Tens of thousands of years ago, early humans established an unlikely alliance with another animal—the grey wolf. Over the last 15,000 years, our fates have intertwined, and we have managed to domesticate them into what we now call man’s best friend. Given the fact that dogs were the first domesticated animals—long before cows, sheep, pigs, or goats; before we even learned how to plant rice or corn; and before we shaped the world as we know it today—they became essential to our lives.
Have you ever wondered what the most suitable dog breeds for preppers are? Or for dire situations?
Outdoor/Hiking Dogs
I. Bernese Mountain Dog
As the name suggests, these dogs are perfect for outdoors. Having originated as a working farm dog in Switzerland, BMDs love staying active and stimulated. They are sturdy, good-natured, calm dogs that are great at herding livestock, protecting the family, and even pulling carts that can weigh up to ten times the dog’s body weight. Additionally, they are very easy to train since one of their special skills is to being able to analyze what you want them to do.
Bernese can help with carrying your survival supplies, they are excellent trackers, they have a great level of energy, and they do well during harsh winter conditions.
Highlights of the breed:
- Strong
- Eager to please, loyal, and affectionate
- High level of energy; need constant challenges
- Short lifespan: 6-8 years
II. Alaskan Malamute
This impressive, wolf-like dog just might be the perfect dog breed for any survivalist out there. Their strong, large stature, together with a high level of energy, endurance, and intelligence, enables them to participate in heavy-duty activities, be very resilient, and adapt to any situation. They are expert hunters, diggers, and climbers. These abilities allow them to be very versatile dogs that are perfect for any prepper.
Highlights of the breed:
- Sturdy, resistant, and powerful
- Independent nature, friendly with strangers, not very good for protection
- Perfect hunters (They will hunt everything)
- World-class leash puller
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
III. Border Collie
These dogs apparently possess a supernatural amount of energy and stamina as they can run up to or even more than 50 miles per day. Border collies are, therefore, the ideal working dogs, and while they already qualify as the perfect outdoor dog, there’s more. Due to their natural herding instincts, they have an uncanny ability to perceive what you’re about to tell them before you ask it. Since they absolutely love to please their owners, they can be easily trained to do anything—even collect firewood for you. Border collies have proven to have mental strength and are up for any kind of physical exercise.
Highlights of the breed:
- Highly sensitive
- One of the most intelligent dog breeds
- Live to work
- Lifespan: 10-17 years
General Guard Dogs
IV. Giant Schnauzer
This is the first guard dog on every professional list because its guardianship is absolutely instinctual. These dogs have gained various aptitudes and skills over the years that make them the perfect dog for anyone and for anything. They have a complex temperament that shows spirit and alertness, amiability, high intelligence, courage, loyalty, watchfulness, and alertness. Their structure and weather-resistant coat make them perfect for any climate.
Highlights of the breed:
- Big dog, big personality
- Intelligent, obedient if well trained, agile
- Natural guardian
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
V. Akita
Akitas are courageous and profoundly loyal dogs. They were originally bred to guard Japan’s royalty and nobility and also for tracking and hunting wild boars, bears, and deer. Being big, strong dogs, their powerful presence alone serves as a deterrent. Naturally wary with strangers, they instinctively guard their territory and loved ones without hesitation.
Highlights of the breed:
- Enjoys carrying stuff around
- Naturally fearless and protective; can easily become aggressive if not trained properly
- Won’t back down from any challenge
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
Related: Top 9 Animals to Raise in a Post Apocalypse World
VI. German Shepherd
The reputable German Shepherds can instill fear on sight due to their notoriety as police and military dogs used for tracking, sniffing, and attacking, but they will excel at anything they’re trained to do. However, they are extremely loyal, gentle, and loving dogs with their families, and thus they won’t welcome guests.
Highlights of the breed:
- Intelligent, capable, hard-working dog
- High energy and courageous breed
- Require regular mental and physical exercise
- Lifespan: 10-14 years
VII. Chinese Shar Pei
It might seem odd to include this breed on this list, but their heritage points to their great guardianship skills. They were originally bred as fighting dogs but rapidly became guard dogs due to their ferociousness and loyalty. Shar Peis must be trained very early and must learn who the “pack leader” is or else they will likely compete for the job—they can be very stubborn.
Highlights of the breed:
- Tough and merciless dogs when needed
- Very territorial; may display “sharking” behavior with strangers
- Calm, devoted to loved ones, and excellent guard dog
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
VIII. Doberman Pinscher
With a reputation as a ferocious breed, the mere sight of a Doberman might be enough to scare anyone away. But they are loyal, watchful, and trustworthy companions with admirable guarding abilities—they were actually bred primarily as guard dogs. They are ranked as the fifth most intelligent dog breed, and they will assume the alpha role in your household.
Highlights of the breed:
- Very protective dogs; alert and fearless
- Loyal, obedient, and determined
- Super-intelligent; natural protector; won’t hesitate to act when he thinks his family is in danger
- Lifespan: 10-13 years
Hunting Dogs
IX. Rhodesian Ridgeback
This dog was once known as the African Lion Hound because it was used for hunting big game prey, such as lions, bears, and boar. They can be described as extremely athletic, big and strong, fearless, very loyal, and intelligent. (They need mental stimulation; otherwise, a bored Rhodesian Ridgeback will become a destructive Rhodesian Ridgeback). Being a hunting breed, this dog is the best protector from outdoor threats and will do anything in its power to make sure you and your companions are safe.
Highlights of the breed:
- Perfect fit for dry, hot climates
- Muscular and sturdy
- Very intelligent
- High prey drive
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
X. German Shorthair Pointer
This dog was bred for hunting and retrieving game, so if you are in the great outdoors, you won’t need to worry about food since the GSP will be enticed by any moving creature. This is one of the few hunting breeds that can perform all gundog roles both in the field and water. If you lose sight of each other, this dog will always find its way back to you.
