Very good advice. I have lots of experience with Mastiff’s and Will knows what he’s talking about.

I would absolutely love a Kangal - they are absolutely beautifully majestic, strong, loyal. BUT they are incredibly strong, independent-minded and bred to be what they are - brutal protectors of their flocks. So, sadly, I will never be able to have one in my home, but, I can definitely admire the hell out of them!

I have to agree as far as the Akita is concerned. Best dog I have owned but the most challenging in so many ways. Another helpful video! Thanks Will!

Well explained video. I own a 100 pound female Dogo Argentino and a 50 pound Jindo/Chow/Pit/Shephard and they are truly different types of animals. They are well trained but they are very quick to show protection, which often can lead to violence or unpleasant interactions.

Absolutely on-point! Great Video

As a Presa owner I agree. Fortunately it's just me and the wife in the house which is why I have such a dog. If I'm busy doing something or not home I need a guardian that meets the threat with sheer violence of action. Yes it's also a liability but you have to take that into consideration when having such breeds. My dog is a lap dog with me and relatives when I'm around but I don't know how much I would trust him if I weren't there. He's great with children when I'm around and he has guidance, but if I weren't there and a threat was, I'm not entirely positive on the outcome because of how ferocious these dogs can be if left without a firm direction in tense situations.

Excellent summary!

As the owner of two American Akitas I have to say that I agree with the conclusion here. I love the Akita, but they are not an easy breed. My cousin has a Presa Canario, and while his may be an exception, its FAR easier than my Akitas. One thing I admire about Akita owners is that they tend to DISCOURAGE people from getting them, unless they're absolutely prepared for what they are getting into. Unlike pitbull owners, who seem to tell anyone and everyone that they're just perfect little angels. My Akitas haven't bitten any humans, but my temperamental male growls fairly often. He LOVES being around his humans - particularly me - and always wants us near him, but he also cannot stand being hugged and will growl if anyone tries to. When he is tired he will sometimes growl if anyone outside of myself or my wife try to pet him. We've learned that he cannot be in ANY position where he can claim something. This includes beds and couches. He is not allowed up on either, for when he is up on one he claims it and growls if anyone outside of myself tries to get him off. Even at my wife. The same happens if I were to let him sit in front of me with his back to me. If he takes that position he becomes very possesive and protective. These are all things that we could do with another dog, but not my male Akita. My female Akita is much less temperamental around humans and she is just a sweetheart. However both she and the male cannot be trusted around other dogs. While they have been socialized since puppyhood around strange dogs and people, at best we have muted their reactivity only somewhat. An off-leash Great Dane pushed my leashed male Akita too much despite my warnings to the Dane's owner and my male put that dog down on its back so quick it shocked me. He wasn't just warning either. He meant harm. Having said that, we have learned the triggers and we have set rules, boundaries and limitations. When we follow those rules and make sure he follows those rules, my boy has been good. I take him with me anywhere that I can and I always have him leashed. Hes very affectionate with me personally and always wants to be with me. Just a very serious dog.

I have a Presa and a Dogo. I agree with what he said. My Presa was full blown guard dog that was extremely wary of strangers at a very young age. Amazing breed but hard to handle because of the size and drive at a young age.

Thank you for this video. As an owner of Kangals, Anatolians and Akbash I couldnt agree more. They are all great dogs and fine around children but are not and never were meant to be just family dogs with no true purpose. I see people on here more and more the last few years with Kangals trying to turn them into just family dogs like labs when that is not what they were ever intended to be. These dogs need a job and the arrogance of some to think they can just erase literally thousands of years of selective breeding are only thinking of themselves and not the dogs well being. Many end up in shelters or getting euthanized because many people just dump them once they find out they cant handle them or realize they are not what they thought they would be and these breeds are hard to bring back once they have reached that point so thank you again.

I like the way you say that a really bad choice dog is still a great dog, for their specific purpose and situation. Years ago when a neighbour came to ask me if I thought that a Dalmatian would be a good dog for their young family. I said no, no, no. They responded with but 101 Dalmatians.. which I responded with.... How many children are in that movie? (I know its cartoon, but I was trying to get them to think). They got the Dalmatian, and a couple weeks later had gotten rid of it. 1st reason was that we had coyotes coming into our neighbourhood, and they'd seen my Great Pyrenees chase the pack into the woods. Their Dalmatian was on a walk with the mom and kiddies when the coyotes came down our street, it turned tail and ran for home, leaving the family unprotected. Then within 2 weeks he had bitten both of their kids. They couldn't believe this Disney special didn't work in their favour.

