well I am looking for a medium to large sized dog that should be freindly enough to my family especially young children (relatives...expected as regular visitors) and protective enough to scare the heck out of an intruder. There are a lot of breeds in my mind, but I just cant decide which one is best suited for this purpose. Being more precise for what I want, I want the one that doesnt require too much exercise like the Vizslas, the one that is not very hard to train. and finally, the one with a small to a medium coat which doesnt require too much grooming or the one that sheds less.
and since I want a dog that is good with children, someone suggested me of getting more of a watchdog like Labradors and goldies rather than a guard dog because guard dogs are not very good with visitors regardless of their age. but I am not sure if it true or not. If it is true which one should I get then? a BODYGUARD?or a WATCHMAN?
just so everyone knows I already have an alarm system installed in my house, so please dont bother suggesting an alarming system.
Thanks
and since I want a dog that is good with children, someone suggested me of getting more of a watchdog like Labradors and goldies rather than a guard dog because guard dogs are not very good with visitors regardless of their age. but I am not sure if it true or not. If it is true which one should I get then? a BODYGUARD?or a WATCHMAN?
just so everyone knows I already have an alarm system installed in my house, so please dont bother suggesting an alarming system.
Thanks
To be honest, most dogs will guard and will provide additional security. Even a lab will look scary if it's barking over the fence.
Most 'guard' breeds such as rottweilers, mastiffs, etc, aren't really for inexperienced dog owners, and may not be safe with children unless they have the proper training and socializing.
The bottom line is that no dog is completely predictable and all dogs require exercise and training. The right dog for you may not exist. Labs and golden retrievers are both originally working dog breeds and require a lot of exercise. Vizla's are lazier but don't always get along well with children. Beagles tend to be nonaggressive, but aren't big enough to be scary and are just about impossible to train.
I would tend to not get a dog at all, but if you do get one, the main thing is that you need to spend time training and socializing it. I've kept 'dangerous' types of dogs before that were great guard dogs and very kid safe... Because they were well-socialized even from a puppy. But they required a lot of consistent handling and training.
Most 'guard' breeds such as rottweilers, mastiffs, etc, aren't really for inexperienced dog owners, and may not be safe with children unless they have the proper training and socializing.
The bottom line is that no dog is completely predictable and all dogs require exercise and training. The right dog for you may not exist. Labs and golden retrievers are both originally working dog breeds and require a lot of exercise. Vizla's are lazier but don't always get along well with children. Beagles tend to be nonaggressive, but aren't big enough to be scary and are just about impossible to train.
I would tend to not get a dog at all, but if you do get one, the main thing is that you need to spend time training and socializing it. I've kept 'dangerous' types of dogs before that were great guard dogs and very kid safe... Because they were well-socialized even from a puppy. But they required a lot of consistent handling and training.
Experienced dog owner
Most dogs that would "scare the heck out of an intruder" are on the insurance companies bad dog list, so you would likely loose your home insurance. All dogs take work to train. All dogs need to be groomed regularly. If you have an alarm system already, isn't the dog just overkill? You don't mention wanting the dog for companionship, or as a family member. Perhaps you really don't want a dog. Maybe just add on to your security system?
Ive been wanting the SAME thing for so long, so i got a Great Dane, they are SUPER gentle and tremendous with kids and visitors (if you socialize him with the visitors). they do not need alot of excersize and trust me they WILL scare the heck out of people, TRUST ME o and like almost no shredding (dont need to be groomed)
or you can go with a grey hound, they are awesome with kids, and all, but they srhed more than the great dane, and they are not as scary.
or you can go with a grey hound, they are awesome with kids, and all, but they srhed more than the great dane, and they are not as scary.
Why do you want to get a dog if you hardly want to look after it? Thats what having a dog is all about! They are just like a child! No matter how short their fur is or how small they are, they are going to need constant care.
But if you do want a dog that is good with children, do not go for a Guard Dog, go for a Lab.
But if you do want a dog that is good with children, do not go for a Guard Dog, go for a Lab.
Hi! You may want to find out your perfect dog match by taking the short quiz below. The goal here is to help you figure out what type of dog best suits you and your personality.
http://dogtime.com/matchup/question/1
http://dogtime.com/matchup/question/1
I had blood hound werewolf mix; other than howling incessantly, and becoming extremely ornery during full moons, made a good pet. Will definitely scare an intruders.
a Boxer is an extremely loyal dog...
what i would consider is a Staffordshire or mayber a Rottweiler
all 3 of these dogs are great family pets
what i would consider is a Staffordshire or mayber a Rottweiler
all 3 of these dogs are great family pets
hi,
try this quiz to know which breed best suits you:
http://dogtime.com/matchup/start
hope this helps.
try this quiz to know which breed best suits you:
http://dogtime.com/matchup/start
hope this helps.
get one that looks scary, like a boxer or something and then take it special training [the ones cop dogs go thru] if you really want it to "protect" your home and be nice with family ect ect.
