Dogs: Need Expert Recommendations for Guard/Watch Dog

[ChristopherPaul]

I am a Dog novice and having intolerances to them all my life to the effect that they trigger asthma attacks, I have not been motivated to study them.

However, that said, some things seem to be changing in regards to what I once called "allergies" (another story/topic) and I may be able to handle a dog.

I am specifically interested in a loyal guard dog. Apparently there are some dogs that are watch dogs (bark) but if you call their bluff they will be ineffective in actually backing up their threats (no bite). Then there are guard dogs that do both watch (bark) and guard (bite).

What are some recommended guard dogs for families?

Friends at church who have four youngsters have a Doberman, but I am just leery of such a breed having had bad experiences in the past with them showing erratic behavior; although their dog seems to do just fine.

 

[py3ak]

I have heard that geese make excellent watch-pets.

 

[ChristopherPaul]

I have heard that geese make excellent watch-pets.

Are you serious?

I really harbor some animosity towards geese. They were all over NJ and they were mean and they had bowel movements every eight seconds.

 

[toddpedlar]

I'm partial to German Shepherds & Boxers...

 

[py3ak]

From The Bestiary

[Speaking of geese]"Another thing is that no animals notice the scent of men so well as the geese do, and for this reason the climbing of the Gauls into the Capitol was detected from their outcry."

But I have never found out if they can be housebroken.

 

[ChristopherPaul]

I'm partial to German Shepherds & Boxers...

From Wikipedia emphasis mine:

The character of the Boxer is of the greatest importance and demands the most solicitous attention. He is renowned from olden times for his great love and faithfulness to his master and household. He is harmless in the family, but distrustful of strangers, bright and friendly of temperament at play, but brave and determined when aroused. His intelligence and willing tractability, his modesty and cleanliness make him a highly desirable family dog and cheerful companion. He is the soul of honesty and loyalty, and is never false or treacherous even in his old age.
~ 1938 AKC Boxer breed standard

Wow, this is quite a sell! Plus it is a short-haired dog which may be a safer choice considering my asthma history.


Thanks!

 

[toddpedlar]

I'm partial to German Shepherds & Boxers...

From Wikipedia emphasis mine:

The character of the Boxer is of the greatest importance and demands the most solicitous attention. He is renowned from olden times for his great love and faithfulness to his master and household. He is harmless in the family, but distrustful of strangers, bright and friendly of temperament at play, but brave and determined when aroused. His intelligence and willing tractability, his modesty and cleanliness make him a highly desirable family dog and cheerful companion. He is the soul of honesty and loyalty, and is never false or treacherous even in his old age.
~ 1938 AKC Boxer breed standard

Wow, this is quite a sell! Plus it is a short-haired dog which may be a safer choice considering my asthma history.


Thanks!

I like the boxer a lot. Playful and a good defender. I think they're arguably one of the better dogs with kids, too.

 

[ChristopherPaul]

From The Bestiary

[Speaking of geese]"Another thing is that no animals notice the scent of men so well as the geese do, and for this reason the climbing of the Gauls into the Capitol was detected from their outcry."

But I have never found out if they can be housebroken.

Thanks, but please note I will not be testing this and giving a report.

Additional qualification: Please recommend guard dogs that are skilled at killing geese. Thank you.

 

[toddpedlar]

another thought is a mastiff or bull mastiff for a slightly smaller version. Both are well reputed as guard dogs, for sure, and also good family dogs.

 

[Backwoods Presbyterian]

Boxers are great dogs. I highly recommend them. They look and sound mean enough to fend off intruders and are quite lovable furballs in the family.

 

[Kenneth_Murphy]

My favorite dogs are labradors but if I wanted a guard dog I would go the german shephard route. I figure they are smart enough to be trained well and big enough to be effective and they seem to be the prefered breed for police work.

 

[larryjf]

German Shepherds...cops use them for a reason.
They are also very smart.

I would recommend that you think about the implications about getting a guard dog instead of a watch dog.

With a watch dog they let you know that it's time to get your gun and handle business.

With a guard dog you leave the lethal part up to the dog.

