If you was to recommend a ‘guard dog’ which breed would it be?

[Chezacheza]

I’m separating from my husband but he isn’t moving out till new year. Me and my two dc under ten will be moving quite rurally and I’m a bit worried about being in my own with the two kids at night.

The dog will be a house dog, we will have lots of space outside. I don’t want it to actually attack people just put people off thinking about breaking in.

Growing up abroad we had pit bulls but I know they are banned here. We never had any issues with them and found them really intelligent, loving funny dogs which I still feel really fondly about.

What dogs have you got that look like they would be a problem but are actually daft idiots

Thanks

[mintich]

Rottweiler! All ours have been soft but very protective! We've also had Germam Shepherds and Dobermanns but in my experience they need a stricter hand. All amazing dogs.
Our neighbours used to get broken into quite often but it all stopped when we moved in with our Dobermann.

[gonewiththerain]

I’ve had labs that have been very good at sounding the alert. They have a big bark and are big dogs. The bitch we used to have would have actually defended us to the death. The current dog sounds very fearsome but would hide under the table if anyone came in. People don’t know that though
Terriers also make good guard dogs as they bite ankles

[RowboatsinDisguise]

A staffy would probably fit the bill perfectly if you’re used to pitbulls anyway! Generally a bit more compact than a Pitbull but they do massively vary in size. They tend to be very soppy. Rescues are full of them but you might have to do some research to find a rescue that will rehome to a household with younger kids and a suitable dog (smaller rescues usually more willing to look at individual circumstances).

[Chezacheza]

@mintich

Rottweiler! All ours have been soft but very protective! We've also had Germam Shepherds and Dobermanns but in my experience they need a stricter hand. All amazing dogs.
Our neighbours used to get broken into quite often but it all stopped when we moved in with our Dobermann.

Did your rotty not ‘Shepard’ your kids as I’m bump them? My friend has one and she is like a baby but so big!! However my ex bil had two outside inns bloody huge cage and they acted so aggressive, it’s kind of put me off.

Doberman and Alsatian I was considering .

[Wishihadanalgorithm]

See if you can get a police dog which didn’t qualify. In essence it will have been very well trained and will obey the ‘command word’ but didn’t qualify because maybe it was too jumpy around loud noises for example. These dogs (often German Shepherds) are wonderful pets and will be good guard dogs too. I would like one myself. You need to get in touch with the local police force and they will come and do a home check to ensure you are suitable.

Failing that, terriers are usually quite vocal dogs and territorial so will definitely protect. Staffordshire bull terriers are lovely and not a million miles away from the pit bull.

[Chezacheza]

@gonewiththerain

I’ve had labs that have been very good at sounding the alert. They have a big bark and are big dogs. The bitch we used to have would have actually defended us to the death. The current dog sounds very fearsome but would hide under the table if anyone came in. People don’t know that though
Terriers also make good guard dogs as they bite ankles

I didn’t think of labs!

We had a few jack Russell’s over the years and they are little monkeys

[Sunnydaysandsalad]

Cross deerhound /saluki here... A bark that comes from her feet!!
Our Rotty would have eaten any prowler!!

[Nordstrom]

Hovawarts are great for this from what I've heard.

[Chezacheza]

@RowboatsinDisguise

A staffy would probably fit the bill perfectly if you’re used to pitbulls anyway! Generally a bit more compact than a Pitbull but they do massively vary in size. They tend to be very soppy. Rescues are full of them but you might have to do some research to find a rescue that will rehome to a household with younger kids and a suitable dog (smaller rescues usually more willing to look at individual circumstances).

Staffys are lovely dogs but I was leaning towards a bit of height

[user1471546851]

We had our beautiful Dogue de Bordeaux who sadly passed a few years ago.
The breed look really tough and menacing but are soft as brushes!!
All the ones I've come across are daft!! Really loving and loyal beautiful dogs.
But they are massive and drool Alot!!!!

[magicstar1]

A German Shepherd. They’re the most loyal, protective dogs ... but they have a soft, silky, playful side too.

