Waking up one day to find that a zombie apocalypse has started sounds scary, right?
While there’s no real evidence of a virus that could cause a zombie outbreak—according to a Kent State University professor and epidemiologist—it’s always fun to think about how you would survive.
Just in case, these dog breeds could be your best allies in a survival situation and keep you safe when times get tough.
1. Great Pyrenees
Origin: The Great Pyrenees comes from the Pyrenees Mountains in France and Spain.
Why They’d Survive: These dogs are big and strong, with thick fur that protects them from the cold. They’re natural protectors, so they can guard you and your supplies.
Their calm nature means they won’t panic easily, which is important when facing scary situations. Plus, they have a great sense of smell, helping them detect threats from far away.
2. German Shepherd
Origin: The German Shepherd is originally from Germany.
Why They’d Survive: Known for their intelligence, German Shepherds can be trained to do many tasks. They are loyal and protective, making them great companions.
Their strong build helps them defend you if needed. They also have a good sense of smell, which can help locate food or warn you about dangers.
3. American Pit Bull Terrier
Origin: The American Pit Bull Terrier comes from the United States.
Why They’d Survive: These dogs are known for their strength and agility. They are very loyal and protective of their families, which is essential during a crisis.
Pit Bulls are also adaptable and can handle various environments, making them great for survival situations. Their courage can help you feel safe even when times are tough.
4. Cane Corso
Origin: The Cane Corso is an ancient breed from Italy.
Why They’d Survive: Cane Corsos are powerful dogs with a strong guarding instinct. They are known for their loyalty and protective nature.
Their size and strength can intimidate potential threats, and they are excellent at guarding your home and belongings. Their intelligence also makes them trainable, which can be helpful for survival strategies.
5. Belgian Malinois
Origin: The Belgian Malinois is from Belgium.
Why They’d Survive: This breed is very smart and energetic, often used in police and military work. They can be trained to perform various tasks, from tracking to protection.
Their high energy means they can keep up with you in any situation, and their agility can help them navigate tricky environments. Their loyalty ensures they’ll stick by your side.
6. Siberian Husky
Origin: The Siberian Husky comes from Siberia, Russia.
Why They’d Survive: Huskies are tough dogs with lots of stamina. They are bred to pull sleds in harsh conditions, which means they can handle cold weather well.
Their friendly nature makes them great companions. They are also intelligent and can learn to help you in different ways. While they might not be the best guard dogs, their endurance can help you travel long distances safely.
7. Alaskan Malamute
Origin: The Alaskan Malamute is from Alaska, USA.
Why They’d Survive: These dogs are strong and built for cold weather, making them perfect for harsh conditions. They have great stamina, which means they can help you travel long distances.
Alaskan Malamutes are friendly but can also be protective when needed. Their intelligence helps them figure things out, making them excellent companions for survival.
8. Border Collie
Origin: The Border Collie comes from the border area of England and Scotland.
Why They’d Survive: Known for their incredible intelligence and energy, Border Collies are one of the smartest dog breeds. They are very trainable and can learn commands quickly, which can be a big advantage in a survival situation.
Their agility allows them to navigate obstacles easily, and their herding instincts mean they can help keep you organized and focused.
9. Rottweiler
Origin: The Rottweiler is originally from Germany.
Why They’d Survive: Rottweilers are strong and confident dogs that make excellent protectors. They are loyal to their families and can be very brave when facing danger.
Rottweilers’ size and strength can help deter threats, while their intelligence allows them to learn commands quickly. They also have a good sense of smell, which can help locate supplies.
10. Doberman Pinscher
Origin: The Doberman Pinscher is also from Germany.
Why They’d Survive: Dobermans are known for their loyalty and protective nature. They are very alert, making them great watchdogs. Their intelligence and trainability are significant advantages in stressful situations.
With their strong build, they can help protect you and your supplies. Dobermans are also fast, which can be useful for escape when needed.
11. Akita
Origin: The Akita comes from Japan.
Why They’d Survive: Akitas are powerful and courageous dogs known for their loyalty. They have a strong instinct to protect their family, making them great companions in a crisis.
Their thick fur keeps them warm in cold weather, and their strong build allows them to defend you if necessary. Akitas are also independent thinkers, which can help them adapt to new challenges.
12. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Origin: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is from Southern Africa.
Why They’d Survive: Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known for their strength and endurance. They were originally bred to hunt lions, which shows their bravery and capability.
