Need a guard dog to protect you? Some of them look really scary….

Find out what are the most fierce dog in the world that will scare your enemy away, and if you have anyone of the breed of your own, feel free to share your thoughts about them.

1. Tibetan Mastiff

Country of Origin: Himalayan Mountains, Tibet and China (QingHai)

Coat: Long and thick coat, can stay in very cold environment and sleep soundly in snow land

Temperament: The native strain of dog, which still exists in Tibet, and the Westernized breed can vary in temperament. The native Tibetan breed can be ferocious and aggressive, unpredictable in their behavior, and very difficult to train. But the dogs bred by the English are obedient and attached to their masters. They are fearless, strong, powerful, defensive towards stranger and protective towards the owner, a fierce family protector

Brief History: This breed has the name for “Dog of God” or “Dog of Heaven”. The breed from western country is more used as a village guardian and protector of flocks, the Tibetan Mastiff was introduced in England in the mid-1800s, when one was sent to Queen Victoria. One hundred years later two of these dogs were sent to President Eisenhower. The breed was registered with the AKC in 2005.

2. Caucasian Mountain Dog

Country of Origin: Russia and Caucasus

Coat: Has a double coat consisting of longer, coarse outer guard hairs and dense undercoat made up of soft, fine hair

Temperament: Strong-minded, powerful and massive, this breed can prove to be a difficult breed for an inexperienced owner. It respects and obeys only those dominant members of the family that it deems superior to itself. The dog develops a strong bond with its owner but will rarely be completely submissive and blindly follow orders, for this is truly a thinking dog which relies primarily on its own instincts, sometimes even disregarding its master’s directions in certain situations. They are territorial and suspicious of strangers, and will protect their flock, family, and property from danger–real or perceived–with lightning-quick speed. The breed is said to have an uncanny ability to discriminate between true threat and benign interference. In other words, the Caucasian Mountain Dog is able to exercise good judgment provided he has been given the proper socialization, training, and experience on which to base this judgment.

Brief History: Living in herd for the past few decades in Caucasus. The breed has existed since ancient times. This large sheepdog is most likely one of the most direct descendants of the Tibetan Mastiff, which was introduced in Russia during the Asian invasions. Their job is to guard the flock and sheep from enemies and other animals.

3. Neopolitan Mastiff (Neo)

Country of Origin: Italy

Coat: Short, hard, shiny, usually not longer than 1 inch

Temperament: Steady, loyal, calm and watchful. This breed is definitely not for the first-time dog owner. Though the body can be quite big for an adult dog (can go from 2 pounds to to 150 pounds in 2 years!). However, they can move real fast and agility that anyone can hardly escape if he wanted to attack. Whereas another breed of dog might simply just bite the arm of a perceived intruder, the Neo might leave with the arm!

The Neo is a guard dog by breeding and is protective by nature. He is a working dog originally bred and utilized as a guardian and defender of the owner, family and property. Although originally bred as a protection dog he has a steady temperament and is loyal.

Brief History: One of the oldest dog breeds recorded in written history. Traced back to the end of the first century in Italy.

This breed has little changed in almost 2000 years, whereas other dog breeds have died out, or been cross bred to keep the breed alive, the Mastiff has undergone very little change other than coat color.

In ancient Roman times, Mastiffs were used as both guard dogs, and fighting gods. Although little documentation exists to support it, it is believed that the Mastiff was pitted against leopards, as a blood spectator sport. With their huge heads, strong necks and muscular bodies, the Mastiff often succeeded in destroying the leopard. First described by Columella as a guard dog with ‘amplissimus corporis’ which literally meant the dogs head was bigger than its body. In ancient times this large head signified that the Mastiff was an excellent guard dog and in fact they are still used for that purpose today.

4. Fila Brasilero or Brasilian Mastiff

Country of Origin: Brazil

Coat: Smooth and short coat

Temperament: Courageous, powerful, extremely loyal and protective to owner. Some can be quite dominant and have their independent mind. Same with above, they need a confident, experienced owner. They can show aggression to stranger.

Brief History: The Fila Brasileiro’s ancestors were brought into Brazil by the Portuguese conquistadores. The breed was created in the 19th century through existing mastiff and bullenbeisser stock, crossbred with Bloodhound. Reportedly, they are also excellent tracking dogs and were used to track Brazilian slaves and fugitives. When the Fila finds its quarry it does not attack, but rather holds it at bay until the hunter arrives.

5. Perro de Presa Canario

Country of Origin: Canary Islands, Gran Canaria

Coat: The ideal coat is medium length and “rustic,” that is, slightly coarse to the touch.

Temperament: They can be aggressive towards strangers and other animals. They have strong character and are dominant animals requiring early socialization and obedience training. Quite challenging to be trained and required firm and confident owner.

Brief History: There has been no clear history of the origin of the breed. However, it could have been crossed with the Mastiff and other English dogs brought to the Islands by visitors and colonists, creating the foundation for the modern Presa Canario.