Hey, dog enthusiasts,

[Dark]

I am currently hunting for a dog between six months and a year old. I am not that familiar with the breeds, but I know the general characteristics I'm looking for.

See, I basically want a guard dog, so he'd/she'd have to be big with a deep bark. Also, I want him/her to shed as little as possible.

Oh, and he/she has to be cute. . .

Any ideas on what breed might be a good choice. I'm not looking for a purebred champion, but I don't want a dog who sheds like crazy.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. Get a labrador even if it's a mix

smart dogs, big bark, short hair

[Dark]

12. Are they cute?

;)

[Tallison]

38. Hell yeah!

And I'm a cat person. :)

[Lefta Dissenter]

2. How 'bout

a standard poodle? With just a big puppy cut, they're cute, they don't shed, and they're not guard dogs, but they'll tend to bark to let you know someone is there.


this one's a little messy, but I think they're cute without the traditional poodle-do.

[Dark]

3. They are cute, but I need a dog that will work as a guard dog.

The neighborhood I live in isn't bad, but it isn't good. So, I figure that nature is better at solving most problems than man, so why not get a dog instead of a security system. The dog will protect me just as well as the system, but a dog's so much cuter.

[China_cat]

40. If you want a guard dog

it doesn't really matter the breed, but it does matter if you actually live with the dog. A dog tied outside on a chain is the WORST for guarding. They have no incentive. A dog that lives with you, considers you part of its 'pack' will fight to the death for you, no matter its size.

Now, if you want a big dog, heavy bark, intimidating look, stubborn as hell and needing a firm owner, check out the Bouvier.



They do take some grooming but kept in a working cut or even shaved for the summer months, they do very little shedding. Dotty runs 105 lbs right now and people just don't mess with us or the older Bouv that runs about 110.

[hippiechick]

4. Australian Cattle Dog

Brilliant.
Reliable.
Easy to Train.
Low Maintenance.
Nicknamed 'Velcro Dogs' because of their loyalty to their humans.
And they look like some serious toughasses.

[khashka]

5. Rotties or Dobies

Short hair, don't shed a lot, big, and although total love bunnies really scare the fuck out of people.

Khash.

(But I was raised by Dobermans so maybe I'm biased)

[Dark]

16. Are Rotties the ones with the clipped ears that stand straight up? n/t

[intheflow]

19. Yes.

But if you get a puppy, you can ask the breeder to not clip the ears and tail. They won't be happy, but they'd do it.

Important rotweiler info to keep in mind: because of their tough rep as guard dogs, the breed has more than its share of puppy mill breeding. Dogs from these mills are often inbred and/or bred for the meanest, most vicious traits. Rotties that aren't puppy mill preoducts are devoted and protective sweethearts. Rotties that are poorly bred may not remember you when you return home from business trips.

[khashka]

21. Those are Dobies

although both have docked tails. Rotties are bulkier. Their colouring is the same, though.

Dobermans tend to be very protective. Great guard dogs if you are at home, if you aren't then they don't care if someone breaks in and robs you blind.

IMHO, people tend to be more scared of Rottweilers and Rotties are a little more territorial. However, a word of warning - they have enormous tongues and are totally into French kissing, so it might not be worth it :)

Khash.

[dhinojosa]

6. Doberman Mix....I have one....

nice puppy.....kind...friendly.....and scares the shit out of you. Purebreds will have problems BTW

[cry baby]

7. Labs are ideal for you except that they shed like crazy.

I have two. I also have many friends with labs. They all shed.

I heard on TV about a new mix of lab and standard poodle, called a labradoodle. They are friendly and good natured like labs, but they don't shed. Also they talked about a mix of golden retriever and standard poodle. Same results as the labradoodle. You might be able to google and find who might have these dogs.

[Mutley]

8. Typical guard dogs might be

Rottweilers, Dobermans, even Chow Chows (though Chows shed like crazy). But anything big and trainable would work like a Lab. Maybe a Pitbull or a Boxer. Many people are afraid of Pits, so just the presense of one would probably work even if it was the sweetest dog in the world.

[Straight Shooter]

9. Get a Rottweiler.

Maybe not a cute dog, but extremely good-looking. Loyal, smart, trainable. Deep bellowing bark, but not a hyper barker like a Labrador can be when left alone. Labs need human companionship very much.

Contrary to what some people think, Rottweilers are usually terrific with children. But. you. must. obedience. train. them. and. socialize. them. I cannot stress that enough. I've had three, currently have a Rottie mix, and would never get another kind of dog. I just love 'em.

Indoor or outdoor dog? Think about your climate.

Also, consider calling your local Humane Society. They'll have lots of tips. Check your local shelter, too. They might have a mixed breed just waiting for someone to come home with.

Best of luck to you and your next best friend.

[Dark]

15. Indoor, mostly. Don't get me wrong, I want to play with him and walk him,

but he'd be staying inside most of the time.

[Straight Shooter]

28. That's good. All my Rotties preferred indoors.

And Rotties love to play, but don't play tug with him or her until at least a year old, maybe older.

