What kind of dog should I get?

Question

I want a dog that will scare intruders away, but one that I won't be afraid of myself. I am not a pet person at all and am afraid of dogs when they approach me, but I am getting desperate in protecting myself since there's been a lot of crime done to the exterior of my home.

Answer 1

First off if you are frightened of dogs, I don't think it is a good idea for you to own one. If you get a dog, it is going to approach you many of times during its living with you. What happens then if the dog scares you and you don't want him/her anymore??? Getting desperate is no reason to go grab up a dog! Sorry for being so blunt, but I don't think anyone should get a dog just because they are desperate for any reason. As you said yourself "I am not a pet person." This speaks volumes, and says to me that you would not be giving this dog the adequate amount of love it needs, you would just be using it for its barking status. I advise you to look into: security lights that come on when someone walks onto your property LINK 1, Alarms that sound outside when someone comes onto your property LINK 2, or maybe a home security system even LINK 3. I just don't think you should get a dog to use for this.

Answer 2

STOP! WAIT!
There are a ton of dogs that will keep intruders out... but there is so much more to consider than that!
1) What size can your house handle
2) What size can your budget handle (big dogs eat a ton)
3) Are you big into jogging and want to go for long runs daily... or a couch potato?
4) What type of personality do you want?
5) What type of training do you intend to put in? (they all need some)

Lot's goes into this potentially emensly rewarding decision.

You sound like you have very little dog experience.... Stay away from the "bully" breeds. They are great dogs, but need very firm handling and experience. (So no Pittbulls & Rotweillers) If you don't have a big yard, and don't jog or bike a lot... avoid most of the sporting breeds (anything used for hunting like Labs, weimaraners, etc...)

If you are serious about this shoot me an email and we'll find the right fit, or grab a book at the bookstore.
Good luck

Answer 3

Statistics do show that homes with dogs are much less vulnerable to intruders/break-ins mainly because their barking scares people away. The barking not only alerts you of an impending intrusion but also brings too much attention to the criminal. Of course, you must realize your dog should be kept inside for optimum protection. Too many bad things could go wrong with your dog being outside: Intruder could hurt your dog before he/she could begin barking. Or, your dog could get loose, etc.

Now, with that said, most dogs bark which allows you the luxury of choosing any breed you want. You know, there are always great dogs available through either through your local dog pound or humane society. Think about how you'd be saving a life that might save yours in return. We have a little terrier mix who is great -- just because a dog is available through either choice above doesn't mean there's "something wrong". Many times a person has to move to a location that doesn't allow pets, or the owner is too sick to care for their dog any longer, etc.

Last point: choose a dog that fits your environment. If your home is small, pick a small dog: schnauzer, cocker spaniel, poodle, terrier of some kind. Large dogs need space to run in an enclosed area like a fenced-in backyard.

Big Dog choices: golden retreiver, labrador retreiver, Border Collie

My personnel recommendation is to get a female.

GOOD LUCK !!

Answer 4

I wouldn't get a dog if you're not a dog person. Dogs need love, nurturing, excercise,etc. Getting a dog for the sole purpose of hopefully scareing off intruders is foolish. You'll just end up with barking dog complaints from your neighbors. Spend your energy (and your money) doing the best you can to secure your home. Talk to the police dept., they'll usually help point out vulnerable points on your home. Join or start a neighborhood watch in your neighborhood, your neighbors may be concerned too. Be pro-active and you won't need to pick up dog poop and pay vet bills not to mention a lawsuit from a dog bite victim.

Answer 5

I don't want to deter you from getting a dog if you really want one, but if you are searching for a dog out of fear even if it is fear for your home, fear and dogs will never mix well in the end. Do much research before jumping into this.

Dogs are pack animals, they will sense your fear and react. The possible scenarios are endless and a lot end up badly for the dog, or you.

I myself have 2 German Shepherds, and they are wonderful animals as are Pit bulls, and all the other breeds mentioned, however as a dog trainer, I've seen way to many scenarios similar to yours gone bad.

Dogs are HIGH MAINTENANCE! From my experience German Shepherds being very high maintenance, Pit bulls are a little less maintenance over all, but there are risks in getting ANY watchdog.

Not only should you do research on what is needed for the breed itself, but also check with your home insurance. Because of the widespread problem in aggression and dogs, some insurance companies are threatening to raise costs for having the large breeds mentioned.

Also many cities are now banning pit bulls, german shepherds and rottweilers because of the problems certain cities have been having with dogfighting, and vicious animals, so you also have to check your cities laws, otherwise your animal could be seized if they catch you with a banned breed, or they simply fine you.

Browse the AKC website, it will show you breeds, and you can read about typical behavior and personality and also below is a link to the AKC site concerning breed laws and what areas are having to deal with this.

And last but not least, I also tagged a breed selector quiz to help you out. But I highly suggest you consider all that will need to be done with a dog according to your lifestyle and circumstances, and also calculating the cost, many do not realize the sheer financial cost a large breed dog can acrue.

OK sorry if I preached at you (believe it or not I refrained from saying a lot) but I have dealt with the end result of way to many rashly made decisions about getting a dog.

If you do get a dog, I hope the best for you. :)

Answer 6

If you are not a pet person then maybe you should get a alarm system installed in your home.
But if you choose to get a dog get a sm. or med. dog that can bark to let you know someone is outside. That will give you time to call the police.
Shelters have alot of dogs, they could help you with what you are wanting!

Answer 7

German Short hair Pointers are a decently large breed. Not a monstrous dog but just a larger breed. They have a scary sounding bark but we are on our third and they are very docile and good with children and people who are afraid of dogs. They are generally not as high energy as some dogs and thus don't jump all over you. There are many in animal shelters all around because they are hunting dogs and many of them are gun-shy. The hunters don't want them and so you can rescue a great dog from a shelter.

My suggestion aside I think your best bet would be to go to an animal shelter and just talk to the people there. They can show you dogs that will match your wishes based on their personal experience with the dogs. You can even come in and visit them before you take one home to make sure its a good match.

Answer 8

Beagles make the most noise. Terriers as well.
When you are not home it sounds like a beast is in the house.
I had several Beaglas for the same reason. Worked long hours away from the house. They are loveable dogs but make a lot of noise when you are not at the house.

Answer 9

Get either a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Labrador - both are loving and very family friendly, but very territorial and large enough to scare people away! My ridgeback is the biggest softie ever, and ridgeback's rarely bark - only when something is wrong - and when they do - man, it is loud and scary! Our lawnmowing man likes dogs, but she pretended to "chase" him once, now he's too scared of her! Check out the link below for some info - but remember, you will need to walk your dog, pay for good pet food, pay for vet checkups and shots every year and you need enough room for it to run around in the backyard.

Answer 10

Get A Great Dane the they protect you a lot or a Labrador Or A Staffy because the use to be fighting dogs but i recommend a Great Dane =)