All dogs are good dogs and most get along with their own human families just fine. While most breeds enjoy receiving affection from the people they know and love, their craving of attention from people stops there. Many breeds were created to be suspicious of strangers and therefore do not enjoy accepting affection from people they don’t know. These breeds are very loyal and loving to their families, but care must be taken when introducing them to people they aren’t familiar with.
#1 – Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier is a herding breed from Belgium, but it has also been used as a police dog, guard dog and even a carting dog. They are intelligent, loyal dogs that are protective by nature. They are even-tempered but wary of strangers, so care must be taken when introducing them to new people. Although the dogs seem intimidating, they are generally friendly once they feel comfortable around their new friends.
#2 – Chinese Shar-Pei
The Shar-Pei is easily recognized by its unique wrinkles, a feature that has gained it some popularity. They are an ancient breed traditionally used as hunting, guarding and fighting dogs. Today, they remain aloof and suspicious towards strangers, but early socialization can combat this. Still, they are prone to becoming territorial and aggressive if left to raise themselves.
#3 – Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is another Chinese breed and was a general all-purpose working dog. Used for herding, hunting, pulling and guarding they still maintain a temperament that leaves them wary of strangers. They are naturally protective of their owners and properties, so use caution when introducing them to strangers. Adequate socialization throughout the life of the dog will decrease its tendency towards aggressive behavior.
#4 – Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is small but mighty. They are very active, curious dogs that enjoy spending time with their families. Although lively and affectionate towards their human families, they are also very protective and can be stubborn when warming up to strangers. They are confident and territorial, even with their toys, and are generally not recommended for families with children.
#5 – Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is a noble livestock guardian dog, used for protecting sheep from wolves, big cats and bears. They are steadfastly loyal to their families, but extremely protective of their property and any livestock around the home. This large breed is powerful and was developed to work independently and courageously, therefore potential owners should be aware that they are generally unwelcoming towards strangers. When socialized adequate at a young age, they can adapt to companion life.
#6 – Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a large working breed originally developed to be a loyal protector. Also used in military and law enforcement, these dogs are very wary of strangers. They are naturally protective and will courageously defend their owners from a perceived threat, so care must be taken when introducing them to strangers. In recent years, their temperaments have been bred to be softer and more sociable, although some family lines are still bred for their guarding abilities.
#7 – Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a giant, powerful breed used as a livestock guardian. Like other livestock guardian breeds, they are naturally protective of strange humans and animals and will courageous defend against any threat. Time and effort must be put into adequate socializing and training these dogs when they are young should one expect them to become social members of the family. Tibetan Mastiffs can be aggressive towards strangers and should always have supervised introductions. That said, they are deeply loyal and affectionate to their families.
Toledo, United States.
