What is a good breed that is a great guard dog, large, and good with other pets (cats and a mini schnau.)?

Question

My wife and I are looking to build our house and we are looking to also buy a new dog. We are looking for a breed that is an excellent guard dog, large and that is also gentile with cats and our mini schnauzer. Some of the breeds we have thought of are boxer, fila brasileiro, and german shepard...any suggestions?

Answer 1

The Fila would be everything you are looking for, no question about it!!!

Answer 2

First off, whether or not it gets along with the other animals isn't just a question of breed... It's pretty important to start with a puppy and the chances of your animals all interacting well will also depend on how old the ones you currently have are. I had an old golden retriever, which are usually very friendly dogs, but introduced a puppy too late and the only thing that saved the poor pup is that he was faster than the old guy.
Anyhow, with all that said... Rhodesian Ridgebacks comet o mind first. I'm a bit biased, but another that comes to mind are Great Danes (a bit extreme but are known as the gentle giants). They can be protective but generally have a friendly disposition and are intelligent animals. Huskies and malamutes are great animals, Akitas are wonderful guards. Sometimes they can be a bit aloof, but good training from the start will give you pretty tolerant, friendly animal. Females are generally a bit gentler and more sociable. Compared to a Fila Brasileiro I wouldn't worry, though.
Others that come to mind are Bernese Mountain Dogs, Irish Wolfhounds (the most extreme in size), Karelian Bear Dog, Scottish Deerhound, or perhaps a St. Bernard

Answer 3

I think what you're really looking for is a watchdog, one that will bark and alert you to people entering your property, or other strange goings on. A guard dog is the result of a lot of specialized training, and not one that is suitable for a family pet.

There are a lot of breeds that have protective instincts that will kick into play if they feel their "pack" is threatened. If you look at the breeds in the AKC's working group, many of those fit that description, except in particular the sled dogs. Note however, that many of these breeds are large, very powerful dogs that tend also to be very dominant as breeds, requiring that the owner be experienced in issues of dominance, willing to do the proper obedience training and self-education needed to successfully manage these dogs. However, they make wonderful family companions, and are extremely loyal and protective. They are also very intelligent and independent, which often makes them a challenge to train.

For any breed that interests you, I recommend doing a lot of reading about the breed, and if possible locate people who own that dog, or reputable breeders, and talk with them. Each breed has its strong points, its drawbacks, and its own requirements for space, exercise, grooming etc. Evaluate carefully what you can and are willing to provide, your family and home environment, and then try to find the one that best matches. It takes some time and effort, but overall, both you and the dog will be beter off.

And once you decide what you want, take your time to find the right breeder, one who will provide the support and guidance you need, throughout the dog's life. Get a sound individual from good stock - it may cost a bit more, but in the long run will probably save you in vet costs and general aggravation.

Good luck in your search.

Answer 4

Most dogs will be fine with cats and other dogs as long as they are raised around them! Fila Brasileiro, Brazilian Mastiff, Brasilian Molosser, Cao de Fila...Character: A valuable quard dog, the Fila is suspicious of strangers and dedicated to his owner. Brazilian breeders are promoting the Fila's acceptance abroad. Proper socialization is the key to ownership! Filas get up to 95+ lbs.....they are absolutely gorgeous!!! Big babies is what we call them! They do need lots of exercise regularly. I have had boxers my hole life and loved them all! They were all great guard dogs, expecially of my brother and I, and they loved our cats and our other dogs...great danes, english bulldog, other boxers, labs, etc.! I think that all of your choices above would be great...I have never had a german shepard, only because I don't like the long hair. I also love Rottweilers! They are amazing dogs that are loyal, loving and very protective! I wish you the best of luck on choosing your new breed! Happy Hound Hunting!

I wanted to specify that when I say guard dog...I mean a dog that looks ferocious and will bark and growl if someone is trying to break in or trying to hurt a member of the dog's family. I have dealt with large breed dogs for a very long time. Dogs should be a member of the family and kept inside at all times. All dogs are good hearted, it's how they are raised that makes them great dogs!

Queenie above is correct about the Pit-Bulls! I love them too...generally they are great loving and loyal dogs. I have had nothing but friendly Pit-Bulls...again it is how they are raised.

Please keep in mind that rescuing is the best way to get a dog! It may be harder to find your exact breed, but it will be well worth the time and energy looking for the breed you want from a rescue group! It's a life saved!

Answer 5

I have had German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers around my MinPins, cats, rabbits, birds and hamsters w/o any problems. BUT, I choose my big dogs very carefully, getting awell bred, sound and healthy dog and they are extensively trained to be obed and conformation show dogs plus I have shown in Schutzhund and train my big guys in Personal Protection. Filas are NOT for a first time large aggressive dog owner as Rotts are generally not. Look into a purebred Rescue group, they often have well trained dogs who are good with kids, animals and often lifestock. A large black dog scares most people away if it barks so even a blk Lab can be a good watchdog and several Labs have been Schutzhund titled so they can do bite work. I have 6 dogs now, 1 Dobe, 1 Lab and 4 MinPins and all get along fine but all my dogs are at least basic obed trained and the bigger dogs more trained. Take into your consideration of climate too, if the dog is to be outside all or most of the time a GSD is better since their coats insulate against heat and cold.

