Best breed for protection

[TrevTro]

Wanted a dog for years, now the time is right. I've had greyhounds, collies and lurchers.

I run and walk at least 2-3 hours a day, in a rural area. I was spooked the other day by a man when I was on my own running, and I would like a breed that would be protective, or at least just look intimidating, that would enjoy the amount I do outside.

So ideally active, affectionate, loyal. They would be very much loved and I have lots of time for training.

I'm not necessarily wanting a puppy, I be much happier getting a rescue dog but wondered if anyone had any breeds they would recommend?

Doberman fit the bill! Check parent temperament, fiercely loyal, v smart.

I'd recommend a pointer. Large, not aggressive, love to run and protective by nature.

They're beautiful dogs too! Okay I'll put on shortlist. Thank you.

I'd be concerned a Pointer doesnt 'look' intimidating enough, could be mistaken though?

GSD

Love Dobermans
Rottweiler
Cane Corso

German shepherd dog all day long

Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Smart, loyal and loving. They look tough but are big softies really.

German shepherd, daft as a brush but look the part, people keep away from me when I walk mine even though she's the loveliest natured dog, she wouldn't hurt a fly but other people don't know that

Rottweiler would be your best bet in this situation as they are energetic dogs, loyal and often will cause others to stay clear out of fear.

We have a Doberman - she’s been my first one and I’d highly recommend them.
Good points:
super soppy, never shown any aggression to anyone or other dogs, looks scary, ignores people she doesn’t know - strangers always want to stroke and touch her and she tends to dodge them at the last second which is actually funny!

The bad points:
She loves chasing, both scent and by sight, unfortunately this escalated early on with her deer chasing and catching one (she didn’t harm it) but now that will always be there.
Eats loads!
Really loud snorer 😂

I also have a collie x that’s a rescue and what’s good about the Doberman is she only needs a good run every day and then sleeps most of the time, whereas the collie is 247 alert.

That much bounce is intimidating. My pointer has been known to hunt male joggers (those ones with the get off my path attitude). The head down, tail out, paw up stance stops them in their tracks; it is obvious they have become prey.

They are completely mad, need training everyday and are bloody hard work. They are also amazing and run like the wind.

Oh yes sorry I forgot to say, she ignores people because Dobermans have a thing where they’re very loyal and loving to their family but no interest in outside people - which is actually an amazing trait to have!

I’ve a Labrador. I feel very safe running with him. Does he look intimidating? Not one bit but he is fiercely loyal.
If I was to get another dog I’d absolutely love a female Rottweiler. They’re a wee bit smaller than males so I feel I could handle one easier, they definitely scare people but they are so beautiful, affectionate and friendly.

If you’re confident enough in your dog training skills I’d say a Malinois would fit the bill.

Cane corsos need a lot of socialisation as they can become protective of resources (food etc). Would only recommend if you're confident with training dominant dogs.

We have the most lovely Rottweiler bitch, but of course she looks intimidating to those that don't know she's soft so I feel safe out walking with her. Vet the breeder well and do your best to make sure the parents have sound natures.

Another vote for GSD, loyal, strong, look fierce but daft as brushes. Females are more protective of people and males more protective of places ie the home but I'm sure a male wouldn't stand by if you were attacked! They are my favorite dog breed, I would have a couple if my house/ garden was big enough!

Rescues are full of dogs who look 'protective'. Please give one a loving home and don't fund breeders

People cross over when I'm walking with my staffy. He looks scary to anyone who believes the bad reputation of staffies. But he really is the softest of dogs. Loads in rescue aswel.

Rhodesian ridgeback are fiercely loyal and protective - they were bred to keep kids safe from lions in Africa and beautiful dogs!

I have a Dobermann and I despair of him. There is no way he would step up in a threatening situation. He is currently seeing a trainer for anxiety(seriously) and is scared of everything. I love him dearly, but will stick to my beloved Staffies in the future.

I saw a female jogger out yesterday with a Rottweiler, she was a slim dog compared to most Rottweilers I’ve seen and seemed to be loving it. I’d agree with a Doberman like others have said. Maybe a Weinerama (spelling?) also?

Second getting a Pointer. They love running and need a lot.of training.
I walk alone in countryside all the time with my Pointer rescue and feel very safe. She barks at men carrying anything that looks like a stick and when I fell over and hurt myself once she stood over me and 'guarded me'.

People are terrified of my big staffy, I walk in the pitch black and never feel scared when I'm with her. In reality she's soft as anything, but I know she would protect me if anyone was to attack me.