an Irish setter would be great
My advice would be to find a local rescue group that has foster homes. Talk to the m about what dogs they have for adoption. Many times the foster homes have kids and know that the dogs do great with kids before they adopt them out. Being protective is something that can be trained. First and foremost, you need to make sure that you get a dog that will be compatible with your kids. Training for home protection is something that can be done with the use of a professional trainer after the fact. (www.petfinder.com)
the dog that comes to mind for guarding and being a family pet is the boxer. they are supperb guard dogs and very friendly despite their somewhat scary appearance. i have 2 boxers and they are the sweetest dogs ever but when they need to be, they can be fierce and never falter if they think something suspicious is going on plus mine are gentle with my little sister. they would do fine if you have guests around as long as you properly socialize him/her. the only problem is they need to be walked around of coarse but probably only 3 times a week as long as you keep them stimulated otherwise, well, they could be reckless and your furniture might pay the price.
personal experience
If you already have an alarm system, get a dog that's good with kids like a beagle. They will alert you to strangers and that's all you will need. They will make enough noise to alert you. They isn't much grooming involved and are great family dogs.
All dogs require exercise, smaller dogs like the beagle don't require as much. Vizslas do need daily long walks, they are good hunters require long walks and runs. They can cover alot of ground. Whatever you chose be sure to get it to obedience classes.
All dogs require exercise, smaller dogs like the beagle don't require as much. Vizslas do need daily long walks, they are good hunters require long walks and runs. They can cover alot of ground. Whatever you chose be sure to get it to obedience classes.
Between Labradors and Golden Retrievers I would chose a Labrador. They have a shorter coat. You can find many other Guard Dog breeds at http://dogbreedinfo.com/guarddogs.htm
My suggestions would be
Boxer (I have a boxer, he was very easy t o train and is very playful, docile, and affectionate with my family and friends. He is also good guard dog.)
Doberman Pinscher
Old English Bulldog
Rottweiler
Every pet requires exercise. But I am sure with children around they will get enough exercise daily. They do not require too much grooming due to their short coat and they are very easy to train except for the old english bulldog which needs more effort put into training. You can check out the website I posted above and read their temperament and description of the dog breed you wish to own. Good Luck
My suggestions would be
Boxer (I have a boxer, he was very easy t o train and is very playful, docile, and affectionate with my family and friends. He is also good guard dog.)
Doberman Pinscher
Old English Bulldog
Rottweiler
Every pet requires exercise. But I am sure with children around they will get enough exercise daily. They do not require too much grooming due to their short coat and they are very easy to train except for the old english bulldog which needs more effort put into training. You can check out the website I posted above and read their temperament and description of the dog breed you wish to own. Good Luck
your best bet would be a german shepherd dog get him at about 8 wks of age so he can grow with your children,being from the herding group they will be watchful of the little ones so you will need to supervise children with friends so the pup can learn what is acceptable behavior with friends. they come in 3 different coats,short,plush,long. they will be excellent watchdogs and will learn who is acceptable in your home if you introduce pup and frequent visitors to your home.all dogs no matter what their breed must be socialized with the people you don't want the dog to act aggressive towards.
15 yr breeder of german shepherds/obedience instructor
ok this anit hard.... you want a good watch dog , that will protect you.
you can do this ,but you need to understand. you have to be with the dog at all time to mantain control . you really need a gsd , most people wont mess with a gsd. but they require tons of training .
but they will get on with most people. till they detect a problem. and they can take care of most problems all bye them selfs....
but dont expect the dog to be god..... if he sences something is wroung he will do his job.... your asking really for a watchman. a dog to alert, and bark....
the attack dog isnt for you ......
please belive me, i train them ....
and once they trained, to attack, any one can get bitten ,on command,or if they sence ,you mite attack the owner ...
get a puppy first check out leerburg .com
you can do this ,but you need to understand. you have to be with the dog at all time to mantain control . you really need a gsd , most people wont mess with a gsd. but they require tons of training .
but they will get on with most people. till they detect a problem. and they can take care of most problems all bye them selfs....
but dont expect the dog to be god..... if he sences something is wroung he will do his job.... your asking really for a watchman. a dog to alert, and bark....
the attack dog isnt for you ......
please belive me, i train them ....
and once they trained, to attack, any one can get bitten ,on command,or if they sence ,you mite attack the owner ...
get a puppy first check out leerburg .com
dog trainer ,owner of two police dogs
Our Chinese Shar pei fits the bill. Medium size, short hair (if you get a horsecoat, their fur is very minimal, even a brush coat is short, but the horse coat requires no grooming. we still brush Apollo, but its really just a few times a year to get the excess layers out as he sheds... and he likes it.) amazing with family and ours loves kids. We think he is adorable, and very smart. he listens well but that is because we spend time with him working on obedience and lots of play. Shar peis were originally bred In the 1600's to guard the chinese emporers palace. People will tell you bad things about Shar peis, the myths are their wrinkles smell, they are bad with kids,they are fighting dogs (have had 4 dogs over a 10 year span and NONE of these things are true). There is probably not a perfect dog for everyone, but we know that shar peis are perfect for us. )
10 years experience with Shar peis. The key with any dog though is that the owner spend quality time with them. Play, obedience, family time, parks, social skills and that they understand their boundaries. shar peis are extremely loyal and very protective, but they expect the same love in return. They are pretty independant and 40-65 lbs. We have found over the years it is worth checking out the breeding stock and find good health lines.