Highlights of the breed:
- Highly energetic, remarkably intelligent, and hard worker
- Versatile—an all-purpose gun dog
- People oriented; hates to be left alone for a long time
- Lifespan: 12-14 years
XI. Labrador Retriever
Even the name suggests this dog’s hunting inclination. Labs might be the ultimate hunting dogs due to their excessive energy, their willingness to go almost anywhere to retrieve the kills, and their love for both land and water. Labs are America’s favorite breed and for good reason: They are always happy, playful, good-natured, and a hard worker.
Highlights of the breed:
- Bred for physically demanding jobs
- Stable temperament; intelligent
- Great fur for cold, rainy weather
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
XII. American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is a rare purebred that is known for its excellent hunting abilities and its easygoing, loyal, kind, and sweet nature. They do great with the companionship of other dogs (since they originally hunted in large packs), while another great feature is the fact that their bark can carry for miles. Additionally, this dog is also a great watchdog and protector.
Highlights of the breed:
- Incredible running skills and boundless stamina
- Willing to chase down anything they’re asked to
- Gentle and tolerant but can be stubborn and independent
- Lifespan: 12-13 years
XIII. Vizsla
This medium-sized dog was originally bred to work in the forest, field, and water, and over time it became a versatile dog of power that was able to fulfill any job. One special characteristic for this dog is their very affectionate nature, which makes them prone to always staying close to the hunter.
Highlights of the breed:
- Superb scenting skills
- Excellent watchdog with great protective instincts
- “Talker”: barks, whines, and moans to make their “opinion” heard
- Lifespan: 10-14 years
XIV. Bluetick Coonhound
Strong, athletic, and agile, these dogs can keep up with a cougar. This breed is perfect for hunting big, fast game, such as mountain lions. They have excellent noses that can pick up on old trails, and they can follow any cougar climbing trees or even on the edge of a cliff. Due to their muscular stature and speed, they are actually capable of killing big prey with ease.
Highlights of the breed:
- Devoted, smart dogs at home and fearless, tenacious pursuers on the trails
- High level of stamina and very powerful
- Hunters first (descendant of various hunting breeds, such as the American Foxhound, Blue de Gascogne Hound, and English Foxhound)
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
Did we miss something? What other breeds would you suggest?
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the Queensland blue heeler is an ideal all around dog, extremely loyal, smart, tough as iron, will do anything the owner teaches it, hunt, guard, heard, do tricks, search & rescue,has an all weather coat, comes in all sizes from 10 pounds to 80 pounds, life span of 12 to 20 years
Australian cattle dog is my choice as it is super loyal and strong and tough as nails and super intelligent. All weather dog with super stamina. I have a blue and a red. Wicked awesome guard and if necessary attack dogs.
I second the Aussie, though blue has always been my favorite.
An “Aussie” is an Australian Shepard.
Australian cattle dogs, the ones I have know, are super dogs.
I’m an Aussie and I have never heard of an Australian Shepard, But I prefer the kelpie slightly smaller build than a Cattle Dog but just as smart and very quick while working more suited to sheep than cattle though
the “Australian shepherd” is the name given to a breed developed in TEXAS U.S.A! they look like a small border collie with the blue merle colour coat, always confused with the real Aussie cattle dog we developed here
Not impressed with the list. Not one mention of the Airedale Terriers who just won dog of the century for this exact scenario. Breed as a do it all dog, mine coyote hunts raccoon hunts duck and pheasant hunts. They are extremely loyal having careers similar to the German Shepard and was one of the first five breed to start in sulzthound . Like Teddy Roosevelt said an Airedale can do anything any other dog can do and probably do it better. Just make sure they come from traditional working lines,
Jim
I had a cross between an American Fox hound and Airedale. He was the best rabbit dog in NE Pa. He was a great guard dog, and family pet. He once defended my mother from an escaped mentally ill mass murderer. He was fearless He once took on a Bobcat and it looked as if he said I know I’ll get hurt, but you will get dead, and he was right. I hope he, my Schnauzer, and my Rottie mix are waiting for me when I cross the rainbow bridge.
Australia Shepherds are an American breed. A mix of Border Collie and blue healer. They were accepted into the American Kennel Club about 20 years ago. Very smart and gorgeous!
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, hunting dog, water dog, very protective, smart and thrive in the outdoors and very high energy…
Always overlooked. They have a drive you dint see in most dogs… much like the malinois..
Chessies are strong, smart, and loyal to death. They absolutely NEVER quit. They are NOT a dog for beginners. All-weather dogs, they will break ice to retrieve. Also a handy partner in crime. Mine used to regularly swim across the lake to stea…I mean “fetch” the neighbor’s boat.
I’ve had Australian Shepherds, Australian Cattle Dogs, and a Texas Heeler. ( Australian Shepherd/Australian Cattle dog mix. The Texas Heeler would lay down its life for us. She was the best dog I ever had. The Australian Cattle dog was a close second.
I agree with you, 100 percent.
I own a purebred female GSD German Shepard. I honestly think they are underated. Especially on this list. They are popular with law inforcement, and the military for a reason. And you do not want to weigh down your dog. Even is the shit does not hit the fan. Can you picture running into a group. Intent on harming you. And your using your poor dog as a pack mule?
I have a Belgium Malinois he is the most loving dog. But he is like a German Shep on crack he is a panther and can climb trees.
Police and Military have gone to them because they don’t have hip problems like Germans.
But if you threaten his Fam he will drag you to the ground and eat you, Quickly.
I have had everything from a wolf to a Newfie and I loved them all but this guy has impressed me Almost too smart. He likes to pick stuff up and make me or kids chase him. Gotta go he just picked the dishes brush out of the sink and wants me to chase hom
I’ve noticed a bit of confusion on Australian Shepherds and Australian Cattle dogs. The history of the Aussie is not exactly known, but it is thought that they were bred in western US by farmers who came over to try their hand at ranching and what not. they are long haired beauties that are slightly larger than border collies and are generally considered one of the best farm dogs alongside the border collie and the Australian cattle dog. They also come in many different color variations but are generally black white and tan tri-color, red white and tan tri-color, red merle, or blue merle. The Australia cattle dog is smaller short haired and very effective. they are smaller because their main use is cattle and when it comes to cattle dogs shorter is better they are both great dogs.
