Goodbye: What breed of dog would be a good guard dog for a first-time dog owner?
I'm a single woman, I'll be moving into a house soon, alone, and I want to get a guard dog, but I have no previous experience with owning one. I love animals and I'm a responsible person. I was just wondering what breeds I should consider. I know that smaller dogs can be reliable guard dogs, however, these dogs cannot pin down a large man, if need be. If a good guard dog needs training, so be it.
Answer by The Witch
I've had or owned a few different breeds, remember that not all guard dogs or dogs you want for protection have to be the large or giant breeds. Also so of the K9 dogs are amazing but they require a strong dominant owner, in my experience dark muzzled dogs are more ominous looking, like a Doberman, or German Shepherd, or Rottweiler, don't select a Pit Bull or a Staffordshire, they are still getting a bad rap, and they can be daunting to handle. Also, Akita's and Beauceron are another guard dog but they are not for the first time owner and need a strong handler.
I've owned, a Collie mix, (she was a guard dog, only 35 lbs,) a Scotch (Rough) Collie like Lassie.-happy dog too much bloody fur, Sheppard (again a lot of fur, double coated)
Doberman, my favorite I owned two at the same time. Nothing says "don't mess with me" like that. Dobermans are easy to train, and like their counter favorites like Labs, and Shepherds, like to please you. Dobermans aren't as large as some Shepherds or Labs or Rotties, but they all like exercise or they get bored. Which then leads to marred table legs, etc.,
Answer by Jam
Akita's are very protective!
Answer by Victor
I have an anatolian shepard and he is amazing. Any would be criminal that enters my home uninvited will be met quickly and fiercely. I didn't have to train him to be that way he just is. As long as I let you around he is fine. Most of the time keeps to himself around others. If you come around uninvited though he is quick to let you know he's there.
Answer by deCoucy B
We had a police Chief once tell us that it did not matter what was on the other side of the door to a thief. If they hear the dog barking they will usually go away and not wait to see what breed it is. You need a dog that will love you and respect you because you love and respect it and you will have the 'bark' machine that you need to ward off the intruder.
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Answer by Lauren
Labs are not ideal dogs for first-time owners. They are extremely hyper and destructive, and they openly welcome strangers into the home. Or at least ours does. I love our lab, he's adorable and just about the happiest dog around, but, he ate out drapes, one of the land phones, gloves, furniture, he sheds so badly I spent $72 getting his hair out of the jeep. He is a wonderful loving dog, but he knocks people over if they aren't paying attention. I wouldn't recommend him for a first-time dog owner. Plus, they aren't stupid but they aren't genius's either. a golden is a comfortable family dog, a Shepard mix would be a good way to go, they are very bright, you should probably take training classes with anyone you get but we had a Shepard and he even protected our cat.
Answer by Jan H
First suggestion – really a requirement – read everything you can find on dog/pack behavior. The breeds large enough to pin down a large man also tend to be somewhat stubborn, independent thinkers. You will need to balance discipline with praise. Do NOT "train" them for protection – let them use their natural abilities. You don't need a dog in most cases that will attack on command (what many consider a protection dog)…you need a dog that will naturally rise to a threat.
Akitas and Rottweilers are both good choices. They wouldn't be *my* choice but in the right hands, they are good dogs.
German Shepherds and Dobermans both have long been known for their protective qualities. Both are awesome companions as well as big enough to make someone think twice. I know a Doberman around here who recently was stabbed protecting his family – the family was unharmed. The thug outside the window at 230 a.m. left a trail of blood after stabbing the dog.
There are several guard dog breeds very effective not listed. The Bouvier, Giant Schnauzer, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Belgian Tervuren, Belgian Malinois, vizsla are all effective for protection. The Belgian dogs are used in many K9 units for both search and rescue and as officers.
The Anatolian Shepherd is another guard dog breed that does not play when it comes to protection. I've had a couple and they are AWESOME dogs…very intelligent but very much independent thinkers. There was a case of a first-time owner - a lady who had just gotten a pup – 6 months old – who was in the barn behind a double door with the top open. Her husband was milking so the machines meant he didn't hear beyond right there in the barn. A man stopped to look at some goats for sale and once out of sight behind the barn the man grabbed her. She was yelling for help but no one heard her except the "pup" who jumped the bottom door and took the man down before effectively convincing him that he'd picked the wrong place. The pup was not full sized but the protection was in place.
