What breed/dog group is a reliable companion and is a good guard dog?

Question

I am looking for a dog, any breed in any of the following groups: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding, Misc Class, that best fits the following classifications;

-Alert watchdog or guard dog; protective (tell me how does it react to a strange; does it threatens, or just bark?)
-Reliable companion for both owner and family (why? what traits confirm this?)

I'm more in favor of large dogs similar to wolves, such as the Alaskan Malamute, and the other small toy dogs like the Pomeranian. Although these may or may not fit the catergories above, I think the American Eskimo is best? Confirm that please.

Answer 1

a golden retriver best all around dog rated as #2 dog in the US

Answer 2

Well, the American Eskimo will just bark and not threaten any strangers. Also, this breed is very loyal toward its owner and family. They are easily trained, but very independent and strong-willed. But this breed will take a long time to mature, and when it finally turns into an adult (around 2 years old) it will need lots of stimulation.

Now, that breed could be the right one for you if you have a stimulating life for a dog, and if you can spend some time training it, because it can earn some behaviour issues.

I will give below some more breeds and their traits;

Akita.- Easy going, very patient with children. In some places, the Akita is left alone with children as a babysitter for them! It will obey commands, and will break them if necessary. Very clean, easy to housebreak. It also has no odor. Now, this breed will need to be able to be inside and outside the house, if you leave it outside too much time it can become a bit destructive of your yard due to boredom. This breed will need to be socialized toward puppies and your childrens' friends (if you have any). This breed will first bark, then threaten. Won't accept anything from strangers. If a stranger approaches it with, lets say, a sandwich, it will leave the sandwich on the floor and just stay still watching the stranger until it is sure that he is no threat to you or your property.Big. Has lots of energy.
Would do fine in a small or medium sized house and about 1 hour of excercise 2 times a day.

Rough Collie.- This breed may be known to you by the film "Lassie" in which a Collie is the central character. This breed is very happy around children, and will growl or bark at any threat. They are very alert watchdog and is medium sized. Suited for small houses. It is very patient with children and VERY loyal towards owner and family. My parents had one when I was a kid and I remember that once I pulled its tail pretty hard. (probably around 3 or 4 years old, my parents told me). The dog just turned around and licked my face until I let go of its tail. Afterwards he never left my side.

If you want to know more options, please email me to [e-mail]

Answer 3

Interesting answers... I was surprised to see there were no Australian Shepherds listed!! My aunt has raised both Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds since the late 1940's...

I raised German Shepherds for nearly 15 years, then switched to the smaller Australian Shepherd...

Australian Shepherds (and Miniature Australian Shepherds) are a herding breed. They are extremely intelligent, loyal to their families, athletic, and excel in many venues such as herding, agility, flyball, search & rescue, therapy, etc.

The breed standard calls for them to be "wary" of strangers... This does not mean aggressive or shy, just indifferent and watchful. They are protective of their family and property - to the point of taking a bite if necessary to protect them.

When well-socialized, and properly trained, Aussies are one of the most incredible breeds you will find.

As not every breed is right for every home, obviously, the most important thing is to research carefully; for instance, Aussies do best in a moderate-to-active home with an area to run and play.

After choosing a breed that "feels" right for your family, the next step is to then check a breeder's references to make sure they are rearing their puppies appropriately. A breeder should be able to happily provide you with a good-sized list of their very happy puppy owners, breed health information, testing results, a copy of their contract and health guarantee, and they should be even more interested in YOU and your family!

Don't be afraid to ask a ton of questions... Many breeders do not know how to properly imprint puppies - this is very important to having a well-rounded, family-oriented dog later. You are doing great by researching!!
J

Answer 4

I have a great dog for you!

Group: Sporting
Alert/guard dog: Would bark, and might growl if they get close enough
Definitely reliable, they will snuggle up against you if you are watching TV and will lay right under your feet when you are sitting down. Also, when you are sick, they come right up to you and put their head on your lap. Mine has done that every time I was sick

What is it? Labrador retriever.

Also German Shepherds, but they aren't AS friendly as the Labrador...They scare the crap out of you when you walk up to the door...My neighbor's have two, and trust me, they've never been robbed, and neither have we, but my whole street got robbed one night, all but us and the ones with the German shepherd. Even the lady with the Doberman got robbed...

Oh and someone above me says to get an English or bull mastiff. PLEASE don't. I witnessed my friend get attacked by a bull mastiff. They had to put it down. It was a completely friendly dog, and all of the sudden it just attacked her. The owners raised it since a puppy, they never had a problem with it. I was RIGHT next to her when she got attacked, so PLEASE don't get a mastiff.

Answer 5

I have some experience with sereral different breeds, and I would recommend a Doberman. They are super loyal and protective of their territory and their family. They make great watch dogs and house hold pets too. They can be aggressive to strangers but a good obedience training course should take care of that. I have owned 4 different Dobies, and they were the absolute best dogs I have ever owned, and I fell in love with the breed. I don't have a house that allows big dogs so I don't own one now, but I will as soon as I move. Plus there is the added bonus of not having all that long fuzzy hair to deal with.

Answer 6

I think a Rottweiler would be very good for you. They are generally very good with children, faithful and loyal to the owner. Are usually very weary of strangers and make excellent guard dogs. My best friend has one named Bo, he is like a big teddy bear with the family and her friends, but he always barks and growls a little when he hears the door open, and you have to say it's me Bo. He stops as soon as I say it and he runs like a 5 lb puppy towards me and starts licking and whining wanted to be petted. I would hate to see what he would do to a stranger that tried to enter the house, though. He is very sweet a big couch potato, but enjoys his walks. He is very smart......alll you have to do is point and he will sit, bend and point he will lay down. They are very beautiful as well.

Answer 7

Definitely a German Shepherd. They are one of the most loyal dogs. Ours is still a puppy, but is already protective. Everytime the dorr rings, he up right at the door. He won't actually attack because he knows not to, but he has a very deep threatening bark. Its in there instincts.

Answer 8

Rottweilers are usually the best guard dog. They are very loyal to their owner and will do anything to protect his owners. They never want to stray far away from their owner, and are very sweet companions. They need room to run around and get excercise. Most are good with children, but other than that, they are great guard dogs.

Answer 9

Hey u want a wolf like dog try native american indian dogs their big, great with families children and single owners in terms of guard dog dont know but im sure its big enough to intmidate

Answer 10

Well a Alaskan Malamute would be a good companion but not a guard dog. Hound would be good for both.

Answer 11

Rottweilers, Dobermans , and German Shepeards make one of the best guard dogs . But if you want a guardian breed such as these dogs you MUST give them special training to make them get under control . Poor training can lead to pure aggression . BullMastiffs or English Mastiffs can make good guard dogs because of there size but need to be trained properly as well . Almost any breed can make a good guard dog . But like i said must be trained right .