At my son's cub scout event last saturday one of the fathers came with his guard dog. And the dog ended up attacking a little boy and shredding his face from the upper lip to the chin in a matter of 2 seconds. The dog was on his leash when it happened...it just happened so fast that there was no time to stop it.

Personally, i would rather leave the "guarding" up to me and the "watching" up to the dog. My new theory on dogs is to make sure you get one that you are able to punt at least 10 yards if need be.

 

[SueS]

I have been a fan of german shepherds since the days of "Rin-tin-tin" on tv and have had several "scrub" dogs as well as two pure-breds, one of which was almost show quality.

There are two different types of gsd's - German bred and American bred. German bred dogs are heavier built and generally larger and, although not necessarily mean, are more agressive than the American version. The American breds are of a much lighter build and the agression has been bred out of them to the point that police forces will not use them.

I've had both types - my former dog (the almost show quality dog) was German bred and was an excellent companion. She was quite reserved upon first meeting, a quality I like, but very friendly after a few minutes. She was not overtly agressive but there was no doubt that she would defend to the death any of her people who were threatened. She was that "once in a lifetime" dog.

Our current gsd is an American bred rescued from a kill shelter. She's a beautiful animal but is a bit on the dumb side (probably because she wasn't raised by us from a pup) and waaay too friendly to strangers. However, she is loving and quite nurturing (our cat "nursed" off her when she was a tiny kitten) and shows signs that, in a pinch, she would defend her people.

If you would go the gsd route be aware that they have two major shedding seasons, spring and fall, and that they shed to a lesser extent all year round - we counter that with frequent bathing and brushing, but daily vacuuming is still necessary. Make sure you go through a reputable breeder who has bred for temprament as well as conformation and who screens for potential hip dysplasia - our shelter dog shows no signs of it, thankfully. As with any dog, obedience training is a MUST. I personally would be leery of guard dog training for a family pet, but that's only my opinion. With good care and good genes a gsd can be expected to live 12-15 years with the majority of that time being active and playful.

My current dog is about 10-11 years old and starting to slow down - I hope dh lets me get another german shepherd puppy when she is gone.

 

[Semper Fidelis]

I've heard that Poodles actually have hair vice fur and don't cause the same allergy problems. They're supposed to be intelligent and good guard dogs too.

Animal Planet :: Guides :: Dog Breed Selector

Animal Planet :: Dog Breed Profile :: Poodle (Standard)

 

[Reformed Covenanter]

I have heard that geese make excellent watch-pets.

Are you serious?

I really harbor some animosity towards geese. They were all over NJ and they were mean and they had bowel movements every eight seconds.

Geese or swans are effective in restraing an intruder. Either of these can easily break a human being's arm.

 

[SueS]

I've heard that Poodles actually have hair vice fur and don't cause the same allergy problems. They're supposed to be intelligent and good guard dogs too.

Yeah, a toy poodle is just the thing for biting an intruder's toes off!!

 

[py3ak]

The stupidest dog I've ever known was a German Shepherd. Consider this romance novel he wrote.

 

[Reformed Covenanter]

The stupidest dog I've ever known was a German Shepherd. Consider this romance novel he wrote.

My uncle has a german shepherd who is the worst guard dog you could ever want.

 

[ChristopherPaul]

I have not seen a Poodle on any guard dog lists. The dogs recommended for people with allergies are all wimpy dogs: Chihuahua, Poodle, Bichon Frise, Shitz zu, Greyhounds.

I am really liking what I am reading about the Boxer. The German Shepherd is a bit large and the coat may be too extreme to maintain if there is sensitivity.

 

[ChristopherPaul]

I figure they are smart enough to be trained well and big enough to be effective and they seem to be the prefered breed for police work.

Apparently Boxers are too:

They [Boxers] are widely used in search and rescue, police work, and military work.

 

[JBaldwin]

German Shepherds...cops use them for a reason.
They are also very smart.

I would recommend that you think about the implications about getting a guard dog instead of a watch dog.

With a watch dog they let you know that it's time to get your gun and handle business.

With a guard dog you leave the lethal part up to the dog.

At my son's cub scout event last saturday one of the fathers came with his guard dog. And the dog ended up attacking a little boy and shredding his face from the upper lip to the chin in a matter of 2 seconds. The dog was on his leash when it happened...it just happened so fast that there was no time to stop it.

