GUARDIAN GROUP
Breed Examples
ANATOLIAN SHEPHERD | BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG | BOERBOEL | CANE CORSO | DOGUE DE BORDEAUX | GREAT DANE | PYRENEAN MOUNTAIN DOG | GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG | LEONBERGER | MAREMMA | MASTIFF | NEWFOUNDLAND | ST BERNARD
WHAT WE BRED THEM FOR
Guardians date back to at least 1100 BC in ancient China with some suggesting they existed as far back as the Stone Age. These large, brave dogs were used to protect herds from predators and property from thieves. They were later used by the Romans and others on the battlefield and for some of the earliest blood sports entertainment.
Before you read on ...
These group pages introduce you to ten newly described dog groups based on the latest science. Knowing what type of 'job' is in your dog's DNA can offer valuable insights into the type of life they'd most enjoy.
Treat this as a guide and a starting point for further research into the breed of dog to best suit you and your lifestyle. You'll find information specific to individual breeds here.
Note: this isn't a guarantee of how any individual dog will behave in future.
WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH A GUARDIAN DOG
Cool
Level headed and mellow, reserved and chivalrous, they have a low-maintenance demeanour.
Tolerant
They are gracious and gentle, patient with human and animal social members.
WHY THEY CAN BE HARD TO LIVE WITH
Opinionated
Discerning and independent of mind, a Guardian may be resistant to your instructions.
Suspicious
They can be unwelcoming to those they perceive as threats to their home and family.
Big!
Their size and strength may feel a bit impractical to manage at times.
YOU MAY NEED COACHING TO HELP WITH
- Difficulties with unfamiliar people or animals, especially near home
- Wandering off
- Not coming when called
- Protectiveness of owners or other pets
- Territorial barking
YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY
You'll enjoy living with a more laid-back dog but don't forget their genetic propensity for protecting their home and family.
They can thrive in any number of environments.
Help them learn through consistent planning and management that everything is cool and under control at all times both in and outside your home.