Absolute truth. We have a red heeler and not only is she tough as nails, she is loyal and smart as a whip. She has already learned to open level handle doors for us. She is just now 15 mo old. Loyal to a fault! She is our third one and I dont think any other dog could work for us.
Another breed that great is a Boxer. Very loyal, great with children and adults, very intelligent, has hunting abilities, FEARLESS, very loving, can be trained for almost any duty.
I agree completely.. we have a boxer now and this is our 2nd one. They are extremely loyal and fiercely protectives.. best family dog in my opinion
I agree 100%and I also wanna say, I raised them from a champion mother and dad for about 10 years! They have been the best dog breed I’ve ever raised for kid protection. Doesn’t even have to be your kid, they are just a great breed for the protection of kids.
I have boxers, have had for 20 years. They are wonderful strong and protective. The only drawback, they bark like there is no tomorrow. If noise is a concern, my beloved boxers are not a good choice
My grand uncle, an Army LTC, raised German Boxers post WW2. He had 14 in Berlin during the Berlin air-lift. He took one to Korea with him during that war. Each part of the family had one of his dogs. They were all great dogs. I wouldn’t have any other breed!
one dog that is not very well known but also makes a great SHTF companion is the mountain cur. If you have never owned that breed, you might want to do a search for them.
absolutely correct!
Absolutely, I have a 60 lb female that is the strongest dog, Lb. for Lb. that I have ever been around. Just last week she tore into two coyotes that were chasing my chickens. She hit the biggest one head on and when they quit tumbling, she had him by the throat , shaking him like a rag doll. I dispatched the second one with my 22 mag Ruger revolver, that I always carry on the farm I also humanely finished off the big one she had pretty well killed on her own.
GREAT LOYAL, FEARLESS DOG.
10-4 on the Cur, it goes back to native American Indians. If they have Terrior in them they are tenatous. Have been known to give their life to save the owner during bear attack. HoBo can be in the bed jump straight up, and something has come on the homestead. It does not stay long. Trees squirrels and where his eyes are; shoot in that direction. Does not bother the chickens and only the cows if they come running towards me. He runs a deer just long enough for you to get a shot. You let a fox try to get in the hen house or a rat they have had their worst day. I have had many breed but never one that will do what ever you ask and I mean nobody is going to mess with me or HoBo has just had lunch. REAL JT
You mention only MONSTER size dogs, but make no mention of how one is supposed to be able to provide the vast amounts of food these animals will require.
You simply keep a bevy of small dogs on hand to feed to the monster dog.
my small dogs would put some of the big dogs down
As a person exploring prepping, I would think some of the street wise cross breeds would be ideal. Many large breeds have hip, back & arthritis problems from breeding. Most good survivor dogs in other countries are smaller, 35 to 60 lbs. They have learned to eat just about anything a coyote would eat. And they love their human pack.
How do preppers keep dogs healthy; parasite free?
You would be surprised how little they eat. They may have a lot of energy but they have a slow metabolism
Border Collies aren’t “monster” sized dogs; they’re medium-sized dogs (on the smaller side of medium) and can be lap dogs or picked up and carried. They don’t eat tons of food, yet somehow they’re “Energizer Bunnies” with never-ending energy.
Best hunting/family dog on my list is a Catahoula Leopard Dog! You can take them out hunting all day and when they return home, they’ll guard your family with their life! An American breed, they’re used for hunting wild hogs, and herding. But they’re intelligent enough to learn anything! Standoffish with strangers, but not overly aggressive. They are territorial and loyal.
Absolutely second Catahoulas. We have a houla mix and he’s amazing, with incredible stamina, enough to wear you out, and actually I’m not sue that part is a big plus, because when prepping, conservation of energy is important and some of these high energy breeds can really wear you out and become a liability.
On the other hand they can also save you energy. I use mine to pull me on my bike and he can go 15-20 mph without me pedaling. So if you’re looking for a dog to save you energy and help you cover a lot of ground fast, with less effort, that would be a plus. He’s a handful but we love our Catahoula.
Great tracker (they have hound in them)
Great hunting dog
High stamina,
Short low maintenance hair
The climb trees
Very affectionate, they lean on you.
Great for pest control, they’ll catch and shake the crap out of rats and pests.
Not aggressive
Anatolian Shepherd is another one I would suggest. Guardian Dog. Really works good.
Ditto. An Anatolian is big, protective of his territory and just aggressive enough that strangers don’t want to come on to your property. However, I also have a Chihuahua in the house as an alarm dog.
I have had dachshunds for companionship, but they will be great protectors, they hunt, and will lay their life on the line if a bear or other animal tries to go after you. They were bred to hunt badgers and are absolutely fearless. They love to snuggle, so they keep you warm also. I love the big dogs too. We just lost our black lab that was one of the best dogs we’ve ever had. They’re all valuable, you just have to pick what’s best for you and your lifestyle.
I read something years ago where a guy recommended getting a big dog to run an intruder off, and a small dog to wake the big dog up.
Can’t believe you didn’t mention pit bulls!
Yes!
Very smart dogs. Very loyal dogs. They like their people.
I had a staffie mix that was a great dog. He was a very good dog ,great family dog . If he did not like someone he had a good reason not to. He was very socoal with other dogs and people. He knew when to be on his toes. A great prepper dog and a great dog period. I miss that dog and have fond memories of him.
don’t be confused a pit or Rottweiler is a great fighter but they are only fighters and have almost all the other hunting and tracking instincts breed out of them further more its only 1 in 20 that has sufficient intelligence to be really trainable and even then they are very hard to train. now don’t get me wrong in those rare occasions when you get a above average intelligence pit and its been well trained they can be friendly loyal and protective. but its less than 1 in 20 that you should trust and even then not with a person that doesn’t out weigh them. (in my opinion this is the most difficult breed for a human to establish and maintain alpha status with)
Pit Bulls are NOT stupid – they are just stubborn so people who don’t know how to train an animal and be the alpha themselves, then think that they are stupid.
