[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Guard Dog (Page 1 of 3)
Posted: 7/21/2009 7:07:15 PM EDT
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I have 4 kids under the age of 5.
I want to have a guard dog that stays outside during the day and comes inside to sleep in the chokepoint of our house at night. It gets to -10 in the winter, but I would build him an insulated doghouse for his time outside during the day. I want a dog that will alert us and buy me time to get my firearm should an intruder break in. What breed should I look at and why? |
| We have two GSD. One is a schutzen trained champion but is getting along in years. The other is a big male who is only basic train but is very intelligent. They are always on alert and listening. They sleep inside by the bed at night with us and during the day they go inside and outside quite often keeping an eye on things. I trust these dogs to protect us no matter what. I know they will give me time to get to a weapon. May not be anything left when I get back though. Just my two cents. |
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look into Akitas, gentle with kids, great family dog, great protective instincts, great in cold weather
mine never barked till a stranger actually put a foot on our property, then the big scary dog show ensued I have a 1/2 akita 1/2 german shepard now, looks like an Akita with german shepard colors |
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Chow mix has done well for my family in the past; they are family loyal. Pay attention to source quality, a bad dog cannot be put in the safe and ignored like a not so good firearm.
Akita has been well spoken of on this board. Pay attention to source quality, a bad dog cannot be put in the safe and ignored like a not so good firearm. German Shepard: Pay attention to source quality, a bad dog cannot be put in the safe and ignored like a not so good firearm. Collie: Pay attention to source quality, a bad dog cannot be put in the safe and ignored like a not so good firearm. Border Collie: Pay attention to source quality, a bad dog cannot be put in the safe and ignored like a not so good firearm. Sheltie: Pay attention to source quality, a bad dog cannot be put in the safe and ignored like a not so good firearm. Congal(sp) a sheepdog from Turkey: Pay attention to source quality, a bad dog cannot be put in the safe and ignored like a not so good firearm. Lab and Lab mix; high energy, and in your face dog love, but still can be good dogs: Pay attention to source quality, a bad dog cannot be put in the safe and ignored like a not so good firearm. Hope that helps get you some ideas for further research. A bad dog that refuses to accept his place in the pack and obey you can be a costly problem. Pay attention to source quality, a bad dog cannot be put in the safe and ignored like a not so good firearm. Do not get a small dog that will become an infant/toddler substitute for your wife; a dog in this position will think it runs the family(pack) and be a problem for you. Drama will happen in the family when your wife's "baby" needs discipline. One more thing: Pay attention to source quality, a bad dog cannot be put in the safe and ignored like a not so good firearm. |
Just say no to sled dogs; Malamute, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Husky, etc. They are not property or family loyal as other breeds listed so far and they don't mind killing your neighbors livestock. Expensive non guard dogs. BTDT Pay attention to source quality, a bad dog cannot be put in the safe and ignored like a not so good firearm.
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For my next dog, I want to adopt a military working dog. Already trained, your kids are probably old enough to not tease the hell out of it. They just put them to sleep if they don't get adopted.
http://www.militaryworkingdogadoptions.com/ |
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For my next dog, I want to adopt a military working dog. Already trained, your kids are probably old enough to not tease the hell out of it. They just put them to sleep if they don't get adopted. http://www.militaryworkingdogadoptions.com/ How old is a retired military dog? |
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For my next dog, I want to adopt a military working dog. Already trained, your kids are probably old enough to not tease the hell out of it. They just put them to sleep if they don't get adopted. http://www.militaryworkingdogadoptions.com/ Great Link! |
| It depends, when I was researching it, some of them were 1 yr old to 8 yrs old. Some of them don't complete training for vairious reasons,some retire from the field. The ones that don't complete training are still no joke, they just didn't make the cut to be a military dog. But it also seemed like if the dog wasn't family friendly, they would only adopt them to police agencies. But from my understanding, if you find a dog, you can go meet it, talk to the handler, get its medical histroy, etc. |
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I can definetley recommend the GSD, but here is a suggestion that you want to think about. Your canine partner is a pack animal. first and last.
You must make him part of your pack by letting him in the house and with the kids at all times. there is nothing worse than dog in a shed, when he should be in with you. You will be amazed at how he or she takes care of you and your family. My daughter learned to walk holding onto the faces and hair of two GSD`s, they thought of her and us as part of their pack. and they defended us on more than one occasion as they would canine pack members. they wil always be at your side, clean up after the kids drop anything, and sleep at the foot of your bed or your childrens bed. Dogs are mans best friend for a reason, we made them that way, enjoy the fruits of ten thousand years of clansmanship. and dont expect them to defend you if you are only theyre jailer. and no Im not a treehugger or anything, but I know dogs, have 4 now, have always had them and always will, especially GSD`s they need your attention to thrive. 
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| Well I know no one wants to hear it ,but our pitbull has been the best dog I have ever had. (for the record I never liked pitbulls,I took it as a rescue) we have 5 kids ,the youngest is 3.5 this dog is very easy to live with. House breaking went like this....hey, why dont you shit outside. He likes the chickens and tolerates other dogs. |
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Well I know no one wants to hear it ,but our pitbull has been the best dog I have ever had. (for the record I never liked pitbulls,I took it as a rescue) we have 5 kids ,the youngest is 3.5 this dog is very easy to live with. House breaking went like this....hey, why dont you shit outside. He likes the chickens and tolerates other dogs. I'm glad your dog is good for you. Consider the possibility of the police coming to the home though with a raid plan and the wrong address. Barney Fife shoots the OP's dog, OP and family get cuffed and stuffed, then released. How much pressure would the local paper help apply for a proper restitution and policy changes if the dead dog is a Pit? How much if the dog is a .mil veteran? In my area the police apology for the Pit would be something like; XYZ police uses these tactics for officer safety, and suggests that people do not live in homes that are going to be raided. |
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ok, I know it is against the rules of ARFCOM
but POUND PUPPIES are the best damn dogs on the planet,,,period, I think truthfully they sence it is the end of the road and you are thier saviour.. the 5 dogs I have had in life were pound MUTTS, all lived good long years, all were very smart and protective,(one was a wimpy girl, but NO ONE stepped on property with out due notice from her, from behind something large  ), all were loyall, faithful, good with the kids, learned lessons taught,,
from my readings, as I am seeking a new dog is the top "breeds" and especially larger breeds, live 7 to 9 years avg, my mutts all lived past 12 yers my local spca is $50 per adoption and a coupon for free spay or nueter at the local Vet.. not to crap on the breeders out there as I know we all want to make a buck, but there are millions of beautiful, smart and loving dogs available for nominal costs at your local SPCA or City/county pound. just my 2 centseuros, worth more |
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If you can deal with a high energy dog and keep it mentally stimulated, The Australian Cattle Dog is an excellent choice.
