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?

But most pet owners don't have the time to train their dogs to that level.

There's a huge difference between a protection dog that's worked daily and handled by people with years of experience, and one in a pet home that doesn't have a job and whose owner is fitting in training around children, a full-time job and normal life.

You're right that a properly trained working dog is a real sight to behold but most people will never get their dogs to that level of obedience.

Really appreciate the replies thank you. Leaning more towards a Dobe, seems to have every trait I'm looking for.

I agree with this. The one I knew best was a loving and devoted dog, she had a very deep and loud bark, put to good use when a burglar broke into my friend’s house. He very swiftly exited, as she was barking her most menacing bark and she was a powerful dog.

Alsatian would be my pick x

It may sound daft but maybe go for a greyhound again? Ours is large and black and people who don’t know better think he might be a Doberman- certainly when it’s not very light. He’s also usually off lead away from roads and if he runs past it does sound like a small pony. I’ve never had to put it to the test, thankfully, but he could easily knock someone over and has teeth like a chainsaw.

Our Labrador plays with a similarly ages Rottweiler on our walks sometimes. I’m not gonna lie, I was scared to let him at first but he’s a lovely dog who plays really nicely with mine. The owner said that lots of people don’t let their dogs play with him because of how he looks.

I always recommend labradors but definitely not to someone who wants their dog to protect them. Mine is soft as shit and might lick an assailant to death if I was lucky!

Not remotely daft - of all the greyhounds I've had (and fostered lots) none liked to run. They liked to sniff about, or chase, or sleep! But not run for miles alongside/with me.

Another recommendation for a doberman. My friend had one years ago when she lived alone in a rough area. She bought him for £50 from "a bloke down the pub". Although she loves dogs, she didn't particularly want one, but didn't want the dog to fall into dodgy hands. He was such a softy, they loved each other to bits and he was fiercely protective of my friend. She said she'd have been happy as Larry to walk around her dodgy area in the dead of night,as long as she had the dog with her. He was a lovely dog but she was confident that if anyone attacked her he'd have ripped their throat out.

I admit a Rhodesian ridgeback is my dream dog. Beautiful. But the ones I've known have all had an issue - confidence, mainly.

And I really would like to rescue rather than buy, if I possible can. Don't think I've ever seen a Rhode in rescue!

😂😍

Just to let you know , a dog that isn't trained for protection is VERY unlikely to protect you .

They are just usually reactive dogs mistaken for protectors

Belgian mali , Doberman , giant Schauzner , cane corso etc can be trained for this

If you're looking for a running partner , a Belgian Mali but they are not in anyway beginners dogs and in the wrong hands are a total nightmare .

If you have the experience and funds to work with trainers consistently , PM me can put you in touch with some contacts in the rescue spaces

I second boarder collie for running mine is very bouncy quite strong and boy does his bark sound fierce when he’s protecting the home
hasn’t had to ‘protect’ me when out running but I think he would do, the presence of a dog can be sufficient depending on the nature of your area I guess
B collies don’t let up and move at a million miles a hour - obs I cannot keep up but that’s a good thing because he challenges me. And can be controlled with a tennis ball due to strong herding instinct. Works for me!

There is a lady on here who is really struggling with her Doberman at the moment.

I can't remember her username but it may be worth searching her threads as she has been tearing her hair out with the poor behaviour.

Thank you very much

These dogs retail for £15k upwards and need high level training , to be involved in stuff like IGP as a hobby - these dogs are a SERIOUS hobby if you're not a full time handler / trainer

To be honest whatever breed you pick, there are negative examples.

Hmm, while that's technically true, there's a big difference between (for example) a reactive mini poodle and a reactive Doberman.

That's not to say don't get a Doberman of course, but you do need to have the time to dedicate to them. They're a working breed that can easily be dangerous if they don't get the training, socialisation, exercise and enrichment that they require.

There is a specialist Ridgeback rescue connected to the RR welfare Trust but they don't like to run. Dobie sounds a good call and worth investigating further. They don't like the cold (very short coat) and I have met some who are quite sensitive (as per pp). Responsible owners are breeding less and less for guarding and more for companionship overall so even traditionally 'protective' breeds aren't so much these days. And as someone said, those that are can be territorial and need committed training.

Just keep in mind those large breeds (as they get older - prob age 5 and for at least the first twelve months) aren’t going to be able to run or walk three hours….
Get insurance- there will be joint issues.

I would probably go with a Doberman over cane Corso. Do you want them to guard you? By guard you I mean some dogs will guard you from people you love or actually want in your home.

If you haven’t owned a dog before, please be careful. Some dogs may look intimidating but are nervous, reactive, docile…. It may not do what you want it to.

I’d look more toward self defence classes in your shoes, not saying don’t get a dog- I love dogs but they are a tie, costly, also need love.

I’m not nervous of any breed, so I wouldn’t just presume others will be.

Saying that, a man once approached me for money and my Lab reared up on his hind legs (excited 🤦🏼‍♀️) but the man thought he was aggressive and ran away screaming.

Came on to say that. People cross the street when I take mine out and she's runt of the litter compared to other malinois
Think it's the death stare she gives
I call her my land shark

What breed would you recommend?

Another vote for a Staffy - would certainly enjoy the exercise. Soft as butter around the house, but very bonded to their humans, protective by nature and certainly intimidating enough.

Mine is immaculately trained, and has been taught to bark on command using a slight hand gesture, and I have used this previously when walking him late at night.

Not going to lie though, I wouldn't get a rescue in your shoes - I'd want a puppy that I could train myself. My OH trained ours from a tiny puppy and knows every single twitch and facial expression he has

Well the dog of choice for terrifying members of the public nowadays seems to be those XL bully things.... Shudder

Why the silly “shudder” comment?

German shepherds are the best guard dogs, not sure they are that great to run with unless well trained, I often see my neighbour being walked by hers but when ever anyone go nears her they bark.

I used to have a staffy, she was the worst guard dog. My lab x collie was pretty good at home (bark if anyone came near the door) but not so good when out.