[Trercakaressy]

I did not know where to put this, I know I am on a bulldog board but I know many of you own different breeds so I thought I would ask. What do you guys think would be a good guard breed for a household that has other dogs and cats? Is this even feasible and no I don't mean a dog that is going to be let loose around the house or the yard without supervision. Maybe a dog that will be an inside dog that will deter intruders and alert us of a break in at night. I know there are house alarms, guns lol which I would never use but I just wanted to get feedback on guarding breeds. I did some initial research and I found that the Bullmastiff is a good watchdog, but then again the internet will tell you pit dogs have locking jaws lol

[V8V8V8]

Dobermans
German Shepards
Rottweilers

[dodsCooggipsehome]

Dobermans
German Shepards
Rottweilers

I agree! Good family guard dogs that are not to much guard dog to handle. I would research these breeds before venturing into the mastiffs.

[Trercakaressy]

I like those German breeds but I hear most of the specimens in the U.S aren't really the real thing. I see GSD's on shows that can't even walk because their back and backlegs are slanted. I also heard it is really hard to find a good Dobie or Rotie with the correct temperament. But in regards to Dobies and Roties will they get along with their pack and not try to fight the other dogs or kill the kitties?

[GinaIsWild]

my curs are the best ever guardian, they are mostly rotty, doberman and bullmastiff (with some chow, boxer, and pit bull terrier farther down the generations to keep them a little smaller so they were less prone to size related health problems.)

the ones that show the most guarding instinct (the ones i kept for my pack) have always had the most bullmastiff-type temperament traits.

however, ANY dog makes a good family guardian- simply teach it to bark at the door when someone is near, until you tell them to do something else. ("go to bed" is a good release- you can teach the dog to go wait on its bed for a cookie while you answer the door. visitors love coming to a house where the dog isn't immediately jumping on them, too.)
no one will know that the dog on the other side of the door is wagging its tail while it's barking.

if you are interested in getting a dog for schutzhund or french ring (or other bitework dogsport) then get a GOOD, REPUTABLE breeder who titles their dogs in such sport- they will be able to find you an appropriate pup that will be stable for your family.
if i were looking for a ScH dog, i'd prefer a GSD, rottweiler, or beauceron.

just be advised- don't train a guardian dog yourself. training a dog to actually GUARD (more than just bark) can easily be messed up by the average owner, leading to an unpredictable, human aggressive pet. there are plenty of training schools and private trainers that can help mold your dog into a confident, obedient guardian, without risk of just raising up a big ol' liability.

[V8V8V8]

I like those German breeds but I hear most of the specimens in the U.S aren't really the real thing. I see GSD's on shows that can't even walk because their back and backlegs are slanted. I also heard it is really hard to find a good Dobie or Rotie with the correct temperament. But in regards to Dobies and Roties will they get along with their pack and not try to fight the other dogs or kill the kitties?

VonDoom, a member here can tell you alot about the Doberman breed. There's also a few members here that have german shepards. When they see this thread, I'm sure they will give their input.

I would think, crate and rotate would be useful if the dogs do not get along.

[GinaIsWild]

I like those German breeds but I hear most of the specimens in the U.S aren't really the real thing. I see GSD's on shows that can't even walk because their back and backlegs are slanted. I also heard it is really hard to find a good Dobie or Rotie with the correct temperament. But in regards to Dobies and Roties will they get along with their pack and not try to fight the other dogs or kill the kitties?

i personally know both dobermanns and rottweilers that live with cats and other dogs.
i wouldn't buy american bloodline rottweilers (they're bred for huge size) or GSD (weak back ends, and often flaky temperament)
just be aware- a dobermann bred to original purpose isn't a super friendly dog to begin with. Herr Dobermann specifically used the manchester terrier to make the dogs tenacious and wary of strangers. he was a tax collector- can you blame him?? most american bred dobermanns have lost this tenacity, and are as friendly and goofy as boxers now, because show breeders breed for looks- not for purpose.