I have 2 ACD mixes. 30-40 lbs, but extremely protective of their flock/herd. 
But if you want to just throw them in the back yard all day with no mental stimulation they will find ways to amuse themselves. Usually by destroying your back yard. And I agree with the above, the female (larger one in front) came from the pound and the male was a throw away from a family that didn't want to keep him. |
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I have 4 kids under the age of 5. I want to have a guard dog that stays outside during the day and comes inside to sleep in the chokepoint of our house at night. It gets to -10 in the winter, but I would build him an insulated doghouse for his time outside during the day. I want a dog that will alert us and buy me time to get my firearm should an intruder break in. What breed should I look at and why? Not an outside dog, but doesn't shed & bread for "protection" and ONLY protection. Great with kids... I can NOT emphisise that enough, GREAT with kids. She took to my newborn as her own & my other two as her best friends. That was about 5 years ago now... Dear god I miss her  
Rest in peace Zengha Pathfinder |
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ok, I know it is against the rules of ARFCOM but POUND PUPPIES are the best damn dogs on the planet,,,period, I think truthfully they sence it is the end of the road and you are thier saviour.. the 5 dogs I have had in life were pound MUTTS, all lived good long years, all were very smart and protective,(one was a wimpy girl, but NO ONE stepped on property with out due notice from her, from behind something large ), all were loyall, faithful, good with the kids, learned lessons taught,,
from my readings, as I am seeking a new dog is the top "breeds" and especially larger breeds, live 7 to 9 years avg, my mutts all lived past 12 yers my local spca is $50 per adoption and a coupon for free spay or nueter at the local Vet.. not to crap on the breeders out there as I know we all want to make a buck, but there are millions of beautiful, smart and loving dogs available for nominal costs at your local SPCA or City/county pound. just my 2 centseuros, worth more All the dogs I got were give away pups too(mutts). What I said about considering the source is dogs are livestock. They reproduce at a fixed rate. You cannot get more puppies to sell like turning on the water at the sink. When a breed becomes suddenly popular the value of the pups goes up. Lower quality breeders jump into the market to fill demand, and viola bad dogs in the market. This happened to Chows a little over 20 years ago, so there are some violent chows in the market That movie 101 Dalmatians did this to Dalmatians, so there are some deaf ones in the market. Also think about the culture group that likes the breed of dog you are considering. Some breeds have a public image that might make relations with the neighbors less easy. '72 and '78 real copper two cents |
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I grew up with German shepherds and we just got one for our place after recognizing similar needs.
Can't go wrong. Get a younger one, or even a puppy. They'll protect your kids until their dying breath. Great with kids. Meet all the other criteria you list as well. |
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We have two GSD. One is a schutzen trained champion but is getting along in years. The other is a big male who is only basic train but is very intelligent. They are always on alert and listening. They sleep inside by the bed at night with us and during the day they go inside and outside quite often keeping an eye on things. I trust these dogs to protect us no matter what. I know they will give me time to get to a weapon. May not be anything left when I get back though. Just my two cents. +1 for the GSD's. My first was a Schutzen II but she passed away last year. She was a great dog, and the training was the best ! She saved our butts several times from a prowler across the street at 1 a.m. and a unknown subject who tried to enter the house unannounced. I took her on several back pack trips and bug out overnighters, and she was awesome. We sure miss her ! This is her: 
Our new dog, Porsha was a pound pup and we aquired her when she was a year old. This was several months ago. She is still in training, but now stays outside during the day and with us at night. She is great, mostly, but still a pup. Man she has a lot of energy ! 
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We have two GSD. One is a schutzen trained champion but is getting along in years. The other is a big male who is only basic train but is very intelligent. They are always on alert and listening. They sleep inside by the bed at night with us and during the day they go inside and outside quite often keeping an eye on things. I trust these dogs to protect us no matter what. I know they will give me time to get to a weapon. May not be anything left when I get back though. Just my two cents. +1 for the GSD's. My first was a Schutzen II but she passed away last year. She was a great dog, and the training was the best ! She saved our butts several times from a prowler across the street at 1 a.m. and a unknown subject who tried to enter the house unannounced. I took her on several back pack trips and bug out overnighters, and she was awesome. We sure miss her ! This is her: http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/7508/roxyi.jpg Our new dog, Porsha was a pound pup and we aquired her when she was a year old. This was several months ago. She is still in training, but now stays outside during the day and with us at night. She is great, mostly, but still a pup. Man she has a lot of energy ! http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/8963/porshapic.jpg beautiful dogs. |
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The German Shepherd is a terrific dog. Rottweilers are strong and aggresive, I dont like their character much adn lots of people had dead kids and relatives becuase of them.
The Dogo Argentino, that's my personal favorite. Strong, good fighter and mostly corageous. That would be my top choice given that the person has teh attitude to handle such a dog (you can baby him or treat it like a human) Just an example of what a Dogo Argentino is capable of: 
The Story of “Caudillo” 
Caudillo was a prize winning Dogo Argentino that passed away in April 27, 2003 , protecting his master, Martín Parapar. Caudillo won several competitions, was N1 Dogo Argentino in the country and was close to winning best dog of all races. That day, Martín was about to get out of his Peugeot Partner when a car with 4 persons stopped in front of him. Two got out and one of them goes into the car to the passenger seat and tells him to get out. All he asks of them is to let him get the dog out, which was locked in the back of the truck in a transportation box. They pushed him out of the car and he ran to the back side, opening the back door and pulling the box out before they took off with the car. As he pulls the door of the box, the car starts moving, and combined with the weight of the dog the door brakes and opens. One of the bad guys up front turns to shoot Martin, and Martin shouts “Caudillo, come!”. But the dog didn’t obey him ( something unusual given the amount of prizes he had won). Instead he turns and attacks the man, and gets shot, the round intended for Martin. Martin runs after the car but is left behind because of the speed. As he runs towards it he hears several shots, until the car gets up to the sidewalk and crashes against a tree, a block and a half away. The one in the passenger’s seat gets out and gets into the backup car. The two other men get out and pick the driver, that had been attacked in the neck by Caudillo. This man was later hospitalized but didn’t survive. Caudillo gets out of the Peugeot through the back door, still opened, and chases the bad guys, but after a few yards he can’t take it no more and drops. He had been hit with 7 45 ACP slugs: 3 in the ribs. 1 in the chest. 3 in the throat and nose. They take off and by the time Martin reaches Caudillo its already too late. They later found two 45, one was still full, unfired, the other one was empty. The one that was still full belonged to the driver, the one Caudillo went after. Caudillo was 22 months old, weighted 57,9kg the day he passed away and became a hero.
