- Feb 25
- 8 min read

Top 5 Best Survival Dogs

Preppers and survivalist are often looked upon as being a little "coo-coo". But I think it's natural human instinct to be prepared for the unknown. It's something that's been lost though too much convenience. As a homesteader myself, trying to work towards self-sufficiency is fun and enjoyable! Growing, raising, preserving your own food and storing it is very satisfying . . . at least when your successful and your life doesn't depend on it. If the shit hits the fan, having a good dog around brings a little extra comfort and security to help you survive.

These picks were created through my 7+ years of experience with just about every dog breed you can name, as well as the opinion of other dog people. These top 5 dogs were chosen based off of size, obedience, intelligence, ease of training, agility, versatility, and stealth. Enjoy!

This Post At A Glance

Things To Keep In Mind

-Not all breeds are what they used to be?

-Training Needs

-How much food they need?

-Can you handle certain breeds?

-Noise Level

-Maintaining training and physical fitness

-Becoming your own vet

What Type Of Dog Do You Need

So Which Dogs Make The Top 5 Best Survival Dogs?

Survival Dog # 1
Survival Dog # 2
Survival Dog # 3
Survival Dog # 4
Survival Dog # 5

Things To Keep In Mind

Not all breeds are what they used to be?

Some breeds were more useful 100 years ago than they are today. Poor breeding practices have made for dogs' incapable of performing the tasks they were originally bred for. There are breeders that breed for show dogs, and those who breed for working dogs. Do your research to make sure you get a dog that was bred to work and to be free of the common hereditary traits common to their specific breed.

Training Needs

Though certain breeds have natural talents for genetically bred for task, extensive training is needed for them to do it well. Socializing with other dogs, people, and kids will ensure a well-rounded dog. I know your probably thinking, "If I want a protection dog why would I put so much work into socializing them?". Look at police dogs for example. Police dogs are well socialized before receiving their training to become a protection dogs. Strict training shows the dog how to perceive a real threat over everyday events. Many police dogs live with their handlers and families. Seek out good helpful trainers and books. On online resource for all sorts of training can be found at Holy & Hugo.

Your Climate

Do you live in a hot climate or a cold climate? Getting a dog that will thrive in your environment will optimize their ability to work effectively.

How much food they need?

The dog breeds in this post have size in mind. Some push the limits. I'd say ideally you need a dog that is about 40 lbs, but no bigger than 60 lbs. The smaller the dog, the less food you need. But you also need a dog to be big enough to be up to the tasks you need. Go too small and frail and the dog is more susceptible to injury or getting carried away by another animal. Stocking up and vacuum sealing some quality dog food for your dog is a no brainer when preparing for the worst.

Can you handle certain breeds?

I tried to pick dogs that are more user friendly for the average owner. Some are not. It's for you to judge where your experience level it at and what you can realistically handle and take care of.

Noise Level

In a survival situation you want to keep a low profile. But you also want a dog that will alert you if there is danger. So, an ideal survival dog will be relatively quiet unless they spot real danger.

Maintaining training and physical fitness

These dogs will require 1-2 hours of intense physical and mental activities to stay happy and stable (divided into 2 sessions, if not 3). An overweight unstable dog is not going to benefit you when you need them most.

Becoming Your Own Vet

In the event that your dog gets inured, and you have no access to vet care, it's going to be up to you to deal with it. Setting up a well prepared first aid kit for your dog is a must. You will also need to become the vet. Invest in books on wound care for animals. As well as books that can help you identify if your dog becomes ill and comes down with unusual symptoms.

What Type Of Dog Do You Need?

Depending on where you're located you may have different needs for a particular breed of dog. All dogs provide companionship and are an excellent part of the family. Types of survival dogs you may be looking for include hunting, security, ratting, protection . . . A dog that's able to do most of those things is ideal.

So Which Dogs Make Top 5 Best Survival Dogs?

It's difficult to narrow it down depending on what you need the dog for, but here are what I believe to be the top 3 survival dogs.

1. German Shepherd (specifically working line) I know I said no big dogs. Yes, there are abnormally large 100+lb German Shepherds that have been poorly bred. But working line shepherds should range between 55-79 lbs. Finding a good breeder is key. They have an advantage in overall health and agility over the Showline or backyard bred German Shepherds. Working line shepherds are generally sable or black in color vs the typical saddleback pattern you see with normal shepherds. There is a reason these dogs are so popular. They are the dog that can just about do it all from herding, search and rescue, tracking, protection, guarding, sporting, etc. There are 3 different working lines including East German DDR, Czech, & West German. These dogs are suitable for the average dog owner and make great family pets. Find out more about the different shepherd types in my other post here.

Size: 40 to 55 pounds (female), 45 to 65 pounds (male)

Average Lifespan: 12-15 years

Health Concerns: Generally healthy but is prone to hip/elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and epilepsy.

