Home/Family/Protection dog recommendation?

[ezearln]

of course then again tlarkin I had "Bear" from a very very young age which I assume had a great deal to do with his behavior...

[The_Patriot]

Originally Posted by tlarkin

Everyone experiences life different, and I am glad your dog was a good dog. I have been attacked by a couple of chows in my time and my uncle has a chow mix who is not a very nice dog at all.

I had a chow chase me up in a tree as a kid on my paper route. The owner neglected to lock their dog up in the back yard one night. I rode by on my bike and the dog just went after me. I took off to the nearest tree, ditched my bike and hopped right up in it. The dog paced back and forth and waited about 10 minutes for me to come down before finally running off. Ever since then my mind has been set on never owning a Chow.

My good friend's father is a veterinarian, and he only refuses to work on one breed of dog, which is a Chow.

This is a bit off topic, but I thought I'd share. My Dad used to have dog problems on his paper route when he was a kid (realize that this was many years ago). Someone told him to get a squirtgun and put a mix of water and ammonia in it. He said he did exactly that and he said it only took one shot to the schnoz and he was never bothered again.

I guess what I'd take from that is that if you're ever worried about dog attacks (or know someone that is harassed), you don't necessarily need a .45, rather a 99-cent squirtgun and a couple ounces of ammonia. He said it stopped them in their tracks.

[cetmedog]

Get a German Shepard, I have 2 and they love my nephews and nieces which are 1-4 years of age. These guys were not even pups but almost full grown when I got them, with hints of a hard life but got along fine without some much as a growl at the kids. When someone gets to the door they go nuts but calm down once they see its someone that belong there. As for Reddbecca I think it was meant as a joke. Reguardless what you get I think its all in how you bring them up, they're like kids, just teach them right to begin with.

[newhunterette]

we have a aussie blue heeler - she was a pound puppy taken from an abusive home and told unadoptable becasue of her abuse - we took her anyways - she is my guard dog - she will protect us to her death yet she is so loving and caring - we showed her what love was and she has given us tons back and she is now 12 and still gives as much as she did when we got her 10 years ago

doesnt she look mean and aggressive

then we also have this fine girl - she is my hunting baby - she is a companion and a family driven dog - she loves my kids and she will protect them also - she also has had training in sign language and obedience and is hunter trained
100% black lab and 4 years old




my heeler thinks my lab is her baby - both are exceptional breeds for family and guard duty and outdoor activities

[The_Patriot]

Originally Posted by cetmedog

Get a German Shepard, I have 2 and they love my nephews and nieces which are 1-4 years of age. These guys were not even pups but almost full grown when I got them, with hints of a hard life but got along fine without some much as a growl at the kids. When someone gets to the door they go nuts but calm down once they see its someone that belong there. As for Reddbecca I think it was meant as a joke. Reguardless what you get I think its all in how you bring them up, they're like kids, just teach them right to begin with.

I would agree with you about upbringing. I was a Psychology minor in college and couldn't ever figure out why people would argue the nature vs. nurture, when clearly, it's a combination. In other words, I know a great deal of the dog they turn into will be based on the upbringing, but I also realize there's something to a dog's base temperament before that upbringing even begins.

I was recommended a book called the "Perfect Puppy." I'm going to order that and read it before we get our dog(s). I want to do what I can to raise the dog right.

Originally Posted by newhunterette

we have a aussie blue heeler - she was a pound puppy taken from an abusive home and told unadoptable becasue of her abuse - we took her anyways - she is my guard dog - she will protect us to her death yet she is so loving and caring - we showed her what love was and she has given us tons back and she is now 12 and still gives as much as she did when we got her 10 years ago

doesnt she look mean and aggressive

then we also have this fine girl - she is my hunting baby - she is a companion and a family driven dog - she loves my kids and she will protect them also - she also has had training in sign language and obedience and is hunter trained
100% black lab and 4 years old

my heeler thinks my lab is her baby - both are exceptional breeds for family and guard duty and outdoor activities

Beautiful dogs! I heard those stories before, too, about adopting. We adopted a couple cats before and they turned out to be great pets when you treat them right.

Love the pics, but wished I didn't look. It makes me very anxious to get our dog. I really can't wait. My grandparents and aunts/uncles had dogs when I grew up, but my family never did. I always thought they were great. I'm really looking forward to getting my family's first dog.

Thanks for the pics.

[PistolCity]

Originally Posted by The_Patriot

You know, that brings up another question: what's the opinion on female versus male dogs? Is there a particular one among Shepherds or Retreivers that's better around family/kids? What about getting two? Better to get one of each? Or two of one sex?

Someone I know recently told me they don't call female dogs "bitches" for no good reason. I laughed, but she's highly experienced and was serious...she works with sled dogs, mostly.

While I have been around some dogs in my life, this will be the first one I've gotten for my family. I want to be sure I think about everything before making a wrong move (as much as possible). I will grant you that I don't know a lot about dogs other than casual contact, but I will to learn so I do this right.