Know better? Give your own answer to this question!
Jamie Korneev says
CAO (Central Asian Ovcharka).
They are a bit stubborn, but laid back in general.
That is until you, or house is threatened.
Do not choose fighting, or military lines.
Get sheep protecting/guardian line.
They are way less aggressive and tend to give unwelcome quest a chance to GTFO first.
It is good, as it saves all sides plenty of legal/medical trouble.
However, if intruder does not get the hint, he ends up in a big world of hurt. These dogs mean business big time and there is no need to teach/train them.
One thing thou. You should have a decently sized, well fenced yard and neighbors not minding some howling, from time to time. Especially at night.
Also, some say, that CAO bonds for life with one man (or a woman). Truly ’till death do you apart’.
Once bonding is done and you decide to dump this glorious dog, re-homing/re-bonding is almost impossible. It almost seems to be more humane to put an animal down.
So, when you decide to get CAO, make sure it well thought over decision. No dog is a toy, but this breed especially.
Oh, if you work long hours, this breed is OK.
Little to no separation anxiety.
He’ll probably nap whole day, with breaks to show, that this is his territory … and yours ;)
Sarplaninac.
If you want a milder version of CAO with better capacity to train and more willing to obey.
Although get ready for mayhem of shedding.
As with CAO, well fenced yard is a must.
Also, he will bark and growl at your neighbors 5 years down the road with same intensity, as he did on day one.
These dogs cannot be bought, or lulled into a state of complacency.
The only person he’ll like (a bunches) is you … and the family.
Tornjac.
If you need a dog that is quite big, can look intimidating, can put up a pretty convincing show – this is your dog. Thou, do not expect CAO level of heroism.
It is also a great solution for first-timers.
These dogs are playful into an old age.
Always suckers for owners attention.
Problem is, that this dog, if not stimulated properly (walks, training, attention, new places to explore) can easily develop (like Husky) a Houdini trait. Almost not fence can hold it.
Unlike Husky thou, once it feast enough on new sounds, places, scents etc. it comes back home.
So it is up to you – provide entertainment/stimulation for the dog, or animal will take care of that itself.
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Victor says
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The Witch says
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lkng4lv14892@verizon says
try a german shepard they are loyal kind good watch dogs and if you ever settle down and have kids they are a great family dog
tlctreecare says
Most of the breeds that could "pin down an man" are not going to be suitable for a fisrtt ime dog owner.
Most of these breeds are dominant assertive breeds and will take many hours and months of training and would be more than a first time owner could handle.
I would not recomend a dog like that for a first time owner.
A first time owner should be looking at like Goldens and labs and things that are more easy going and will take less complex training.
AS fara being able to pin someone down a dog trianed to do that would not be a very good companion dog any way. Gaurd dogs are a working dog and do not live as companion dogs do.
They are used to gaurd property and handled by one person and one person only but they generally do not live as a companion dogs does with the owner.
Lauren says
The comment has been moved into the body of the post.
nintendogs24 says
A german shepherd
vampgirl082 says
My sisters boxer I got her is protective of the family. But is still loveable to friends that introduced to him.
rebelg122 says
I would suggest a doberman, rotweiler, german sheppard, or pit bull. You've gotta be careful and choose a pure bread pit bull because we adopted a "pitbull" thinking he would guard our house but instead we got a pitbull mix. She is the sweetest dog in the world, instead of barking at anyone that gets close to our house, she gets all excited and starts licking the persons hand and wagging her tail. So, don't get a pitbull "mix"
Rachelle W says
i would say pittbulls. you'd think that they kill anyone, but actually, they are quite family dogs, very friendly and lovable…but when an unknown person or dog comes around, its pure hell…if pittbulls are illegal in your aera, try a boxer, bulldog, german shepard, or even a mutt from the pound (as long as it's big) but a word of advice: NEVER get a purebred, there as dumb as heck and dont listen…better to get a mixed breed. hope i helped!
