good family pet/gaurd dog?

Question

what breed of dog is good as a family pet and loyal? i want a strong dog who is willing to give its life for the family but can still play with my kid. i know its mostly in the training and you should bring the dog up with the child when its still a pup, thats not my question. i want suggestions on BREEDS.

Answer 1

Labrador Retriever or a German Shepherd from a really good breeder who cares about temperament. These are good watchdogs and great family dogs. The most important thing is to get a dog that is safe with your kids and your kid's friends! If you get an aggressive dog, it is 99% more likely to injure a family member or friend than EVER to bite a burglar!
http://www.fataldogattacks.com/statistics.html

If you really fear for your family's safety, get a shotgun and an alarm system. They are much more dependable than a dog. A dog is a great early warning system, but you can't count on a dog to be the only thing defending your family's lives. Someone determined to break in could easily kill the dog with a club or a knife or gun. Most burglars will move on if they hear a dog of any size - they don't want the hassle.

BEFORE you get any dog, I'd also suggest reading some really good books on training so you know what to do right from the start. Try not to do it randomly - there are a lot of bad books out there also! These are some of my favorites:
What All Good Dogs Should Know - Volhard
Good Owners, Great Dogs - Brian Kilcommins
Don't Shoot the Dog - Pryor
Training Your Dog: The Step by Step Method - Volhard
Dog Problems - Benjamin
Dog Tricks : Eighty-Eight Challenging Activities for Your Dog from World-Class Trainers by Haggerty and Benjamin
Cesar's Way - Cesar Millan

Also, watch the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. Cesar Millan is the best trainer I've ever seen on TV.

Answer 2

My suggestion would be a doberman. Mine died of old age sadly. He was the most loving, devoted dog I have ever had. Dob's never grow up so training is essential as they are large dogs and must be obedient, or they are just babies all their life otherwise.
As a guard dog, his growl was enough to scare anyone away. I dont think dogs should be trained to attack, however when I walked him, no-one could come near me or my children without him being on the alert for danger.
He never bit anyone, just loved cuddles and if you have the time to spend with another child in the family, I would recommend you choose one.
Their reputation of being unpredictable and vicious is because people train them to be that way.

Answer 3

I would suggest a Lab. They are big enough to be menacing, loyal, and make good pets around small children.

A german shepherd is a good dog that will be loyal to your family and protect you. I would caution you that they are not predictable and may just "snap". I know because one nearly killed (went for the throat) my little terrier and I got bit in the process. But the next day the German Shepherd was just as friendly as she always was....like nothing had happened.

Answer 4

Hi! My first suggesstion is a Labrador Retriever. Although they are not for guard purpose but can be trained to do so. They are very gentle and playful with kids and can do anything for you if you pay much attention and love to it too. They are strong too!
Then, lets go for a second choice, which is an Alsatian. They are very good guard dogs, no doubt but can be harsh with kids sometimes! You can buy a puppy if you want him to be trained with kids.
The next choice is a Great Dane which is also a good guard dog and gentle with kids but are difficult to train sometimes. They are at times harsh at you if you don't pay much attention to it, and threaten to bite when near to it! But it is a good dog breed.
So, by careful analysis i have put three top choices for you to decide. However, my topmost choice is a Lab.

Answer 5

Boxers, I have a 5, 3 and a 4 month old children, i have a fawn male and a brindle female, great watchdogs and absolutely the most loyal ive ever seen, not to mention gentle with the kids....

Answer 6

Personally i would go with a german shepard, they are smart, loyal, protective, and good with children. As with all dogs i would recommend putting him through puppy training classes, and call around to the petsmarts and petcos to see if you can find a trainer who specializes in germans, at my store we have a awsome trainer and she also breeds champion germans, she is the best regional trainer in the area. You might be able to find a trainer near you

Answer 7

i have 3 daughters,ages 9,6,and 2yrs..and i breed dobermans..they are a great family/guard dog..i never worry when my children go out to play!! sable sleeps with them and follows them EVERY place the wonder to.. they are very intimidating looking,so no one even tries to approach my yard..if you get one as a small pup,it will be the best dog for you and your children...they love to please their masters..people told me that once you own a doberman,you will never want another breed,and they are right..they are so easy to love ..they are very playful.but also they watch every move anyone makes around you or your child..they are always on guard!! look into the breed and let me know what you think.. i have 6 two week old puppies for sale..

Answer 8

i would suggest a breed book that has the breeds broken up into their classes, working dogs, toy breeds, etc.

my choices rescued dogs, be a shelter or a breed rescue.
I like Akitas, akitas true to the breed were bred for what you are looking for. Mastiffs (english ones are the drool masters), Shepards are good (they are barkers), Rots, Pits.

Answer 9

If you are looking in Toy Breeds ,a Miniature Pincher.I bred them many years ago and found them very loyal and strong.My dog Poncho Villa,M,stopped my house from getting robbed one time.Burgler started to climb in window and heard Poncho barking.Burgler did not come in.

Answer 10

A Pit Bull is an excellent people guard (not property as they are too people friendly). They are smart, loyal, and were bread never to hate people. Just be sure to socialize it and train it. (as you should with any dog)