Doberman Pinscher
There is some controversy about which breed is the “best”, but Dobies are one of the few breeds originally selected to serve as personal protection dogs. They have been around since 1890 and since the beginning the tax collector who needed a personal protection dog bred them to be intimidating, to show no fear when it came time to defend their owner, and to only attack when told to do so.
Dobies are not giant dogs. Most are large, and since they are muscular appear quite a bit larger than they are. They are usually about 40 kilos (about 90 pounds), black and tan, and have their ears cropped and their tails docked where it is still legal.
Health issues are a concern with most of the protection dogs, and Dobies have their problems. A bleeding disorder called von Willebrands disease is still seen but a test has been available for many years so if the parents are checked out this problem may eventually be eliminated. About half of the dogs also inherit a serious heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy) and fewer have a neck disease called “wobblers”, or cervical vertebral instability (CVI). A few have hip dysplasia and prostatic disease, and the other diseases are much less common.
Dobies live about 11 years, a little longer that Rotties, a little less than a Giant Schnauzer. If you move are looking for a protection dog that is strong, smart, and willing to protect, the Doberman Pinscher is a good choice.
Cane Corso
This dog breed is still not as popular as several breeds on this list but has the potential to be an excellent personal protection dog. They are a large Italian breed of about 45 to 50 kilos (about 100 to 110 pounds) with a muscular body, a short muzzle, and a strong bite.
They may actually be a “catch” breed, having been used to hunt game, but since Roman times they have also been used as a guard and a personal protection dog.
Like the Doberman, the Cane Corso often becomes attached to one person in the household and so falls into the role of protection dog easily. Unlike the Doberman, they are large and not easy to train. Not everyone can or should attempt to handle one of these dogs.
They do have some health problems, like all big dogs. Hip dysplasia is the most common, they will become obese if you let them, and they can also suffer from bloat, eyelid problems, and demodectic mange.
The average life of a Cane Corso is 10 to 11 years. If a potential owner has experience handling dogs, is willing to socialize and train his Cane Corso, and is in need of a superb personal protection animal, this dog can do the job.
Giant Schnauzer
This German dog breed is a frequent competitor in the Schutzhund competitions for several reasons. He is big (60 to 70 cm, or 25 to 27 inches at the shoulders), but not as heavy as the Rottweiler, so a little easier to handle for a smaller person.
They are also intelligent, like all the protection breeds, and pick up new commands easily. Many of the dogs also have clipped ears and docked tails, making them look more alert, and successful dogs are also solid black, a color that many assume is fiercer.
Giant Schnauzers have some health problems common to big breeds, like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also prone to some skin problems, and since they drool their beards get dirty and have to be kept clean.
These dogs live about 12 years. During that life they make an excellent personal protection dog in that they are strong yet able to be controlled.
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