Need help finding a dog breed for our lifestyle?

Question

We live in Florida and want a low energy, non-drooly dog that is happy being mostly indoors. It must be able to get along with people, babies, kids & cats BUT if someone breaks in the house or assaults us it will attack/defend. My husband is deployed freq. and I will feel safer at home with a dog. We also spend a lot of time in NC so it would have to be a breed that can tolerate weather up there. We want to be very careful choosing a dog, as this is going to be part of our family for LIFE.

Answer 1

Honestly, the dog you want (as described) does not exist. There is no such thing as a low energy dog indoor dog that gets along with everybody that will suddenly spring to life and attack and defend from an intruder.

With children, you do not want an untrained "attack dog." Such a dog is highly dangerous because the dog cannot distinguish between friend and foe and may bite a child's friend, the UPS man or some other innocent person. Protection dogs by their nature are extremely high energy breeds like dobermans or German shepherds that have had extensive shutzhund training which includes extensive obedience training in addition to protection training so that they follow their owners commands unfailingly. Any other type of protection dog is not a safe animal.

You should settle for a relaxed, calm adult dog that likes kids and barks when it hears an intruder. You can find such a dog at your local shelter. Or get an alarm system.

Answer 2

Like everyone else, I have my on opinion. Over the years I've had many dog breeds from mutts on. At the present time My wife and I have 3 Poms that stay in the house most of the time. They are great with Children, don't take up a lot of room, and if someone comes up on the Porch they let us know. I don't know if they would bite an intruder or not, I've never had anyone break in.
I agree with some of your other readers if you want a larger dog go to a Rottie, Lab, Golden or German Shepherd. The Shepherd are FANTASTIC dogs, they are Great with Kids and very protective of their master and his family as will as the property. In the Breed Standard they describe the temperament of a Shepherd as "Aloof, but Approachable."
The only problem with any of the Medium and Large Breed Dogs is that if your children are small they have a tendency to get knocked over by the dog not on purpose they just play a little rough.
MAKE CERTAIN THAT WHAT EVER YOU GET HAS A GOOD TEMPERAMENT. DO NOT GET AN ATTACHED TRAINED DOG, YOU WILL BE ASKING FOR TROUBLE, UNLESS YOU ARE A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL.

Answer 3

I would suggest a lab. My lab is only a year old and is extrememly lazy! lol. He loves to be outside, though, but is pretty content with just being around people. He does not like being left alone. We live in WV, and he loves the snow, and the hot summer weather. He is very loyal, does not drool, wouldn't hurt a fly, but has a mean bark when a stranger enters the house. Now, he would never hurt anyone, but he does scare people. He is big, and most labs do get big. If you are looking for a lap dog, then a lab is not a good choice. They are also very easily trained, and listen very well. I taught my lab how to sit, shake, speek, lie down, and house trained him within the first couple of weeks. Leash training took a little longer.

Answer 4

Firstly, you don't want a dog that attacks. A dog that attacks is dangerous. Even if someone broke into your home you would still be held liable if your dog attacked an intruder. The result would probably end in your dog being put to sleep.

Secondly, you won't find many dogs that are low energy and happy being mostly indoors unless you are willing to look into toy and other small companion breeds. All dogs need daily outdoor exercise time (back yard time does NOT count).

Answer 5

Let's make sure the dog gets along well with kids/other pets first. That's the most important thing.

The attack/defend thing is something YOU DO NOT WANT!!!!! EVER!!!! That is if you EVER want to have a pet that's safe around children - and you want to keep (or even acquire) your homeowners insurance.

Since your husband is military you are no doubt familiar with the MP dogs that guard your base. Talk to the MP's that handle them about guard dogs and you'll understand precisely WHY they are NOT PETS and why you don't want a guard dog at all. Truly, the MPs will give you honest, straightforward answers about what it takes to own, train, handle guard dogs. Take their advice and answers seriously.

If you're THAT worried about intruders - get an alarm system.

Oh, and remember, most dogs will bark - which will be a deterrent to intruders anyway. So don't sweat the "guard dog" thing.

For your purposes, I suggest you go to the local shelter and select a medium-sized (40 pounds or so) ADULT short-haired dog of mixed parentage (a mutt) who has been temperament-approved for babies and small children. That's because you already have your hands full with children etc. to raise a puppy. Also, adult dogs will have reached their full size etc. You'll know from the get go that Charley is good with children or not.

If you're concerned about bonding to the family - don't worry. Charley will bond with you so quickly, you'll be amazed.

Then, enroll in a good obedience course so you can learn how to care for, handle and train your dog so he will be the fine, upstanding citizen you are looking for.

Good luck.

Answer 6

I understand your concerns on all issues. Not sure you can find a breed that does everything you would like but you can come pretty close. I've had many pure breeds and a couple of mutts. I loved all my dogs and would never change any of them. BUT, I found that the mutts became sick less, lived longer and had a much better temperament in general. I'm sure if you go to a reputable breeder you can find a pure breed who turns out to be a wonderful pet too. To help you in your research I would suggest going on line and investigate all the breeds. I highly recommend going to a shelter. Those dogs are so wonderful and very grateful to be adopted. Good Luck and enjoy your new addition.

Answer 7

Hi there

I am happy to see that you are doing a bit of research before getting a dog. The breed selector on animal planet's website will be a great tool for you. It matches you with breeds that fit your personal criteria for exercize, protection ability, size, grooming, affection level and more. I used it before adopting my 3 pit bulls, and it was very helpful.

PS: Do not get a pit bull if you are looking for a dog with protection ability. Pits are far too friendly to be guard dogs...any pit owner will tell you that. If someone broke into my home, all three of my dogs would just lie on their backs and wait for a belly scratch from the intruder...not good watch dogs.

Answer 8

I agree with the golden retriever or lab suggestion. I know people that have them and their kids can literally crawl on the dogs and they don't move. I personally have a cocker spaniel and I love her to death. She can be "bitchy" but she has never shown any aggression with our friends kids (mine are grown). If you thought about a cocker I would suggest getting one about 10 to 12 weeks old because it has more time with it's littermates to learn behavior skills. Then I would suggest taking it to puppy classes to ensure a well rounded dog. I lover cockers..she is lazy and if someone comes around she springs up and barks and lets you know.

Answer 9

Its nice to see someone think it through about which to get. As you say its for life. I found rottweilers to be good in all the ways you mention. They do need a fair amount of training so they wont become vicious. And also exercise, daily. With the right training they are good with family and super good protectors. Another dog is poodle. They sound small but they are good with every one and they are so quick that if someone bothers you they can bite ankles or hands half a dozen times before the person can move. Best luck.

Answer 10

I personally would tell you to choose a Boxer. That is all that I have ever had. . But a Boxer puppy can be very hyper. They are fun though and very good with children.

I think you have made the best choice in showing that you have concerns in choosing the right breed for your family. To get the best information I would suggest that you check out the American Kennel Club. They would have information on every breed to help you make a well informed choice.
http://www.akc.org/future_dog_owner/index.cfm?nav_area=future_dog_owners

Have fun. I am confident you will choose the right puppy for your family.