This website is dedicated to him. http://www.el-doyel.com.ar/historia_caudillo.htm
FerFAL |
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We have two GSD. One is a schutzen trained champion but is getting along in years. The other is a big male who is only basic train but is very intelligent. They are always on alert and listening. They sleep inside by the bed at night with us and during the day they go inside and outside quite often keeping an eye on things. I trust these dogs to protect us no matter what. I know they will give me time to get to a weapon. May not be anything left when I get back though. Just my two cents. +1 for the GSD's. My first was a Schutzen II but she passed away last year. She was a great dog, and the training was the best ! She saved our butts several times from a prowler across the street at 1 a.m. and a unknown subject who tried to enter the house unannounced. I took her on several back pack trips and bug out overnighters, and she was awesome. We sure miss her ! This is her: http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/7508/roxyi.jpg Our new dog, Porsha was a pound pup and we aquired her when she was a year old. This was several months ago. She is still in training, but now stays outside during the day and with us at night. She is great, mostly, but still a pup. Man she has a lot of energy ! http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/8963/porshapic.jpg beautiful dogs. Thanks ! I love the GSD breed, they are smart, agile, and very loyal. As an added bonus, and I'm sure because of police use world wide, people are scared of them big time. They have a rep. Works for me. |
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The German Shepherd is a terrific dog. Rottweilers are strong and aggresive, I dont like their character much adn lots of people had dead kids and relatives becuase of them. The Dogo Argentino, that's my personal favorite. Strong, good fighter and mostly corageous. That would be my top choice given that the person has teh attitude to handle such a dog (you can baby him or treat it like a human) Just an example of what a Dogo Argentino is capable of: http://www.el-doyel.com.ar/caudilloblanco––-1.jpg The Story of “Caudillo” Caudillo was a prize winning Dogo Argentino that passed away in April 27, 2003 , protecting his master, Martín Parapar. Caudillo won several competitions, was N1 Dogo Argentino in the country and was close to winning best dog of all races. That day, Martín was about to get out of his Peugeot Partner when a car with 4 persons stopped in front of him. Two got out and one of them goes into the car to the passenger seat and tells him to get out. All he asks of them is to let him get the dog out, which was locked in the back of the truck in a transportation box. They pushed him out of the car and he ran to the back side, opening the back door and pulling the box out before they took off with the car. As he pulls the door of the box, the car starts moving, and combined with the weight of the dog the door brakes and opens. One of the bad guys up front turns to shoot Martin, and Martin shouts “Caudillo, come!”. But the dog didn’t obey him ( something unusual given the amount of prizes he had won). Instead he turns and attacks the man, and gets shot, the round intended for Martin. Martin runs after the car but is left behind because of the speed. As he runs towards it he hears several shots, until the car gets up to the sidewalk and crashes against a tree, a block and a half away. The one in the passenger’s seat gets out and gets into the backup car. The two other men get out and pick the driver, that had been attacked in the neck by Caudillo. This man was later hospitalized but didn’t survive. Caudillo gets out of the Peugeot through the back door, still opened, and chases the bad guys, but after a few yards he can’t take it no more and drops. He had been hit with 7 45 ACP slugs: 3 in the ribs. 1 in the chest. 3 in the throat and nose. They take off and by the time Martin reaches Caudillo its already too late. They later found two 45, one was still full, unfired, the other one was empty. The one that was still full belonged to the driver, the one Caudillo went after. Caudillo was 22 months old, weighted 57,9kg the day he passed away and became a hero. This website is dedicated to him. http://www.el-doyel.com.ar/historia_caudillo.htm FerFAL Great story, thanks for sharing. Dogs are great assets. |
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I have 4 kids under the age of 5. I want to have a guard dog that stays outside during the day and comes inside to sleep in the chokepoint of our house at night. It gets to -10 in the winter, but I would build him an insulated doghouse for his time outside during the day. I want a dog that will alert us and buy me time to get my firearm should an intruder break in. What breed should I look at and why? If I didn't think it might eat your kids, I'd suggest what I have... a 125 lb. American Bulldog: 
Best guard dog I've ever owned, with several caveats - such as being very aggressive and not friendly. I've met a couple nice ones, and while my guy is nice to me (usually) he is a complete dick to anyone else. He constantly has to be reminded he's #2 on the totem pole of power. The breed is very hyper-cautious around new people, and borders on the edge of being much too aggressive for most people to handle. I feel totally safe leaving him defending the house when I'm out - anybody that meets him is not anxious to enter the house, and they'd be beyond dumb to do so without a shotgun and being ready to use it. But thankfully I have no kids. Also, people mistake them for a very large pit, even though no pit would ever get this big. YMMV when it comes to any dog, however. 
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but here is a suggestion that you want to think about. Your canine partner is a pack animal. first and last. You must make him part of your pack by letting him in the house and with the kids at all times. there is nothing worse than dog in a shed, when he should be in with you. You will be amazed at how he or she takes care of you and your family. HUGE +1. Why on earth would you only expect a bad guy(s) or danger at night? Believe me, things go wrong during morning, noon and dusk as well. I have a dog door (large because of the breed), while my dogs prefer to stay outside through the day in nice weather, they come running at moments notice if they hear a baby cry or someone coming up the walkway. During bad weather, they stay much cleaner by hanging out just inside the dog door / laundry room area and only going out for bathroom breaks. Do you really want a stinky, muddy, rain drenched outdoor only dog coming in and sleeping at night? Lastly, as the poster quoted above, dogs ARE pack animals, they do not understand being forcibly seperated thru the day and you will find it easier to build a dog-family bond as well as train a dog as to what is acceptable behavior indoors when they live there too. Now I understand that some owners kennel their dogs outside all the time, or have dogs that patrol a large fenced area. By your saying that the dog would be indoors at night, I think the dog door with day/night dog access will achieve the best results for protecting your home inside and out. |
Hey, guys: It's spelled: German Shepherd. The German Shepherd sport is spelled: "Schutzhund." I'll cut you some slack on that one, as it's German. 
Most of these exotic dog breeds are paper tigers. They're like the roided out guys at the gym who think they're tough, but don't know how to fight when their bluff is called. If you look at the BIG MONEY working dog sports in Europe... the ones where the competitors are free to compete with any breed–– all of the winners are using Belgian Malinois or some variation of the Mals (like the Dutch Shepherd). Because when it comes down to BIG MONEY... Money talks and B.S. walks. There are those who will say, "That's just a sport." Yeah, right. Blah blah blah. You wouldn't rely on a gun you've never test fired. As a professional dog trainer who's seen this time and time again: Have somebody in a padded suit sneak into your house at night, and act aggressively and pretend to assault you and see what happens. For $100 ... you'll sleep better knowing how your dog will really react when pressured. 99% of dogs who haven't been trained and don't have the right nerves will go into avoidance. I have a friend who was raped while her two GSDs laid on the floor next to the bed, in conflict about what to do. No training, bad nerves. That being said: Most people can't handle a real working dog. So, a big ugly pet rock will work better for most people. Just be aware of what you've got, and don't delude yourself into thinking you've got a manstopper. |
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That stay outside predominately changes the dynamic of what dog you should select quite a bit. All dogs are pack animals and thus have this desire to please. Kept isolated from the pack for predominate periods they tend to be a tad frisky trying to both please and over compensate a little. This can be quite the problem with small children as they tend to bump into them knocking them down etc. Any good sized dog can be a problem in this area.