Personally, i would rather leave the "guarding" up to me and the "watching" up to the dog.

I would agree, heartily. Over the years, I have heard and witnessed horror stories about nearly every kind of guard dog. What I have found with trained guard dogs is when they get confused or frustrated, the instinctive "attack" mode kicks in, and they turn on whomever is closest, even if it's a family member.

I would recommend a dog that barks a lot but loves the family. We keep a labrabor and a Swiss Mountain Dog/Golden Retriever mix. These dogs are the best watch dogs I've owned. They give us plenty of warning, scare a lot of would be problems away (the Swiss Mountain Dog is HUGE and has a fearsome bark) but cuddle up the family like big babies.

Having said that, labradors are not always the best watch dogs. Ours just happens to be, because he does whatever our Swiss Mountain Dog does.

I have never kept a boxer, but I have heard they are good. However, I do know of one incident where a Boxer bit (and left a good scar) one of the children in the family who had him. I don't know if that was an unusual situation.

We've kept poodles, they are great if you have allergies, but they aren't always good watch dogs.

MY

 

[ChristopherPaul]

I have heard that geese make excellent watch-pets.

Are you serious?

I really harbor some animosity towards geese. They were all over NJ and they were mean and they had bowel movements every eight seconds.

Geese or swans are effective in restraing an intruder. Either of these can easily break a human being's arm.

While I have no reason to not believe you, I wonder at how this is possible. I have been tempted to kick several of them when they would hiss at me on the jogging trail or while I was walking to my car from the train station.

 

[Semper Fidelis]

I've heard that Poodles actually have hair vice fur and don't cause the same allergy problems. They're supposed to be intelligent and good guard dogs too.

Yeah, a toy poodle is just the thing for biting an intruder's toes off!!

I didn't link to a toy poodle. I linked to a Standard Poodle.

I have not seen a Poodle on any guard dog lists. The dogs recommended for people with allergies are all wimpy dogs: Chihuahua, Poodle, Bichon Frise, Shitz zu, Greyhounds.

I am really liking what I am reading about the Boxer. The German Shepherd is a bit large and the coat may be too extreme to maintain if there is sensitivity.

Did you read the link?

History

Although the poodle is most often identified with France, its earliest ancestors were probably curly-coated dogs from central Asia that assisted with herding and followed many routes into various parts of Europe. Interwoven in their ancestry are also several rough-coated water dogs. Perhaps the earliest incarnation of the poodle was the barbet, a curly-coated dog distributed in France, Russia, Hungary and elsewhere. It is the German version, however, that exerted most influence on the modern poodle. In fact, the word poodle comes from the German word pfudel, meaning "puddle" or "to splash," probably reflecting the dog's water abilities. In France, it was known as caniche or chien canard, both referring to its duck-hunting abilities. Thus, from herding and water roots the poodle became a talented water-hunting companion. The poodle was also drawn into service as a military dog, guide dog, guard dog, wagon puller for performers and, eventually, as a circus performer. Its coat was shorn close to facilitate swimming, but left slightly longer on the chest for warmth in cold water. Although some believe the puffs of hair around the leg joints and tail tip were for protection when hunting, compelling evidence suggests that they arose as decoration during the poodle's performing days. The poodle found favor as an elegant companion for fashionable ladies. It became favored by French aristocracy and eventually became the national dog of France. Its characteristic clip was accentuated, and a successful effort was made to perfect the smaller specimens. Poodles entered the show ring in the late 1800s. Some of the early show poodles were shown in corded coats, in which the hair is allowed to mat in long thin tresses rather than be brushed out. While eye-catching, the upkeep was difficult and the trend died out by the early 1900s, being replaced by the bouffant styles still in vogue. At the same time poodle popularity in America waned, so that by the late 1920s, poodles had almost

 

[Reformed Covenanter]

Are you serious?

I really harbor some animosity towards geese. They were all over NJ and they were mean and they had bowel movements every eight seconds.

Geese or swans are effective in restraing an intruder. Either of these can easily break a human being's arm.

