I know you said no pitbulls but we had a Staffordshire Terrier and she would let me know she didn't like it when the wife and I were playing. Anyone that came in the house had to get permission from the dog to get near my wife.

Sheba (the dog) was a constant faithful companion to my wife for almost 13 years. I never worried if I was away that anyone would make it in the house while she was with us. The bond was just not describeable by me to be honest. Sheba was my dog :/

Another pit/lab mix I had was really good. Max had the build of a lab head of a pit and the power of a pit. He was my hog dog. Friendly and tolerant of people in my company but would let you know if something was there that shouldn't be.

I have also had some pups that were from fighting stock (rescues I don't think a dog should be treated like that) they were inbred and mean as crap at 2 months old. Took a lot of time to get them calmed down but I never fully trusted them with my other dogs and they were placed in single dog homes with a experienced person to take care of them.

I was hesitant about a pit from the bad publicity they get. I wouldn't hesitate to get another. As with any dog look at where it comes from and raise them with love. You won't find a better companion.

Also with the Staffordshire Terrier they were bred to not be as aggressive as the pit. And are actually not as favorable to people that fight dogs because of their lower aggressive nature towards other dogs. Also they are fiercely loyal to their family or the person they bond with I have found.

Good luck finding your friend

 

P.S. welcome to the forums!

 

I've got two that have worked well for my wife. I have a puggle (her desired traits are the beagle side) and a husky. The Puggle is the "alarm" and she lets us know when someone is at the door, and the husky is the "enforcer." He looks like a wolf (we got a tall gangly one).

One night when I wasn't home a "thugged out" gentlemen came to our door trying to sell something. My wife told him multiple times that she wasn't interested and to leave (through the door, mind you. It was never opened). He became more persistent and the puggle was at her feet barking at him and it didn't phase him a bit. Well, the husky came down stairs. All he did was sit down next to her and glare at him. That was all it took for him to leave.

Sometimes intimidation is the best approach.

 

I suggest the Australian Cattle Dog.

They are smart, medium sized (but very powerful - work cattle that are many times their size), easy to train but very protective of their owner.

Most of the time they are as nice as pie...If they sense (smell) you feel threatened, they will kill the threat (without any mercy) or die trying....

Watch the movie Mad Max 2. While the film is fiction, the depiction of the Australian Cattle Dog is right on the money.

 

Bit of an energetic dog that one though.

 

My girlfriend and I are actually looking at adopting a three year old American Bulldog... who we found at an adoption drive at Petco. Wasn't planning on adopting a dog, as we lost her pug the previous week, but I'm looking forward to it. Only experience with the breed was her aunt owning one who died a few months back... but the dog was very nice to new people. If you did something questionable to her aunt or uncle, she would stare you down. I'm sure if someone tried to harm them, she would intervene, but didn't ever see that.

She is a biggish dog (75 pounds). When we were talking with the women who is fostering her, at least five people walked up and asked if she was a pit-bull. I've grown up with labs, so never noticed how scared people get with similar looking breeds. She has that big thick head, as well as the stocky shoulders. But in regards to temperament, she is like a big baby. Can take your hand and shove it in her mouth, and all she does is look at you. I feel a lot with personality is individual to the dog, but from the research I've done, it seems to be common for the breed. The foster said she gets along with her personal animals, which included a twenty year old cat. I've heard both sides on that topic, so you might want to look up on that. I can tell you, she reminded me so much of my last lab that I fell in love with her within twenty minutes.

In regards to the bad... do have high rates of hip dysplasia (same with most larger breeds). I've read about deafness and eye problems, but that is something that you would need to discuss with a breeder (if that is the route you go). The dog I'm looking at was at the vet yesterday, which I opted to go to, for an ear infection. Turned out to be yeast related, due to moisture in the ears. When she was originally placed (due to her previous owner's landlord saying that she needed to go; size and looks), she had a bad infection in both ears. Was treated and not an issue for three months... but we noticed it when we were looking at her (as did her foster). They gave her a steroid shot, and medication to resolve it, but the long-term opinion is a medicated shampoo and ear wash (not something that huge, especially with how good of a dog she is). I did read that the breed does have a high rate of allergies (she is all white, which those go hand in hand), and owners do usually give them daily doses of Benadryl for it. Another thing to look at.