I asked this same question to that lady I talked to about the AKC reg. GS. The reason I asked was because there seems to be a rule of thumb with Beagles. Females good learners, listens, but can be a little bit more barky, Small Males 13" and under dogs, same as females but a little less bark. 15" males, well they are the nut cases, tend to take longer and a little be layzer and slower. Personaly Ive got 15's but thats because they were cheaper plus I saw a 15" FC that I liked as a derby(rookie), and I bought some pups out of him before the price went up. The lady with the GS's said I was right the males seem to be a little layzer and bull headed but if you work with them they are just as good as the females. Im starting to think while a dog has as many diffrent attitudes as you and I. The diffrence is you and I can shape or mold a dog alot easier than a kid...lol

[BunnyWabbit]

I have two Rat Terriers, male and female, named Ruger and Ammo.

They are the best dogs I have ever had. They let me know if there is anything weird going on outside and if hubby isn't home, they guard me and won't leave my side. They may not be big, but they sure would keep an intruder busy enough for me to grab a gun.

As for friendly, I can let my bunnies out and they get the best ear cleaning in the world. My bunnies love them.

[tlarkin]

Blue Heelers are great dogs in my experience. Had a mix aus shepherd and blue heeler and he was a very strange but good dog. He would hunt, kill, and eat squirrels even though we fed him every day. He also would only sleep on top of his dog house and never inside it.

my friend has a heeler and it is a great dog.

Then again, a lot of it has to do with how you raise it. I have met pit bulls that would lick you to death rather than bite you.

[nighthawk80]

Our Great Dane was a good dog. She loved everyone, but everyone was scared of her!!!

My mutt dogs were probly the best (Lab/little of everything else). They provided the best of all worlds. Mutts generally don't get diseases like purebreds do (no offence purebred owners).

I Have a different opinion than most about German shepards. Our old pastors was never really right in the head and always tried to bite everyone. Also, while I was at my wifes grandma's house the neighbors 3 Shepards tried to jump the fence to come after us (no we were not provoking them).
I will not have one because of this. But I know a couple of people who have had success with them.
I also agree about chows. I haven't came across a good one (not saying there aren't any).

[Windwalker]

Growing up I had a German Shepard and later a German Shepard-Collie -cross both of which were great pets and very protective. About a year ago I got a dog for my two grandchildren who live with us. She is a Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog. She is so gentle with the children and other dog and cat that it amazes me. She will bark when a stranger comes on the property but is not overly aggressive. However she will get between the stranger and the children and stay there until my wife or I come out. Just another good one for you to consider.

[Coeloptera]

Oh you know I can't ignore this thread (both my and my wife's family bred dogs).

Well, let's see here. Home defense and well socialized, good with kids.

I myself will always recommend Dobermans, but that's me. I grew up around them and they are very protective of their family, especially children, but they do require a structured upbringing and a fairly firm hand, by and large. They are very intelligent and take to training naturally, males run just under 100lbs and Dobermans are very quick. It's a tough thing for a target to fend them off due to the speed.

For something "traditional" a German Shepherd or Alsatian would work. Friendly, train well, but they can get bored if not "working". Decently sized and fairly strong.

If you want friendly and maybe a bit goofy, but highly protective, get a Staffordshire Terrier or English Bull Terrier. They are immensely strong for their size (both breeds run 50lbs or so) and, when socialized properly, are incredibly loving. But be aware they have a great need for attention and affection. The sort of semi-distant but favourable behavior you'd give a Doberman doesn't work for them.

Rottweilers are a decent choice too. Around 110lbs, they love children, are intelligent, are excellent guard dogs, but they also require a lot of attention. You need to train them well. This breed likes to be "alpha dog" if you let it, so you'd need to establish who's boss in puppyhood.

For a more exotic choice, look at a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Mid-sized compared to the ones I've mentioned already, run around 80lbs. Not a dog for beginners. My brother-in-law has 2 small daughters and there are no problems, but again, he comes from a family of breeders. They're a little territorial as well.

Bull Mastiffs (wife's family bred and showed these) are a great family pet if you have the room for them. They run around 120lbs or so...with a lot of variance in this breed. They are powerful animals, but very easygoing. They are extremely protective, but don't usually attack unless you train them too. They like to tackle and interpose. They adore children, but just watch them. They're so strong they can accidentally shove a child too hard unless you pay attention.

That's my opinion on your needs. Pretty typical list, really, but it covers most of the bases, I'd say.

- Coeloptera

[Cyrano]

If it's loyalty you are looking for, you might want to take a look at a Timbershepherd, a German Shepherd that has some percentage of timber wolf in its ancestry. I have friends that have them and they are very loyal and protective dogs.