While I have no reason to not believe you, I wonder at how this is possible. I have been tempted to kick several of them when they would hiss at me on the jogging trail or while I was walking to my car from the train station.

They have very powerful necks. Don't even think about it.

 

[ChristopherPaul]

Ultimately what sparked my interest in specifically a guard dog is that my children like to play in the woods immediately behind my house. While we can see and hear them from the house and back deck there is a risk. I was in the woods with my family the one day and a dog came on the other side of the creek barking at us. Now granted the tail was wagging and it may have been friendly but you never know. It was frantically trying to find a path through the brush to get to us but was unsuccessful. It made me think when if the kids were at there one play spot where the dog could have got to them. Like someone said it only takes two seconds. It would be nice to have a family pet that could provide some form of determent.

Also, I am unarmed. If an intruder broke into my house I would possibly have no way of knowing and be defenseless in protecting my family. I have been considering options and this would be just one step in additional security for my household.

I just so happen to live in one of the safest cities in the country (Cary), but I feel it is wise nonetheless to be prepared to protect the family.

German Shepherds...cops use them for a reason.
They are also very smart.

I would recommend that you think about the implications about getting a guard dog instead of a watch dog.

With a watch dog they let you know that it's time to get your gun and handle business.

With a guard dog you leave the lethal part up to the dog.

At my son's cub scout event last saturday one of the fathers came with his guard dog. And the dog ended up attacking a little boy and shredding his face from the upper lip to the chin in a matter of 2 seconds. The dog was on his leash when it happened...it just happened so fast that there was no time to stop it.

Personally, i would rather leave the "guarding" up to me and the "watching" up to the dog.

I would agree, heartily. Over the years, I have heard and witnessed horror stories about nearly every kind of guard dog. What I have found with trained guard dogs is when they get confused or frustrated, the instinctive "attack" mode kicks in, and they turn on whomever is closest, even if it's a family member.

I would recommend a dog that barks a lot but loves the family. We keep a labrabor and a Swiss Mountain Dog/Golden Retriever mix. These dogs are the best watch dogs I've owned. They give us plenty of warning, scare a lot of would be problems away (the Swiss Mountain Dog is HUGE and has a fearsome bark) but cuddle up the family like big babies.

Having said that, labradors are not always the best watch dogs. Ours just happens to be, because he does whatever our Swiss Mountain Dog does.

I have never kept a boxer, but I have heard they are good. However, I do know of one incident where a Boxer bit (and left a good scar) one of the children in the family who had him. I don't know if that was an unusual situation.

We've kept poodles, they are great if you have allergies, but they aren't always good watch dogs.

MY

 

[ChristopherPaul]

I have not seen a Poodle on any guard dog lists. The dogs recommended for people with allergies are all wimpy dogs: Chihuahua, Poodle, Bichon Frise, Shitz zu, Greyhounds.

I am really liking what I am reading about the Boxer. The German Shepherd is a bit large and the coat may be too extreme to maintain if there is sensitivity.

Did you read the link?

History

Although the poodle is most often identified with France, its earliest ancestors were probably curly-coated dogs from central Asia that assisted with herding and followed many routes into various parts of Europe. Interwoven in their ancestry are also several rough-coated water dogs. Perhaps the earliest incarnation of the poodle was the barbet, a curly-coated dog distributed in France, Russia, Hungary and elsewhere. It is the German version, however, that exerted most influence on the modern poodle. In fact, the word poodle comes from the German word pfudel, meaning "puddle" or "to splash," probably reflecting the dog's water abilities. In France, it was known as caniche or chien canard, both referring to its duck-hunting abilities. Thus, from herding and water roots the poodle became a talented water-hunting companion. The poodle was also drawn into service as a military dog, guide dog, guard dog, wagon puller for performers and, eventually, as a circus performer. Its coat was shorn close to facilitate swimming, but left slightly longer on the chest for warmth in cold water. Although some believe the puffs of hair around the leg joints and tail tip were for protection when hunting, compelling evidence suggests that they arose as decoration during the poodle's performing days. The poodle found favor as an elegant companion for fashionable ladies. It became favored by French aristocracy and eventually became the national dog of France. Its characteristic clip was accentuated, and a successful effort was made to perfect the smaller specimens. Poodles entered the show ring in the late 1800s. Some of the early show poodles were shown in corded coats, in which the hair is allowed to mat in long thin tresses rather than be brushed out. While eye-catching, the upkeep was difficult and the trend died out by the early 1900s, being replaced by the bouffant styles still in vogue. At the same time poodle popularity in America waned, so that by the late 1920s, poodles had almost

