6. Briard
Despite his long hair, the Briard is a low-shedding breed. You should brush him often to prevent mats. The dog has a leeriness toward strangers and a loyal devotion to his family, desirable for a guard dog. Like the Airedale Terrier, he also saw service during wartime. They are smart animals that are easy to train. The best part is that they are so lovable, too.
7. Catahoula Leopard Dog
With a name like Catahoula Leopard Dog, you know this one means business. His watchful gaze and keen alertness make him an excellent guardian. He is a dog that won’t tolerate harm to himself or his family. He is an American breed and the official dog of the state of Louisiana. The pup is striking with his mottled coat and his muscular form. He is truly an unforgettable animal.
8. Bergamasco Sheepdog
Like the Puli, the Bergamasco Sheepdog has a corded, adult coat that requires little maintenance. His history as a herding dog has fostered his protective nature to guard his home and family. His is an ancient breed with origins that go back to Persia or modern-day Iran. He is an intelligent pup with a strong independent streak, a result of the nomadic lifestyle he shared with shepherds.
9. Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog is another breed with a history of herding, which nurtured his loyal and devoted nature to his charge. That upbringing also makes him cautious with strangers. He is a relatively new breed to the American Kennel Club (AKC) with official recognition in 2015. This pup is hard-working and obedient. He is incredibly smart with a keen ability to problem-solve.
10. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The unfortunate history of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier resulted in a powerful and muscular dog. He won’t back down from a threat and has the goods to back up a confrontation. He is not a large pooch, getting up to about 35 pounds as an adult. The breed shares a common history with other similar-looking ones like the Bulldog.
Related read:
- Is My Puppy Supposed to Shed? What You Need To Know!
- How Much Does It Cost to Own a Bergamasco? Price Guide
Final Thoughts
As you can see, guard dogs that don’t shed come in all shapes and sizes. It’s a winning combination to have a pup on patrol to keep you and your family safe that doesn’t add to your housekeeping woes. The essential thing to remember is that these pets are often wary of strangers, even if they are your friends. That’s why it’s imperative to take care of obedience training when your pooch is a puppy.
For more on dogs, check out these posts:
- The 8 Scents Dogs Love Most
- 10 Dog Breeds That Most Frequently Bite Humans
- The Top 14 Dog Breeds Used as Therapy Dogs
Featured Image Credit: Zsuzsa Varga, Pixabay
