What Breed of Dog Should I Go With If I Want A Guard Dog That's Good With Children?

Question

I have a 17 month old daughter and we're looking into getting a dog. We want a dog that is a good protector but also good with children.

We were thinking Beauceron or Doberman (not sure if THAT one is good with children but my godmother bred them when I was 5 and the Mom LOVED me very much).

I'm allergic to long haired so it would have to be a short hair dog.

Any suggestions?

I would LOVE to get a Retriever or Shephard, but...
I'm allergic to long haired dogs!
It has to have super short hair!

Answer 1

pitbull or bulldog

Answer 2

First, it partially depends upon what you mean by "guard dog." I've got a rat terrier. That breed isn't a yappy dog (like Chihuahua's or beagles) but they absolutely are great at barking at strangers that approach the house. However, if you're looking for someone who will then attack a burglar or fight a threat, a rat terrier isn't it. It's definitely a great dog for young children, comes in a variety of sizes (toy, mininature, standard--which is about 18-22 pounds or Decker which goes up to 45 pounds). It's hardy, smart and short haired. And it doesn't have the energy level of a Jack Russell.

Second, while we can talk about breeds, the reality is that all dogs are individuals. Since you have young kids, make sure that any dog you pick has a temperament test done on it first. The volhard temperament test is a good one. It will help you spot aggressive dogs who might turn on your child.

Answer 3

I'd steer well clear of Shepherds, In my opinion they are the best dog in the world but not for you! They shed all year round no matter is they are short long or anywhere in between coat wise. It's not the length of hair it's how much they shed and the dander(loose dead skin) that comes with it, and I'm not sure about Dobermans. All dogs will protect their family so something like a Lab/poodle cross would be good, you'd have to make sure it was OK as not all of them take after the poodle side and so they are not guaranteed hypoallergenic! The Labrador also has a short coat and if they don't bother you are normally excellent with children.
Unless you have experience I'd steer clear of most 'guard' breeds, they need firm but gentle handling and all of them go through a very hyper-active stage and are slow to mature! With a young child you may not have time to devote to their training!

Answer 4

Beaucerons are long haired? I would go with a Doberman definitely. They love their kids and are good with other children that are welcome in their homes and that know how to treat a dog. I would never leave any breed alone with any child. But dobermans are no more likely to bite than any other breed and are actually less likely to bite than many. Now, my dogs have proven to me more than once that if I'm not comfortable with someone in my home they arent either, when I have friends over, they are great with everyone but if there's somebody I dont like or am uneasy with my dogs will not come near them. Someone tried to break into my house about 6 months ago and my male roommate was yelling at this cracked out guy through the front door, all the lights were off and my girl went after him, I had to hold her back until he turned around and told her it was ok, when she realized it was David she pushed herself between him and the door and barked and growled until the guy ran away. I threatened to let my dogs out and he took off. One of the things I LOVE about having dobermans is often, they dont have to do ANYTHING to be protective, they are one of the best visual deterrents you can have! So even if your dog isnt REALLY protective, well, nobody else knows that.

Answer 5

Any dog you get will naturally want to protect his/her family (pack) focus on a good breed with children first, large enough to take their "abuse" and weight, ie kids pull tails, ears and hair, poke eyes, etc. I had a doberman who was certain my son belonged to him. He would no doubt protect him, was every so gentle with him, and was not aggressive, a dog doesn't need to be anti social or aggressive to protect you. He loved everyone, EVERYONE. But when a man came into my house behind me without me knowing, he let him know that was a mistake. Dogs know.
I currently have a malamute mix/w collie both excellent dogs w kids, but the HAIR OH MY!
Standard poodle would be a good one. They are the large ones, think big like a lab, and they won't have the furr/shedding trouble.
Labs have short hair, but they shed just like any other dog with fur.
Aierdale terriers are also large enough to take the kids, and good with kids, and still large enough to provide protection.
And you can't be allergic to long hair but not short hair. That doesn't make sense. You can be allergic to the fur, but I don't think it's the lenth that poses a problem.
What about a short haired collie?

Don't get a pitbull.