Although I did open the links to look at, I did not read right away because I never considered a Poodle as a viable choice. I know they are yappers, but I thought you were confusing their watch dog capabilities with guard capabilities (which many do). It is surprising to me that they would be used in guard situations.

 

[JM]

American Bulldog. Short hair, different weights and sizes, friendly with children, they do well in French Ring, they are naturally protective of their owners, etc.

 

[Answerman]

What, no one has mentioned Rottweiler’s? I don't really know any reason other than they are big and strong.

 

[Semper Fidelis]

I have not seen a Poodle on any guard dog lists. The dogs recommended for people with allergies are all wimpy dogs: Chihuahua, Poodle, Bichon Frise, Shitz zu, Greyhounds.

I am really liking what I am reading about the Boxer. The German Shepherd is a bit large and the coat may be too extreme to maintain if there is sensitivity.

Did you read the link?

History

Although the poodle is most often identified with France, its earliest ancestors were probably curly-coated dogs from central Asia that assisted with herding and followed many routes into various parts of Europe. Interwoven in their ancestry are also several rough-coated water dogs. Perhaps the earliest incarnation of the poodle was the barbet, a curly-coated dog distributed in France, Russia, Hungary and elsewhere. It is the German version, however, that exerted most influence on the modern poodle. In fact, the word poodle comes from the German word pfudel, meaning "puddle" or "to splash," probably reflecting the dog's water abilities. In France, it was known as caniche or chien canard, both referring to its duck-hunting abilities. Thus, from herding and water roots the poodle became a talented water-hunting companion. The poodle was also drawn into service as a military dog, guide dog, guard dog, wagon puller for performers and, eventually, as a circus performer. Its coat was shorn close to facilitate swimming, but left slightly longer on the chest for warmth in cold water. Although some believe the puffs of hair around the leg joints and tail tip were for protection when hunting, compelling evidence suggests that they arose as decoration during the poodle's performing days. The poodle found favor as an elegant companion for fashionable ladies. It became favored by French aristocracy and eventually became the national dog of France. Its characteristic clip was accentuated, and a successful effort was made to perfect the smaller specimens. Poodles entered the show ring in the late 1800s. Some of the early show poodles were shown in corded coats, in which the hair is allowed to mat in long thin tresses rather than be brushed out. While eye-catching, the upkeep was difficult and the trend died out by the early 1900s, being replaced by the bouffant styles still in vogue. At the same time poodle popularity in America waned, so that by the late 1920s, poodles had almost

Although I did open the links to look at, I did not read right away because I never considered a Poodle as a viable choice. I know they are yappers, but I thought you were confusing their watch dog capabilities with guard capabilities (which many do). It is surprising to me that they would be used in guard situations.

I don't know if you've seen a Standard Poodle before but they are pretty big dogs. You might have been thinking of the toy or the miniature poodle.

 

[jwithnell]

A couple of things to consider: first, you could run into serious liability and homeowners' insurance issues with some of the guard dog species as well as local ordinance (or homeowners' association bylaws) forbidding certain breeds such as pit bulls, Dobermans, and rottweilers (sp?).

Whatever dog you choose, considering its breeding carefully -- it will cost more, but you won't face unpredictable personality issues or the heartbreak of having to put a dog down because of genetic problems (like a dog crippled from genetic hip problems). Reputable breeders will let you meet both the ***** and the dam and should give you the dog's lineage so you know it's not inbred. Some will be willing to let you have a dog that's a little less expensive if the puppy doesn't meet show standards, but has no real problems.

Do some reading up on dog training before the dog comes home. Knowing how to make sure that the dog knows that you are the leader of the pack is something you will have to establish from the get-go and is especially crucial in larger dogs.

This into is coming from a fan of Irish setters, so take it for what it's worth!