10 Best Guard Dogs for Families

On our ratings the Great Pyrenees is the strongest pairing: guarding 5, kid-friendly 5. It is calm indoors but large, 85-115 lbs, and independent, so it needs patient training. The German Shepherd and Rhodesian Ridgeback score 5 on guarding and 4 with kids. Whatever the breed, supervise toddlers with any large dog and teach children not to disturb a dog that is eating or sleeping.

A dog with strong guarding instincts will usually notice strangers and bark, but instinct alone is not reliable judgement. Without training and socialization it may react to the wrong things, such as a child's friend running through the yard or rough play. Basic obedience, a solid recall and calm exposure to visitors from puppyhood are what turn instinct into a dog that alerts and then listens to you.

A watchdog barks to tell you something is happening and then usually stops there; size does not matter, and small breeds like the Schipperke do the job well. A guard dog also bark-alerts but will hold its ground and may physically deter an intruder. For most families a confident watchdog with a big bark is enough, and it carries far less risk with visiting children.

They can be, but plan for it. Guarding breeds tend to be wary of people they do not know, and some may read wrestling or shouting between children as a threat to their own kids. Introduce visitors calmly, give the dog a quiet room or crate during busy play dates, and never leave it alone with children it has not met before.

Yes. Many US insurers restrict or surcharge certain breeds, and Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Akitas and German Shepherds appear on many of those lists. Michigan, Illinois, Nevada, New York and Pennsylvania limit breed-based restrictions in home insurance. Ask your insurer before you bring a puppy home, and check your lease if you rent.