I have a boerboel/ presa canario mix and it is a perfect match for us. But I must say we are a "leading" family what is extremely important.

We have a 2 yo Kangal named Aslan. He is 31.5" tall and 140lbs. We own an acreage with horses, chickens, cats and lots of critters, have a two yo granddaughter, who is love with her uncle Aslan, just as he's in love with her. Our boy is a most incredible dog and companion, showing love and affection to strangers and most other dogs. I would agree with the video in general and we don't think ourselves special, we spent 20 years raising Irish Wolfhounds and I've had considerable experience with large dogs and wolf hybrids. I have seen the violence of action with Aslan, it is pure guttural and visceral violence, the intent clear. I would not wish to see it unleashed on anything not a threat and so far, he's been rock steady as to the when and why he goes full Kangal.

I’ve owned presas before 3 to be exact and they were a perfect guard dog for us. Gentle w kids as well..

After 3 rottis , all of them superb, I now have , in my opinion , the perfect dog. Mum is cane corso and dad is 50/50 dobberman and boerboel. 2 years old and love everyone and everything.

We had a RottXFila. Rescue thought he was RottXDane and was wonderful with the rescue operator but failed placements. We had not had him very long when I realized from his gait that he was RottXFila. Bozo was great and affectionate, gentle and tolerant with us, but a violent unholy terror with strangers. He got walked in a muzzle and even then people wanted to pet him. I miss him even after 7 years. Cancer got him as it does so many Filas. I can see how most people would fail with a Fila. I also wholeheartedly agree about Kangals and the like. Great dogs for some, but not for me.

I have a Caucasian shepherd and I have to say I would never recommend this breed for a family type dog ever. Especially a family with children. Unless that dog plans on living outside to protect property or livestock, they don’t really give a crap about being a family dog. Not to mention their strength, unbelievable intelligence, and scary guarding instincts. This breed is like having a Rottweiler times a thousand.

I have an American Staffordshire terrier myself 😊

I have 2 Thai Ridgeback, which is very similar in temperament to Akita

I must have been really lucky, because my presa is COMPLETELY the opposite of how they are described in this video

I do agree to a point.. MOST people aren’t experts and the choice of dog is imperative.. an expert can have any breed.. because they know how to fulfil the dogs innate traits and it takes a LOT OF TIME AND EFFORT and why I have had bullmastiffs for over 35 years because I am LAZY.. 😂 Of course my dogs are fully trained, socialised and for me… perfect.. and bullet proof.. I have 3 right now and even when they are going nuts, ram the fence and try to get to someone poking their head over the fence the SECOND I ACKNOWLEDGE I know someone is there.. they shut up and RELAX and MOVE AWAY.. because they follow me.. I DONT follow them.. 😂 One tip I have found to be valuable is if possible meet the parents, especially the mother of the pup.. because over the years I have noticed if the mother is a bit unstable or nervous or has undesirable traits the pup can have the same trait.. this of course can be rectified through addressing the issue but for inexperienced dog owners it could be a problem..

My buddy was gifted a kangal. Does well. The fsmiky that gave it to him lives in a city in canada a metropolitan type city and has kids. With an alabai. He did spend thousands on training his alabai.

Best choice is the WillDog, but there's only one so . We'll have to settle for the great videos instead! Much respect.

Come and visit my purebred Presa Canario und you will see, that there is no Dog in the whole World, that ist more kindful to Children. Believe me! But seriously i know, that he is an exception the Rule.

I had Akitas from high school through my mid 30's. I raised my children around them. We NEVER had problems with either out kids or other animals. But we had exceptional dogs from a bloodline known for it's good nature

I have a 3 year old Kangal male. He is absolutely amazing. Yes highly protective as well. However he did excellent when my granddaughter came for the summer last year. She was 9 at the time. Was the 1st time he met her. He became protective over her as well. We’ve also have had him since he was 6 weeks of age too. And yeah Kangals are very intelligent and stubborn. But wonderful dogs. Now i would not advise for a first time breed for someone who has no experience with such powerful intelligent dog.