Keep in mind, there is no pack if the pack isn't home. Home, they're denied the pack if kept away. Its really good to keep in mind on dogs of any kind that their natural tendencies will be. Pack and territorial traits are in all dogs. Take them away from either and to put it blunt, it starts messing with their head. Just as dogs have their pack mentality so do children and I find dad wanting to keep Fido outside often a losing battle for dad. especially if dad plans on allowing the dog into the house sometimes. If you are dead set on this path, which I would advise against as a losing battle, I'd be looking at small dog like a Beagle or similar hound type that likes to be outdoors more than most breeds. A small dog is a little easier to take that, "uh, uh, uh, uh, Oh boy, Oh boy, Oh boy" thing. I've not met the outside dog regardless of breed that the predominate outside thing does not over ride their natural breeding instincts. Being denied pack or territory is not normal for a dog. Now an outside till I get home, allows for a much more well rounded dog and you can pretty much choose a number of dogs based on the traits you desire. If buying a full breed dog, I've found the net to be an invaluable source of information both on the many breeds I have owned in the past and a few I've bought since then. Its not 100% because dogs are biological and not mechanical so all little individuals, but its on more times and things than not. I will say, one needs to read into those descriptions and pay close attention. Dog writers tend to throw stuff in there with the clouded eyes of a pet owner. If that description says bred to hunt bears then one should not assume docile easy going dog especially towards other animals or strangers. (pack territorial thing again). Like these other guys in the thread, I can't tell you what the best dog is for you but I can tell you about the many fine breeds I have owned. I grew up with dogs, have three now, and honestly can say, I've never had a bad dog. I've only had dogs that better suited my situation at the time than others. There's some truisms in that too. Big dog in a limited space is not good. Dog to save you from all harm is fooling yourself. We aren't drug dealers that can't own guns. A hyper breed demands more attention than a non-hyper one. Quiet ones will be quiet. That one sounds obvious but it would shock you how many folks complain about that. Likewise, a dog breed known for being loud will be loud. These folks haven't spent centuries breeding traits into these animals for nothing. The best advice I can give anyone is get out there around some of these dogs if possible and get to know them especially in as close an environment as you plan to keep one . One man's gold mine is a another man's hell. If you are consistent with training, any dog can be trained, however though we can get them to obey our commands that does not control their mind. As for outside dogs, I can't comment much on that. I grew up on a farm with outside dogs but even then we gave them pack by having more than one dog. I have opted against that in life giving our pets the the pack mentality. I can tell you the finest large breed I have every owned was an Akita followed very closely by a couple German Shepard. Both are very intelligent dog breeds with an exceptional pack and territorial sense. Closer to the wolf, I guess. With these dogs, I'm afraid they were not a problem but I always felt I was. A big breed really deserves space to be well rounded and despite being in a good sized home with fenced yard, it never felt adequate really. I have three very different dogs now all small ones, a beagle, Jack Russel, and Yorkshire Terrier. Beagles, once the most popular dog in the US are natural born hunters, extremely loyal and lovable, however like all hounds they are 1/3 brain, 1/3 nose, and 1/3 stomach with any of the thirds able to take over their reason at literally any time. It makes them downright entertaining but can be source of frustration. Jack Russells without a doubt has to been one of the smartest breeds of dogs period. The downside is they are also a terrier and all terriers are terrors or high energy dogs. Combine that intelligence with all that energy and you have one very entertaining animal, high maintenance, and if you aren't careful they end up the boss. I guess the Yorkie has surprised the most. My wife expected a total lap dog and well that didn't work out. The breed was bred to hunt rats so quite the little aggressive bugger. They have an exceptional territorial sense but compared to other dogs its amazingly small territory. That makes them kings in their territory and quite docile outside that territory. I now know why the English carried them in pockets from house to house before renting them out to kill rats. He's quite won over the house both from a love and control. He's a character. All three are quite the little guard dogs and will look out the windows at the least little sound. They're so predictable, I can tell who's coming by how they react without even looking out. You see that's the thing. If you get into the joy of the dog, the entertainment, companionship, and downright joy, you can train about any breed to keep an eye out for you. Now if you want them to be the bad ass kick the badguys butt, you're going to run into a real problem in breed selection. That narrows it quite a bit to those who come naturally to it and though you can train others to do it, that then makes them small children safety concerns. Having even owned a Vietnam Vet attack dog, I honestly believe this perfect pet until you snap your finger and the perfect pet becomes the perfect killer a myth. Though they are all somewhere in the middle, they're really like people. You mold them to be mean and they will be mean sometimes when you least expect it. Some people can live with that, but I find "Sorry my dog killed your dog" or "My dog just bit your kid" to be a real hassle in life. I have found any barking dog to be a crime deterrent. Even if the bad guy isn't afraid of the dog, it does draw attention and easier targets abound. Living in Houston in an apartment, I was broke in twice before I bought a little yapper, Eskimo Spitz, and trained it to go ballistic at a knock on the door. That ended the break ins. I'll never forget the dog going ape when this gangsta type came out of the 711, the guy jumps back like he had been killed, then gets his composure and says, "You need a bigger dog!" I just smiled and said "Warning by Spitz, protection by Smith & Wesson. Why do I need a bigger dog." The look on his face was priceless. My advice to anyone is buy a breed with the traits they will enjoy in day to day life most. The guard thing, you can train or they come to it natural. A bullet stops a dog just as fast as a man and people shoot them with far less thought than people. Tj BTW, I can comment positively on every dog in this thread. I guess I really like dogs. |
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No offense, but it sounds like you should just buy an alarm system and some motion lights.
