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.

My current dog isn’t keen on people doing unexpected things, so she would probably bark and bark (and bark). Like a pp said, it would be a fear response, so I wouldn’t like her to be put in that position.
Previous dog loved All The People, but on a couple of occasions she put herself between me and men who tried to chat to me beyond the boundaries of politeness. I didn’t get any vibes off one of them, apart from he was very boring and I didn’t really want to chat to him. The second man I knew from the place I used to work - substance abuse and anger management problems after being in the Army and she did not like him talking to us at all. Only time I’ve ever seen her growl at anyone. It was broad daylight, he was with his Mum and I wasn’t remotely bothered, but I cut the conversation short quickly as my dog was clearly uncomfortable.
Both Labs. Older one quite physically imposing, current one…..not so much

Probably, she’s a malamute. She never shows aggression normally, but I think she would if she was scared by an attack. It’s part of her breed heritage to protect tribespeople from polar bears, so I think maybe there’d be a genetic factor that might kick in too. It’s a guess though!

Staffie - she would watch me die and lick the killer

You're asking for a dog to show good judgement, which is a tall order.

I've got a JRT who will be barky when he feels it's warranted. He did once mistake a friend giving DP a high-five for him being punched, and acted accordingly.

Your DC will soon be at the stage of rough play, friends coming over, and typical childhood squabbles. You do not want a dog that attempts to intervene in such things.

In days of yore, in meadows green, a loyal hound and a valiant master ventured forth, side by side, through woods and fields. But danger lurked as twilight fell, and a ruffian's hand approached them on their moonlit journey. The master's heart skipped a beat, but the faithful hound, with bared teeth and a mighty growl, defended his owner from the rogue's malice. The ruffian fled, defeated, and in the moonlight's glow, the master and his hound stood as brothers, their unbreakable bond a testament to the courage and loyalty of a dog defending its owner on a walk.

@RiderGirl

I wish I could like comments that's hilarious

This is a genuine question. Are you really happy with being out with something stronger-and in some cases bigger-than you who you know would attack and could kill you or another person?

Possibly. She's a lurcher x gsd/husky and has never so much as growled at me or the kids/friends/dog walkers etc, but she does exhibit some guarding traits. Her hackles go up and she growls then barks at creatures in the garden at night, she has barked at people outside the front door at night, and she barked repeatedly and tried to get to a man taking drugs in the bushes once :/ I'd rather not find out for sure though!

Sister in law has a very protective border collie. Dog needs at least 10 miles walking a day...

@CurlewKate

Yes when it's a well trained dog, mine is trained to bark not to attack (have never been interested in bitework training). Should police dogs not exist?

Cows also kill people should farmers not have cows?

Mine would have done, Bearded Collie. @JonjoMonjo21 aww adorable love those dogs ❤️

No, unless the attacker looked like a squirrel.

They're a large breed bulldog (not XL American) and yes they absolutely would, it's a breed trait. And I've tested it in a K9 security setting.

"Cows also kill people should farmers not have cows?

Farmers should. Not entirely sure that Mrs Trellis of 5 Railway Cuttings should....

Two boys, both Golden, and they are big for Labradors. They are not working dogs as such but they have been well trained and get exercised every day. They are very friendly until they sense a threat. And then they'll place themselves between you and the threat and heckles will go up. This has happened when I've been out with them.

We don't need a doorbell either as they'll go bananas if they hear somebody at the door.

It's also a comfort when I'm in the house on my own overnight. Just to know they are there, and they are good company.

The cats rule the house, of course.

Our Jack Russell used to protect us. We had someone come in the house once and she didn’t bite but pulled at trousers as best she could for a dog that easily could be booted away.

My working cocker would either bark loads or fuck off in the opposite direction 🤔

He would and has - he's a beagle.

Rough Collies, and yes I imagine they would as needed. Certainly one of my boys has very noticeably put himself between me and danger in the past and (in a very controlled low grumble manner) expressed that said danger should back off. It did, and he went back to his usual relaxed self. Never heard him growl in his life before or after that day.

Some are very dismissive of dogs and their senses here. I would have more faith.

Our Border Collie intervenes if they see what they percieve as aggressive at home (play fighting, cat getting above itself, hugs) so I expect he would understand an attack and defend me. It's nice to think so anyway! He is not aggressive or over energetic normally but he has clear ideas about who's who.

I have a lab and staffie soft as anything but would definitely attack someone if they were hurting me

He is beautiful, he is 12 now. Still going strong. I will be devastated when he leaves me

Mine are working cockers. One might, but only if taking out the attacker with the sheer force of his wagging tail counts

The other one would sit at the attacker's feet giving it the full, "I'm cute, got treats?" puppy dog eyes.

Mine would but in all likelihood he'll never need to because he looks the part. Not many people would be stupid enough to attack me when my dog is with me.

My friend has a rescue GSD crossed with a Rottie. He came fully trained from an elderly gent who could no longer look after him. He’s the softest, loveliest dog you could ever meet. He stands next to you and leans on you for some fuss. My friend walks through town with him, sometimes at night. Everyone gives her a wide berth. So perhaps it’s not a fierce dog you need, just one that looks fierce.