When you’re on the road in your RV, it’s important to have a guard dog to protect your belongings.
But what is the best guard dog for an RV?
There are many different types of dogs that would make good guards, but some are better than others.
In this blog post, we will discuss the best guard dogs for RVs and why they make great protectors.
The Top 5 Best Guard Dogs For An RV
What makes the best guard dog for an RV?
The ability to protect your RV and belongings from intruders is the most important quality.
But there are other factors to consider, such as how much space the dog needs, whether it can handle being in a confined space for long periods of time, and how obedient it is, among others.
Below we will list the top seven best guard dogs for an RV. We will tell you the size, adaptability, obedience, and many more factors of each dog.
1. The German Shepherd
- Size:75-95 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
- Group: Herding
- Energy Level: Active, High
- Obedience: High
- Adaptability: Tolerates most environments well
- Cost: $1200-$1500 for a puppy
The German Shepherd is obviously one of the most popular guard dogs in the world and for good reason. They are large, powerful, and have a strong guarding instinct.
They are also very obedient, which is important if you want them to protect your RV.
German Shepherds do need a lot of exercise, so if you’re going to be on the road for long periods of time, you’ll need to make sure you’re able to provide them with enough opportunities to run and play.
So if you see a German shepherd yawing a lot this mean they are bored and need attention.
This dog is very adaptable. It easily tolerates most environments and climates.
The German Shepherd is also a very social dog that does best when it has companionship, so if you’re going to be away from your RV for long periods of time, this may not be the best breed for you.
2. The Doberman Pinscher
- Size: 60-80 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-14 years
- Group: Working
- Energy level: High, Active
- Obedience: High
- Adaptability: Medium
- Cost: $1000-$2500 for a puppy
The Doberman Pinscher is another popular guard dog. They are large and powerful, but not as large as the German Shepherd.
They have a high energy level. They also need a lot of exercise, so you want to make sure you have time to walk them or take them to a dog park often.
Dobermans are very loyal and obedient. While they are not as playful as some other breeds, they will still need some companionship.
They are a medium adaptability dog.
They can tolerate most environments but may not do well in extremely hot or cold climates. The good news is that they are easily trainable, so if you want to take them with you on your RV adventures, they will be able to adapt.
3. The Rottweiler
- Size: 75-130 pounds
- Lifespan: 8-11 years
- Group: Working
- Energy level: Low to Moderate
- Obedience: High
- Adaptability: Tolerates most environments well
- Cost: $1200-$2500 for a puppy
The Rottweiler is another large and powerful breed that makes an excellent guard dog. They are loyal and protective of their family and home.
Rottweilers have a low to moderate energy level, so they don’t need as much exercise as some of the other breeds on this list.
They are also very obedient, so if you want them to protect your RV, they will be able to follow your commands.
Related Article: Which Breed Is Smarter Guard Dog Doberman Or Rottweiler?
Rottweilers are a very adaptable breed. They can tolerate most environments and climates. However, they may not do well in extremely hot or cold climates.
This is also one of the most intelligent dogs.
So if you are concerned about leaving them alone in your RV for long periods of time, you can rest assured that they will be able to entertain themselves.
When it comes to trainability, Rottweilers are very intelligent but also headstrong.
They need a firm hand during training, but once they understand what you want them to do, they will be able to follow your commands.
4. The Bullmastiff
- Size: 110-130 pounds
- Lifespan: 8-11 years
- Group: Working
- Energy level: Medium
- Obedience: Medium
- Adaptability: Tolerates most environments well
- Cost: $1000-$2000 for a puppy
The Bullmastiff is a big, powerful dog that was originally bred to be a guard dog. They are fiercely loyal and protective of their family and home.
While they are not as active as some of the other breeds on this list, they still need plenty of exercises. A daily walk or trip to the dog park will help keep them healthy and happy.
Their affection level is very high, and while they are not the most intelligent, you can easily train them to follow basic commands.
If you are worried about adaptability, the Bullmastiff is a good choice. They can tolerate most environments and climates.
