What is the best breed of guard dog for a single woman to have?

Question

It needs to be ok around little kids and cats....

Answer 1

Because you have young children AND a cats, i am going to highly suggest for you to stay away from Rottweilers IF they are NOT neutered. Rottweilers, when in tact, are known for being very protective of what is theirs. As small children, kids have tendency of grabbing and pulling and poking which most rottweilers find annoying and will react, harmfully in some cases. German shepherds are great family dogs and work well for protection but if you do get a GSD, I suggest you get a dog from an authorized breeder and that they are from German/European import lines. German lines are known for being GREAT for protection work while American standards are more for show and conformation. If you want a true guard dog, i will suggest a Doberman. The Doberman is the only breed in the world that was bred SPECIFICALLY for use as a guard dog. Historically, many dogs were used for protection but the Doberman is the ONLY one planned, bred and tested for protection/guard work from birth. They are very loving to their families and will get along with cats... most of the time. With the three breeds mentioned, you must assert yourself as the ALPHA member of the family to ensure they will fully listen to you. If you want a dog mostly for a family dog and sometiems as a protector, i'll suggest either a Great Dane, Golden Retreiver, Boxer, or some sort of sheep/herding dog. Most are big and intimidating just by looking at them. Know, however, that 90% of dogs will back away from an intruder if not trained to attack or if not put in a position where they will be hurt. IT is VERY common for dogs to back away from pain and possible injury. If you have the money to spend, buy a dog that is already trained, specifically with Schutzhund certification. The payoff is much more beneficial than buying a dog with no training or a puppy.

Answer 2

Believe it or not, but in some states Cane Corso breeds are illegal. They were bred for aggression and apparently that's created a problem in many states. I'd check your state laws before investing. Also, some purebred Pitt Bulls, Rottweilers will make your homeowners insurance go up. I grew up with a Standard Poodle (not the little toy or miniature things but the real Poodle) and he was very protective of the house and my family. They have to be groomed often, though. A Whippet, I've heard, can be a good watch dog, too. I'm a female, and when I was single, I wanted to get a dog people would listen to and turn around before even considering breaking into the house. He's a medium breed dog on short legs and has a monsterous bark. I have a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Very, very loyal, affectionate, and an excellent watch dog. However, he wouldn't be too good as a guard dog because he could only reach someone's crotch....well, that might be affective. :)

Answer 3

I'd get a Standard Poodle. I have 3 adults and they are excellent guard dogs and have great temperaments. Some of them get pretty big (my male is 28" @ the withers and 70 lbs) and they are great with kids and cats (I have 2 kids and 2 cats also). They are extremely intelligent and easily trained. They also have hair instead of fur so there is little or no shedding and they are much easier on people who suffer from allergies. Standards are used for search and rescue, therapy, hunting, and as watch and guard dogs. You can also have them clipped in a non frou frou clip, like the utility clip, if you don't think a more traditional clip is imposing enough. Good luck with getting a new dog!!

Answer 4

You know what it might not seem like a guard dog, but find yourself a good size lab (get a bigger one rather then smaller, they vary in size) truthfully 1st)no intruder in there right mind is gonna cross a 70 pound barking black doggy 2if they do try to get close to the kids the dog will have no part of that and labs can be surprisingly protective, plus the usually will have no problem with the kitties. Rottweilers are good to but you just need to make sure you know exactly where the dog is coming from (like a breeder that has the parents on site)they are good with kids and cats if introduced early...good luck

Answer 5

I have a poodle. She has been raised around cats and kids. Wonderful breed. Real smart. I believe she understands certain words I say to her. Like outside, go bye bye, stay,and come. You couldn't ask for a more loving rewarding pet. Also they do not shed either. But they do need grooming. Mine is a toy poodle. She is with me every second while I'm home including the bed. Wonderful lap dog. Plays with the cat he is her buddy. The cat grooms the poodle as if another cat. Good luck:)

Answer 6

Doberman Pincher. I used to petsit one. He was so sweet and didn't nip at the little kids (and cats, even if he was temted) in the neighborhood. They aren't hyper and require little grooming and exercise. My neighbor actually had a break-in at her house and George (the dog) had the man on the floor before she had gotten up. These dogs can really tell what is harmful. I wouldn't get a German Shepherd. When I was little my mom almost ran over the neighbor's dog, so she ran up to the door to get help. Unfortunately, their retired police dog German Shepherd was in the yard and bit my mom on her shin and left a really deep gash. She couldn't walk for a while and the scar is still there. I have a small fear of German Shepherds now, and I would advise against getting one because they might be over-protective and I fear that the same thing might happen to the little kids. Anyways, hope you find the dog you're looking for!

Answer 7

German Shepard, they love kids if they are raised with them, and cats as well, it might take them a while to get used to the cats though, some German Shepards see cats as a play toy and want to play with them. A German Shepard is an excellent dog for a single woman to have, I used to have one, but he died last year, he was the best watch dog I've ever had.

I used to show German Shepards.

Answer 8

German Shepherd. Get your self nice German or Czech breed line puppy. They are thinking breed. In "French ring" dog sport, there are 'object Guard'. The dog has to guard object with in ring. He should never come out of ring. Many times, all other breeds come out to bite Decoy, but German shepherd. I always felt that they are thinking.
GSD is good with kid in general. Easy to train. Easy to handle.
Doberman, malinois, dutch shepherd, Rotties can be a excellent gaurd dog as well, but they are not good for beginning handler.
**** luck.

Answer 9

Rottweiler. I had one. He was so sweat,yet a great man stopper.But I don't know Rotty is good for little kids and cats. I live in a city, like ghetto,yet during those 7 years are passed without any incidents at all.But one things you must keep in mind is this. It is very difficult to get homeowners insurance if you have a Rottweiler, so is German Shepperd.

Answer 10

German shepard, or sib. huskey. Love cats and kids, are large enough for guard dog, and check your local police dept. for dogs that are trained but deemed not sutiable for police work for minor reasons. You get the best that way!