My Rottie is a crossbreed with unknown heritage. I found her in the woods while hunting 12 years ago. She is a100+ lbs. She is SMART. She knows how large she is and her tail is a lethal weapon, so when she is around little children she sits, and lets them Maule her. I did teacher her to stop and look both ways before crossing a road. She protected me from another dog that attacked for no reason. I know all dogs are different , but if I can not have a Rottie I want a Black Mouth Cur. Big strong and loyal.
I agree with you 100% the APBT is an awesome breed it will do anything to please the owner, they are smart ,fearless, and most of all loyal I have been involved with the breed since the late 1970’s in my humble opinion only dog worth feeding. I suppose it is left out due to the negative press the breed has received.
Pits are the best. I’ve had a lot of the breeds mentioned through out the years and I would say hands down I pick my pit. Yes, she is very stubborn and her personality is very human like and she is definitely the smartest dog I’ve owned. Let’s not forget very loyal.
Catahoula. Great for tracking/hunting boar and deer, they are smart and loyal
The Brazilian mastiff gets my vote. They’re big, strong, very way going and super protective. My boy has kept an attacker off me once and stopped a Breslin to our home.
Short haired, smart and easily trainable. And pretty!
Easy-going* and break in*. Sheesh, typos.
my favorite is a Anatolian Shepherd, herding, large enough breed. good with my family
They don’t herd, though. They guard the flock.
I consider Airedales, from reputable breeders, to be nearly ideal for all around dogs for preppers. Can hunt pretty much anything from rabbits and squirrels up to deer, elk, cougar, and bear. Even water fowl, as they were originally a ‘water dog’.
Great with kids, protecting all children and elderly, not just those in ‘their’ family. Intelligent, loyal, protective, friendly, but wary of strangers until introduced as ‘okay’.
Well known for their exploits in WW I and other wars as war dogs and couriers.
Medium size breed, not too prone to major health issues, if from reputable breeders.
Just my opinion.
Brave to the point of stupidity. Protective. Very athletic. Versatile hunting dog. And, uh, they’ll sure kill any possums or rats that wander by. 🙂
Cool critters.
I had an Airedale fox hound cross. He was the best hunting dog in NE PA. He was a hell of a fighter. He killed a 20-30 pound bobcat,and a German Sheppard that out weighed him by at least 20 pounds. He lived to be 18. As he aged he developed arthritis, so hunting was very limited. The vet put him on 3 aspirin every 4 hours. Today we are told not to give aspirin to dogs. He lived 5-6 years on the aspirins. He died in 1959 and the few old timers left still talk about that Spike dog.
My house insurance company’s black list includes German shepherds, dobermans, Akitas, and malamutes among their list of 14 “bad dog” breeds. I was told that about 1/3 of all home insurance claims were generated by dog bites. I’velearned that there are some insurance companies + Michigan and Pennsylvania, that don’t ban any breeds.
SHEPARD MIXED WITH CHOW IS THE BEST DOG I HAVE SEEN AROUND VERY LOYAL VERY PROTECTIVE SMART I HAVE A APARTMENT COMPLEX AND HE LEARNED WHO LIVED THERE AND WHO DIDNT BELONG AND NEW TENANTS HE WOULD ALSO LEARN THEM
My personal favorite is a Borzoi. Bred in Russia to be both protectors and hunters of small game, which they will bring back to their master every single time. Easy to train and extremely loyal and look like an overgrown collie. I used to take my Borzois out to the country and let them do my hunting for me. One even brought me back a yearling deer! Large, long haired dog, can grow to 36″ at the shoulders. Avg. lifespan is about 12 years. Only downfall I can find with them is they are susceptible to human influenza, and that can kill them.:-(
What about Livestock Guardian Dogs? You totally ignored these wonderful soldiers. I am surrounded by national forests, have horses, chickens and goats. NEVER had a predation problem. We have Cougar, Black Bear, feral pigs, feral dogs. Never lost any stock.
I ALWAYS have an LGD around. I prefer the Great Pyr because they are really instinctive. Don’t make the best guard dogs for humans, they are more interested in threats to the animals they protect but, that’s why I have German Pinschers. The alarm is going off with them quickly to give me time to react to a threat when someone sets foot on my place a half a mile away. They are medium sized and as alert as they come. Great at taking out vermin. I like my Brittanys for bird hunting. Again a medium dog. You can feed them with what you hunt. All of them. Also, the eggs and some products I’m producing will keep them fed.
Anatolians are probably better at guarding humans than are Great Pyrs. Scariest barks (if you can call their hell screams barks) when a threat is close that you’ll ever hear from a dog.
Our 2 great pyr’s are WONDERFUL protectors of humans both elderly and children. We raised them in the country and years later moved to the city ?, ANY youngster that has a problem and enters our gated yard is TOTALLY safe. We live across the street from a city park & MANY children have found safety from bullies, would be kidnappers,etc. In our yard ! So I contradict them NOT being great for protection. Also our oldest pyr took on 6 coyotes stalking the livestock on our farm and WON with only minimal injuries ! I also have the greatest respect for many of the other breeds mentioned here. They are All terrific breeds ?.
Any of the Belgian breeds: Groenendael, Malinois, and Tervuren. The Lakinois is less known and not recognized in the US.
They are mostly used now as protection (Police and Military.) They are highly intelligent and want to please. They need to be with their ‘pack/people.’ And they NEED a JOB!
Life span: 10 to 14 years.
Malinois are a great choice. I have 2 Dutch Shepherds and they are outstanding protectors.
I have a blue heeler and a catahoula leopard dog. Tough as nails, especially the catahoula. They are used to hunt wild boar and coon, and they make good cattle dogs same as the heeler. Very loyal.