In regards to handling, she was a little excited when I first started walking her, but after five minutes, she was walking normal with me (slack in leash). A lot of that is how the owner handles the dog. But when I filled out the application, I handed her over to my girlfriend. She had a stroke a few years back (at 20), and she isn't as balanced as most people. While I noticed the dog having that same excitement with her, she did not overpower her. She handled her great around other dogs.

Good luck with the search.

 

Ok, this might be an unusual suggestion but look up the japanese Akita dog (there's also an american version of the breed).

It's large, loyal, and rather defending of its' owner/owners' family.

It is a dominant dog though, so you will have to invest some time in teaching it how to behave.

Ok... now I want one

 

Dad raised Dobermans for several years. He sold many to people during that time and the one thing we heard over and over is how they would take to the lady of the house. Treated right they are big babies with the family. But will protect no matter what against strangers. At a recent family get together, my niece gets there with her newborn. She put the little one down for a nap and one of my brother's Dobermans took a nap right beside that kid, never moving the entire time, other than to raise her head to see who was walking by.

 

I would love a Presa Canario, but they are BIG. Very loyal and family protective.

 

Absolutely look into a Staffordshire bull terrier, you will be pleased with how devoted they are

 

Mastiffs are certainly too large. Our boxer is the watch dog of the house and is very attached to my wife. She is constantly looking out the windows while the mastiffs sleep.
Boxers are large enough to provide the protection you seek.
Most posters here have their favorites and most dogs will be able to give you peace of mind as well as companionship.
Small dogs are capable of watch dog duties but may not be physically able to assist you in an emergency.

 

standard poodle

look at standard poodle, smart, athletic, easily trainable, don't shed much,(invest in a good set of clippers) don't drool. Only get them stapled for the bloat and they will live a good long life.

 

look at standard poodle, smart, athletic, easily trainable, don't shed much,(invest in a good set of clippers) don't drool. Only get them stapled for the bloat and they will live a good long life.

Agree-Look at the Standard Poodle-smart as heck. Another unique breed is the BOUVIER DES FLANDRES, at one time several PD's were using them. Smart but did not look aggressive.
Now on the opposite end is the Affenpinscher. They are the Big Dog in a little dog's body. Mine aren't afraid of anything. They can't do much to protect except for their early warning sense of smell and hearing.

 

We have a BullMastiff and absolutely love her. From your list of wants/needs you might want to reconsider them "probably not for you".

 

Boerboel for a bit of fun.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MEmpBhOaWjg

 

:::thud::: I just agreed with you on something. The world must have come to an end.

I'm looking at a Boerboel for my next dog. It has all of the traits I'm looking for in a dog.

 

I hadn't expected so many seriously thoughtful replies. Thank you all very much.

Based on some of your messages, I realize I should NOT cut out certain breeds so hastily. I need to remember too that there are differences between males and females in some breeds too. And maybe even my much loved Dobie should still be on the long list (maybe some are low energy).

Let me get my thoughts sorted a bit. Will be writing more tonight or tomorrow morning. (Getting my thoughts straight today is not working on anything.) Just wanted to let you know I'm very appreciative of your help.

PS: Boerbull? That's a whole lotta dog.

 

females

Any dog that I "personally" would get for protection would be a female. Males are too easily distracted, combative with other dogs etc.

 

good dogs?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYbM9O0C8UU

 

I am a cat person.

That said, ANY animal that loves you will defend you.

What animal loves you best? The rescue! I'd check out the shelter. The dogs are well vetted and you may be able to get a sibling group or two that are already friends.

I would even say, let the dog pick you out. I did that with my cat and she is perfect for me; we understand each other perfectly. I didn't go there looking for a geriatric lady, but she's my cat.

You might even volunteer at the shelter, you'll know when you meet Your Dog.

 

German Shepherds but only fool with the European bloodlines

 

What I said here is engraved in stone around my house...never say never but Ill (prob) never own any other type dog but a GSD

 

For someone who can be the Alpha person in the house the Fila has a lot to offer!

Mine was happy to sleep at your feet or by the stove while you worked and would have done fine even if I lived in an apartment as long as he got to go for his walk every day.

I've taken him in to several ghetto areas while working and never had my truck or myself messed with! There was lots of money changing hands from some NFL sized fellows betting on if anyone of them where brave enough to leave the porch and touch the sidewalk.

Anytime something was up he'd sit on one or both of your feet so he could feel your reactions to the situation without looking at you. This way he never took his eyes off the potential problem.

