I am moving out on my own to a different area and I really want to get a dog. I want a dog that isnt mean to everyone but will protect its owner when it feels its neccessary. Many people have told me Dobermans, rottweilers, german shepherds, and dalmations, but i dont want a dog too big like a mastiff or one that is known to turn on its owner. help please?

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14 Comment(s)

  1. My parents have a GSD that is very protective of his owners and his yard. But once you introduce a new friend, he’s the nicest dog ever.

    He was 2 years old when we introduced him to our 6lb Yorkie. We were worried about the two dogs together. But after about 30 minutes they were laying in the grass together. But if a dog wanders into the adjoining yard and doesn’t belong there, he will bark at the strange dog until it leaves the yard.

    Fudge Dragon | Mar 11, 2010 | Reply

  2. i have a german shepard and he is very proctective and very sweet at the same time.

    goat gal | Mar 11, 2010 | Reply

  3. I would have to say labs. They are very good dogs and protective dogs also.

    Murphy13 | Mar 11, 2010 | Reply

  4. chows
    boxers
    poodles

    Unknown | Mar 11, 2010 | Reply

  5. And No dalmations aren’t on the top 20 guard dog list!

    1. Rottweiler
    2. Dogo Argentino
    3. Doberman Pinscher
    4. American Bulldog
    5. American Pitbull Terrier
    6. Dogue De Bordeaux
    7. Ca De Bou (Mallorquin Bulldog)
    8. Belgain Shepherd
    9. German Shepherd
    10.Cane Corso
    11. South African Boerboel (south african mastiff)
    12. Tosa Inu
    13. Fila Brasileiro
    14. Neapolitan Mastiff
    15. Persa Canario
    16. Akita
    17. Bullmastiff
    18. Thia Ridgeback
    19. Giant Schnauzer
    20. Bouvier Des Flanders

    Top guard dogs (Guardian dogs, Property Guards, Home Guardians, Professional guard dogs)
    Best guard dogs for property security and personal protection. Guard dog breeds used as property guards, family guard dogs or for personal protection

    lilcslilhottie | Mar 11, 2010 | Reply

  6. Research all the different breeds at http://www.furrycritter.com then go to your local shelter and see what they have… Good Luck…!

    Matt | Mar 11, 2010 | Reply

  7. German Shepherd, if it’s not too large for what you want. Females are generally between 65-80 pounds, about the size of a male labrador. With any dominant breed, be sure to get a female. Dominant males are very resistant to accepting females as a pack leader. With a head halter, you can easily control a large dog.

    German Shepherds have a great ability to read people’s energy. They are friendly if you encourage them to be so – basically, if you tell them "this is a friend", by being relaxed and friendly yourself, telling them to sit, greeting the individual in a happy voice, etc. They don’t require protection training, because they are naturally wary.

    People think all Labradors are friendly so they won’t hestiate to approach. They think GSDs are pretty, but will be more cautious about approaching you until you reassure them she is friendly. That’s a great thing – you won’t appear to be an easy target with a GSD by your side!

    But they need lots of exercise, so be sure this is the right breed for you!

    Chatterbox | Mar 11, 2010 | Reply

  8. Dobermans are the only breed specifically bred to be companion protectors, though Rotties and GSD are also good choices. If properly socialized these breeds will protect you if needed and deter most would be attackers simply by being there, however will not display unwarranted aggression. Dalmatians not such a good choice for this. That said please research any breed you consider and make sure you can meet its needs and it fits into your lifestyle. Don’t choose any breed simply because it is protective Owning any of the guardian/protection breeds is a big responsibility not only to society but to the breed itself. They tend to be dominant breeds and will run over you if you let them. With these breeds if not purchased from a responsible breeder and properly trained and socialized have the potential to do significant damage to someone. Out of control dogs of these breeds only perpetuate the "vicious breed" myths that are already attached to them so make sure you are ready to be a responsible owner before you get one.

    BMTHESPIAN | Mar 11, 2010 | Reply

  9. I had a yellow lab that was an excellent guard dog, all bark and no bite, She was big enough to make people think twice about just coming in the yard but was not hostile. She was the smartest dog Id ever owned too.

