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?

To explain further to my OP; I want a pet that loves activity but that also physically is a bit 'woah' and may deter a man from attacking me.

To answer PP - yes I have had dogs, yes I have completed self defense classes, no I don't want to train a dog to attack and nor do I expect a dog to protect.

I'm looking for personal recommendations of breeds that may look the part, even if they're super soft, but primarily would love the lifestyle I can offer, and help me feel safe when I'm out alone.

I feel like some posters find fault with every circumstance and every breed. Can't do right for wrong.

I don't think it's that people are finding fault necessarily - it's that lots of us have experience of "problem" dogs and we know that when it goes wrong, it can go really wrong.

If you want a medium-large breed who is capable of exercising for several hours a day, I would look at breeds like border collies, pointers, vizslas and Labradors.

Ultimately, the likelihood of you ever needing a dog to actually protect you is tiny, so that's not really the bit to focus on when picking a breed.

Most large dog breeds are seen as intimidating but aren't a guarantee. I'm a dog walker and for the most part when I'm walking one particular dog - a German shepherd - people won't come anywhere near me. However, a man once sexually harassed me whilst I was walking him. Quite bold I thought, given the size of the dog, but he didn't seem to care.

One thing I will say - just stick with the idea that the dog looks intimidating. Don't train the dog to warn off strangers or anything like that. Nobody apart from highly qualified professional dog trainers should do that; it often goes horribly wrong when members of the general public try to train their dogs as protection dogs.

Do also think about why else you want a dog; it will help you narrow down what breeds would suit you. Do you like the idea of lots of brushing? If not, certain breeds would be a no no. Will you be wanting to let the dog off lead? If so, consider that certain breeds have incredibly high prey drives and may be more challenging to train recall-wise. Will you be willing to pay for a dog trainer to help with basic training if your dog exhibits common issues? As a dog walker I fully knew what I was getting myself into when we got our rescue dog, but my goodness it was even harder than I had expected. Sleepless nights, not being able to go out with friends for weeks as he just couldn't be left right away, back and forth to the vets due to tummy issues, a small fortune in dog food as he was so picky, and lots of destroyed items of furniture, clothes, etc.

Deary me. The OP has been very clear that she doesn't intend to get a protection dog. Those are specially trained dogs that cost tens of thousands of pounds. She wants a dog with "protective instincts" that looks the part if nothing else. Any protective breed will need careful socialisation but that's part of what helps them decide who or what is an actual threat. A well socialised protective dog can judge the people it meets. You can find examples of protective labs and terriers that don't bark. She should start with the breed standard and then find an ethical breeder.

If you want 'looks the part but fairly soft' there's always a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog but they won't run. They will hike for hours and hours. Absolutely brilliant dogs who are protective and certainly have the heft to be off putting. They are real characters but take a long time to mature.

You didn’t mention in your OP. Certainly didn’t mean to pick.
Love dogs, so if you get a rescue, that’s amazing.
DH grew up with so called intimidating dogs but it wasn’t known back then- they were just normal dogs.
Friend’s sister has a pocket bully (ears intact) has been burgled and the dog did bugger all!
I think posters are just pointing out that some dogs require a lot of work.

I’d probably get a staffie next time (intimidating by rep, but soft as shite).

Go and look at the local dog's home. Go window shopping. Discuss your requirements. They are far more likely to have lurchers than a Vizsla ,pointer or Weimaraner. These dogs tend to have separation anxiety (need foster homes) and change hands through breed specific charities. You never know what medium sized daunting looking beauty you may find.

Beware foreign rescues, you may not get quite what you expected.

I know someone who acquired an 18 month Brittany Spaniel, ideal for running. But, do you really want a dog that clocks up 350mins of activity a day?

join your local canicross group

Oh god I have a friend with a Brittany and she thinks that every screw missing a frame in our new house is a fly she must pounce on 😂

www.alpha.facebook.com/groups/1540958852837235/?ref=share&fs=e&s=cl

You may find some here that are relevant ...
If the link doesn't work it's a group on fb called

Cani-sport dogs for rehoming UK

www.alpha.facebook.com/groups/1540958852837235/permalink/3339612509638518/?fs=e&s=cl

She looks gorgeous !

@TrevTro have a look at kelpies crossed with a Labrador they could well suit you , not many about thou . Loyal , clever , can run all day but equally like a good cuddle in the evening