A contractor working in my house was watched every minute and it was ok for him to bring tools into the house, but he got stopped at the door when he tried to take something back out to his truck when I was not in that end of the house.

Someone who startled my wife got towed by the pant leg out of the yard and back into the street and another guy who reached out to touch my wife instantly got pushed back. Neither got bit, just man handled by a big strong willed 150 pounds of muscle and single minded determination that no one and nothing mess with or bother his family!

Loving and calm around his family with strongly felt need to keep them and their stuff safe from harm he was an awesome dog!


All that being said if there is any question about who is Alpha the Fila is not for you!

SD

 

Hi Everyone,

I'm trying to discover dog breeds / types / or mixes that are protective and can actually protect.

[*]No GSD (Shepherds) / Malinois / Dutch / Etc. Took training lessons with man who trained police department dogs - and those dogs aren't a match for my personality.
[*]no Rottweilers - found them less predictable than I'd like.
[*]no pitbulls
[*]no true terriers (too big of a prey drive and energy level).
[*]no BullMastiff - probably not for me.
[/LIST]


Um, you want a protective dog, but then you DON'T want any of them ...

If those dog are not "a match" for your personality, maybe you should just get a CC permit and a gun? Just a thought...

best dogs to train to protect you: German Shepherds

 

Personally, I think Australian Shepherds are wonderful dogs. They are very smart and can be very protective of "their" person.

We had two we used for search and rescue for many years and while they are very friendly and outgoing when they need to be they are also very protective when they need to be too.

My dog Isaac was almost literally next to me where ever I was for almost 13 years. If he thought there was any danger to me from a person, they were not getting near me and he let them know it.

Aussies are very high energy dogs that need plenty of exercise. But once they get out of the puppy stage, at about a year or so, they are good with just going out a few times a day for walks or potty needs.

As I said, they are very, very smart and train to do most things very easily.

Unfortunately tho as with any dog type that has gotten popular they have gotten to having health problems from over breeding. If you go with the Aussie I would look for a small time breeder that has one male and no more than a couple females that don't have more than one litter of puppies a year. That is how we got both ours. Isaac first, then two years later his sister Delta from the same parents.

Good luck with whatever kind you get and may you have many years of love and companionship.

 

I'm not trying to stir the pot, but your "dislikes", and "wants" seem a bit too specific for someone who wants a dog to "protect".
You kinda lost me at "no drool".

I agree with above poster who said get your ccw, then if you still want a companion, get one based on your other needs.
In my opinion, if your are looking for a dog to defend you, you are putting yourself in a compromising position. What if, when the one moment it's needed your dog fails? Or is shot?

If your dog does defend you, do you run, leaving the dog to its fate? If that's the case, you don't have a friend and companion, you have cannon fodder.

Things to ponder. Many people look at the romantic notion of having a faithful protector, not so many think of the realities, of what that relationship actually entails.

Having said all that, perhaps you would consider a smaller dog, capable of a noisy diversion while you take the offensive?

Just some things to think about. Good luck in your search, there is nothing better than uncondition love from a canine companion.

 

I'm always partial to the Spitz dogs: husky, malamute, etc. They were bred to work/pull, and protect the camp.

When I was young, my Malamute mutt would put a stop to any 10-yr old boy horseplay.

But they're fairly large, and can be energetic.

 

I'd go with a Caucasian Mountain Dog if the need for protection trumps everything else. They do however require a lot of training and socialization to prevent them from becoming a liability but have close to the intelligence of a poodle in terms of distinguishing real threats and are an extremely loyal, faithful and stalwart protector of the entire family.

Also they are a fairly low energy dog that doesn't require a lot of walking etc ,but like I said fearsome protectors of the entire family

 

dog



IF(IF) you take another look at a big dog this should be it. I know a guy and will help you get a champion European blood line dog. We lost our Leika at 12 years old and she was a LADY. (Message me)

 

Akita's are literally word for word what you're looking for.

My family had two years ago, they are very protective, but friendly to family and friends. They do need a lot of socialization with humans and other dogs. We had one that was okay with being out in public, going to dog parks, etc. We had her from a puppy, the other one we rescued and she had issues with strange people and small dogs. You have to get them as puppies, not saying you can't train an adult, but it's hard. They're a smart dog and don't forget the past.

As far as protection, these two took down a black bear when we were in North Carolina, came into our camp grounds and they ripped the thing to shreds. They fight for their family.