    Sean r | Mar 11, 2010 | Reply

  10. im glad you asked this question. first of all, you should never think of it as "i want a dog" but more like "i want a dog breed". most people think all dogs are the same, and they couldn’t be more mistaken.

    to answer your question, any dog if raised and cared for properly will defend it’s owner to the death, and still be friendly with others. again, when raised properly. likewise, any dog will do the very thing you fear, if it’s breed needs are not met. it’s entirely up to you.

    unless you’ve done your "homework" about the breeds those people have suggested, i STRONGLY discourage you from listening to them. as a resposible pet owner you owe it to the dog, and to yourself to choose the right breed for you. many people are careless in this decision and that is why hundreds of dogs across america are improperly taken care of or neglected altogether.

    do the research! i know first hand as a dog groomer that dalmations aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed. and german shepards are often times very particular about who they want to be friendly with. all are very large breeds and maybe this new apartment for one reason or another wouldn’t suit them. there are many medium sized dogs who are very inteligent and yet can still pack a punch. while nearly all small dogs are ideal as alarm systems. ; )

    there are plenty of books you can read or websites that can help guide you to your perfect match in a dog. concider the following when it comes to your search:

    do i have room indoors and out for this breed to get the excersize it requires?

    is this breed inteligent and of good enough temperment so that i may train to interact well with the right people and pets?

    can i handle and be able to restrain this breed when i need to?

    can i feed, shelter, and accomidate this particular breeds needs for attention, health care, and maintinence of coat?

    good luck in our search, and doing the right thing.

    LeAnna G. | Mar 11, 2010 | Reply

  11. i wont say what breeds to get but Ill help you out by telling you about the breeds that I have owned….

    my bernese was very sweet and gentle to other people, but she clearly knew us as her family. and of course, she let other people pet her, etc, but she never failed to look after us and protect us with her whole heart. my berner saved our lives so many times…i seriously owe my life to her. berners are friendly but will remain wary and aloof of strangers–they are definately a great choice except for their expensive pricing.

    my saint bernard has A LOT of energy and LOVES other people; sometimes I cant tell if she knows the difference between family and stranger. However, when she senses a threat or danger like a mean dog or person, she will immediately settle down and stick by our side and protect us. but then afterwards, shes the same old hyper puppy again!

    our korean jindo. haha hes acts like a very family-oriented royalty king. he only knows the family but remains "friendly" but cautious with strangers. however, he will NEVER bite a person; but probably will if someone is a threat to us. jindos are also more than willing to give up their lives for their masters/family to ensure their safety–it happened with my father and other family members. to them, family=life.

    Rottweilers and German Shepherds. With the perfect training, they will be amazing family members who will protect you for sure. My dad had a german shepherd and they did everything together; she was friendly to other people but was always prepared to defend him when needed. My neighbor currently has a rottweiler and i love him to death! He is the sweetest and kindest dog around, but dont get me wrong, he is definately protective of his family–especially the kids. and i guess half the reason why he is so hyper and friendly with me is because Ive known him since he was a puppy, give him treats and goodies, and I also babysit the kids.

    those were some short personal stories to help you choose.
    remember: just because you get a rottweileror any other dog with a similar reputation, doesnt gaurantee he’ll protect you.
    another word of advice – if you are more for a family dog that is protective, etc. go with big dogs. big dogs rule!
    but any dog will protect their master, as long as you give them the proper training and LOTS of love and affection.

    make sure you also do research on the dog breeds too! many of the "protective" dog breeds need experienced handlers and trainers (like rottweilers and saint bernards) and will need LOTS of training.

    i hoped my stories helped at least a little bit….but good luck choosing a dog!

    xxkorean_gurl | Mar 11, 2010 | Reply

  12. I would suggest a pembroke welsh corgi. My little girl, Lillie, is VERY protective of me. But only if I’m in trouble. She hates any sort of violence. Hitting, slapping, or any sort of physical pain being inflicted on me will cause her to attack. Though her size isn’t that of a rottweiler or german shepard, she can bite and inflict serious damage. She’s as close to perfect as we’ve ever had. I’ve also seen other corgis become protective when they’re owner was in trouble.

    Vee | Mar 11, 2010 | Reply

  13. Honey, you do NOT need to get a dog… you need to get a life. Don’t put yourself in dangerous positions on the first place. You cannot rely on a dog as some sort of piece of equipment – they are living creatures and regardless of breed can be crappy tempered if bred wrong and improperly trained (and likely you don’t have a clue about training or any intention to commit to training a dog properly). Get a gold fish and a can of mace and live in a gaited condo or something but don’t get a dog.

    Nancy M | Mar 11, 2010 | Reply

  14. I got a great Dane lab cross that is the best dopey and love able and a great in door dog not to big he is the same size as a tall lab but not as hyper looks like a taller more athletic lab. black and white and he is very protective over our hole fam. (6 of us) but when new people come over you let him know it is ok he just goes off like no big deal. But if there is some one or thing around he is fearless and will attack. they are also smart but don’t need allot very laid back easy going. The one person that gave the list did not tell you the very bad things about those breeds. great Danes and labs German Shep’s and any dog that loves you will protect you. My advice is get a dog that is almost 2 or 2yrs old that is when they really start to mature and that bond will start. Also a little training would be good and breed of dog can learn schund look it up. I know I did not spell that right but oh well spell check couldn’t either

    Amy | Mar 11, 2010 | Reply

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