[ezearln]

Be very very careful of getting and keeping any wolf hybrids, many places throughout the country regulate their ownership and your insurance carrier may refuse to cover you for liability. You may also find youself subject to animal control agency inspections to insure the hybrid is properly housed and restrained/controlled. In many areas this is depenadant upon the percentage of wolf to dog in the hybrid.

[tlarkin]

Yeah that is why I mentioned bulldog and bullterrier since they are full of energy and great with kids. Since kids are also full of energy they can play together a lot. I remember when I was a kid I would play tug of war with our bulldog for hours and he would end up dragging me around the house by his rope toy. My brother and I always had fun, and he never once harmed either of us.

We also had a asa lapsa (sp?) which was kind of mean and would run around and bite your ankles. If our bulldog saw him being mean to a kid, he would run up and stand right next to the lapsa and just block him. Never even got rough with him. In fact the bulldog often got attacked by the smaller dog and just took it and shrugged him off. Its not like he could ever do anything to the bulldog but at the same time the bulldog we had would just sit there and let the runt bite and attack him. Only on occasion would the bulldog do anything back, and I know it was only to show that he was dominant when he had to be.

[mark h]

I had a pedegree Rottwieler which grew up with my son and low and behold anyone who threatened my son. I used it as a patrol dog in the S.A.police as well as home protection. I knew if I was on duty and my family was alone at home nobody would come on my property. He was also good with children but i made sure i was around when friends were there and he was out. If i wasnt there he knew he had to go to his room and would go to his room on his own. My partner had a German shepeard which was also a patrol / explosives dog and was evil. If we got on a crime scene all the cops on the scene would get back in their cars and not get out until the dog was put back in his cage. At home he was like a baby and would let his son ride on his back and play with his food bowl while he was eating. I knew the dog for 5 years and would not walk into the yard without letting him know i was there. These two dogs were more Like war dogs and were working dogs. Anyone who lived in S.A knew about the police dogs and stayed well away from them. They were discribed as crocodiles with their tails cut of and painted another colour. At home they were great with the kids they knew. My Rotti was also banned from takkle practice because he kept ripping the tackle suites. My partners dog learnt to bite the perps on the nuts and a few of them are now speaking in high tones. At the end of the day it all comes down to how they are trained and socialized.

[Mad Hatter]

We have a 12 year old 90+ lb. male Akita that still thinks hes a pup, gotta real big head and paws, likes other animals and is very people friendly provided he knows you. He will bark at strangers and I have no doubt he would not be happy seeing an intruder in the house, provided hes not snoring..but all in all a baby.. and our cat is his boss.

[drywallguy]

This is just my opinion but I think that a German shephard would be a good dog for you and your family. I have a German shephard/ Shiba Inu and he is a great dog. My toddler daughter and all of my nieces and nephews get along great with him. He's also a wonderful watch/ gaurd dog, letting us know when anyone approaches the house.
However, try not to make your decision simply on breed. Take into acount the store or breeder where you plan on adopting. Also, don't forget that probably one of the most important things is making sure that it is raised and trained properly (the biggest mistake that I made with my dog was not having enough interaction with other dogs when he was a puppy). Good luck.

[cubbieman]

Originally Posted by SKS NOOB

Austrailian Shepard (my mom has that one).

i had one of those and it literally ate our sidewalk, so it's not lacking in bite

I'm more of pit bull person myself, but those take a little more training. if you can handle the shedding a German Shepard would be a great choice

Originally Posted by BunnyWabbit

I have two Rat Terriers, male and female, named Ruger and Ammo.

i had one and got rid of him. he was always chewing stuff up, and the shedding was horrible

[dogman2]

I raise GSDs for police, miliatary and security. They are loyal, intelligent and protective.
They are working dogs and are happiest with jobs. Get a male and female as they make the best teams. Make sure they are socalized and train them to do what you want. You will be amazed what they pick up on thier own. They will return many hours of fun and campionionship over the years. Go to a good breeder or GSD rescue in your area. Makw sure hips are gaurenteed and you will have an exceptional dog. And yes they shed 24-7-365 and if you don't keep them occupied expect to lose a few belongings. But be prepared to be amused and happy for them in your life.
I could tell you stories that will make you LOL at the antics mine have pulled.

I have a policy ythat if one of my GSDs is hurt or cannot due hismduty I will take him back. My last wounded warrior came home last year and is a story in herself. I will write about her sometime.

[Brother Bob]

German Shepherds are excellent dogs! We had a white female that helped us raise three girls. She was protective, yet sensible and quite smart. I now own two pit bulls that show the same traits. Loving, protective, and sensible. Ice and Skyy sleep in bed with my wife and I. We have our kids and grandkids over all the time and they love them as much as us. They can get quite ruff when playing so I really don't recommend them around very young children simply because they will knock a toddler down just playing. However, may God have mercy on your soul if you break into our house and harm anyone inside. These two dogs would rip you to pieces if you hurt a family member! It's kinda like having a couple of bears as pets. It's all on how they are raised. That goes with any animal. My 2 cents. Brother Bob