what is the best kind of guard dog?

Question

the breed of dogs that are the best to guard my family.

Answer 1

Why a German Shepherd of course... They can be trained as protection dogs.. great with kids AND kids love them.. plus there is something about them that makes people who are on the wrong side of the law... a little apprehensive.

When selecting one make sure you talk to the breeder so you can get one with a personality that you want..

In any breed you will find some dogs are weak.. some are fear biters (worse kind) some are solid temporment and others are on the *hard side*. You will want one that is from lines that will fit into your family and do the job so you don't have to worry about it attacking an unsuspecting guest. GERMAN SHEPHERDS = the answer... lol
Sewwoodyou
Handler/Trainer of GSD's

Answer 2

There are many dog breeds which are good guard dogs but they are all only as good as they have been taught. Some guard dogs are not trustworthy with children because they are too rough or have a short fuse, making them quick to react physically to the slightest annoyance. There is a difference between guard and watch dogs. Both types protect but the second group is less likely to be vicious unless physically attacked. I have a border collie which is a herding dog. Herding includes protecting their charges, whether they are sheep or children. My daughter said she never thought there was a difference between guard and watch dogs until she saw my BC in action a few times. Princess always lets me know when someone is coming, whether a stranger or a friend. A wagging tail and a hello bark lets me know she knows and approves of the visitor. Simultaneously, she protects the baby and tells me if the baby whimpers. She will herd me toward the baby so the baby can be cared for. BCs are considered the most intelligent breed of dog and I could cite countless stories of how they saved their owners or children. That to me is the ultimate definition of a watch/guard dog. You can't lose with a border collie. Just remember they need lots of exercise. Like any other dog, treat them as a member of the family and you will have a loyal friend as long as she lives.

Answer 3

You need to understand that a guard dog is NOT a family dog. If you're not prepared to train for months with your dog and attend schutzhund type training programs, don't think guard dog.

There's a reason why many cities are passing laws concerning Pitbull Terriers, Rottweilers etc. They can be a danger and a menace without proper training. While I had a Rottweiler for 13 years that was absolutely the best dog anyone could ever want, I would not recommend them to just anyone.

You asked about the best type of guard dog and there's a lot to be said about German Shepards. You probably already know that most police canine departments use Shepards. If you're set on getting a large Shepherd or Rottweiler though, consider getting one from Germany or locating a very reputable breeder. With these animals, temperament matters and you shouldn't consider one from just any breeder.

Now about your family protection problem. If your concern is intruders, you don't really need a large dog, just a noisy one. The biggest thing a would be burglar needs is stealth. A noisy little dog is much more of a problem than a larger one. If the intent is keeping your home safe, than a smaller, territorial dog is best.

Many in the Terrier group are perfect for this task, along with the Chihuahua and other smaller dogs. If size matters to you, consider an African Boerboel. They're used to provide physical protection for families inside their homes in South Africa. They're very territorial with a strong pack instinct but are very friendly with anyone you allow into the home.

Think carefully on what you want to accomplish and be prepared for a lot of work if you decide on a full sized dog for protection.

Answer 4

That depends... may I suggest a combination? Small dogs are very good at alerting but are not intimidating. They react sometime first and do so with their voice. A bigger dog such as a rot or a German Shepard are great protectors. They really only have to deter for the most part... their size can do that. Working breeds and herding breeds tend to be protective and need exercise (some a lot of exercise).Keep in mind that you will have to be the pack leader as are all adults (and maybe kids) in the house. The idea that a dog is out of control really means the owner is out of control or doesn't know how to handle the dog or really just doesn't understand... The dog is supposed to take cues from the leader and likes it that way (to be happy and healthy).
Best of luck.

Answer 5

you have so many answers and most are given because of whatever breed they've ben happy with.
I am a Dog lover and had many pure-breeds and mixes, (I stopped buying a registered or any sort of special Breed. Why, you might ask:
Well, I for years now, rescue strays (we have tooooo...many that need a Home), and with every one,(given lots of love and care), has ben a great protector for my family.
I train Dogs as a hobby, not the usual way, (more like a Dog whisperer) LOVE, LOVE and mor LOVE, plus consistency and being repetitioned with commands, so as not to confuse him/her,that's very important and I can tell you that, all my Dogs in the past as well as present, will PROTECT US. NO ONE WILL ENTER OUR PROPERTY UNLESS INVITED.
IT ONLY TAKES LOVE & CARE , no matter what kind you have , (med.to large size), will do the trick for intimidation, besides ALL OF ABOVE MENTIONED.
Another extreme important thing to remember is: make sure that whatever Breed you decide on will work out for a Family with Kids. There are certain Breeds, not well suited for Kids but that's the only reason that I can see is important, not WHICH TYPE IS BETTER AS A GUARDDOG.

