Dominant dogs
Dominant dog breeds often have a strong personality and a strong will, which requires clear leadership and consistent training. In this article, you will find out which breeds are considered dominant and what it takes to turn these dogs into balanced and reliable companions.
What does "dominant" mean in dog breeds?
Dominant dog breeds are characterized by their strong personality and strong will. These dogs often feel the need to make their own decisions and therefore need clear leadership and structure. Without consistent training, they may try to take the lead in the household, which is a challenge for their owners.
Why choose a dominant breed?
Dominant dogs are not only confident, but often loyal and protective. They have a natural ability to be alert and are reliable companions if trained correctly. For experienced dog owners who enjoy challenges and training, dominant breeds can be an asset.
15ü Dog breeds that are known to be dominant, with pictures
Below we introduce you to some of the most dominant dog breeds. We look at their characteristics, what to look out for when keeping them and tips on how to do justice to these confident dogs.
Bandog

The Bandog is a strong, self-confident dog that shows a strong protective instinct and a high degree of loyalty to its family. This breed requires clear, experienced leadership and consistent training, as it can be prone to dominant behavior. With the right training, the Bandog is a reliable and vigilant companion that protects its family well.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a large, independent and protective dog that was originally bred to guard herds. With its pronounced protective instinct and natural dominance, it needs an experienced hand and clear leadership. With consistent training, he is a loyal companion who will defend his family and home with great commitment.
Boerboel

The Boerboel is a strong, protective dog with a pronounced protective instinct and a natural tendency towards dominance. This breed needs experienced and consistent leadership and clear rules to be a balanced companion. With the right training, the Boerboel is a loyal, reliable family dog that is attentively protective of its loved ones.
South Russian Ovcharka

The South Russian Ovcharka is a large, independent guard dog with a strong protective instinct and natural dominance. Originally bred to guard livestock, it is alert and ready to defend itself. This breed requires clear and experienced leadership as well as consistent training. With a stable upbringing, the Ovcharka will become a loyal and reliable guard dog.
American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a powerful, self-confident dog with a high level of loyalty and a strong protective instinct. This breed tends to be dominant and needs an experienced hand and consistent training. With loving leadership and clear rules, the American Staffordshire Terrier is an affectionate and reliable companion who is always ready to protect and support his family.
Shikoku

The Shikoku is an agile and independent dog with a strong hunting instinct and natural self-confidence. This original Japanese breed needs an experienced hand, clear rules and plenty of exercise to stay balanced. With good leadership, the Shikoku shows deep loyalty and is a courageous, reliable companion for active people.
Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is a powerful and alert dog with a strong protective instinct and strong loyalty to its family. This breed requires consistent training and clear leadership, as it can tend to be dominant. With the right training, the Giant Schnauzer is a reliable and attentive companion that is also an excellent watchdog.
Mastín Español

The Mastín Español is an imposing, calm guard dog with a strong protective instinct and natural dominance. This breed was originally bred to guard livestock and requires an experienced hand and consistent training. With the right leadership, the Mastín Español is a loyal, gentle companion who is fiercely protective and affectionate towards his family.
West Siberian Laika

The West Siberian Laika is a robust, independent hunting dog with a pronounced hunting instinct and strong independence. Originally bred for hunting, it needs plenty of exercise and experienced, clear leadership. With consistent training, the Laika shows deep loyalty and attachment to its humans, but remains independent and alert in many situations.
American Bulldog

The American Bulldog is a powerful and courageous dog with a strong protective instinct and great loyalty to its family. This breed needs clear, consistent training and experienced leadership to develop its potential as a balanced companion. With the right guidance, the American Bulldog is an affectionate, reliable friend who keeps a watchful eye on his loved ones.
Karelian bearhound

The Karelian Bearhound is a courageous, independent hunting dog that was originally bred to hunt big game. With its strong hunting instinct and dominance, it requires clear and experienced leadership. This breed is loyal and shows a close bond with its humans, but remains independent. The Karelian Bear Dog is ideal for active owners
Belgian shepherd dog

The Belgian Shepherd - whether Malinois, Tervueren, Groenendael or Laekenois - is an intelligent and energetic dog with a strong will to protect and work. This breed needs clear leadership, plenty of exercise and mental exercise, otherwise it will quickly become underchallenged. With consistent training, the Belgian Shepherd is a loyal, attentive companion that is ideal for active owners.
Mastino Napoletano

The Mastino Napoletano is an imposing, fearless dog with a strong protective instinct and natural dominance. This breed requires clear and experienced leadership and consistent training in order to remain balanced. With its loyalty and vigilance, the Mastino Napoletano is a reliable guard and loving companion that is strongly attached to its family.
Irish Terrier

The Irish Terrier is a lively, courageous dog with a strong hunting instinct and lots of energy. This breed is intelligent, independent and requires consistent training and sufficient exercise to remain balanced.
Combai

The Combai is a strong, courageous dog from India that is known for its strong protective role and independence. This breed has a strong hunting and guarding instinct and needs clear, experienced leadership. With sufficient exercise and consistent training, the Combai will become a loyal and reliable companion that will closely protect and bond with its family.