[Chezacheza]

@Wishihadanalgorithm

See if you can get a police dog which didn’t qualify. In essence it will have been very well trained and will obey the ‘command word’ but didn’t qualify because maybe it was too jumpy around loud noises for example. These dogs (often German Shepherds) are wonderful pets and will be good guard dogs too. I would like one myself. You need to get in touch with the local police force and they will come and do a home check to ensure you are suitable.

Failing that, terriers are usually quite vocal dogs and territorial so will definitely protect. Staffordshire bull terriers are lovely and not a million miles away from the pit bull.

I had no idea you could do that!

[Bunnybigears]

Failed police dogs are not that great if you have kids especially ones that like to play fight. A relative had one and some visiting kids were lpay fighting and it bit them. Really the best guard dog for your property is just one that barks a lot but then you have to put up with them barking a lot as they dont know the difference between the postman and a burglar.

[Chezacheza]

@user1471546851

We had our beautiful Dogue de Bordeaux who sadly passed a few years ago.
The breed look really tough and menacing but are soft as brushes!!
All the ones I've come across are daft!! Really loving and loyal beautiful dogs.
But they are massive and drool Alot!!!!

The drool would be too much! I know these dogs! Sorry she past away

[MagicalKingdom]

We have a lab/collie cross. The only time I have ever heard her bark is if someone has come around the back of the house who she hasn’t recognised before ie the new window cleaner. Unlike a terrier, she doesn’t bark at every sound which is quite annoying if you’re at home and someone passes the window. Also, if you have kids, it may wake them if napping/sleeping and someone calls at the door. Thankfully, our dog has never had to wake us at night, but I have no doubt she would if she needed too. Plus she isn’t intimidating when walking off lead at parks and woodland, which you may get if you get a dog which is renowned to be a “guard dog”.

[PinkyBrain]

I used to have a beautiful bulldog who hurled himself around (might not be great with kids unless you’re a better trainer than me!) and looked big and terrifying especially when he barked but was in actuality soft as anything. He was full of energy and very intelligent (especially when it came to food) but did get progressively lazier and more slobbery as he aged bless him.

[Chezacheza]

@Bunnybigears

Failed police dogs are not that great if you have kids especially ones that like to play fight. A relative had one and some visiting kids were lpay fighting and it bit them. Really the best guard dog for your property is just one that barks a lot but then you have to put up with them barking a lot as they dont know the difference between the postman and a burglar.

Yes this would be my worry. I think because if the kids we’d have to get a puppy from a reputable breeder.

[Chezacheza]

@PinkyBrain

I used to have a beautiful bulldog who hurled himself around (might not be great with kids unless you’re a better trainer than me!) and looked big and terrifying especially when he barked but was in actuality soft as anything. He was full of energy and very intelligent (especially when it came to food) but did get progressively lazier and more slobbery as he aged bless him.

[thesunwillout]

My jack Russell.

I swear I would not even try to cross her path of she hears a would be intruder. 😄
Very scary!

[Houseworkavoider]

German shepherd.
I have a huge one and he’s adorable with the Dc. I really don’t worry about being home alone with him about -we are detached and rural.

[ihoeihoeihoe]

Doberman.

Had some growing up and still have some now. We never even had to train them to be guard dogs/ territorial, they've all just done it whilst still being great around all the kids in the family etc

[Madvixen]

You can get ex military police dogs too. Exceedingly well trained but looking for a loving home where they can spend their retirement on a sofa with lots of cuddles.

If you are looking for a deterrent dog then steer clear of Rotties and look more towards GSDs. I have one of each and my Rottie is the softest idiot you'd ever meet BUT if someone did try and break in, he would give no warning at all, he'd just be waiting for them once they entered. My GSD on the other hand is all bark and no bite. Great to scare people away BEFORE they try and do something.

[cheeseislife8]

If you're rural, geese make better guard dogs than any dog we've ever had!

[Annist]

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Absolutely fabulous with kids. A proper big dog with a bark to match.

[Annist]

But won't put people off having play dates with your kids!