bunnykillerv says
I am a senior vet tech at a 24-hr emergency animal hospital, getting a dog large enough to pin down an intruder would be great! However, being a first time dog owner, it could also do the same to you if not trained properly. German Shep, Rottie, Pit bull terrier, Doberman would be your super-duper defense dogs, but many of these breeds are dominant, fear biters, or simply aggressive in general when not trained right. I have four dogs myself, and love the protective nature of my white shepherd lab-mix from my local animal shelter. The purpose of a guard dog is obviously for protection, but I would not want my dog hurt by an intruder, (possibly shot in the head) because he was protecting me! If you do get a dog, (if you can adopt great!) use his/her sense of smell and hearing to alert you when something is wrong. No one would even think about entering my house unless on crack, just from the tremendous barking that goes on when they hear anyone or thing near my house! Good Luck with finding your new family member! And like you said, the little dogs are great at hearing things that go "bump in the night!" I would bget a little-medium sized dog, a louieville slugger by my bed or better. Hint, hint. Don't ever be the victim.
Lauren says
Also, we were watching a yorkie for a couple of weeks and she was startled by my dad one night and stood her ground, so they are good watch dogs.
~~miKKi~~ says
there are lots of dogs that can help like german shehpards, collies, golden retrievers, any big dog mostly. but since you are looking for specific breed that will guard you and live happily at the same time. i know of a site that will help you immensly to find a perfect breed. below is the site. GOOD LUCK!!
belle says
you could get a rottweiler or a german shepherd, they are very loyal to their owners. but training them as a guard dog could post a problem with you later on. they might get too over protective and harm passersby or kids.
i think what you really need is a good alarm system. The cost is cheaper than owning a big dog.
rissabp says
i find that rottweilers do the trick. they are very friendly but very loyal. they are good with children and frail elders but are very intimidating. if it ever came down to it they are extremely strong and will do anything in thier power to protect you. also for a first time owner they are extremly easy to care for (minimal grooming and such).
luvsummerkat67 says
i had a rotweiller years ago,he was very protective of my young daughter and myself.i felt very safe at night,especially when my husband was out of town.we would leave a spare key to the house under his food dish,never had to worry someone would take it,hehe! he was a loving dog,like a big teddy bear at the same time.these dogs get a bad wrap if you ask me. he has since past. if i were allowed dogs where i live now and i had a big yard,i would get another in a second
iamdreama says
If you are wanting a dog to protect you in case of a break in. Any breed of loyal dog will do. If you build a loving relationship with your dog it will protect you with its life. I would recommend something like a golden retriever, or black lab. They are very loyal and will only attack if their family is in danger. If you go for a breed like the mastiff or pitbull, you and your dog will have to go through expensive extensive training to teach them when to attack and only then. Also breeds known as "guard dogs" normally raise your homeowners insurance. If you feel you must go with a breed that is known as a "guard dog" I would go with a German Shepherd.
Amanda M says
a german shepard
Billie Smith C says
A german shepherd or a doberman, as long as you don't try to make them mean. These two dogs are friendly, protective and really easy to groom too.
mad_eye_mommy says
Doberman Pinschers are good if you get them obedience trained,
German Sheppards are very loyal,
or if you really want some serious protection and are not afraid, a Rottweiler. Rottweillers, like Pit Bulls and Boxers have jaws that lock if they bite, so they can be very dangerouse to both you and an attacker. But if you were good to it and raised it right you really wouldn't have to worry about it. I wouldn't have them around kids tho.
Christina says
Well, if you've ever watched It Takes a Thief, most/many dogs will ignore intruders. I've seen them greet the guy breaking into the house and follow him around. It's best to get another type of security that is guaranteed to work since you don't know how the dog will react until after someone has broken into your house.
You should get a dog to have a pet. So just get one you enjoy and will have fun with.
ekaty84 says
I have a boxer and she is a wonderful guard dog. I feel very save with her in my house. They are easy trained and very loyal. They are not too big, but could stil knock someone over.
NANNERNOOB says
i have a mixed breed lab and she barks at ppl she does not reconize, but never bites.