No one should have a presa unless they know how to train and super super socialize them. I was given 2 dogos brothers from the rescue, they was really aggressive short to not fuse, but now after some work they are wonderful, I also have Anatolian mix wonderful companion, just needs some room to roam, and friends to protect 😂. All of these breeds are like any other breed, just do like dude said research before you choose one, and have a training and socialization plan. My dogos would’ve been put down, if I wasn’t able to correct the bad habits and behavior, this happens when rescues can’t over come there nervous and badly trained aggression

American Akitas are wolf like as in they think for themselves and they are highly territorial and they can in a split second attack with no warning or vocalization or growling. In fact when American Akitas play with each other, it can sound like a dog fight, because they play growl and can act very aggressively but when they actually fight it is usually a split second silent ambush with explosive violence. Wonderful dogs but probably the not the best dog with real small kids as most Akitas have no-go zones and red-lines you never want to transgress against. A 130 LBS male American Akita is an absolute beast with leg bones the size of baseball bats and they play rough such that if you have very small kids or older kids who rough house with friends, the Akita may accidentally knock a little kid over or the dog may see rough play and seek to intervene and separate a perceived attacker from your kid and that can be the dog merely getting in between or mouthing. If a kid strikes the dog, that can trigger it so yes, they are not labradoodles as these dogs can kill in seconds if they want to. Most love kids and are gentle and sweet but is only takes one bad day for some stupid mean dog hating strange kid to walk up to the dog and strike it and as every Akita is always the top dog in any pack you just never-ever want to physically challenge one as I have never seen one back down or turn the other cheek as most seem to be genetically programmed to react to aggression with overwhelming force. I am not saying they will bite you if you accidentally step on their tail, or stumble over one, merely that they know the difference between a mistake and a deliberate act and if you want to play rough with them, they better know you and like you. This is especially true for dog parks wherein some other dog gets a bit too rough with them while playing - usually best to avoid off leash activities with other strange dogs since you cannot react fast enough with an Akita which can literally eviscerate another dog in 3 seconds in the wrong circumstances. So I would never let mine around strange aggressive dogs on a beach or in a park as an Akita may be tolerant of physical abuse from another dog, but only up to a point and after that, it is an instant toggle to the red zone and when I say red zone, I mean a Samurai swinging a katana in lethal fashion. Many seem to have three speeds calm, alert and Samurai mode. The latter is one you need to avoid around wildlife and other strange dogs and people. While most can be socialized to like most people, it is much much harder to get them to be low key and accepting of wildlife and other dogs or pets. I would never lay an angry hand on mine unless they were fighting with each other but even then I would recommend using a shield or lion tamer's chair as you never want to experience their 300 PSI bite strengths with their massive bear like heads on their 26 to 29 inch necks. These dogs are bred to engage with bears and they are all business when it comes to violence although most act like sweet loving kittens 99.9 percent of the time around people and they make amusing vocalizations like a cow or moose to communicate. Some will howl like wolves and others will bellow like a bull moose looking for a mate. They hardly ever bark other than to warn of danger. I have never seen a breed that is more efficient as a guard dog with no training required - they are smart like wolves and they think fast and move fast and low like big cats and they may not pull punches as in my experience if they toggle into attack dog mode, they are explosively violent and will overwhelm most other dogs, wildlife or people in a few seconds. They can chew through a wooden fence and flip coyotes into the air like rag dolls so these are not the kind of dogs that provide much margin for error. Some are very dog aggressive with other strange same sex dogs and most consider any place they are at to be their exclusive territory so they generally cannot be allowed to run free as other smaller dogs will accost them if they do and that could end very badly. My American Akitas are calm, relaxed, loving, affectionate, sweet and gorgeous right up until the second they toggle into war dog mode because of a trespassing person or animal. Once you witness them run down and shred several coyotes limb from limb in 5 to 20 seconds, you never quite look upon them the same way as you always know that they are lethal in the wrong situations which is both awe inspiring and scary at the same time. You love them but are also in awe of their warrior skills. Yet I raised two American Akitas with two small kids and the dogs and kids were fine. Of course, I had 4 chows chows before I got my American Akitas so I was not new to northern breeds and their peculiar wild ways. Of course you must teach the kids to never and I mean NEVER abuse the dogs or strike them or kick them or take food away from them or toys as this breed will NOT TOLERATE ANY PHYSICAL ABUSE ....PERIOD....END OF STORY. These dogs are canine Samurai, you just cannot mess with them as they will not tolerate disrespect or a challenge from another dog or a trespasser in their space and their territory is wherever they are at any given moment. My male has a bite strength that can crush two by fours and split them. You definitely do not want to ever be on the wrong end of these dogs as they are utterly fearless and totally ferocious when red zoning and mine have tried to go after black bears so they are a handful and you really have to keep them leashed or fenced at all times because they are apex predator hunters and they have very strong prey drives. If you have a coyote problem, you won't for long as these dogs instinctively hate coyotes and won't tolerate them and they can smell coyote urine from a block away. For such big dogs they are incredibly fast and agile as in they can jump like a cat and snatch a bird out of the air. They are almost odorless and very clean and they are very sweet with their families so they are definitely the right dogs for some people, but probably not for someone who has not owned a war dog breed before and who is not physically and mentally tough enough to lead and socialize and train such a dog. When they go off it is like watching a tiger go after prey - it is all shock and awe. Most people cannot handle that much dog and they probably would be better off with another breed.