Answer 6

If you will have a large enough property - Great Pyrnnes are good gentle giants that shepherds use to guard sheep. They will protect the home but are not as intimidating as the GSD and easier to insure your home. You need to watch how you word Guard Dog because this can cause issues with insurance and such. If you are looking for a canine companion that will help to alert you to strangers then go with a herding breed such as the great Pyrnnes (I'm not sure of the spelling) they are wonderful dogs and get along well with other animals but do have the home guarding instinct.

Answer 7

Doberman!! They are the ultimate family dog and they protect your house also. I have four and also have 4 cats and a sheltie(18 pounds) and a Boston terrier that is 20 pounds . They will graciously accept a invited person into your home .But don't come back uninvited!!! That would be a HUGE mistake. But they do as with any strong protective breed need allot of training to be a Great dog. SO be prepared to go to alot of classes and don't give up to early. I take mine to a refresher a few times a year . They love the one on one attention It is a great bonding experience.

Answer 8

I have to say a rottie x. I have a rotti x german shepherd and he is the most gentle and loving dog. Mind you if anyone was to try and hurt me or enter our property he would go them. He has a tendency to let people in the gate but then he wont let them out until I have come out and seen ( which I have been told is a rottie trait). I have known Rotties to pin a guy who was breaking into his owners house, the dog had him standing there for an hour until the owner came home. Pretty funny i thought. Very good guard dog. I had a little maltese and he was great with her. The maltese was the boss. She would even bute the rotti and tyson wouldnt budge. Plus one bonus of a rottie x is they are stunning looking dogs. Good luck!

Answer 9

Well, I understand why you would want a "guard" dog. But, do you have people over a lot? People that would be coming and going? If so, I am not too sure you would want a "guard" dog. They would either become super aggressive and attack anyone or they would just be VERY friendly. Of course, many dogs are territorial and will let someone know who is boss. I have a Golden and his bark is enough to send someone running. I also have a lab/rott and he is a very good dog. Friendly. But, his bark is more than his bite. Research it. I dont know if you want to have kids in the future but, you should look into the temperment of the breed with children. Boxers are VERY hyper until they reach about 5 years old. Shepards are amazing dogs. Super smart and wanting to please their owner.

Good Luck!

Answer 10

Seriously, with all of the dogs that have come and gone from my home and all of the dogs that my family had when I was a kid, I think the BEST "guard" dog I ever had was my Lab.

These are very smart dogs, highly trainable, get along well with most any animal if properly socialized and introduced, and they will protect you with their life.

My guy, Quincy, weighed in at close to 90 lbs. He was a "hoss", tall and stout but not a "fat" dog. He had an uncanny ability in being able to decipher a true threat from other "suspicious" activity, whether he was home alone or not, in the car... or any other situation or location he was in. When I walked him, he would either ignore people who "didn't matter", greet others with a smile and a wagging tail, or if they had ill intentions... he'd keep distance between the threat and me (and my kids) by any means necessary (he never took any unnecessary action). I never worried about anything with Quincy around. :-)

I'd still have that dog today, but I met a little boy (14 yrs old) who needed him more than I did. This kids step dad was a real jerk, and he was often abusive to him, his mother and his sister. Quincy took it upon himself to ease this kids nerves, and when my friend (his mom) went back to this jerk, I let them take Quincy because he had already proven that he would protect them from the likes of this guy. (He had done so one day when the kids were home alone and the dad came home all ticked off. The kids went outside with Quincy, as I was actually staying with them at the time, so he was at their house too, and Quincy would not let this man come near the kids.)

I would HIGHLY recommend a solid tempered Labrador if you're looking for a dog that will protect your home and family when need be, yet get along with other children, animals and visitors to your home. These are AWESOME dogs if properly socialized and trained. :-)

As much as I love them, I wouldn't recommend a Pit Bull or other Molosser breed if you're looking for a dog that will get along with other animals. MOST of the dogs in this family have some sort of history with animal aggression, so there really is no guarantee that one would do well in a home with other pets. They do fare well with other animals, IF socialized at an early age, and continuously throughout their lives, AND strictly managed, but they can't and shouldn't be trusted to be left alone with other pets (even if they've gotten along for years). *** If you do go with one of these breeds, please adopt an adult dog from a reputable rescue organization. They will work with you to find the perfect dog for your home, and they would have tested the dog with a variety of things, including other animals. *** And be prepared to separate your animals when you can't supervise, and possibly crate and rotate if the dogs and cat simply won't get along.

Answer 11

Being a guard dog has nothing to do with being aggressive.
Most guard dogs are there so as to either scare away an intruder or aware the home owner of a potential threat.
I'd suggest a shepherd pup due to their intelligence and good reputation. A pup because it would be easier to introduce your other animals to it then bring home a big dog one day.