They have a good sense of smell and can help track down food or other resources. Their loyalty and protective nature mean they will stand by your side in tough times.
13. Australian Cattle Dog
Origin: The Australian Cattle Dog comes from Australia.
Why They’d Survive: These dogs are super smart and very energetic. They were bred to help farmers herd cattle, so they have strong instincts and can think on their feet.
They’re also very loyal, which means they’ll stick by your side. Their agility helps them navigate rough terrain, making them excellent for exploring and finding supplies.
14. Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael)
Origin: The Belgian Sheepdog is from Belgium.
Why They’d Survive: Known for their intelligence and versatility, Belgian Sheepdogs are great at learning commands and tasks. They are loyal and protective, making them excellent companions in dangerous situations.
Their herding background means they can help keep you organized and aware of your surroundings. Plus, they have a strong work ethic, which can be useful for survival efforts.
15. Belgian Tervuren
Origin: The Belgian Tervuren is also from Belgium.
Why They’d Survive: Similar to the Belgian Sheepdog, the Tervuren is smart and energetic. They are known for their agility and can move quickly through various terrains.
Their friendly nature makes them great companions, while their protective instincts ensure they’ll guard you when necessary.
16. Tibetan Mastiff
Origin: The Tibetan Mastiff comes from Tibet.
Why They’d Survive: Tibetan Mastiffs are massive and strong dogs known for their protective nature. They were bred to guard livestock against predators, which means they have a natural instinct to protect you and your belongings.
Their thick fur keeps them warm in cold conditions, and their calm demeanor means they won’t easily panic. Their strength makes them formidable against threats.
17. Kangal
Origin: The Kangal is from Turkey.
Why They’d Survive: Kangal dogs are known for their incredible strength and protective instincts. They are often used to guard livestock and are very loyal to their families.
Kangal dogs’ strong bite and size make them effective at deterring threats. They are also calm and confident, which can help you stay focused and safe in tough situations.
18. Anatolian Shepherd
Origin: The Anatolian Shepherd comes from Turkey.
Why They’d Survive: These dogs are large and strong, known for their guarding instincts. They were bred to protect livestock from predators, so they’re naturally protective of their families, too.
Their independence means they can think for themselves, which is useful in dangerous situations. Anatolian Shepherds are also very loyal, making them excellent companions during tough times.
19. English Mastiff
Origin: The English Mastiff breed comes from the ancient Alaunt and Pugnaces Britanniae, with a strong influence from the Alpine Mastiff in the 19th century.
Why They’d Survive: English mastiffs are massive dogs with a strong, intimidating presence. Their size and strength make them great protectors. They are known for being gentle giants with their families, but they will defend you if needed.
Their calm demeanor helps them stay composed in stressful situations, and they are very loyal, always watching over you.
20. Belgian Laekenois
Origin: The Belgian Laekenois is from Belgium.
Why They’d Survive: This breed is one of the four Belgian herding dogs. They are intelligent and versatile, which means they can learn commands and adapt to different tasks.
Laekenois dogs are very loyal and protective, making them great companions. Their agility and ability to work as a team with you can help in various survival situations.
21. Airedale Terrier (King of Terriers)
Origin: The Airedale Terrier comes from the Aire Valley in England.
Why They’d Survive: Airedales are the largest of the terrier breeds and are known for their intelligence and versatility. They are great problem solvers and can be trained to perform many tasks.
Their friendly nature makes them good companions, but they also have strong protective instincts. With their energy and stamina, they can keep up with you while searching for supplies.
22. Thai Ridgeback
Origin: The Thai Ridgeback comes from Thailand.
Why They’d Survive: Thai Ridgebacks are known for their strong instincts and agility. They are very independent and can think for themselves, which is important when facing challenges.
Their protective nature means they’ll defend you and your belongings. Plus, they are resilient and can adapt to different environments.
23. Dogo Argentino
Origin: The Dogo Argentino is from Argentina.
Why They’d Survive: Dogo Argentinos are strong and powerful dogs originally bred for big game hunting. They have excellent stamina and can work well in a team.
Their loyalty to their families is unmatched, and they are known to be protective. With their intelligence, they can be trained to assist you in survival tasks, and their strength can deter threats.
The breeds we’ve talked about each bring their own skills that can help you survive. While the idea of zombies is just a fun fantasy, it’s amazing how these dogs could assist you in any challenging situation.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.