Ease Of Training: Easy

Trainable Skills: Protection, Tracking, Security, Herding, Detection

Personality: Friendly, active, intelligent, eager to please

Cost: $1,000 - 4,000

Hot/Cold Tolerant: Cold tolerant, doesn't love the heat

Grooming Requirements: Medium shedder with two bigger sheds per year

2. Belgian Malinois

Anything the German Shepherd can do, the Belgian Malinois can do it better and more intensely. But Malinois is not for the average dog owner. They look similar to the German Shepherd but definitely have their differences. These dogs are much more intense with high physical demands. They need roughly 2+ hours of intense physical and mental exercise each day to meet their needs. If you can't meet this need, then the Malinois is not for you. They generally come in fawn, red, and sable with a classic black mask. They can be iffy around kids so training as a puppy is essential.

Size: 40 to 55 pounds (female), 55 to 70 pounds (male)

Average Lifespan: 14-16 years

Health Concerns: Generally healthy but is prone to hip/elbow dysplasia, some eye problems

Ease Of Training: Easy

Trainable Skills: Protection, Tracking, Security, Herding, Detection

Personality: intelligent, active, loyal

Cost: $2,000 - 5,000

Hot/Cold Tolerant: Not as cold tolerant as the GSD but still do okay, they don't love hot weather

Grooming Requirements: Medium shedder with two bigger sheds per year

3. Pitbull (specifically the American Pitbull Terrier) I'll admit I'm not the fondest of pit bulls of any type. This is not due to discrimination; this is from personal experience with multiple dogs in a daycare setting. I've also heard plenty of personal stories from people I know. I've met several great ones that I myself would take home. But I've also seen firsthand again and again and again why they are so feared and the damage they can do to another living thing if they decided to. But this also makes them great doomsday dogs as they excel and multiple tasks like hunting, guarding, ratting, etc. The American Pitbull Terrier is the most athletic and mid-sized of the pit bull types making them the most ideal out of the bunch. These guys need 1-2 hours of vigorous activity per day, including sports that challenge them mentally. Early socialization and training are necessary in order to get a well-rounded dog.

Size: 30 to 50 pounds (female), 35 to 60 pounds (male)

Average Lifespan: 8-15 Years

Health Concerns: Generally a healthy breed, but can be prone to hip dysplasia, dermatitis, and hypothyroidism

Ease Of Training: Easy

Trainable Skills: Protection, Tracking, Security, Detection, Hunting

Personality: Loyal, affectionate, athletic

Cost: $800-2,000

Hot/Cold Tolerant: They do much better in heat than the cold

Grooming Requirements: Steady shedder

4. Australian Cattle Dog

Like many of the other breeds on this list, these dogs have high physical and mental demands to stay happy. Originally bred with wild dingo's, these dogs are able to handle rough terrain for long periods of time. They typically come in blue or red roan with some also having spots. They require a firm owner to keep them in line, otherwise you could see aggression towards your own family members (I'm speaking from personal experience with several different dogs I've known).

Size: 38-45 lbs (males), 32-35 lbs (females)

Average Lifespan: 12-15 years

Health Concerns: Generally healthy but can be prone to hip/elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, deafness

Ease Of Training: Medium

Trainable Skills: Protection, Security, Herding

Personality: Energetic, quiet, independent, loyal, temperamental

Cost: $800 - 3,000

Hot/Cold Tolerant: They do pretty well in the heat and fairly well in the cold tolerant

Grooming Requirements: Steady shedders with 1-2 bigger sheds per year

5. Mixed Breeds - There are plenty of beautiful and unique driven mix breed dogs that would also make excellent survival dogs. Mix breeds tend to be healthier and are more exempt from genetic complication that their purebred counterparts face. The only problem is not knowing which traits you're going to get. For example, my first dog was half husky/timber wolf and half border collie/aussie. I hoped he'd have the herding breed side that's obedient and more eager to please. Instead, I got the husky/wolf side that had high prey drive and the need to run off and chase if he saw "prey". Still a great dog and I loved him from beginning to end. But he didn't have the traits I was hoping for in an ideal dog for me. Size is another difficult thing to judge if you're getting a puppy. Hopefully you have both parents on site so judge how big your pup will get. Remember your target weight is no bigger than 60 lbs. If you can find a mix of the more loyal breeds, then you're more likely to have a good combination of getting a dog that will work for you!

Conclusion

There are plenty of other breeds that people will be upset did not make the list. There are certainly some great ones missing like Labrador Retriever, Australian Kelpie, Border Collie, Aussie, Doberman, Dogo Argentino, Cane Corso, Rhodesian Ridgeback . . . Dogs that didn't make the list were either too big, too loud, prone to bigger health problems, not as obedient, not as versatile, not as athletic, or not as user friendly. I'd love to hear your opinions. Do you agree with these picks? Or are their breeds that would do better?