[GeraldCortis]

I think it depends on your lifestyle. GSD's and Dobies are good, but most of the American versions aren't well bred and tend to have bad nerves.

I would just do a ton of research on guardian breeds and see which would best suit your home. Keep in mind when you own a guard dog you are going to have an animal that views everyone as a potential threat to you and that will include kids and old people. Your dog isn't going to be outwardly friendly with strangers and he's not going to be the kind of dog that kids in the park can run up to and pet.

I own one guardian breed, a Cane Corso and one pit bull. We have to keep them separated or else they'll fight.

[V8V8V8]

however, ANY dog makes a good family guardian- simply teach it to bark at the door when someone is near, until you tell them to do something else. ("go to bed" is a good release- you can teach the dog to go wait on its bed for a cookie while you answer the door. visitors love coming to a house where the dog isn't immediately jumping on them, too.)
no one will know that the dog on the other side of the door is wagging its tail while it's barking. I agree

I'm sure some will laugh, but my JC (a chihuahua) is a great dog with regard to alerting you if someone is around.

[HootSnori]

My in-laws have a large Rottie who was raised from puppyhood with house cats. She only looks and sounds ferocious. She's great with our dogs and kids. Her breeder raises them primarily for show and so temperament is a huge consideration in that line. Strangers are very cautious about entering the yard or house because she's around.

[Agitoligflise]

Dobes. They can get a long with other animals and still be a great family dog. Either PM VonDoom about Euro dobes or you can join Doberman-Chat and ask about them.

[GinaIsWild]

I would think, crate and rotate would be useful if the dogs do not get along.

michele- you suggest crate and rotate- which is ALWAYS a secure and safe thing to do with dogs who not get alone.
however, i am wondering, with breeds that aren't bred as game dogs, would you ever suggest to a person to MAKE their dogs tolerate each other?
of course, the dogs wouldn't LIKE each other, but with proper training and supervision of an experienced handler, it can be done.

my two largest curs HATE each other. they're both super dominant. i never leave them alone together. but if i am in the house, i have both dogs loose in the house. if either one so much as postures inappropriately, he's corrected. the dogs learn over time that i am the boss, and they're not allowed to act like that in my house.
i can't leave them alone together, but i certainly can have them out when i'm home, because they know the rules, and they know they'll be enforced.
(also, they're only allowed high value items when in their crates)

[Trercakaressy]

my curs are the best ever guardian, they are mostly rotty, doberman and bullmastiff (with some chow, boxer, and pit bull terrier farther down the generations to keep them a little smaller so they were less prone to size related health problems.)

the ones that show the most guarding instinct (the ones i kept for my pack) have always had the most bullmastiff-type temperament traits.

however, ANY dog makes a good family guardian- simply teach it to bark at the door when someone is near, until you tell them to do something else. ("go to bed" is a good release- you can teach the dog to go wait on its bed for a cookie while you answer the door. visitors love coming to a house where the dog isn't immediately jumping on them, too.)
no one will know that the dog on the other side of the door is wagging its tail while it's barking.

if you are interested in getting a dog for schutzhund or french ring (or other bitework dogsport) then get a GOOD, REPUTABLE breeder who titles their dogs in such sport- they will be able to find you an appropriate pup that will be stable for your family.
if i were looking for a ScH dog, i'd prefer a GSD, rottweiler, or beauceron.

just be advised- don't train a guardian dog yourself. training a dog to actually GUARD (more than just bark) can easily be messed up by the average owner, leading to an unpredictable, human aggressive pet. there are plenty of training schools and private trainers that can help mold your dog into a confident, obedient guardian, without risk of just raising up a big ol' liability.