They love to walk, and they love to go for a ride more than just about anything.

I miss my Rotties so much ... :cry:

[RebelOne]

39. Yes, definitely a Rottweiler.

My Rottie, Legend, is just about the most perfect dog ever. Rotties are extremely easy to train and are extremely loyal. And have a really big, deep bark. Rottie puppies are absolutely adorable, but alas they do grow up. She is also an indoor dog. Rotties do shed, though. Maybe I just notice it more because I have a light beige carpet.

[trof]

10. German Shepherd comes with a built in rep.

Until we lost our last one, we've had them for over 30 years.
The females are generally not as aggressive.
Our Nasha loved everybody and was very gentle.
She still came completely equipped with the "police dog" rep.
They are highly intelligent and if you brush them out once or twice a week the shedding isn't bad.

[Dark]

18. Wait, are those the drug-sniffing dogs? I don't know if that would be a

good idea. . .:smoke:

[mzteris]

24. ANY breed of dog

can be trained to do that. If they're not trained, I wouldn't worry 'bout it. :hippie:

[flvegan]

11. Just adopt a big mutt (or a baby mutt that'll get bigger).

Most dogs are good guard dogs (and a breed isn't going to guarantee that the particular one you get will be a good guard dog).

I'm partial to Great Danes, but that's me. Doberman's don't shed much. Both are typically good guard dogs and very intimidating.

Go to petfinder.com and scroll through who's available at your area rescues. The people fostering them can probably tell you about them being a good guard dog and any shedding issues.

[sportndandy]

14. Big baby mutt from the shelter nt

[redacted]

13. Just go get a big mutt from the pound. Any dog will eventually learn to

guard your house. (Well except maybe those really overbred ultra mellow golden retrievers.)

Buy a shedding comb (Four Paws is a good brand) and you'll not have to worry about it too much.

[mzteris]

17. check your local rescue society...

just google your town and dog rescue - they usually have "older dogs" available.

Dogs that bark - period - are usually deterrent enough - you don't necessarily need a "guard dog" type. Given a choice between a house where there is an "alarm system" (e.g. BARKING Dog) and one that doesn't have one - the bad guys will choose the non-dog house every time - regardless of the size of the dog.

I had a Lhasa Apso (he was about the size of a smallish cocker spaniel) and I had the only condo in a row of condos that wasn't broken into on a particular crime spree. He had a BIG bark - and very acute hearing. (Lhasa's were the inner court house guard dogs for the imperials in China as they had the most accute hearing.) The police said it was because of the dog that we were spared.

Also nearly all dogs shed "some" - though here is a link to "light shedders" http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/lightshedders.htm
(note - Tibetan Terriers and Lhasa's are the same - Lhasa's have hair - not fur - but purebreds have other health problems. Maybe a Lhasapoo?)


I don't really have to worry now, though. I have two dogs (soon maybe to be three) - one a border collie mix and one VERY BIG dog - ~150 lbs after his diet - lol. Part Ridgeback and part Big the vet said. Maybe Mastiff, maybe dane, maybe who knows what - just something very big. NO ONE even thinks of coming in our house. Though he is really a big baby (who likes to steal food....)

[Dark]

20. What do they mean by socialize? Spend time with humans, or dogs?

[mzteris]

23. socializing

- er what does WHO mean by - well anyway -

I think it means both humans and other dogs really. Here's a good link on puppies and socialization.

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/sochow2.html

Although you're looking for an older dog - you probably want to ask what they know about his/her socialization history or their socialization tendencies. A good rescue society will know their particular dog. How well s/he gets along with other dogs and people. They usually know whether to recommend single pet or no children or things like NO CATS - usually, but then again you never know until you get the dog home.

[China_cat]

42. Socialization means taking the dog into all kinds of

situations and meeting all kinds of people so that he learns manners and that he/she is not to be aggressive at times...or fearful of people or situations.

Worst possible dogs are fear biters...ones that are afraid of anything they don't know.

[Scout1071]

22. This guy seems to meet most of your preferences:

I adopted him 7 months ago. He was around 1.5 yrs when he came to live with me. I would definitely encourage you to check out a breed rescue group if you want a purebred. Also, I read recently that approx 25% of all dogs in animal shelters are now purebreds.

[Dark]

25. Awww. He is cute. . .

[yewberry]

27. Funny

That's exactly the dog that came to mind as I typed my response.

Super-sweet photos, too.

[yewberry]

26. Voice of dissent here

I'm a dog lover here and I don't want to step on any toes, but there are questions that you should consider before you make any kind of decisions. Your lifestyle may not be appropriate for a particular dog.

Are you in a house or an apartment? Do you have a yard? A fenced yard?

What level of exercise are you willing to commit to?

Do you have kids? Other pets?

Are you looking for a snuggly dog? A quiet companion? A barker?

Are you willing and able to work on obedience training with a dog? How about a stubborn or slow-learning dog? Lifelong training and ongoing socialization are necessary for some dogs.