English Shephard: long breed as a cross between a border collie and a German shephard, you get the best mix of a working dog and a fierce protector. Highly intelligent and must be given a job or purpose or will become bored and destrucive. Fiercely loyal. Willing to hunt, herd or work beside you in all situations.
having raised australian shepherds they are great dogs as well….very motavated learns quickly and learns also by observing people…used in search and rescue …..another is great pyr….another lgd (livestock guardian dogs) same group as anatolin shepherds….look a lot like a big fluffy polar bear…these dogs are capable of foraging and feeding themselves….being low metabolism dogs they require no more food then most midsize dogs….very intelligent reason things out……
Completely agree! My dog is a mix of blue healer and Catahoula cur. She is very smart, loyal, sweet to her family. She has different barks for her “pack” vs extended family she knows are friendly vs complete strangers
Aussies every time for me.
Have an ancient female and a mid-aged male, more like a stubborn donkey that never leaves dad’s side.
terriers are my favourite dogs.
I have had several Dobermans – They are my favorite of all dog breeds but not a prepper dog- not very weather resistant. I bred and shown Akita’s,their temperament is very stubborn and too twitchy and they are extremely dog aggressive, worse than Pit Bulls which I have had also. I really like Pit Bulls, great family dogs but have the same problem as Dobermans, not weather resistant and can be dog aggressive. My vote for prepper dog would be Australian Cattle Dogs or Queenslands, compact size, weather resistant, easy keepers, protective with herding abilities, extremely loyal and willing to please and are ok in a pack. Better to have 2 or 3 mid-size dogs rather than 1 big dog, More eyes and ears and more intimidating for strangers to be confronted with 2 or 3 dogs than one and harder to take out. Followed by non-American German Shepards. I’ve had all these breeds and have thought about the hardiest,healthiest and most low maintenance and fairly common to acquire.
I only have one thing to say….Catahoula, Catahoula, Catahoula.
I have one thing to say… Canaan Canaan Canaan they are bred for herding but make excellent guard dogs etc… Very loyal and affectionate
I think know Saint Bernard is the most awesome dog there is. Smart, Loyal, and very obedient. Wonderful to there family and kind to their owners friends once they understand. Also another great dog is the Norwegian Elkhorn. Medium in size, loves the snow, and is very loyal to their family.
My favorite breed after having many dogs are the Mastiffs. They are loyal, easy going, don’t need alot of space. They love children, but like all dogs should be watched because of their size. They are guard dogs simply by size but do it by instinct. They should not be bought our rescued without real information on the gentle giants, I don’t recommend getting any dog without research. But my two Mastiffs have taught me that I will be a Mastiff house forever.
Bouviers deflandre is up, for consideration
Every dry dog listed here is is worthy of consideration and can be great family dogs. However, most of the breeds listed require an alpha leader who will be in charge and who will give good consistent training. If a person cannot take the time to train and is unable to be the leader, it will be best to pass on these breeds.
Boerboel
Rodents will be a major problem after a disaster and/or when our modern living conditions permanently deteriorate…. I’ll take a pack of 20-30 pound terriers ….
My fox terrier stands back and watches my Cavalier (a supposed bird dog) catch gophers and mice.
Dachshund (wiener dog) bred for hunting small prey such as rabbits, and to wriggle down into their burrows to get them. This dog is excellent for smaller groups where killing larger game such as deer would just be a waste (a small group without preservation methods won’t be able to eat a deer in a reasonable amount of time, not to mention, if on foot, carrying it around)
I have Siberian Huskies and a wolf hybrid. There is no game they can’t run down and kill and are good for transportation when equipped. They I can travel with them at incredible speed on most ant path or road and when SHTF there won’t be ant traffic.
Mastador…a cross between a Mastiff and a Labrador Retriever. They tend to get the best traits of both breeds.
Best dog I ever had. Great with family members, protective, loyal and a little intimidating.
I wouldn’t trade my three for anything I have a Mini Aussi, Boxer, and a Black mouth Cur. Think i got all my areas covered.
Curs early homesteaders found them extremely valuable. I have a Cur/Lab mix. Very protective, squirrel dog, jumps deer but will not run them gives you a shot. Runs molds out of yard and keeps other preditors away from the chickens.
Check out my above comment about my Mountain Cur that killed a coyote that was after my chickens. Great dog.
Another hit for the Cur. When rodents are uncontrollable a Cur can hear a mole underground, then cat walk until the spot is right; then he pulls out his backend loader. The rodent flies up in the air dead from the paw thrust. A gentleman takes a gang of Curs to farms that are overrun with rats, etc and at the end of the day he collects his money and the gang goes home. Early settlers the women would carry their Cur pups in there pocket books while traveling in wagon to relocate. Worth Googling
In my mind there ios only one choice. The South African Mastiff, called the Boerboel, was bred for family protection and farm protection in South Africa. Females run 130 to 150 pounds. Males are 145 to 170 pounds. They love children, are gentle and very trainable, But, they are the most ferocious dog I have ever seen when protection is needed. They look similar to English Mastiffs, but are MUCH more active and energetic. And, no, they don’t eat all that much. Over the years, I have owned three in sequence. They are WONDERFUL!
Chuck, your completly right about the South African Boerboel its a perfect survival dog and you can come in, but never leave.
(my dog) Is a great hunter, but i never had a better watchdog than My Boerboel, i have kids and grandkids and they can walk over her and she dont care, but try to slap them and she is in between.
Love her to pieces and she is wonderfull
The Anatolian LGDs have similar characteristics. Generally good with kids, and are maybe even more vigilant guardians than Boerboels.
Great Pyrenees are grentle, loyal dogs. They will guard whoever and whatever they are raised with – children, sheep, cattle, etc. They must be socialized from a young age or they can become overly protective of family members. A Great Pyrenees recently protected his sheep from 12 coyotes. He was battered but survived. Pyrs combine Incredible courage with a loving, gentle dusposition. We trained our two as Therapy Dogs. They are favorites on their visits to hospitals, and rehab and memory care facilities. In spite of their size, and fur shedding, they are house dogs, live harmoniously with our 3 cats, and lovecall kids. As guardians as opposed to being guard dogs, they are not banned by insurance companies as are many other large breeds. Their main reason for being given to shellters is their loud bark. They have Superman hearing and incredible situational awareness.
