Although known to be a quiet dog, the akita has strong guarding instincts and will sound the alarm if an intruder breaks into its house. Temperament can range from calm to bouncy and aggressive, so the breed should always be supervised around small children and other animals.

Majestic and dignified, the Alaskan malamute is an affectionate and friendly family dog. He is highly intelligent and learns quickly but can also be strong-willed, so training should start early.

Instinctively protective, the Anatolian is a calm, reserved breed around strangers, showing his loyal and loving nature only to his family. He enjoys children but should be supervised around them in case he interprets rough play as a need to guard "his" child.

Farm dogs by heritage, Berners need a moderate amount of exercise as well as consistent obedience training. Their gentle, easygoing manner and the need to be close to their people makes them a good fit for families.

According to the Black Russian Terrier Club of America, Inc., a well-bred and socialized Black Russian Terrier is loving toward his family yet reserved around strangers. Just as their Soviet owners had envisioned them to be years ago, today's Black Russian Terrier has the instinct to guard and protect. Highly intelligent, he learns easily and remembers information (good or bad) for a long time. They require regular brushing and daily exercise.

One of the boxer's most notable characteristics is its desire for human affection, especially from children. They are patient and spirited with children, but also protective, making them a popular choice for families.

The bullmastiff is fearless and confident yet remains docile and sweet-natured with his family. They are natural guardians of the home but do not bark much, as silence was a virtue when guarding estates. Bullmastiffs are independent thinkers and may not respond to traditional obedience training. The breed does not require much exercise or grooming, and can live happily in a house or apartment.

The Cane Corso is intelligent and easily trained. As a large and athletic breed, they need a lot of exercise. They are affectionate to their owner and bond closely with children and family. Cane Corsos are light shedders, which make grooming simple – all they need is an occasional brushing.

The doberman pinscher is known to be energetic, watchful, fearless, and obedient. He is ready to give prompt alarm (and back up that warning) but is also affectionate and loyal. The breed requires regular exercise but needs only minimal grooming for its short coat.

The Dogue de Bordeaux possesses an instinct for guarding, which he does with vigilance and courage, but without aggressiveness. He is an excellent companion - affectionate and attached to his family -- with a patient, calm temperament. Their short coat is easy to care for and they require moderate daily exercise. New owners should be prepared to deal with drool!

A working dog, German pinschers possess a natural instinct to hunt vermin and protect home and family. This creates a dog with a strong prey drive and a strong will. However, they are willing learners, and they make wonderful multipurpose companions.

An extremely intelligent, energetic, and strongly territorial dog, the giant schnauzer loves his owners and feels great responsibility to protect them. He learns quickly, however, and can distinguish between friend and foe.

Great Danes have gentle and loving dispositions, making them excellent family companions, but as with all dogs, they should be supervised around young children. Daily exercise is necessary, but their short coats require minimal grooming.

While affectionate with his family and quiet and tolerant in general, if there is something to guard or protect, great Pyrenees can become quite territorial. Because they were bred to work independently and make decisions on their own, Pyrs may not be the star of the local obedience class.

The "Swissy" is a social dog that enjoys being a member of the family. Owners should be patient with housetraining; dogs may grasp the concept in a few weeks, but it can take many months for them to become reliable.

Known for its dignity, strength, and courage, the komondor is generally reserved and serious with strangers but demonstrative with those he loves. Owners should be willing to provide daily exercise and obedience training.

While he is devoted to and protective of his family, the Kuvasz may not be overly demonstrative with his affections. He is often especially polite and reserved when meeting strangers.

Leonbergers love children and make excellent family pets with regular training. The Leonberger's profuse coat tends to shed a lot, requiring daily brushing. The breed needs moderate daily exercise.

The mastiff is a powerful yet gentle and loyal companion, but because of his size and need for space, he is best suited for country or suburban life. The breed requires light exercise and minimal grooming.

Due to the breed's size, strength, and temperament, experts do not recommend a Neapolitan mastiff for first-time dog owners or families with young children.

The Newfoundland's sweet disposition makes him a good fit for families. Although he appears somewhat docile, he is an active dog and will need daily exercise. Regular brushing is important to maintain his plush coat. Newfs are also an intelligent breed and are readily trained.

An athletic, active breed, the Portuguese water dog requires daily vigorous exercise. He is very intelligent and responds well to obedience training. His profuse coat is hypoallergenic but requires regular maintenance.

Rottweilers love their people and may behave in a clownish manner toward family and friends, but they are also protective of their territory and do not welcome strangers until properly introduced.

Saint Bernards make wonderful family companions with obedience training and daily exercise, but due to their larger size may do better living in the country or suburbs.

Intelligent, gentle, and loyal, Samoyeds enjoy being with their families. Due to their working heritage, they may chase things, run, and bark, so it's best to channel that energy into some kind of job or activity.

New Siberian husky owners should be prepared to provide an outlet for exercise daily, whether through walks or an enclosed space in which to run.

Sociable and affectionate, standard schnauzers become true members of their families and especially love children. Naturally protective, they will also alert members of the household to any potential danger.

Extremely independent and intelligent, the Tibetan mastiff may have its own agenda, so for safety, they should be kept contained when exercised. Although active while out of doors, they are usually fairly quiet in the house.