Unfortunately, many of the dogs people think of as "guard" dogs are best suited to experienced dog people. Definitely do some research and talk to the HSUS people and foster families. They will know the dog best; breed characteristics are only generalities.

If I were you, I'd probably stick with a mixed-breed. They are, IN GENERAL, healthier and more middle-of-the-road in terms of temperament.

Please feel free to PM me or ask any questions. (My husband is a trainer, and I have all of these books around me, full of answers!)

Good luck!

[Straight Shooter]

29. I'll second that on the mixed breed.

I forgot to mention that Rotties sometimes can have, shall we say, an immune system which is more easily compromised than other purebreds. You've got to feed them top quality food.

You wanted a cute face but one that will deter an intruder? Here you are, here's my baby. He's been gone 2 years, I miss him so much.

[Dark]

31. Awww. He is so cute. But I wouldn't want to upset him. And I don't

care about it being a purebred. It makes very little difference to me, although I do suppose a mixed would be easier to care for.

[Straight Shooter]

33. Thor never got upset about anything, he was a real sweetheart.

All my dogs were. However, they knew when to be protective of me and when to be calm. Just their size, though, was enough to intimidate some people. Thor weighed about 135 pounds.

Something tells me that no matter what kind of dog you get, it will take on your characteristics. You know what they say ... it's not the dog that makes the dog, it's the owner.

Well, okay, I just made that up, but you know what I mean.

Gotta run. Best of luck in your search for a friend.

[yewberry]

32. I don't have a pic of my Gracie

My Rottie-girl, gone two years now, too. I miss her every day.

Thor looks like he has a secret in that picture. What a face.

Grace died of hemorrhagic sarcoma, also something to be aware of in Rotts.

Gonna go cry a little.

[Dark]

30. Well,

I am going to be gone for several hours a day at work and school, however I'd like a dog that will go for a walk or even a jog with me.

I also want a dog that's easy to groom. I just read something about the porcelaine. It looks very beautiful, and it said it is easy to groom.

I am going to do obedience training, but I don't think I would have the patience for a 'slow' dog. But I do want a big, snuggly dog who will only bark when someone or something is approaching. I'd also prefer one who would defend me if it came down to it, just in case.

I live in a house with a non-fenced yard and no kids.

[yewberry]

43. Some ideas

Porcelaines are lovely, but are pretty rare.

It doesn't sound like you want or need a dog that needs a lot of lifelong training and guidance. Most dogs will bark (okay, not Basenjis) at approaching sounds.

You are looking for a dog who'll adapt relatively well to being alone (I think that's the toughest charactaristic, because no dog *really* likes to be alone.)

You're looking for minimal shedding and grooming requirements.

Go to the library and find "Paws to Consider" (Brian Kilcommons/Sarah Wilson) and/or "Mutts: America's Dogs" (Kilcommons/ Michael Capuzzo.) You might consider Boxers, Whippets, Irish Wolfhounds, and Danes. Talk to HSUS and foster families about specific dogs. Don't rule out mixed-breeds.

I'm so glad that you're taking this seriously and are willing to do a little research to make sure this will be a good fit. It'll make you and your future dog much, much happier together.

Good luck!

[A HERETIC I AM]

35. Good advice...

As a lifelong owner of Boston terriers and one who has trained and shown them i couldn't agree more with your post. Dogs considered by some as a perfect solution may be disastrous for others and their circumstances.

One question i had for the OP'r is;
When you say "Guard Dog" what exactly are you talking about? Do you mean a dog that will attack on command? Or one that will simply bark for warning purposes? A dog that will mind you, (Obey flawlessly) attack on command or "Guard" you will take ENORMOUS training. But if what you really want is a dog that looks intimidating and will bark at folks outside, almost any large dog can do that. If intimidating looks aren't important, then your choices are innumerable. I agree with the others here that talk about mutts vs. purebreds. Purebreds can have congenital difficulties unique to their breeds or types (Hip displasia,{sp?} for instance in larger dogs, Eye problems in smaller ones) that you might not be prepared to deal with. The advice about research is IMPORTANT.

Do your homework and good luck.

[BikeWriter]

34. Don't rule out the Great Danes. They're an inside dog at heart...

I rescued a grown one as my last dog. He was the best minding dog I've owned, and I've owned hundreds. He ran with us when we rode the horses, he'd work stock for me, and he generally did everything he could to please me.

[A HERETIC I AM]

36. I had a neighbor years ago that had 2 Danes....

2 ENORMOUS, darling, sweet tempered affectionate animals.

[BikeWriter]

37. Yep, Hoppy would have willingly died for the ex and me...

He could have one day while we were doctoring a BeefMaster calf. The three normal cow dogs were too small to divert the cow, but when I asked him to guard her he got in her face and took a couple of hard hits. She weighed at least 1,200 and had handlebar horns.
During a couple of incidents I had with people with him present he was more than diversion enough to give me the upper hand.

[WCGreen]

41. I love those Hebrew dog........

they are always so good......