Answer 6

I have seen many great suggestions on here. Officially there are four kinds of guard dogs:
Alarm dog- is a guard dog trained to bark. Such dogs are trained to do nothing but let out a rough, aggressive bark. The larger the dog, the deeper the bark. However, the alarm dog will take no protective action. He may do so on is own, but not as part of his training.
Sentry dogs-usually patrol inside fenced areas and buildings with or without a handler and are often used in facilities with no evening security personnel, especially in warehouses where they can be turned loose to roam inside. Sentry dogs are the ultimate deterrence. They are trained to indiscriminately attack anyone entering the premises.
Attack dog-(sometimes called "man-stopper") is a dog trained to attack, bite and, if necessary, kill. They are trained to respond to sudden movements and aggressive physical behavior. These dogs are used by police, industry, shipyards, and the Armed Forces. They are potential killers, deadly weapons that only experts can control. These dogs should not be owned by general public.
Protection dogs-are family dogs that will protect their families in a crisis situation, will defend and try to save their family, rather than attack and bite. They are trained to be good companions that will be good with children and friends. However, if the master is physically attacked, they will take some kind of protective action - jumping, snarling, seizing, or chasing.
What kind do you want? Check out the site below...

Answer 7

We have a Doberman. He may not be the smartest dog ever, but I have never had a pet more loyal to me or my family. He took to our little girl the day we brought her home from the hospital 6 months ago, and doesn't leave her side when they are in the same room. My husband goes out of town alot & I couldn't feel safer that having him inside with me. I endose Doberman as being great guard dogs, but I would think any dog would be a deterant against a burglar. Just gotta find the right one for you.

Answer 8

That would depend on what sized yard you have, if you allow the dog inside or not, and how much time you have to exercise it!

My friend has an Italian Romagnolo Lagotto which is very protective of the family.

Maremmas (sp?) are good - they are kept in the paddocks with the sheep to guard them, and are very family friendly.

We used to have a Rhodesian Ridgeback who was excellent with children - she was very gentle with them - and a wonderful guard dog.

Currently we have a Beagle (be warned: they are escape artists!!!!) who is a wonderful guard dog. Beagles can be boisterous, however, so wouldn't be ideal for small children.

Rottweilers are actually VERY good with children as well as being good guard dogs. A friend had one years ago who would bring her daughter back inside if she went on the road! lol

Hope this helps.

Blessings, Gypsy Queen

Answer 9

Well, That's what my dad asked, 33 years ago when he wanted a guard dog while he went on business trips in diffrent countries. And he decided, when he picked up the Abused dog, from a family in Italy, a Doberman. And had them for 18 years, then for another 15, after I was born, And then now I live with them since they are all that i have been raised with, and love. They were "invented" for Guarding by a man who was a tax collector in Germany, named Louis Dobermann (short 1"N"). He hand picked dogs like the Mastif ( size), rott (guarding Instinct and color), and Grey hound (speed) just to name a few. They do not have to be trained to guard their family and they are very Intelligent, they are the smartest breed of dog, you can look it up if you dont believe me. The AKC quotes them as " Compactly built, muscular and powerful, for great endurance and speed. Elegant in appearance, of proud carriage, reflecting great nobility and temperament. Energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient. " also "The properly bred and trained Doberman has proved itself as friend and guardian, As is developed, its qualities of intelligence and ability to absorb and retain training brought it into demand as a police and war dog. " http://www.akc.org/breeds/doberman_pinscher/history.cfm

to read more about them, go here :http://www.akc.org/breeds/doberman_pinscher/

Also, you wouldn't be sorry. They dont shed, they are VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY easy to train because of their intelligence, Extemaly humorus/ their Bark is very intimidating, and their bite is worse ONLY when needed. when trained properly. Also they are VERY Affectionate, ask any Dobe owner and they will tell you, All Breeders and dog experts will also tell you that they get their nicknames, "velcro" dogs for being soo affectionate. They love to follow you everywhere, and please. They love children and animals as with any other dogs, when they are familiar with them or just no afraid, or if an abused dobe, or any other dog for that matter, you dont know for a fact or not, if they have problems.

I know alot of people will disagree with me and say that "my german shepard is the best, just becuase he is" or my favorite " my Pitt is vicous and is the best guard dog"
Well, why? why for example, is a german shepard " the best" dog. Im not saying that other dogs arnt good, im just asking why? if i can quickley explain some stuff why cant you? .
Dobermans and other dogs only get bad reps becuase of the stupid Idiots behind them.

Answer 10

I personally prefer German Shepherd Dogs as we have four of them. But no matter what breed or mixed breed you choose training and socialising are of prime importance.
Never try to train your dog to guard on your own. We have a rescued gsd that sat in an animal shelter for five long months due to his previous owners misguided training pattern. The previous owner tried to teach the gsd to protect his small children and he ended up protecting the wrong party.
It takes a professional to do the exact training for a guard dog. Good Luck and be informed to avoid tragedy!