Dogs aren't security robots, to sit in the yard out of mind, then sit in the breezeway to guard at night. I would consider the following - Do you have experience with dogs, specifically with the type of breeds recommended so far? If not, get a Golden Retriever or a Lab. They are easy to train, and will alert if strangers come around at night. Dogs have to be inside with you and the family or they will become bored, destructive, aggressive etc. Are you and your spouse ready to have a high energy, big dog in the house with you? If not , get a Golden. They a mellow inside dogs, and do well with other house pets. German Shepherd Dogs are incredible guard dogs, and family pets. However, they are working dogs ( especially if you get one from Germany ). They need a job to do to be happy. You have to work them in some capacity every day. If you only have ten minutes a day to throw a ball, get a Golden. A friend of mine wanted a GSD for the same reasons you do. He ordered one from Germany. He puts the dog out in the backyard, and forgets about it. Then he gets mad when the dog becomes bored and barks at passing motorcycles, squirrels etc. Inside, the dog is only allowed in the basement, or in the kitchen. His wife is constantly complaining about having a large dog in the way all the time in the kitchen, and gets tired of the dog and cat fighting through the child safety gate that blocks the kitchen from the living room. (smart cat) The only time the dog is happy is when their daughter is in the backyard with him, or when I visit and play with him. Just something to consider. |
| Get a shorthaired dog if you are going to keep it inside, which I wholeheartedly suggest. Size doesn't matter that much if you just want an alarm. If you want a dog that's more likely to attack an intruder and bite, it will need lots of training and an owner who understands dogs completely. Some of the best dogs I've ever had came from the pound. It really is in the training, not so much the dog. |
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My advice to anyone is buy a breed with the traits they will enjoy in day to day life most. The guard thing, you can train or they come to it natural. A bullet stops a dog just as fast as a man and people shoot them with far less thought than people. Read the story I posted. I know of several other Dogos that defended their masters in similar ways, all of the ones I know about required lots of shots to get stopped. Another Dogo in Cordoba, also protecting his master, took two shots of 45 ACP, one in the face and another in the chest, still sent them running and even managed to survive, looked very well when they showed him on the news
FerFAL |
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Don't get a Black Lab / Pit Bull mix. We have one and the fudger is the biggest baby in the world. Looks more like a lab until he yawns. Then you see the pit mouth/jaw/teeth. Great with kids though, probably would lick an intruder to death. And his tail needs to be registered as a deadly weapon.
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I have a Rottweiler that is simply huge, he’s never even growled at anyone. But has gotten between us and some angry stray dogs that quickly turned tail.
If he did ever attack an intruder they would be done, he is just too strong but his temperament is such he is nice to all who come in my house if we allow them, great with kids. But the pure sight of him makes anyone step back. Possible suggestion? I would suggest a Tosa, I have never seen on but all I have ever heard say they are fearless and loyal only to their family. If you are not the strong leader type don’t even think about a protection breed. They will quickly see through you and you will have too much to handle. |
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If you want a guard dog, and not an attack dog, and you have a fenced yard, I would say go with a Great Pyrenees (or two) from a working dog line.
Pyrs are what are known as Livestock Guardian Dogs. They have been bred to protect their flocks (which can easily be your family). Outside/.in side is not an issue, nor is 10 degree weather (Mine are inside dogs primarily, but it's tough to get them off the deck in the winter time unless its sub-zero and windy). As guardian dogs there job is to disrupt predator attacks. That means that they alert on the predator and then start barking when they perceive a threat, to disrupt the attack. They are a common working dog in the US and Europe (there are some pics on the web of a trio of Pyrs running off a Northern European Brown Bear (AKA "grizzly")). They are not attack dogs; they will defend their flock, but they don't go out of their way to attack. They have a need to secure and patrol their perimeter. When we take ours to the dog park, one will walk the perimeter, the other will watch the entry gate. At home, they will sleep with their backs leaning against the doors. If they don't know the location they sleep back to back so they can keep an eye on things in opposite directions. I'm at my cabin in the mountains at the moment; one is lying in front of the main door, the other is lying in the living room where he can watch the kitchen door. They are not little dogs; males normally go up to ~ 140 lbs, females around 120. Mine are both runts at about 100 lbs each. They are good with kids in the sense that they tolerate them well. My fiancée took our female to a agricultural trade show last month; she sent me a picture of a half dozen little Mennonite girls crawling all over her. You can pet them and wrestle with them but they don't play "fetch" or most doggy games. They can be very stubborn to train, but persistence pays off. Good dogs for what you want, presuming you actually know what you want 
ETA: Our female napping with my son (he's a little over 6 feet tall, for some idea of her size) 
Two of them playing 
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but here is a suggestion that you want to think about. Your canine partner is a pack animal. first and last. You must make him part of your pack by letting him in the house and with the kids at all times. there is nothing worse than dog in a shed, when he should be in with you. You will be amazed at how he or she takes care of you and your family. HUGE +1. Why on earth would you only expect a bad guy(s) or danger at night? Believe me, things go wrong during morning, noon and dusk as well. I have a dog door (large because of the breed), while my dogs prefer to stay outside through the day in nice weather, they come running at moments notice if they hear a baby cry or someone coming up the walkway. During bad weather, they stay much cleaner by hanging out just inside the dog door / laundry room area and only going out for bathroom breaks. Do you really want a stinky, muddy, rain drenched outdoor only dog coming in and sleeping at night? Lastly, as the poster quoted above, dogs ARE pack animals, they do not understand being forcibly seperated thru the day and you will find it easier to build a dog-family bond as well as train a dog as to what is acceptable behavior indoors when they live there too. Now I understand that some owners kennel their dogs outside all the time, or have dogs that patrol a large fenced area. By your saying that the dog would be indoors at night, I think the dog door with day/night dog access will achieve the best results for protecting your home inside and out. I will add that with young kids, you really need to get a "family" bread. My mother has had german sheperds for along time, she currently has a 7 yo male that is 105#, great animal, but, I would not trust my small children to crawl and play with him, his personality is good, but he would get grumpy when the kids want to play horse. She had a female for 9 years that was right at 100#, her I would trust my kids with no problem. So you really need to take individual personality into account. Now lab's, 95% plus you can aclimate to wear they will tolerate abuse from kids without fear of one getting bit. I have always had a soft spot for pit bulls. My first childhood dog was a black and white female pit. Very smart, loving, and protective. Pit's can be great with kids, but again, individual personality needs to be considered. I currently have a beagle that came to me as a stray. It is a awsome dog, and very protective of HIS house, yard, truck, ect, great kid dog too. If the animal feels like part of the family, it will protect its family. |
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I haded a pair of Rottweiler.(they are gone now)
I only ask them each to give me two minutes warning. Thats all I ever ask of any of my dogs. A warning. Anything else they may do is all ways helpful. Dogs can be taken out to easily. I like the little dog in the movie THE BODY GAURD! Stayed out of the way. Was not a yapper! Warned you with a low growl!!! What more could you ask for? PITA45
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Point Taken. I will have it an inside dog. I have a pack mentality to you know. LOL, I kind of gathered. As soon as I read the how many children, I knew you would be out voted and Fido would be one of the pack.