I have a fairly new breed. The Do go Argentino is an excellent breed. Well rounded for whatever the need.
I also own two Dogo mix breeds. Am VERY impressed with them. They can actually be used for anything, hunting, tracking, water dogs, and last but not least, PROTECTION. They know no fear and can back it up.
Anatolian Shepherds are my dogs of choice. Are livestock guard dogs weighing between 120 – 150lbs. They can run 2 miles at full speed and regularly take out lions, wolves, and coyotes. Ranchers in US and Africa use these dogs to protect livestock. They’re saving big cat populations by keeping them off homesteads and away from livestock where they get shot. They can run down anything but a greyhound. Mine sent a very large black bear from coming over my fence. Wolves stay away from your property when these dogs are there.
One breed no one mentioned was Beagle. While they will never be a great dog for protection,they always let you know when something or some one comes calling. They can be trained to hunt any thing from rabbits to deer and even hogs. ( they will chase them but should not try to take the down) There are every few dogs that are as mellow and loving as a beagle.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Had the same attributes of the Bernese only he is short haired ( makes for less grooming) and he is dry mouthed which means no drool. These dogs have been known to pull up to 4000 lbs. Mine loves to backpack. Carries his own supplies as well as some of mine.
You should mention the Bouvier De Flanders although they were almost destroyed during WWII. Hitler ordered them shot on site because the breed was so helpful to the Dutch in
WWL. They were developed in the early 1300s to be the all purpose do for the Flanders farmer. They can herd, pull carts and protect the family at night. They do not shed. Mine have kept us warm on some cold when the power went out. a true al purpose dog but rare in the working world now
They are great dogs, and gorgeous.
People who state “facts” about pitbull breeds with no sources are wasting everyone else’s time.
Pitbull breeds are loyal, courageous, and smart. They are also great companions. I can’t speak to their hunting abilities beyond chasing varmin, but they are wonderful companions. Companionship is something that isn’t given much cinsideration in this article. Where they lack is durability in cold weather.
A breed I’m surprised hasn’t been mentioned is the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Smart, DURABLE, and courageous. Ideal survival dog in my opinion.
two other dogs not mentioned are the south african Boerbol (Brilliant dogs!) and the Aussie Bull Arab
Bottom Line. There is no better dog for when the Shit Hits the Fan Than a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Period.
1. If you actually really and truly care about this subject and aren’t just throwing out, “oh..I love this little doggy. Fido was such a good boy. Why come nobody mentioned him?”, then research CBR. Where they come from and the job and duties it was bred to do.
2. The toughest dog to ever live.
3. Swim in sub freezing water all day long.
4. Zero maintenance coat. ZERO. Nothing sticks to it. Nothing. No burs..ever. No matting..ever. Double, oiled, short coat.
5. Strength and Stamina and Endurance and a will to come through that is untouchable.
6. Guard and protect ’til the death. Unique in bred to also instinctively do this with dead game. Transfers possession and ownership of game from owner to self.
7. Ability to think for itself. Problem solving. Unique individual. Unconditionally devoted and loyal to it’s one owner. Takes instruction from it’s one owner.
8. Looks you in the eye..every..single..morning and says, “I’m your partner. I’m in this to win this. Let’s do this together. I love you. I’ll die for you.”
9. There is NO QUIT in a Chessie!!
10. Not a dog for jackasses. They demand respect. They deserve respect. They have an independent thinking brain and personality. They will not be demeaned. They will not be abused. It is a negotiated partnership and if you give them love and you give them respect and you treat them like a partner, they are absolutely trainable.They work with you. Along side you. But it’s like this. They learn and know the job. The end result. The start. But in between, they exercise their own brain to figure it out.
11. Not for everyone. Not for suburban hell. Not for egomaniacs. Not for yellers and beaters and scolders. It is NOT a lab.
11. To be by your side. To be your buddy. To go through it together. To be your partner. To be your friend. Til the end.
12. It’s like that old saying. What do you do if you find yourself in hell? Keep going.
And if you ever find yourself in that situation. You’ll want a Chessie by your side.
You should read up on the Dogo Argentino. They are relatively new breed. I haven’t found very much they are not capable of.
II have two Dogo’s. Both female rescue dogs. Best breed I have ever had. They are not for first time dog owners. You need to understand how to train them. You will ruin them if you try just punishment and brute force. I have never, ever, seen a more tenacious , determined dog breed. Have heard stories of a Dogo being gored by a boar hog and their entrails dragging behind them and they would not quit attacking the hog.
I have 2 chessies. I am on my third and fourth. I couldn’t agree more… They listen do me and me only. Spent alot of money training them and on going. They are a ride or die partner. Me and my girl are safe anywhere we go and at home i dare anyone to try. 🙂 you can almost watch them process while doing a task. Love them. They can be friendly when needed but kick ass when the time comes.
I’ve read good things about the Chessie. If somebody is in a cold area they should be considered. However I would give 1 big caveat with Chesapeake’s and some of the other breeds mentioned here. Can you give them the outlet for their energy that they require currently. It’s one thing to have a high energy dog when things go haywire and you will have a bunch of work for them. But another if you currently are so busy your never home.
No one has mentioned Beagles. A very loyal friendly hound. Can be trained to hunt anything from rabbits to birds to big game. Only thing it is not good at is water fowl. I will admit they are not good protection but will give you lots of notice if someone/thing gets near.
Look up the Border Terrier. They are tough hardy little dogs from the English borders with Scotland. Bred to keep up with Foxhounds then go to ground to fox, control vermin on farms, flush rabbits. No breed faults at all eg dodgy hips etc wiry coat to protect them in foul weather and from thorns and brambles were working in cover the coat is plucked by hand so no grooming needed. Faithful and great alarm dogs when someone calls! Brave but very feisty. With other dogs!