Don't get an agressive dog, regardless of breed.
Even little yappers will make a bad guy think twice about breaking in or harming you, not because they are worried about the dog or bite, they are worried about the attention the barking will bring to them. Dogs are a great warning/deterrant system, and many times that is all they need to be/do.
Good Luck

Answer 6

dobies are great with kids, and most people don't want to mess with one. but 'guard dog' worries me a bit just cause a breed is used to guard work or K-9. these dogs have a TON of training. most any dog will bark and protect if the need arises. why not looking in to adopting.

also Pit bulls are not guard dogs, they are great with kids when rasied with them or well solcilized. they were never ment to be bred for human aggression.

I don't know much on Beauceron, other then they an up coming breed for work K-9.

Answer 7

Rotties are good, as well as boxers. Both do need alot of training and may not be the best for first time dog owners, OR dog owners with a newborn on their hands.

I may look into the herding breeds. They are naturally protective and guard well. and the biggest bonus is that they are incredibly smart and easy to train, since you will be very busy with the baby, you need a quick learner that is easy to please. The ones mentioned above are smart, but head strong and take a little longer because they don't always want to listen. (certainly not because they are incapable.)

Herders also make good baby sitters, Not that you should do this often but i have seen and heard of them being able to keep a baby in a room while you are running to go do something in another. Just when they are learning to walk and crawl

Answer 8

A lot of German Shepherds have short hair, and if their hair isn't short enough, than you might have trouble finding any dog that doesn't make you feel sick.

So number 1 would be German Shepherds.... police use them for a reason... they can be great guard dogs when necessary but also can go home and be climbed all over by kids.

Number 2 - Bulldogs.... They are so amiable, but they will bark a warning.

Number 3 - Boxers.... They were bred to be guardians so they will guard, but they are also great with kids.

No matter what make sure you get them trained perfectly or else they won't know when to guard and when to be family-friendly.

Answer 9

My male Doberman LOVES kids. I made sure to socialize him early on and he had interaction with kids of all ages and he absolutely adores him. He knows to be gentle because I trained him to behave around them. That being said, he is still a dog and you have to also teach children to respect dogs and how to act around them. Dobermans were specially bred to guard and protect their people so they are inherently loyal and protective of their families,but a properly bred and socialized Dobe will also be able to use their judgment and know the difference between a real threat or a perceived threat. Since they are working dogs, they are also on the alert but they also have high energy demands. My 5 year old still needs to be taken on a 45 minute run, hiking or vigorous walk Every Day. The grooming needs are also small since they have short fur, they do shed but just a bath every 2-3 weeks is needed. Only downfall is Dobes are VERY protective of their kids and people, so much that even if kids are just rough housing or playing, they may get agitated but that is only out of care and concern. Dobes need to be indoor dogs only- after all how will they learn to love and protect house and home if they are not a daily part of the family.

Answer 10

Well i would say a pitbull if you want a good dog around children but u want a guard dog pitbulls are bad guard dogs lol they like people too much in less your a jerk and keep them chained up away from people all their lives. a good guard breeds are dogs like collies,great pyernees , dobies, rotts and cane corso..but i dont know about them around children try believe it or not and English bull dog they are not real aggressive but they are protective or at lest the few in our family are...they bark at strangers and are great with children..the only problem is the moment u talk to the stranger they let their guard down and wana play

Answer 11

beagles are actually very territorial and protective over their family and the children despite their size. they are a medium sized dog so they wont get very big like a rottweiler or a pitbull as that size dog may be to big for your little girl. they have short hair and easy to groom and they are very smart. females are very loving and protective males to but depending on the behavior the dog may be to territorial just let them know you are in charge and they will love and defend you forever.

the two dogs you are thinking of are beautiful dogs but a Doberman can get very large, my friend has had many dobermans and i personally love the dog, but they have many health risks such as turned stomachs or tumors and on average a doberman will live about 12 years. my friends doberman had broke her back many years ago and it has been very expensive and heartbreaking even though the vet said she may never walk she has done miracles even if she is just hobbling around. im not to familiar with the other breed but their coat may be to course for your allergies.

if you are looking towards a big dog though a Doberman can be very intimidating and would be the better of the two.