I will be living by myself in a rural area and need a good guard dog but homeowners insurance does not allow the breed I want. I do not feel safe with a Chihuahua or a Yorkshire terrier, what other options are there?
2007-10-26 06:58:31 · 13 answers · asked by silver wings 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Doberman Pinscher - State Farm does not deny coverage or increase premiums due to the breed of dog you have.
2007-10-26 07:16:36 · answer #1 · answered by Pam 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you've done the research and find that you really want that particular breed...find a NEW insurance company! There are companies out there with sensible policies regarding dogs and homeowners insurance. I own two German shepherds, a breed that usually hits the top of the "high risk" charts and do not have a problem with my insurance.
As for other options, any medium-large sized breed is just as likely as the next to deter potential intruders. If you have the energy for them, most herding breeds are quick to bark at things that are out of place. The breeds that are commonly thought of as "guard dogs" are all on the restricted list of one insurance company or another (or if they aren't already, they will be soon).
2007-10-26 07:09:58 · answer #2 · answered by ainawgsd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs used for guarding or protection are unpredictable even when you are using them in a professional capacity. I would consider a couple of large breed dogs, maybe labs or mixes. They are big enough to look intimidating and you have two sets of eyes and ears to keep watch. They are also not particularly aggressive and are laid back enough that you can keep them under control.
They can also keep each other company when you are not at home which can really help if you are far away from your neighbors. I would also consider an alarm system (you can install one yourself or have a monitored one) and motion activated flood lights all the way around your house.
2007-10-26 07:27:09 · answer #3 · answered by WooHoo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Any dog has the potential to protect his property. Some breeds are naturally more effective. You don't necessarily need a "guarding breed" but dogs who just look intimidating- like a Great Dane usually do the trick. I have a Siberian Husky, who is also on the list of banned breeds by insurance companies- however, she would only lick a person to death. Luckily, she looks intimidating so I'm confident as long as I have her with me.
2007-10-26 07:03:09 · answer #4 · answered by Boss 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you mean guard dog, or watch dog? You can get a dog who tends to bark at all noises, which will alert you to potential danger, and still allow you to have home insurance. For instance, my beagle mix does this (the beagle part in her). A sheltie (shetland sheepdog) does as well. They are also both working dogs, so they would love to be in a rural area. Honestly, I would just get a dog who alerts you, and keep a gun in the house if you need it.
2007-10-26 07:03:08 · answer #5 · answered by Amanda 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
SIGH and I once saw an article on home security where it as mentinoned Chihuahua's are one of the more feared breed by burglers because they always bark! Try for a hearding breed since they tend to be yappy. or a plain mutt who have done the job for a looog time in a lotta places.
2007-10-26 16:31:54 · answer #6 · answered by ragapple 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had Boxers and Bloodhounds and both were very good guard dogs, they are fairly large faith full dogs. An English Mastif is an imposing guard dog, my wife's family had one and standing at 175 lbs when I first met the parents it had me a little nervous at first. Females are much better pets than males though (I hear males are too stubborn and almost too much of a guard dog and scare away the mail man..haha) they are very gentle and caring to their families.
2007-10-26 07:08:19 · answer #7 · answered by Aaron 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rotties, Dobies, GSDs, Pits, etc. are the ones typically thought of.. Mastiffs and great danes arent used for it much anymore, but thats what they were originally bred for. Labradors may not seem like it, because they are friendly with most strangers, but if they sense a bit of badness in somebody, which they can do quite well, they are as fierce as a lion.
2007-10-26 07:03:30 · answer #8 · answered by crzycoookies 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would try a german shepard. They are good dogs. Also, try checking out other insurance companies.
2007-10-26 07:02:29 · answer #9 · answered by amysbuttabutta 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Whenever i post a question, even if it is the easiest one, they cant offer me a proper informed answer here. what happened to people that really take the time to answer??
2016-08-26 04:30:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