Can Golden Retrievers Be Guard Dogs

When you think of a guard dog, you typically think of pit bulls or German shepherds. Guard dogs are meant to protect you and serve the purpose of providing security. You may ask yourself can golden retrievers be guard dogs?

The answer is yes! Golden retrievers make perfect guard dogs and, I will give you five amazing reasons why they make a good guard dog below.

Their Body Size

A guard dog should be big. You want anyone who is coming near you to be intimidated by the size of your guard dog. Golden retrievers weigh up to 80 pounds making them medium-sized dogs. Two golden retrievers are the size of the average human. If you have a pair of golden retrievers, it is a great way to protect yourself.

They Are Loyal

You want your guard dog to be loyal to you. A loyal dog will protect its owner at any cost, and Golden retrievers are extremely loyal. They love their owners and families and create unbreakable bonds.

The type of loyalty that a golden retriever has, will make them a very good choice as a guard dog.

golden retriever puppy runs
messy retriever

They Are Intelligent

Golden retrievers are very smart dogs. They are in the top 5 smartest dog breeds and learn new commands with ease. A properly trained golden retriever can see a problem and solve it before it escalates further.

They Are Obedient

Golden retrievers are known for their obedience. They are the type of animal that always wants to please their owner. An obedient dog will be aware of your command in a time of need. If you hear a noise, your golden retriever will check the area to make sure that everything is safe.

They Are Protective

Golden retrievers are naturally protective of their owners. They tend to always be nearby and always seek approval. If they see or hear something that seems like it could be dangerous, they will let you know.

Golden Retriever Cons

Golden retrievers can also be seen as just family dogs and not guard dogs. They have a few personality traits that can make them less than good guard dogs.

Too Friendly

Some golden retrievers can be too friendly. A dog that is too friendly may see an intruder as a new friend. This is not good if you need protection. You want your golden retriever to see the intruder as the enemy, not their new buddy.

2 pupies and 1 mom

Too Protective Of All People

Your golden retriever may understand what to protect, but it may not grasp who to protect. They may see the intruder as someone who also needs help or assistance.

2 pupies and 1 mom

It Is Your Choice

Depending on your dog’s personality will determine if it will be a good guard dog for you. Not all golden retrievers are the same. They each have their own personalities and skills. If your golden retriever has a personality type that isn’t guard dog material you may want it as just a family pet.