The dog is man’s best friend, and it’s no wonder why: They’re loyal, protective, caring, and incredibly intelligent. The right dog breed can be an incredible addition to any family in any scenario, but what would happen if the world as we know it suddenly fell apart? You’d need the right companion by your side at all times in order to survive the apocalypse and hopefully rebuild civilization. Here are the 8 dog breeds most likely to survive the apocalypse.
1. Alaskan Malamute
This is a very loyal dog, but also a strong dog. They’re known to survive in extreme weather conditions such as frigid cold and blistering heat. Alaskan Malamutes are often used as sled dogs because of their strength and intelligence. This allows them to have good communication with their owners, leading many to believe they’d be well suited for a life on an isolated farm during an apocalypse.
2. St. Bernard
This dog breed is known for being friendly, kind and sweet. They are also known for carrying heavy things. These dogs are smart, well-mannered and very affectionate. They will form strong bonds with their owner and their family. If you have a St. Bernard you should train it early in life because these dogs can become uncontrollable without proper training from an early age. There is a reason they are called Gentle Giants as they grow to be very large dogs that need lots of space.
3. Siberian Husky
Originally bred for long, cold runs in arctic conditions, these dogs have a thick double coat that keeps them warm even in sub-zero temperatures. And since they’re sled dogs by nature, they’re well adapted to pulling heavy loads over great distances. What’s more: They can run very fast and tend to love outdoor activities like hunting and swimming. As a result, they may not be happy lounging around on your couch all day; you’ll want to provide them with lots of space to roam (including a dog park). Still interested? It might also be worth noting that Siberian Huskies were originally bred to work together in teams—so it’s important to make sure your dog gets along with others!
4. Rottweiler
No other dog breed is more suited to an apocalypse. If a zombie attack ever happens, head for some high ground, give your Rottweiler a weapon and let him do his thing. While you’re at it, teach him to disarm zombies: they’ll attack humans with their bare hands. Your dog will also serve as an alarm system that could help alert you of impending doom – just listen for growling outside your window.
5. Mastiff
These dogs are one of few canine breeds with fearless, even-tempered dispositions. They’re large dogs but they’re also extremely gentle, so it’s easy to imagine them making excellent companions in a post-apocalyptic environment where food is scarce and safety is paramount. Like most dog breeds, Mastiffs are smart and obedient; they respond well to training and tend to listen to their owners without fail. Beyond that, these friendly giants seem especially suited for life in hostile environments because they’re so capable at defending themselves from larger predators. Even if you survive an attack from another human or animal, however, you could still end up on the wrong side of your Mastiff when dinner time comes around…
There is a reason these guys have been guarding castles for years! A good guard dog can mean all difference between surviving an attack or succumbing to one; who wouldn’t want a sweet 160-pound guard dog that looks like an awesome bear?
6. Newfoundland
This large dog is known to be fiercely loyal and protective. This makes it a great choice if you live in an urban area that’s prone to natural disasters or crime. With a large and powerful build, it can defend its owner from most attackers. It also has strong stamina which allows it to travel far in case of emergency. If you’re looking for a dog that will always protect your loved ones, consider adopting one of these pups today!
7. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
It has a lot of muscle mass, making it strong and powerful. It also has an excellent sense of smell, which will be especially important once society starts to collapse. They’re really good at guarding their territory as well as their family. These dogs are very sturdy and make great working or family dogs, but they do need some space in order to live comfortably. Swissies don’t do well in apartments or condos; they need a large house with plenty of outdoor space.
8. Bernese Mountain Dog
These guys have a gentle side, but are also protective and territorial. They’re friendly and good with other dogs, kids, and strangers. Their size—50- to 80-pounds—and thick coat make them ideal for surviving frigid temperatures. Be careful though; they can easily become overweight if you don’t watch their diets carefully. Bernese Mountain Dogs are also known to drool a lot. This is mainly due to their love of food (or anything else they want). They will sit there on your lap with jaws dropped open like a little kid begging for sweets at a supermarket checkout line—and it’s adorable!