If a large dog is what you are looking for, take a close look at the Akita. It truly is the national dog of Japan and called "The Baby Sitter" dog because so many working mothers leave their children home with the dog knowing they couldn't be safer. They have an extreme pack mentality as far as dogs go. They simply unbelievable with children and gladly sacrifice their lives in their protection with no training at all. Its why I know OJ did it as anyone who has owned one of these fine animals knows. They're extremely intelligent and, with one exception, they are so smart its like they speak English. The exception is I have never had a breed the Alpha Male challenge was so hard. (Male thing) Dominating a small dog is a lot easier than a dog as big as you especially one that knows no pain. The only other negative, other than you need room for any large dog, is that they are not only very territorial but stake out about the largest territory of any dog breed I've been around. They're extremely defensive of their territory and if a strange dog violates that territory if they get loose, they will hunt it down and punish them. Of course, that also means they will tolerate no stranger coming into your house when you are not around (much like a Dobie in that regard). That's a plus and minus depending on your own social situation. The good news is they have an excellent memory and once a friend is accepted into the pack, they never forget. Mine really liked to party with my friends. They are so protective though, mine would even try to break me and my son up from rough housing. We'd be wrestling then that big giant head would go in between us trying to push us off each other. Never had a dog that got so into the whole family aspect and protect the family at all costs. I think this is one of the main reasons they are on the dangerous dog lists. Well that, and they are indeed quite powerful and that deep bark would scare anybody. I've had three German Shepard in my life. Its a breed that's hard not appreciate. They too are very smart and quite frankly one well rounded animal. You can see the intelligence in their eyes. I think a lot of their popularity is their primal instincts are not as well defined as most breeds and can be trained or adapted to almost any situation from attack dog to family pet. As far as mannerisms, the Akita and German Sheppard share many. Niether really are a high maintenance dog requiring a lot of your attention and thus not a in your face all they time type dog. That's not saying a in your face type dog isn't a good dog either. I find them quite entertaining. Its just a trait difference. Just be advised here, that I consider the best German Shepard to be the classic brown and black. The Black and grays tend to be more aggressive than well rounded and never been around a white one that wasn't timid. Not saying that's bad either just a thing I've noticed. Bull Dogs and Boxers etc, I pretty much put all those dogs with that similar face into what I think of as the please you to death, in your face, will slobber you crazy. I never have even met one, I didn't like. They're an extremely lovable dog, faithful, and almost all one playing fool that will provide more laughs and joy in your life than can be imagined. Though they look mean as all get out, I have found on a whole they are not. Its an undeserved reputation their face has earned them. The good news is not everybody knows this so just looking at them is intimidating to many. My nephew with a new baby in the house has both a Shepard and an American Bulldog. Both dogs have accepted the new addition to the pack readily but its the Bulldog that wants to sleep with the baby. I think that's an insight to their character. Though a big dog, labs are very energetic for their size. The way they love water, they're like the ultimate boat dog though I'm surprised sorta more people with boats don't own them. It could be their size I guess. That high energy in a big package is two edged sword providing unlimited entertainment and sometimes too much entertainment. I do believe no animal on Earth can dig as well a Lab. My best friends was named Moon and we use laugh about his Moon Craters. I'll never forget his favorite toy was a bucket. Watching that dog haul around bucket was enough to make anyone happy. They're fine animals, not really aggressive at all, but very alert so make a very good watch dog. Hard for me to think of a Lab I never liked. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the best breeds for a family pet. They're right up their with a Jack Russel for almost human intelligence but they really aren't either hyper active or aggressive at all. I guess that's why people love them so much. They're low maintenance so company when you want it and not when you don't. That can be a very admirable trait to some people. Their lack of aggressiveness puts them about middle of the pack as guard dogs and one really has to train them to it for it doesn't come naturally. Being so intelligent though, it isn't that hard. They live a very long time and being as good natured as they are, its usually quite devastating to a family when one passes away. They're a very popular breed. Hounds no matter what type all share similar traits that I mentioned the Beagle has. Other than the blood hound, they are all quite energetic. Known for their hunting, I can think of few dogs that rival hounds for that endeavor. Being where I live, they are quite popular here. Many a night, I listen to the hounds pursing game. They are an outside dog and really are happiest in a pack and on the run. One day I'd love to own a half dozen hounds. Just watching them hunt is one of lifes pleasures. Being hunters, they're natural guard dogs. Their noses are so tuned, its almost magic how they can smell stuff. They're all loyal, faithful, great with children due to that strong pack mentality, but I think Disney nailed their character with their superstar Goofy. They're a constant source of entertainment. No breed at all can touch a hound dog for being faithful. The movies showing the dog laying and mourning on their masters grave or crossing the nation to get home, doesn't surprise me in the least. When our Akita passed away our Beagle went into a funk, it took two years and buying the Jack Russel to keep her company to break it. There are many dogs that for some reason, don't ask me, their character is very much misunderstood and misrepresented in the media. Top of that list has to be poodles. Though a foo foo looking dog, they are anything but. Bred actually has hunting dogs, they're one aggressive breed and in my years as passing papers as a kid, I think those little buggers have nailed my ankle more than any other. They can be a one person dog. Besides being an ankle biter, their strength is like all hunting breeds an excellent natural born guard dog. Of the one person dogs, probably the one breed I would consider the most like that is the Eskimo Spitz. I truly enjoyed the two I have lived with in life but they're really not high on my recommend list especially for a family. They do take up with one person and can be quite contrary to the other members in a family. Like a Dobie, they're a nervous breed and share many similar traits. They are bout the most cold weather dog, I've been around. Walking ours in both Cleveland and Chicago in wither was a pain. She so loved the cold. The colder it got the more time the dog would want to remain outside. I'm talking so cold, their poop freezes before you get it into the scooper. I thank God I don't live in apartments no more and doggie business is "There's the door." Another misrepresented dog is the Pit Bull. They share many traits with the hound. Kind of like a hound less the nose so actually more manageable. Contrary to popular belief, they make excellent family pets but really do not do well if out of the pack mentality or restrained like chained or tightly confined. That's a real shame too because like the old series "Spanky and Our Gang" a pit left to roam freely truly can be the neighborhoods dog. My brothers roamed freely its entire life and was loved by everyone. Though a good dog and easy to train, they aren't the brightest star in the heavens and I guess that's why if you put them in adverse conditions, they can become quite, frankly, nutso. They do have that magic hot button which can be quite the problem at times but in the right environment, you may never see it. That hot button, nutso if in the wrong environment, and massive jaws what makes them