It is a known fact that some dog breeds are easier to train than others. If you do not want to go through much stress in training your dog, you can choose from one of the top breeds that are super easy to train. You can also explore the option of purchasing a fully trained dog for sale or a family protection dog

By buying a pre-trained dog, you can have a lovable family dog that has already been trained by professionals. 

It should be noted that each dog has its own distinct instincts, temperaments and personality traits, as well as genetic heritage. All these will affect how easy and seamless it is to train them. 

What Characteristics Make a Good Family Protection Dog? 

When searching for a fully trained dog and a family protection dog, it is important to assess and ask about the dog’s characteristics. Typical breed traits to look out for include: 

  • Obedience 
  • Approachability 
  • Adaptability 
  • Calmness
  • Intelligent
  • Authoritative When Required
  • Playful 

Should A Protection Dog Replace Security Cameras?

It is a common misconception that a family-trained dog will be as efficient as home security. However, it is important to recognise the difference between the two. 

Family protection dogs will adapt and be proactive in certain situations. They are trained to deter home intruders, prevent threats to your family and attack if the intruder or threat continues. Your protection dog cannot alert the authorities or record the incident, but they can act as a good deterrent and provide early threat detection with barking.  

Guard Dog vs Family Protection Dog Breeds

A guard dog’s main purpose is to defend and attack, which makes them not very good in social situations. A family protection dog will do both. They are trained to adapt and act in threatening situations but can also integrate into families. Therefore, it is essential to look for a breed that possesses social traits too, so they can be friendly around different people and children. 

Your dog can go through a variety of training programmes, including obedience classes, protection training and socialisation training. Intelligence and adaptability, therefore, come in handy, as these breeds will typically respond better to training. 

Best Family Protection Dog Breeds

  • German Shepherds

Always ready to work, very motivated, and eager to please, German Shepherds are fast learners and very loyal. It is little wonder that they are the favourite of the military and police, but they are also one of the most popular dog breeds for families globally. They have some of the best traits for adaptability and training, however, they do require high energy and a lot of socialisation. If they have been exposed to different environments and social situations from a young age, they will adapt quickly to being a part of your family. They are highly intelligent and work well with dog protection training programmes. 

German Shepherd Overview 

Average Height: Male: 60–65 cm, Female: 55–60 cm

Average Weight: Male: 30–40 kg, Female: 22–32 kg

Average Lifespan: 9-13 years 

Common Characteristics:  Intelligent, Confident and Loyal 

  • Rottweilers 

Rottweilers have a blend of characteristics that make them sociable around others and fearless to protect. Given their size and temperament, they will be best suited for families with older children, however, this does not make them a danger around younger children. They are not naturally aggressive and will be alert and protective in threatening situations. Their temperament has a common dangerous misconception but with the correct training and a suitable environment from a young age, Rottweilers can integrate seamlessly into family life. 

Rottweilers Overview 

Average Height: Female (56–63 cm) Male (61–69 cm)

Average Weight: Female (35–48 kg) Male (50–60 kg)

Average Lifespan: 8–10 years 

Common Characteristics:  Confident, Obedient and Alert

  • Belgian Malinois 

The Belgian Malinois thrives in social situations, requires an active lifestyle and loves the outdoors. They are a great loyal companion and perfect for families with children of any age too. Their loyal characteristic makes them protective over their owners and those who have formed a bond around them. With the right training, a Belgian Malinois will suit those looking for a family protection dog who can provide consistent attention, activity, or farmland. 

Belgian Malinois Overview   

Average Height: Male (61-66 male) Female (51-66 cm)  

Average Weight: Male (25 – 30 kg), Female (20 – 25 kg) 

Average Lifespan: 10–14 years 

Common Characteristics:  Sociable, intelligent and obedient 

  • Bullmastiff 

The Bullmastiff breed has a great mixture of traits to make them a perfect family protection dog. They are great around children and make a great loyal companion. Their larger frame and alertness are also built to protect, so they will offer that layer of protection needed in threatening situations. Whilst sociable dogs, they are content without constant attention or a really active lifestyle, which makes them more adaptable to a range of family situations. 

Bullmastiff Overview 

Average Height: Male (64–68 cm) Female (61–66 cm)

Average Weight: Male (50–59 kg) Female (45–54 kg)

Average Lifespan: 8–10 years

Common Characteristics: Reliable, Alert and Loving 

  • Giant Schnauzer

A Giant Schnauzer’s size can be intimidating, but this breed makes a lovable and loyal companion too. They are courageous dogs that will protect those around them, and they take well to training due to their intelligence. If socialised well from being a puppy, they are great with families, particularly those with older children.  The physical appearance and capabilities teamed with quick-learning characteristics make Giant Schnauzer a great option for a family protection dog. 

Giant Schnauzer Overview   

Average Height: Male (65-70 cm) Female (60-65 cm)

Average Weight: Male (27–48 kg) Female (25–34 kg)

Average Lifespan: 12–15 years

Common Characteristics: Territorial, Loyal and Intelligent

Find Your Perfect Family Protection Dog Breed

Here at A&T Trained Dogs, we offer a range of dogs for sale, including family pets and trained protection dogs. These have gone through a selective screening process to ensure you can find your perfect companion. Our specialist team can offer expert advice on our dogs for sale or our variety of training programmes, to get you the right results for your lifestyle and needs.