Totally agree on how doing that would ruin the dog. Maybe my question or my thought process is unrealistic because I am trying to find breeds that are natural protectors without the need of schutzhund training or bite work training. Basically a sturdy breed that will keep unwanted people out and that will protect the family nad pets against an intruder. I met a guy around the corner from my house at the quick check and he had an beautiful american bulldog in his car. I had my Bernie with me and he complimented my dog I did the same. Then he said " I can't take him out of the car because he is a trained protection dog and he could attack." To me doing that to a dog is complete liability, I was a little digusted with that statement since my brother owns one and the dog loves people. He barks like crazy when someone knocks on the door or if he hears anything outside he is very attentive but once you come in he showers you with kisses. To me that is the total opossite of what I want.

[V8V8V8]

however, i am wondering, with breeds that aren't bred as game dogs, would you ever suggest to a person to MAKE their dogs tolerate each other?
of course, the dogs wouldn't LIKE each other, but with proper training and supervision of an experienced handler, it can be done. Not all dogs are going to get along. Crate and rotate is an option. I'm not saying that's the only way. It's just an option.

[Trercakaressy]

I think it depends on your lifestyle. GSD's and Dobies are good, but most of the American versions aren't well bred and tend to have bad nerves.

I would just do a ton of research on guardian breeds and see which would best suit your home. Keep in mind when you own a guard dog you are going to have an animal that views everyone as a potential threat to you and that will include kids and old people. Your dog isn't going to be outwardly friendly with strangers and he's not going to be the kind of dog that kids in the park can run up to and pet.

I own one guardian breed, a Cane Corso and one pit bull. We have to keep them separated or else they'll fight.

Yes I see, and I think it would be rational to expect that from that type of dog. I will say that I fostered a Presa Canario for couple of days and he was extremely stable and non-threatning to friendly strangers and other dogs. No offesne but I see the Cane Corso as more of a desginer breed, than an actual breed that has been breed like an english mastiff or a bullmastiff with a set standard both in comformation and temperament.

[kilibry]

The last time a friend got their house broken into (the middle of the day too) they found their dobbie curled up in the closet sitting in a puddle of pee because she was so scared!

Personally, if you are wanting an "alert" dog then anything bigger who barks alot works. Our house got broken into and our rotti was found sleeping in my sisters bed like nothing ever happened, but my Austrian Shepperd actually attacked and bit a couple of teenagers that broke into her old owners house.

[Trercakaressy]

I agree

I'm sure some will laugh, but my JC (a chihuahua) is a great dog with regard to alerting you if someone is around.

Peanut is the same but that low pitch bark isn't deterring anyone lol

---------- Post added at 11:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:53 AM ----------

Dobes. They can get a long with other animals and still be a great family dog. Either PM VonDoom about Euro dobes or you can join Doberman-Chat and ask about them.

thank you for that piece of info, it is exciting to learn about dog breeds

[doctorzlo]

I like those German breeds but I hear most of the specimens in the U.S aren't really the real thing. I see GSD's on shows that can't even walk because their back and backlegs are slanted. I also heard it is really hard to find a good Dobie or Rotie with the correct temperament. But in regards to Dobies and Roties will they get along with their pack and not try to fight the other dogs or kill the kitties?

Female Dobies do really well in a multi animal house, males not so much.
Males tend to be DA.
JMO after owning them for 20 years.

[Trercakaressy]

The last time a friend got their house broken into (the middle of the day too) they found their dobbie curled up in the closet sitting in a puddle of pee because she was so scared!

Personally, if you are wanting an "alert" dog then anything bigger who barks alot works. Our house got broken into and our rotti was found sleeping in my sisters bed like nothing ever happened, but my Austrian Shepperd actually attacked and bit a couple of teenagers that broke into her old owners house.

haha so much for guarding lol I guess it depends on the dog and not every specimen of the breed will have what it takes.

[astonmartinrx371]

From what I have seen Bullmastiffs aren't super guard dogs but if you want a dog to dissuade someone from even trying anything they work. Any ones I've worked with tend to be soft enough with humans and animals.

A good german shepherd or rottweiler also work very well.

Personally I think the best,when you don't want to go all out, are just some crazy-eyed medium to big sized mutt from a shelter.

I think that which is the right dog of what breed is going to depend more on your personal situation than anything else.