Do these intimidating dog breeds get a bad rep?
Throughout their many years, dogs have evolved with us to fulfill many types of work. But guard dogs rank among the earliest and most important types of canines. And the truth is, the scariest-looking dogs are the most effective at intimidating any would-be intruders.
Having the most intimidating dogs in the neighborhood can prevent conflict before it even happens, and there are many dogs that fit that bill.
Whether they’re scary for just having a big bark or having the strongest bite, these are the types of dogs that you want to have by your side… or may wish to stay away from. Some were first bred from wild breeds to serve as war dogs.
Others developed out of a need for a powerful workhorse on the farm. No matter the case, we should clarify that just because a dog looks terrifying doesn’t mean it’s more dangerous than any other breed.
In fact, breeding a pup as a guard dog often involves those who look the most dangerous but are gentle around livestock or their family. And the truth is that with the proper care and training, they make excellent and well-behaved pets.
So let’s get to the facts: Here are 6 most intimidating dog breeds, along with information on what makes them valuable companions apart from their ability to keep burglars away!
German Shepherd
Historically speaking, German shepherds were one of the most common breeds to be used in the police and military, although they’ve largely been replaced by Belgian Malinois in recent times.
They’ve excelled in these roles thanks to their fearless nature, intelligence, and powerful presence. German shepherds sometimes approach the 100-pound mark, but most are closer to 85 pounds. But they usually appear larger than that due to their long and thick fur.
They also have those big ears, which further increase the way they look. Their protective instincts are easy to detect, and a big German shepherd is undoubtedly one of the most intimidating breeds you can stumble upon in a proverbial dark alley.
Even though they’re some of the most loyal companions and are one of the easiest breeds to train, German shepherds aren’t ideal for homes that have family members with allergies. They shed by the fistful, and they’ll quickly bury your things in a layer of hair.
Pit Bull
The block-headed American pit bull terrier, mixes, and similar-looking bully breeds are by far the most feared breeds worldwide. And most lawbreakers will assume that any 70-pound dog that looks even slightly pit-like should be given a wide berth.
Now, obviously, anyone who’s ever had a pitty knows that they’re typically little bundles of face-licking love balls! And while we can believe that they might LOOK intimidating, they’re not an aggressive breed as shocking media headlines would have you believe.
In fact, when they’re raised in a loving family environment, they’re among the friendliest dogs you could meet. Just be aware that they’re very protective of their family and home and will gladly put on a fierce display to discourage those who come a bit too close.
It’s important to note that even though many pit bulls are very protective, many pros consider pitties to be TOO friendly to be considered for proper protection work. Regardless, a pit bull running around your property will likely keep intruders at bay.
Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans are relatively large dogs, but their ability to scare potential troublemakers exceeds their size. Seldom surpassing 100 pounds in weight, this dog breed looks bigger than it really is due to its height. Big males can easily stand 28 inches high at the shoulder.
Not to mention they have those long necks, and sometimes cropped ears. And Dobermans also tend to adopt a pretty impressive posture when facing something they consider a threat.
But underneath this intimidating exterior, most of these pups are as loving as the sweetest golden retriever and probably just as committed to their owners, as well. They share a few similarities with rotties because they’re also sensitive, smart, and incredibly loyal.
But even though we love them, we must admit that this well-known working breed isn’t exactly the best choice for first-time dog owners.
If you do decide to get one, you should know that they’ll need obedience classes, firm training, and plenty of socialization, starting at a young age.
Akita
Akitas aren’t exactly the biggest dogs in the world. Most weigh about 90 pounds. But, the combination of their large head and shoulders-forward posture can make them look quite intimidating. This breed is instinctually driven to protect and guard their families.
In fact, this is one of the primary reasons for which the breed was created. They protected nobles and other important people during the medieval period of Japan. They were also used to hunt large game, like boar.
Yet despite their fearless and sometimes overprotective nature, Akitas are usually loving family pups. One thing to remember, though, is that Akitas aren’t exactly the easiest breeds to train.
So, they’re not a good choice for first-time dog owners. They need firm, consistent, respectful obedience training and regular socialization from the time they’re pups.
Great Pyrenees
One odd, somewhat baffling breed on this list is the great Pyrenees. These canines usually grow pretty large. Some males even exceed 150 pounds. And they have a very protective spirit. But at the same time, they also look like big ole’ teddy bears you just want to hug.
That’s actually by design, though, because it helps the sheep they’re often assigned with guarding to feel comfortable with their canine companions. They’re coated in fluffy, long hair, and they have roundish faces with adorable ears.
Yet, the ultimate impression of the great Pyrenees can be intimidating, especially to those who aren’t comfortable around dogs.
This breed wasn’t just developed to accompany goats or sheep but also to protect their leaders from wolves and any other predators… by physical force if need be. As far as families are concerned, the Great Pyrenees is one of the most gentle breeds on our list.
But they aren’t a good choice for all types of owners. While they can make great family pets, they don’t adapt well to apartment life, and don’t even get us started on their shedding capabilities!
They can also be somewhat challenging to train and pretty march to the beat of their own drum most of the time. So, if you get one, be sure to train them early on.
Pro Tip: If you decide to introduce this dog breed to your family pack, make sure you invest in a good brush to keep its coat nice and knot-free! Here’s one of our favorites from Amazon: Pecute Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
Rottweiler
Let’s just admit it… Rottweilers always appear on these kinds of lists, and the truth is we’re not surprised.
They’ve got all the trademarks of an intimidating dog breed: They’re big, have incredibly muscular bodies, are covered primarily in dark fur, and are usually suspicious of strangers.
But all that aside, they also make excellent pets who are loving, sensitive, and extremely loyal companions. But before you consider getting a rottie, you should know that they don’t like being too far from their owners at all times.
So they aren’t ideal pets for those who spend a lot of time away from the home. Besides that, they’re amazingly clever and headstrong dogs who need an owner who can lead them confidently yet lovingly.
Generally speaking, this ancient breed is not a great choice for inexperienced owners, either. Yet experts say that females can be a bit easier for beginners to control.
What are your thoughts on this list on intimidating dog breeds? would you agree with it? Please feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
And if you liked this article, we highly recommend you also check out: We Bet You Didn’t Know What These 7 Groups of Animals Were Called
