8 Dog Breeds That Burglars Are Most Afraid Of
Want to keep your home safe? A dog can be your best security system. Burglars often avoid houses with dogs because they bark, bite, and bring unwanted attention.
Some breeds are especially intimidating to intruders because of their size, strength, and protective instincts. Here’s a look at the breeds that make thieves think twice before breaking in.
1. German Shepherd
Combining brains with brawn, German Shepherds have earned their reputation as elite guardians. Their piercing stare alone makes most intruders reconsider their plans. These dogs possess an uncanny ability to sense danger before it arrives.
Originally bred for herding, their protective instincts have been refined through generations of police and military work. Their deep, commanding bark echoes through neighborhoods, serving as a natural alarm system that few burglars dare to challenge.
2. Rottweiler
Ancient Romans relied on Rottweilers to guard livestock and pull carts. Today, these powerful canines serve as living security systems for countless homes. Their broad chest and muscular build create an imposing silhouette that screams ‘keep away.’
Despite their intimidating appearance, well-trained Rottweilers display remarkable discernment. They can distinguish between welcome guests and potential threats with surprising accuracy. Their deep-throated growl sends a primal warning that activates most intruders’ fight-or-flight response – with ‘flight’ being the overwhelming choice.
3. Doberman Pinscher
Sleek and athletic, Dobermans move with the precision of natural-born sentinels. Their reputation as elite guardians dates back to their creation by tax collector Louis Dobermann, who needed protection during his rounds collecting money in dangerous neighborhoods.
Few sights trigger a burglar’s second thoughts faster than a Doberman’s streamlined silhouette appearing in a doorway. Their intelligence allows them to respond to threats with calculated responses rather than blind aggression. When properly trained, they become living security systems that can distinguish friend from foe with remarkable accuracy.
4. Bullmastiff
Developed by crossing Bulldogs with Mastiffs, these gentle giants were specifically bred to catch poachers on large English estates. Their method was unique – rather than biting, they were trained to silently track intruders, then pin and hold them until gamekeepers arrived.
A full-grown Bullmastiff can weigh up to 130 pounds of solid muscle. Their massive heads and broad shoulders create an intimidating presence that makes burglars immediately recalculate their risk assessment. Despite their formidable size, they’re known for their quiet nature – until threatened.
5. Belgian Malinois
“Navy SEAL dogs” – that’s what many call the Belgian Malinois after one famously assisted in the Osama bin Laden raid. These athletic powerhouses combine lightning-fast reflexes with unwavering focus, making them elite protection animals.
Often mistaken for German Shepherds, Malinois typically possess even higher energy and drive. Their ability to launch themselves several feet into the air gives them an almost supernatural quality in the eyes of would-be intruders. Law enforcement agencies worldwide prize them for their courage, intelligence, and unmatched work ethic.
6. Boxer
Don’t let their playful demeanor fool you! Boxers transform into serious protectors when their family is threatened. Their distinctive square jaws and muscular builds earned them their name, reminiscent of human fighters ready for the ring.
Unlike some guard breeds that maintain constant suspicion, Boxers often greet guests with enthusiasm. This friendly nature makes their sudden shift to protection mode all the more startling to intruders. Their boundless energy means they’re always on patrol, checking windows and doors with tireless dedication.
7. Akita
Hailing from Japan’s rugged northern mountains, Akitas were once the exclusive companions of Japanese nobility. Their thick double coat and bear-like appearance create an imposing first impression that few burglars want to challenge.
Famously independent thinkers, Akitas assess situations before deciding how to respond – a calculated approach that makes them unpredictable to intruders. Their silent vigilance is particularly unnerving; unlike breeds that announce threats with barking, Akitas often observe quietly before taking action. This ancient breed’s protective instinct runs so deep that in Japan, they symbolize good health and protection.
8. Chow Chow
Behind that fluffy teddy-bear exterior lies one of history’s most ancient guardian breeds. The Chow Chow’s distinctive blue-black tongue and lion-like mane give it an exotic appearance that masks its serious protective abilities.
Originally bred in China for hunting and guarding, these dogs maintain a natural suspicion of strangers that serves modern homeowners well. Their aloof demeanor isn’t just personality, it’s their default security setting. Unlike more openly aggressive breeds, Chows often maintain a dignified distance while carefully monitoring potential threats, intervening only when necessary.