so popular as fighting dogs. Shame really that those who do this to this fine animal have given it, its grossly undeserved reputation. Though many people fear and hate Doberman's, I find them quite the interesting breed. A cuddle dog they aren't. They are exceptionally smart but a tad nervous breed. Though you could never tell it unless you owned one, they harbor a lot of fear which most dogs react to fear with aggressive behavior. That pretty much means, it doesn't take much to train one to be mean. Like Billybobjimjack did to the pit so has Mr. Drug Dealer done to the Dobie. They encourage that aggressive behavior and its that aggressive behavior that gives them their bad reputation. Because they are what they are, you can meet bad ones and good ones in life. They truly are molded by their owners probably more than any breed. I see that as a real positive element. I could write a book on both good and bad Dobies I have known in life. I find the miniature Dobies to really be a hoot. Its like double the nervous nature. Outside their pack, becoming their buddy is a real accomplishment. A well rounded full size Dobie though with a little more effort than most dogs can become very close with extended family and friends. Where an Akita assumes you are there so they must be OK, the Dobies takes a bit different approach more like you have tell them and then the guest has to make an effort. In the strangers face right off the bat trying to be buddies is typically not the trait of a well rounded Dobie. As for attacking people, man I don't know a breed that uses tactics as much a Dobie. They can be full frontal coming at you from above to as sneaky as a sniper in the grass. This using tactics extends to almost everything in what they do. That makes them very entertaining. They have excellent eye sight combined with that nervous nature which makes them about one the best natural guard dog breeds. I guess that's why druggies took to them. Its not like druggies are going to take the time to train a dog properly. Rotweillers the Dobies uncle so to say (an older breed) is more like a cross between a hound and Dobie with a lean more hound than Dobie. Its another breed greatly misaligned. Though I have known many that were aggressive and downright dangerous, its really not in their nature (much less in their nature than a Dobie) and can be quite the family dog. Like the Bulldog and Boxer, they're slobber dog and can wet you down real good. I have a close friend who breeds Rotts and he's always offering me a pup. Talk about putting a hurting on you, try going to a Rott breeders sometimes. Having all those big good natured slobbering animals all try to love and get loving from you at one time can flat put a hurting on you. Like the Shepard, the Rotties train well and as guard dogs though few can compare, they really need a little training to take to it well. They have a medium pack mentality so can be trained or swing either way from pack to one person. They take to pack a lot better than the Dobie. Its really remarkable to see two breeds their appearance is so similar but their natural behavior so different. Retrievers and Spaniels share may traits what I think of as the long eared long haired breeds. They typically make great family pets and all have this Devil May Care attitude which can be both a source of amusement and a source of frustration at times. My first dog in life was a Cocker Spaniel which as a baby, my mother tells me, pulled me out of the road saving my lfie. Though they have this devil may care attitude, I'm not sure that its not as much a heavy dose of who dominates who kind of like an illegal Mexican playing dumb when they aren't. When it comes down to the pinch, I've found you can count on them more than not. They have outstanding eye sight, exceptional hearing, and so make excellent bird dogs and though not as much as the lab typically like water. Of the same traits, I have to mention, the Irish Setter. Though definitely one of the pretties breeds and extremely lovable animal, they have to be the most stubborn animal on this planet besides man. They are quite unique of the long eared long hairs and quite the training challenge so not for everyone. Now there are some breeds that are just downright characters so unusual acting that they are a constant source of amazement and amusement. Top of the list of these sorts is the miniature breeds. All the miniature breeds share many things in common. They really are not good pets for families with small children. Due to their very small size, they get hurt easy and ether become defensive to children or develop a very whooped attitude. In the right environment though, they can be quite entertaining. They tend to have this Napoleon complex and think they're ten foot tall. They tend to be very smart. Back in the day when all dogs roamed the neighborhoods, it was more common than not to see the smallest dog in the neighborhood best pals with the biggest. The little one wold pick the fights and the big one finish them. Though women tend to make the minatures lap dogs, they really aren't and quite a aggressive little criters despite not really being capable of it. A high energy miniature dog like a Chihuahua, Yorkie, or miniature Dobie can be quite the companion, a constant source of downright laughter, and natural born alarm systems. The Yorkie we have now is our second miniature in life and I guess I shouldn't be surprised he's pack leader of our three despite not even being fully mature yet. Last but not least by any means is the mixed breeds. If you follow what I posted it shouldn't surprise you that many physical traits are as strong indicator of a mixed breeds temperament. Because they are mixed, you can have a lot more variety. I've had my share of mixed breeds as well. I'll give you an example, I had this one dog that was half greyhound and have German Sheppard. Now this was one weird looking dog man. He was colored just like a German Sheppard but his hair short like the Greyhound along with a Greyhounds flying nun ears and long legs. Damn could that dog run. He could maintain a 35 mph run and that's damn fast for a dog. He got his intelligence from the Sheppard which made him exceptionally trainable. Being in the Army then and living in the swamps, I trained him to hunting and was the best hunting dog I ever had, ugliest dog I ever had but best hunting one too. Here's a pick of two of my favorites from around 1973. 
The flying nun eared dog is the one I mentioned in the above paragraph when he was a pup. The Sheppard was Vietnam Veteran attack dog that my neighbor and myself took to prevent him from being destroyed. Now that was one aggressive dog but we wore him down in time and by the time I got out of the service we placed him in a nice home with children. This is my mini pack now when the Yorkie was just six weeks old. 
Anyway, I hope I've been of help and encourage you that if there's one thing I truly believe its there are no bad dogs or bad breeds. There's only the breed that better suits you at a given time than others. Tj |
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Well I know no one wants to hear it ,but our pitbull has been the best dog I have ever had. (for the record I never liked pitbulls,I took it as a rescue) we have 5 kids ,the youngest is 3.5 this dog is very easy to live with. House breaking went like this....hey, why dont you shit outside. He likes the chickens and tolerates other dogs. +1 Our pit is the best dog Ive owned. And he has an amazing sense of who is bad and who is good. Vey protective but not aggresive. Since my wife got pregnant he has turned up the protective qualities like he senses he needs to keep an eye on momma. I agree with the poster above who said u cant leave your dog outside...if thats the case buy an alarm system...your better off. Your dog needs to be in the house to bond properly....my 2 cents. |
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Most dogs can be trained to be an adequate 'guard dog' and give you a heads up when someone is in approaching your house. While a few breeds are more intimidating then others, most people aren't willing to go through the extensive training programs that are required to train a dog to the level that (I'm assuming) you all want - friendly family dog that on command will rip a BG's head off. My advice would be to get a dog that you and your family enjoy and then go through two or three training programs that will show you how to train your dog to speak at the appropriate time.