I have a German Shepherd. He’s a good boy.
What about the DogoArgentino? It is an awesome family dog and a great hunting dog and is extremely protective and loyal. It was bred for all these reasons but also bred powerful and fast to run after bears.
I have a 11 mo old Shiba Inu/Jack Russel. Tough as nails and super smart, loyal and protective. She is being trained well. She had to learn quickly to give up on “ruling the roost with me” & taking a protectective stance with most people we come in contact with. She’s not aggressive. Ignores people unless they want to pet her, then she gives a quiet little growl. She has no need to have their attention or be everyone’s friend but mine & my own friends. She sees me, as her job. Pleasing and protecting me. She is 15 pounds and a perfect companion.
My selection is bound to raise some hackles (or laughter) due to modern public perception, but Standard Poodles deserve some consideration.
1) Originally bred for hunting/retrieving water fowl.
2) Known for being ‘sensibly protective’ (I’d prefer a dog to take direction when facing a bear and NOT be so eager to sacrifice herself for me).
3) Currently rated as the #1 most intelligent dog on earth.
I’ve…engaged in some comprehension experiments/training and they’re capable of picking up what I’d call ‘advanced’ understanding of English. And color recognition.
4) Very, very motivated people-pleasers.
5) Can tell the difference between a stray cat outside your door and a raccoon or mountain lion; reacts not to the cat; makes a fuss at the presence of a true threat. Would probably try to engage that threat, if allowed.
6) Does not like strange men in your home after dark.
7) Very loud bark when warning you; much quieter woof-talking in normal times.
8) Does not growl unnecessarily.
9) Coat does well in rain and water. Fur grows endlessly and will require snipping, although in a SHTF scenario, I somehow think precision of cut will not be a strong requirement – unless you’re bartering with Show People.
Basically they’re friendly dogs, but react if someone ‘shouldn’t be there’. Sensibly protective.
On the Giant Schnauzers who made the List, it should be noted that they have grooming requirements – that fur will Not stop growing! But they’re hypo-allergenic. When developing the Schnauzer breed, some Poodle was added in and they inherited the traits of hypo-allergenic, people-pleasing, and grooming requirements.
I read an article about a guy in Georgia that had to give up his retrievers due to getting a wife with allergies. However she had a Standard Poodle that he trained to hunt and now uses Standard Poodles to successfully hunt water fowl.Good dogs if you can keep them groomed decent. They have hair instead of fur so it never stops growing. That and from what I have read they have high exercise requirements. Good if your able to hunt them often. At one time I thought about trying to get one for my wife to take with her when she rides her wheelchair up and down the road. But I’m not sure that would be enough exercise for the dog. Sense her last surgery she has been staying in more in the winter though. The little JR/Lapsa mix we have now will let her know if anybody gets close but its to small to do much if she ever needed any real protection. Thankfully where we live is still a low crime area.
I have had several miniature poodles, a Golden Retriever (In that lovely tan color not those white, squared faced types) a dachshund and two Belgian Malinois. And I have been exposed to a few other breeds some whose capabilities have been much misaligned or over rated based on what people know.
I believe the way a dog behaves and relates to it’s owner more often depends on how the owner/s raised the dog. If you raise a dog well and you relate to it, you can have a good dog with or without skills.
I find lists like these annoying because they are based on what breed books tell us about the expected characteristics of a given breed. And for the most part they are based on years of observation, but they are books written by a single person who can’t possibly account for every dog bred and trained or never trained and thus it excludes changes in behavior.
So that being said, never ever expect an explanation of any breed to be a guarantee of that dog’s capabilities or behavioral characteristics or quirks. This explain why so many trainers talk about making evaluations before they buy a dog or begin training one. And on the flip side if someone hates a breed I chock it up to personal preference and personality. Personally I like dogs just because they are dogs, but some are easier to train and again, for me, hyper dogs are annoying, but they have energy, so you work with what you got.
Frank, I could not agree with you more! I have had all sorts of dogs, all breeds, from pure bred, to Heinz 57, as my dad used to call them. . It doesn’t matter WHAT breed you have, as long as you love them and take care of them. Dogs are loyal, no matter what, as long as they feel loved and protected themselves.
I work at a veterinary clinic and I have to strongly disagree with the inclusion of the Chinese Shar Pei due to extreme unhealthiness. Most of these dogs have some form of nasty immune system problem. In my 18 yrs in a veterinary workplace, I have seen very few exceptions.
This article overlooks the benefits of small dogs to preppers. Almost any of the small terriers are fabulous watch dogs, don’t require much food and can pay their way controlling the vermin that eat your food supply. They are naturally healthy with long life spans. They don’t back down from a fight. You can feed several of them for the same amount of food it takes to feed a single giant dog.
We have had Pom’s that seemed to be able to sense when cars turned down our street, stray cats in the back yard, when packages were delivered, and anything going on like storms that would be here in 30-60 min. One female would back down from nothing. Small, lovable, eat s little, minimal grooming, and other good traits.
I have had dogs for about sixty years. Viszlas are great dogs. Very easy to train, loyal, protective and great hunters of everything. I now have a Black Russian Terrier, bred by the Russians as a military and police dog. I’m surprised that you did not mention them. My boy is 140 lb., tough as nails, smart as a whip, has tremendous stamina, can be stuborn.
I think this is a flawed list.
I think a SHTF dog would look much like the dogs that survived for humans before civilization specialized us (and them) to particular jobs. To see example of these breeds, look to those that have either KEPT that all purpose role through time (basenji, new guinea singing dog, and dingo) or who have rediscovered it due to the poverty of the people and or the fact that the dogs were simply allowed to pick their own mates and the people made them do multiple jobs (mountain curs, feists, indian dogs).
I’d look to dogs with the above characteristics and I’d also want them to be medium sized 25-45 pounds. I’d think they should excel at supplementing their own meals, their size means they should do well on scraps and their own kills.