Surprised the XL wasn't the first one up.

these are strong and powerful dogs and if you are not a great strong person

My alabai looks after my twin todlers very well, he sleeps in their room.

Great video mate. Awesome. I biased, as I have a Mali. So I would always say a Mali is a great choice..... But only if you have a ranch, lots of time and a mountain for them to go to war with. Unless you have that, don't get a Mali. Defo not a family dog if not given the time, space and attention required... And thats ALOT. Also, their a Shepard ing breed not a guardian breed... Just wanted to tippy tap... 😂😂

Hey Will, whats your opinion about the Neapolitan mastiff (preferably one without too much wrinkles). Should be calmer/lazier than the Corso, yet still scary enough due to its size/looks. (or a mix of corso/neo) for a small yard family guardian dog that should be left alone from 9 to 17 while we are at work? My main concern is yard space since i have a VERY SMALL yard (500square feet)

I must agree that Filas are terrible for families with children. I had one for 11 years and i do believe was best dog i ever had but at time i got him my daughter was 17. They are great with strong mentaly owners. Hugo was great, however extreamly protective, aloof with anybody but us and quick to act . He was trained and smart but with strangers or even friends visiting he was not allowed to be in living room. He did not like to be touched by strangers, hated with passion any dogs or any animals to be honest. I could walk him on the street with zero issues but he was alwayson guard.. Children ere tricky to him. I think he kid of did see them as human but because of the size i never fully trusted him. Would i get one again? Sure but they are big, very big and needs lots of exercise . Hugo was 160 lb so you can see why it is not family dog.

Ive had 2 cao and have been perfect in every way from guarding to being a teddy bear .They need to be treated gently but firm . They are not crazy like most people say . They are fearful of what they dont know . Both mine came from fighting lines .

An AKC bred show mastiff breed is not a reliable dog...... Presas, Cane Corsos, Filas, many of them still have working lines. Those working lines will succeed and properly bred ones are not a risk for the family but a risk for anyone messing with the family, especially the Fila. A Fila that will not snap at ANYONE that does not make the wrong move towards a family member is not worth having. Most non-working bred dogs are going to freeze up in most situations anyhow if not trained. Very few non working dogs are going to react properly without training. A working bred Fila will always react.

The Akita in this vid is a japanese Akita Inu, not an American Akita. With that said we had to put our American Akita to sleep because he bit a child. He was touched by an unknown kid, in a food situation. I suffered 3 years of anxiety and depression after that, he was my best bud and i miss him everyday ❤ I trained that dog ALOT, so please ppl, dont choose a breed that dont fit in a familly situation if u have kids and their friends around! 🙏

Having him at home - *"SNOOP DOGG"* is the *WORST!* 💯% . . . ☝🏽 ✅️ 👌🏽 👍🏽

I live in place where Caucasians and Alabai are well known for a long time. Both breeds could be excellent with family and children if they are kept inside with a family. Both can be very dangerous for outsiders, postmen can be in real trouble. Good things about theses dogs is that they mostly become guard dogs automatically, you rise them and they will guard, no expensive training needed. You need extensive training if you want them to stop guarding at command.

I've OWNED PRESA CANARIO 25 YEARS..GREAT WITH MY KIDS & GRANDS...MUST BE RAISED WITH FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

But isn't Kangal super nice around children? Even the strnagers kids?

Will, dude 2th time you made big mistake. 1th is Türk Kangal. 2th is Perro De Presa Canario. My boy, all day playin with him. No agrression created. Especially, no one can touch 9 years old my boy. Toons of picture i can send you. Atm i think Grand Canario breed Presa Canario is best for families.

It's almost impossible to get a Kangal in the west. Plus, they're crazy expensive.

Steve Irwin you'll never be. Knock off the BS

Really thought the cane corse would be on this list tbh lol glad I’m wrong. Very majestic dogs- but I know I wouldn’t be able to handle such a powerful breed like the corso 🥲

Lmao give me a break