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Point Taken. I will have it an inside dog. I have a pack mentality to you know. One other thing, I also have 4 kids and have had dogs most of my life. Have the kids take an active part in raising/training your dog. When my first 2 kids were 2-3 years old we got an 11 month old Dalmation, he had been raised around kids. From the day we brought him home until the day he died 11 1/2 years later the only ones that fed him was one of the kids. You could walk up and beat me with a baseball bat and he would just sit and watch you, touch the kids and you were wearing black and white spots. My youngest is now 10, when we got the 2 dogs I posted earlier the toughest part was getting the youngest child to be firm with the dogs. Herding breeds (including GSD's) want to herd and control things in their environment. That includes your small children. Part of establishing pack order is putting your children above the dog, but having the children control the dogs food it helps the dog to look up to the children. Having your children hand feed the dog dry kibble is a great way to do this. They also can mix training by making the dog sit before they feed it. |
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For the past 20 years I have had Fila Brasileiro dogs, this is a very large mastiff breed from South America and was the only breed of dog bred specificaly for hunting people...they used them to hunt escaped slaves and indians
They are probably the best house watch or guard dogs going, it really is bred right into them to dislike strangers and to protect you and thier home, very docile and loyal to thier family which becomes the focus of thier life.On the avarage not a very active dog that needs alot of walking etc. and are perfectly happy to just lay around, is amazing though I have seen mine many times goi from looking to be big lazy dog asleep and out of it to up and running to the door or window when it hears a noise that is out of place. not the type of dog that barks alot and when you hear them bark you know they have something to bark about These dogs need to be trained so that they will listen and do as you ask them but do not need to be trained to be a good watch dog as it is bred into them...like a Lab is bred to swim and fetch things back to you. Unlike many other breeds this behaviour is considered the most important part of the breed and is carefully maintained. Downside is that this is a very large and very aggresive dog that could kill somebody pretty easly. You not only have to be controll of it by training it to listen to you but you have to limit it's ability to get into situations where people could get in contact with it and get hurt...Not a dog to just leave in your unfenced backyard and when people come to your house the dog has to be securly locked up. This is why Filas are not the perfect choice for police work because while they can be trained you are so to be OK around people you are basicaly asking them to go against thier breeding. The first one I had I did LOTS of work with and I could walk her down the street no problem with people petting her...She let them because I told her but she would look at me like " Dad can't I pleeeese bite them?" Even with her training i would never trust her around a stranger in my house where she would be more protective I know there are lots of nice mix and pound dogs out there but when you get one of these as a puppie it is really a crap shoot....you just don't know what you are getting. Sure there is a chance that it will have the best points of each breed but I think bigger chance that it will have the worse aspects. Other breeds like cane corsos, those Dogo Argintinas [if you like a white dog...I don't ] American bull dogs and Rottiwellers, German Shepards and Dobies would probably be OK too. My dad used to breed German Shepards and loved them but I was never impressed..Have seen lots of "Fear" biters that would run up behind you, take a nip and run away. Most that I have seen would look mean and bark alot but if you stamped your foot they would piss and run. Some of these dogs are breeds that have been bred so that they are smart and easy to be trained [what you want in a police dog] but are not naturaly a good watch / home protection dog. I always worry about how a dog like this will act when you are not there to tell it what to do...withe a Fila you know.....T. |
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There are many dogs that for some reason, don't ask me, their character is very much misunderstood and misrepresented in the media. Top of that list has to be poodles. Though a foo foo looking dog, they are anything but. Bred actually has hunting dogs, they're one aggressive breed and in my years as passing papers as a kid, I think those little buggers have nailed my ankle more than any other. They can be a one person dog. Besides being an ankle biter, their strength is like all hunting breeds an excellent natural born guard dog. I might get laughed out of the SF, Arfcom, and the entire internet for this, but hey, that's why we use avatars. I've got a male standard poodle that's about 70 lbs. I’ve had dogs my whole life, lab mix, coonhound, been around all kinds of dogs, etc. My wife's family had a lab when she was growing up, and got a standard poodle after the lab died. Due to our situation, wife’s allergies, and a huge discount, we decided to get one as well. Poodle comes from a German word that means splashing. It is so true with this breed that it is not even funny. We socialized him to lots of dogs early on and introduced him to water early on as well. As a result, he is great with other dogs, kids, babies, and absolutely loves the water as he goes in the ocean, puddles, and everything in between – to retrieve, to just swim, or to check on swimmers to ensure they’re ok. He did that to a stranger once in the ocean and it was hilarious. Swims up to them, sniffs them, they’re ok, swims back to shore. An original purpose of theirs was to help fisherman with both fish and their nets. As a result, he has a pelican-like trait where he stabs the water as fast as he can to retrieve a ball/fish/etc. And, even though I don’t use him for hunting, plenty of people do as they’d be capable flushers and retrievers. When I let him, he’ll chase rabbits, tree squirrels and cats, etc. Quickly kills animals when he gets them, and would be a great raccoon/squirrel hunter, heh. They’re hunting dogs – that hasn’t disappeared from their genes. His pack-drive is extremely strong as he follows us around the house 100%. He’s great with kids – he even toned down his strength to play tug-of-war with a 2 year old toddler, making a game out of it instead of a dominance thing. He can run around toddlers and knows not to knock them over. A crying baby results in a concerned look on his face until they stop crying. I taught him to retrieve in about 30 seconds and he does it like a lab. He’d retrieve a tennis ball until his heart exploded. He barks at strangers walking by the house, he barks when the door bell is rung or knocking. He has no qualms about picking on or playing with the biggest dog in a dog park. Not really bragging by any means or saying he could take them, just saying he’s been socialized and is comfortable in doing that. Additionally, he doesn’t shed and is hypoallergenic (and yes, I know all dogs shed a little technically, but you cannot tell with these). I have a pair of pet clippers and buzz him off every 6-8 weeks. That and dremeling his nails down when needed is all the ‘maintenance’ he needs. Overall, I was very and pleasantly surprised at the dog and his capabilities. I was surprised at his athleticism, alertness, intelligence (they are consistently ranked in the top 3 intelligent dog breeds – often #1 or #2 with GSD and Australian shepherd alternating at the top it seems). Since I cut him like a normal dog and not some foo foo poodle that French or American people have done, no one ever knows what he is and I don’t feel insecure about it ;) Potential drawbacks are (1) he’s very very social and needs to be around his pack, and (2) not as dead-loyal as a GSD but just as happy to do a chore/task for us. Oddly enough, I hear lots of stories of mentally-wounded/nervous/aggressive poodles. I don’t consider myself some sort of dog training expert, just “normal”, but I guess I got a good one and did a fairly good job of training him. Last thing I want to mention is my utter shock at what poor examples of dogs/dog owners I have seen from labradoodles/goldendoodles. It’s probably all the yuppies buying them and being horrible dog owners that never exercise or train their dogs, but except for 1 or 2, all of the ones I’ve seen are nervous, non-retrieving, or timid dogs. Like I said, probably the owner but still they’re “popular” and thus vulnerable to poor breeding. Get a lab, a poodle, or a rescue mutt from the pound instead of a “doodle” any day. Anyhow, time for a picture, going after a ball in the ocean (his color is called red and part of why no one knows what he is): 
I've got a picture of him at home after I buzzed him down. He looks like a red poodle/red doberman/vizsla hybrid. You can really tell how German and similar he is to a Doberman build - ears/legs/chest/etc. In summary: I do not have the time, money, or desire to have a full-bore protection dog / a dog worthy of taking down an intruder by himself, and have no livestock in need of protection from animal predators. As mentioned above, all the dog needs to do is to bark at strangers during the day, and bark loud enough at night to wake me up and give me a few seconds. This dog, a male standard poodle, can do that surprisingly well, all while being an excellent pet inside and a great active companion while hiking, swimming, etc. |