What Breeds of Dogs Are Protective of Children?

While most dog breeds have the capacity to be loyal to their masters and their families, some are especially good at protecting children. It's worth noting that while many breeds of dog are found to be good with kids and make suitable family pets, they don't necessarily have the same need to protect people. Consider also that an inclination to protect may be a negative characteristic if it leads to aggression towards strangers who actually mean no harm.

  1. American Mastiff

    • American mastiffs are big dogs, and may be 35 inches at the shoulder and weigh over 200 pounds. They need plenty of food and space, and can be intimidating to very small children; they may even accidentally knock kids over if the child is in the wrong place at the wrong time. That said, American mastiffs are gentle dogs that can protect kids along with the rest of a family. They're also fairly tolerant of child play. These dogs should only be chosen by families with the space and time to look after them.

    Akita

    • Historically a guard dog, this Japanese breed is naturally inclined towards protecting its charges. Powerfully built, Akitas tend to intimidate people thanks to their appearance and typically aggressive temperaments when those they are guarding are threatened, though they are not usually overly aggressive to strangers otherwise. Akitas are especially noted for their immense sense of loyalty, which extends to all members of its household.

    Bouvier des Flandres

    • This rough-haired Belgian breed is another dog historically used to guard, and has the added advantage of being naturally inclined to be safe around children. Recognized for its typical gentleness, the Bouvier is loyal and known to protect its owner and its family, making it a suitable family pet.

    Rottweiler

    • Rottweilers can have a bad reputation, and are sometimes connected with aggression and viewed as unsafe around kids. According to the Dawe's Paws Dog Training Club website, these accusations are mostly unfounded and Rottweilers are fine with children they're brought up with. Used for a range of functions such as police and guard dogs, Rottweilers are renowned for their loyalty and desire to protect, which in some cases can lead them to display aggressive behavior towards those they perceive as threatening their owners or their families.

    German Shepherd

    • Another breed known for their loyalty, German Shepherds generally grow to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 90 pounds, marking them as fairly big dogs. Muscular and strong, German Shepherds typically possess tan or black fur. German Shepherds are usually friendly towards members of their own family, but they can be untrusting of strangers, thanks to their often overpowering need to protect.