The best strategy would be to have them live semi wild- relying on their human packs for food. They should know the benefit of hunting with you (they can find it better but you can shoot it out of the tree). Also an outside pack has the benefit of alerting you to danger without letting the danger know where you are. If I’m sneaking into your land/ territory and I hear the chorus of barking dogs about me, I know that you know I’m here and I have no idea where you are. The ideal dogs will me smart enough to harass the intruder and not attack. Assuming you’re armed, that’s the best case scenario because the human will either be snuck up on and dispatched, or he will leave. The big mean dog will get shot whether or not he also bites me.
That sustainable, sensible semi wild pack is what all our dogs were and would return to if we stopped choosing their mates.
I’ll stick with my APBT.
Whats your thoughts on the Dogo Argentino? Theyre good family dogs, very strong, extremely loyal and very protective. People use them for chasing down bears.
I have a Golden Collie (Border Collie / Golden Retriever Mix). I have found that you get the best of both worlds with this dog breed, a perfect all around dog. Now that I have one, this is my go to breed!
I have boxers, have had for 20 years. They are wonderful strong and protective. The only drawback, they bark like there is no tomorrow. If noise is a concern, my beloved boxers are not a good choice
You’ve consistently omitted the American Bulldog. They were originally bred as working dogs. American Bulldogs are the ultimate jacks.of all trades; hearding, hunting and protection they can do it all. Drawbacks? They need 6-8 cups of food per day and they are very stubborn. It takes patience and experience to train them so not a good choice for a novice.
Although you made good assesments on the dog breeds , I have to disagree with the Sharpei. They are phenomenal dogs to have, but not known to be affectionate, and yes incredibly stubborn. Only dogs trainers should tacke this breed, also, vets since they are extreemly sickly and their eyes need surgery perhaps at least a couple of times in their lives since the wrinkle skin rolls inward into the eye and will destroy the corneas with the eye lashes, so they have to cut some eye lid to keep their eyes opened and the wrinkles get lots of problems and need steroids to keep the diseases of the skin away, which will destroy their kidneys and shorten their lives to half if that much, Like short muzzle nose dogs, our of mercy, they should not be bred because they have lots of respiratory difficulties.
And a vet I know says that, if they get injured,”it’s like sewing jello”.
the one breed you did not mention is the Dachshund. they maybe small but lb. for lb. they are to be reckened with. they are loyal,smart and very protective. I own 6 that are Jack russell and doxie mix. and no one comes in my yard that don’t know.
My wife and I had a lot of different dogs in our life, German Shepard, Blue and Red Healers, German Rots, etc, etc, Currently My Wife and I have a pair of full sisters, half border Collie, and Red Healer. All of them dogs we have had, were very good work dogs, on cows, hunting the high country, and house protection. The current sisters have to be the top of our list, they follow hand directions, come back on just a whistle, and one of the comments above, they seem to know what we are thinking without us telling them. We have had since they each were just six or seven weeks old, Know one thing for sure, the mind a lot better than any of our kids did.
Another one that is a lot like a Boarder Collie, would be a Shetland Sheep dog. I used to raise and breed them for years. Yes, they are very full of energy, playful, and very loving, but also great for herding anything you have around your homestead. Cattle, sheep, KIDS. . lol. . We had 5 of them at one time, and 2 kids. They all kept the kids herded up, and would lay their lives on the line for either of my girls. One time, I was out front with my little one, with my Alpha female, and someone that we didn’t know came up to me. She stepped between the man and myself, and did not take her eyes off him until he walked away. Then she sat down calmly again. Great dogs for that.
I’ve had a St. Bernard that was smart, loving, and would defend you to the end but if any dog came between her and her meal the dog became the meal. I’ve had a Collie, Border Collie, Sheltie, 2 Australian Sheep Dogs, Shiatsu, Shih-Poo, Pomeranian, Maltese, American Eskimo, Siberian Huskie, and Spitz. The herding dogs were smart, protective, and great with people. The small breeds not so much. My greatest love was my Sheltie because she’d herd my daughter and pull on her diaper to sit her down if she thought she was getting out of hand. One of my small dogs had a problem with nipping at my child and barking, but she was a very loving and protective lap dog. My Pom was my most favorite small dog. Oddly he never barked, never bit, and was a little lover. I was a farm girl and always had lots of dogs. Let’s hope the end of the world never comes though we always prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
Curious as to why you didn’t include standard poodles?
I like standard poodles, airdales, and chessies too. They would all be appropriate for this list IMHO, for the right owners and purposes.
I like smart, trainable, easy to maintain/low maintenance, working dogs that are quiet, barking only to alert me to either an approaching perceived threat, or to only bark on hunts when prey is treed or cornered and will retrieve. And I wanted companionable personalities that get along with both people and other animals in our household without either unnecessarily endangering strangers or being overly friendly with strangers either.
So: quiet, clean, low maintenance, trainable, well mannered,, that actually work with me for safety and provision.
Mountain Feist and Black Mouth Cur just cannot be beat in SHTF/TEOTWAWKI as meeting these requirements both by being naturally quiet but appropriate discretionary barkers, and as excellent hunting companions
The only other dog I hope to add to this family will eventually will be a Livestock Guardian, breed to be determined.
My choice American pitbull, Blue Heeler n Jack Russell. I have all 3. A pit is obedient,, loyal, loving, protective, quiwt, intelligent n powerful. After all they were bred to take down a bull or a hog. Jack Russell’s n Heelers have the same traits as a pit, of course not a powerful. All 3 breeds if you train them right, are excellent pets for when SHTF, even with kids. These are my recommendations for 4 leg protection. I have always owned pitbulls n you couldn’t get a better loving protector.
I’ve had many different dogs over the years. All have their personalities. Most were mixed breeds and rescues or adopted strays. Every one was loyal. The one constant is how they bond to you.
One Queensland came to my gate with a chain on its neck. One bowl of water and he never left. He was kinda gross and nicknamed Bugar. He had a character of sneaking up from behind and protecting his companion dogs.
Take care of them and they will take care of you.