Looking for a family dog/watch dog. We live in a 5 room house. It has a 200 foot backyard with woods. We live in a medium size town with mostly elderly . Looking for a dog that will bark to let us know of prowlers when we sleep. Also has to be good with kids. It will be kept in the house instead of a doghouse. The dog will be let out everyday to play in the yard and exercise. Thanks.
2007-02-17 10:57:45 · 14 answers · asked by gary e 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
maybe you could consider a German shepherd or GS mix? they are known to be good guard dogs (used by the police a lot) and they are very loyal. and as long as they are properly introduced to kids, they are good with them, too. i have one, and she's great!
2007-02-17 11:03:08 · answer #1 · answered by lizzie 412 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are a lot of dogs that are great with children and will bark if something is different such as a prowler. Most dogs once they bond with the family will protect no matter what breed of dog it is, it is only natural for a dog to protects it's home.
Breeds to consider;
Collie
Terriers (depending on the ages of children)
Golden Retrievers
Labs
Mix breeds (shelter dogs will be more protective because they are so greatful to have a home and a family that loves and cares for them)
that is just some of the breeds.
Good luck in your search
2007-02-17 20:29:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can train any dog to be an 'alert' dog, another name for that type of training is called a 'fence dog'.
On my street almost all of us have dogs so when someone is walking down the street the barking starts at one end and just moves along as the walker passes, til he/she reaches the other end or are no longer in sight.
If you can get a pup that has succkled at the highest teat, you will get a more dominate dog. If raised within the family he/she will form a strong bond to all members.
With a strong dog like this I would advise some obedience training so that you can maintain control at all times.
2007-02-17 19:10:24 · answer #3 · answered by bluebonnetgranny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are so many wonderful dogs that need a home! Any dog that bonds with you will become a great watch dog..so I would rather you focus your energy on a dog that is good with your children instead of guarding the property.
If you are getting a pound dog make sure you can return the dog if after a few weeks the animal is not a good fit for your kids. But remember that it can take a dog a week or two for the dog to adjust so don't make any rash decisions.
2007-02-17 19:05:43 · answer #4 · answered by dressage.rider 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try going to a shelter and meeting the dogs there - while you might not find what you are looking for exactly, it might also give you an upclose and personal view of different breeds and mixes.
If you just want someone to bark, maybe a Basset Hound would be good - they have a deep bark that makes them sound larger than they are.
2007-02-17 19:06:49 · answer #5 · answered by Susan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We live on an acreage and we have a Great Pyrenees/German Shepard/Rottweiller cross. She is one of the smartest dogs I have ever had. She patrols our yard and keeps coyotes out. She is wonderful with our children and our 2 little dachshunds. I would say consider a mixed breed, they often don't have the health problems that some purebreds can have and they are usually cheap or free to a good home. Good Luck
2007-02-21 17:47:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
of course everyone knows my answer. Get an American Bulldog. They are everything you are looking for. Been rasing and breeding them for many years and they make wonderful house dogs......awesome with kids. They only bark if there is a problem. They are highly intelligent.....did I mention stubborn? Very stubborn...but more than worth the effort to train them. I have 2 in my home as we speak. I wouldn't have any other dog.
2007-02-17 19:09:28 · answer #7 · answered by Ramsrock07 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would get a lab. Labs are great with children, and they make pretty good watch dogs. They don't have to be exercised like some dogs, but require a bit of action here and there. They are very lovable dogs and show alot of affection.
2007-02-17 19:30:11 · answer #8 · answered by Spyker 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I think one of the best all around dogs is a Golden Retriever. They are great with people and children and will bark if an intruder approaches. Make sure the parents are OFA x-rayed however, there is alot of hip dysplasia in the breed.(malformation of the hip socket)
2007-02-17 19:02:15 · answer #9 · answered by Eartha Q 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest a pitbull but only for an experienced trainer because if properly trained they become excellent with children and they love to excercise. If you are a novice I would suggest a Labrador Retriever. My cousin has one and it is just great with kids! They have a 3 month old baby and the dog just licks her in the face. Also, it barks whenever it hears someone coming but if its a friend it just licks your hand. They are easy to train and love to play and excercise.
2007-02-17 19:31:34 · answer #10 · answered by Dougy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
http://animal.discovery.com/breedselecto...
Just answer 10 easy Q and they will give you some breeds,the Q are like the age-amount of grooming-indoor/out door,how good of a watch dog,friendlyness ext!!They will be in order-so a 99 would work better than a 77.....ext.
Plus it from animal planet so you can research the pet and go onto pet finder and adopt a homeless one!Why BYE WHEN ONE WILL DIE?
Good luck
aminal lover
Q rating 10/10,two paws up!
2007-02-17 19:07:29 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