Whats the best guard dog/family dog?

GBNI

Fluffpuff wrote: »

The only thing with rescue dogs is that its hard to tell what their temperament is like especially with young children. They could be the loveliest friendliest dogs and suddenly turn and snap if they get too stressed so for that reason I would rather get a puppy to bring up with the children x

Rescues always have lots of puppies in, well the one I got my girl from certainly did. Try giving them a phone anyway. Do not mention guard dog though as that tends to put them off as they automatically think you want to train as a protection dog.

unholyangel

Fluffpuff wrote: »

Walking isn't a problem as I go for a run most nights and would take the dog with me, we're also at the park some nights and most weekends, and the dog would be coming on beach holidays with us throughout the year so would get lots of exercise x

If it helps, in my experience, !!!!!es tend to be more protective. Especially with women owners.

love_lifer

Staffies are gorgeous and protective. Ignore the prejudice and media rubbish, my choice every time.

Fluffpuff

Dunroamin wrote: »

Have you had many intruders in the middle of the night? I have to agree that, if this is a risk, a good burglar alarm system would make more sense.

We already have a burglar alarm. Its more the thought of being on my own really and would feel better having a dog for company.

GBNI

love_lifer wrote: »

Staffies are gorgeous and protective. Ignore the prejudice and media rubbish, my choice every time.

I love staffies! Such a shame they get such bad press

GBNI

Fluffpuff wrote: »

We already have a burglar alarm. Its more the thought of being on my own really and would feel better having a dog for company.

I see where you are coming from, my OH works away and I definitely feel safer with my dog.

Person_one

Fluffpuff wrote: »

Walking isn't a problem as I go for a run most nights and would take the dog with me, we're also at the park some nights and most weekends, and the dog would be coming on beach holidays with us throughout the year so would get lots of exercise x

Obviously though as an experienced owner you know you can't take a large breed puppy on a run for many many months while they grow and develop, and that they need exercise every day rather than 'most' or 'some'.

calicocat

I agree that a dog barking would put folk off more. you could get a terrier (very protective) and alert all the time to any strange noises.....and stick a 'Beware of the 4 GSD/Akita/whatever outside.

My GSD would have shown any burgler the fridge and discussed the contents, my Norwich terrier would have eaten the burglar. Actually my Lhasa was more use as a guard dog than the Gsd....she was a BT of a scardey cat.

victorias_dad

For my money it would have to be a bull mastiff one of the biggest nicest breeds there is until very recently we had 2 but due to heart failure we are down to one, a male he weighs in at 11 stone and is the friendliest dog you could ever wish to meet he is often attacked by smaller dogs and he just shrugs it off and never shows any aggression but walks away and gets on with life, all the kids in the area love him and come running and throw their arms around him but when he is on duty and guarding the house he leaves you in no doubt that it would be unwise to invade his home his bark has to be heard to believe.

sue.b1

I've a doberman, he's a delight. Good with other dogs, children, adults, cats. He loves everyone. If he hears something I know about it though.
Training was hardish work. Females are easier than males.