This is a playful and social breed that does best when it has companionship. It is going to be a great addition to your RV adventures.
5. The Boxer
- Size: 55-75 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Group: Working
- Energy level: High, playful
- Obedience: Medium
- Adaptability: Medium
- Cost: $800-$2800 for a puppy
The Boxer is a high-energy breed that loves to play. They are loyal and protective of their family, but they are also very friendly and social. This dog also needs a lot of exercise.
They are very affectionate and they like playing with their family. They are also very obedient, so you can expect them to follow your commands.
The boxer is, however, not as adaptable as some of the other breeds on this list. They may not do well in extreme weather or climate conditions. Training them is not going to be a problem as they are intelligent.
Characteristics Of A Good Guard Dog For An Rv Lifestyle
The RV lifestyle often involves traveling to different places with different climates. It is important to find a dog that can tolerate these changes and still be a good guard dog.
Here are some of the characteristics you should look for:
Tolerates most environments well: You want a dog that can handle different climates and weather conditions. You will probably be on the move often, so a dog that can’t handle change is not going to be a good fit.
Loyal and protective: This is an important trait for any guard dog. You want a dog that will be loyal to you and your family and will protect your RV from intruders.
Obedient: A good guard dog must be able to follow your commands. This is especially important if you are going to be leaving them alone in the RV for long periods of time.
Intelligent: Medium to high intelligence is a good trait to look for in a guard dog. This will allow them to understand your commands and entertain themselves when you are away.
Headstrong: You want a dog that is confident and not afraid of strangers. A headstrong dog is more likely to protect your RV than one that is timid or shy.
Pet-friendly: As you may be carrying other pets in your RV, it is important to find a guard dog that is good with other animals.
Kid-friendly: Of course, you also want a dog that is good with kids. A guard dog that is too aggressive is not going to be a good fit for a family RV.
FAQ
Can You Live In An Rv With Dogs?
Yes, you can live with dogs in an RV. While some RV parks will restrict the number of dogs you can have, or the size of the dog, there are many that are pet-friendly.
Is travelling stressful For dogs?
It all depends on the training and temperament of the dog.
Some dogs will get stressed when traveling, while others will take it all in stride.
Be sure to learn about your dog’s breed and how they react to travel before hitting the road.
How Do I Keep My Guard Dog Calm When Traveling?
If your guard dog is stressed when traveling, there are a few things you can do to help them calm down. Try using a calming spray or diffuser in the RV.
There are so many high-quality pheromone sprays on the market that can help your dog relax.
You can also try giving them a natural calming supplement to help take the edge off.
How Often Should You Stop when Traveling With A Guard Dog?
This ultimately depends on your dog and how they are handling the travel. If they seem to be doing well, then you can probably go longer between stops.
However, if they seem to be getting stressed, it is best to stop more often so they can stretch their legs and relieve themselves.
How Do You Travel With A Dog In An Rv?
You want to keep your dog as comfortable as possible when traveling in an RV. This means having a designated space for them with their bed, toys, and food.
You also want to make sure you are stopping often enough so they can relieve themselves and stretch their legs.
Lastly, give them plenty of love and attention so they feel comfortable in their new surroundings.
Conclusion
Picking the right guard dog for your RV lifestyle is important.
You want a dog that will be loyal, obedient, and protective. Hopefully, this article has helped you narrow down your choices. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Looking For Watch Dog Guides?
If you’re looking for more guard dogs resources, consider checking out our other post on guard dogs.
- Is The Dogo Argentino A Good Guard Dog?
- Is poodle a good guard dog
- The Top 5 Best Guard Dogs For Apartment Living
- Do Guard Dogs Sleep At Night?
- Do Neutered Dogs Still Make Good Guard Dogs?
References: Guard dog, Travel Safely in an RV with a Dog, Tips For RV Owners Traveling With A Pet
(Author)
Justin is a protection dog enthusiast. He has years of experience teaching and training dogs. He enjoys sharing what he’s learned. Read More
