Would your dog defend you on a walk? If so what breed is it?

[MontezumasPuma]

I love my Springer to bits but if I was attacked while walking she’d either wet herself or throw herself at them for a fuss. I work and walk in remote locations and could do with a dog that would stand up for me. We have 5 year old DS and 19 month DD so the breed needs to be family friendly.

No idea. He’s a whippet so wouldn’t scare anyone off anyway.

I think choosing a dog based on its willingness to be aggressive to strangers is probably a bad idea, especially with young children around.

They would and have : Labradors.

Not aggressive. I didn’t ask for an aggressive dog. I asked whether your dog would defend you if you were attacked.

Mine would either squeal like a stuck pig and run in the opposite direction or lick them to death! She is a poodle springer cross.

That’s interesting. I’d really love to rehome a failed guide dog but had wondered whether labs were too soft. I’d love a trainable lab as a contrast to Springer madness 😂

I have a young Weimaraner and (having had the breed years ago) I’m pretty certain that as an adult, she would defend me. I also have two toy poodles who would hide behind me.

I've got a terrier and he would and has defended me on walks! He may be small but he's fierce 😁

Most dogs that “defend” their owners aren’t defending them at all. They are shit scared themselves and resorting to fight in their fight/flight responce

You said you want a dog that will stand up for you.

Dogs don’t have perfect judgment- their idea of a situation in which you need standing up for might be very different from yours. But crack on, I hear American bullies are popular.

I have a springer who is an arse so it’s not universal! I have two spaniels, and two older terriers. None of which would be any help!

we used to have the most gentle and loving American bulldog until we lost him in March 2020. He never showed an ounce of aggression until a bloke ran out of the bushes at me one day. He growled and stood in front of me and immediately went back to being normal the second he had gone. I think a lot of it is temperament rather than breed. I think maybe you’d be better off having some form of protection, umbrella, stick torch instead of relying on a dog, as a dog who could protect you may also not be a particularly friendly or good house dog. Unless you get very lucky like we did. RIP Simon ♥️

@VesperLynne are they working labs? What colour? Ddog comes from a long working line and is the scourge of anything feathered or furred but dotes on anyone human.

My soft as butter fluff-mongrel actually did, once (worryingly pissed man in lonely park). Hackles up, teeth bared, deep throaty growl like the hound of the Baskervilles!

Cross-posted there with TheTempest -- so I think any dog could react that way if they saw strange behaviour as a threat.

Yes, it's a toy dog breed.

Pretty sure a dog would have to be trained to do this. And do you really want to be out with a dog that does this?

What do you mean by defend?

I have an Irish setter. I've never been attacked, but I suspect if I did she would get very agitated and bark continually. I kinda presume this is what most dogs would do? Do you want one that would actually attack a person?

At any rate I do feel more comfortable for having a largish dog with me when I walk alone, even if she wouldn't actually be any protection when it came to it.

Really, it’s a semi-lighthearted post. Posting anything on here is running g the gauntlet of a minefield of self-righteous criticism. Thanks to everyone who has responded in the spirit of the post.

Get in line re failed guide dog. A friend of mine got one but only because he had been the foster dad. The queue for one is immense and they pick an owner dry very carefully.

PS I wanted one and have a lab but a daft one. No, it wouldn’t defend me and yes it would walk off with whomever had a piece of steak or a nice biscuit

Absolutely would, German Shepherd.

Mine wouldnt physically attack but the lab and collies would be put up a good verbal display. Although they have never been put to the test to take things any further.

OP I also walk in very desolate and lonely places and tbh feel much safer out there than in more public walking areas.

I’m pretty sure my German Shepherd would, his appearance might deter an attacker.
My Staffie definitely would.
They are both gentle house dogs and are very good with children.

Mine would, especially if it was a male he hates men. Shitzu X Lhasa apso

"Self righteous" OK then.

My Rottweiler would and is trained to bark on command. My labradoodle absolutely no chance.

German Shepherd and yes.