We already have a small dog, we have been thinking of getting a second dog, originally thinking of getting another small dog. Some things have happened in our neighborhood that make us think maybe we should be looking for a larger dog with "guard dog" qualities, but gentle enough to be good with our children (aged 8-14). Any suggestions? Or is it enough of a theft deterrent to even have a small dog who will bark at people coming to the door? On a side note, do you feel that security systems or dogs are better theft deterrents?
Which breeds are good guard dogs but gentle enough to have around children
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wilkeliza
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Security systems are much better. Our "guard dog" pit bull let a robber walk right over him. It was the little chihuahua who woke us up and let us know someone was in the house.
I also caution anyine who wants a "guard dog" and wants it to be a family pet. Animals trained to guard can make mistakes and even the best can misjudge a rambuncous child or become aggresive to all people as they age. My grandparents border collie got like that. She was originally a family guard dog and loved my grandparents but if anyone else came to the house she would bite no matter how much my grandpa tried to call her off. As she got older she just didn't listen to stop and heal any more.
I also caution anyine who wants a "guard dog" and wants it to be a family pet. Animals trained to guard can make mistakes and even the best can misjudge a rambuncous child or become aggresive to all people as they age. My grandparents border collie got like that. She was originally a family guard dog and loved my grandparents but if anyone else came to the house she would bite no matter how much my grandpa tried to call her off. As she got older she just didn't listen to stop and heal any more.
DeaverTex
Opinionated Texan cheapskate who loves Disney.
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Unless a dog is specially trained, it's hit or miss whether or not any particular dog will be a good guard dog and family pet at the same time. Your best bet is often a small dog that is startled by its own shadow, and barks. Then equip yourself properly and take care of the potential threat yourself. Whatever you do, do NOT try to train a "guard dog" yourself! I've seen too many people try that, and end up with a dog they were afraid of -- one that was just mean.
And I agree that you're better off with a security system, and a dog that's absolutely nothing but a family pet.
And I agree that you're better off with a security system, and a dog that's absolutely nothing but a family pet.
I see what you mean, that makes sense. And I do want to clarify also that we wouldn't be getting another dog just to "use it" for our protection, rather, we already wanted a second dog, and I thought of the added bonus that it might "scare off" potential thieves...I wouldn't expect it to actually have to attack an intruder. I was thinking more of anyone coming near the house hearing the bark of a large dog and moving on. But yeah, I worry about the potential for accidents even having a large dog in the house with my kids. I know any animal could potentially turn aggressive, but I feel less worried about potential aggression in a small dog than a large one
wilkeliza
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Most theifs aren't turned off by a dog as dogs are fairly easy to take out especially if they are armed intruders. Get a second dog and even get a big one if you want as many big dogs can be amazing family dogs but if you are worried about a house intruder a good security system is going to be your best bet. At least at that point you know the police are on their way as long as you arm your system.
sonnyjane
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Add me to the "alarm system" crowd.
Any dog can be good. Any dog can be bad. Pitbulls can be scared of a falling leaf and chihuahuas can be draw blood from kids at the playground.
If you want a second dog, get a second dog compatible with your current dog and lifestyle.
If you want to feel secure, get a security system.
Any dog can be good. Any dog can be bad. Pitbulls can be scared of a falling leaf and chihuahuas can be draw blood from kids at the playground.
If you want a second dog, get a second dog compatible with your current dog and lifestyle.
If you want to feel secure, get a security system.
/
Wendy31
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Have you looked at the Keeshond?
They were originally bred to be "companion" & watch dogs for Dutch barge captains.
They were never bred to be guard or attack dogs or to herd - but to be watch dogs. They are very alert & will bark to let their owners know when someone approaches. However, they are also excellent w/ children & are often used as therapy dogs. (One was used as a therapy dog for the 9/11 rescue workers at Ground Zero.)
They're medium-sized dogs & kinda look a little like overgrown Pomeranians & are the most biddable (not as stubborn) of the spitz dogs.
We have a Keeshond, & his bark is that of a much bigger dog, and he barks whenever anyone that he doesn't know approaches our house. He actually has a very scary bark! (We also have an alarm.) We have a bay window in our living room, & that's one of his favorite places. He likes to stand alert at the window - almost like he's standing at the prow of a ship the way his ancestors did. At night, he *has* to sleep in the hallway outside our bedrooms. We don't make him sleep there, & he normally starts out at the foot of our bed. However, at some point, he gets up & goes into the hallway. It's like instinctively he needs to be where he can see all our bedrooms & keep a watch out all night.
Keeshonden typically train relatively easy. Ours house-trained very quickly! Even w/ all their hair, they only really shed twice a year. Their coat is kept natural, & they only need bathing about once a month. They don't have a doggy odor, & frequent bathing actually hurts their coat. They need to be brushed about once a week. They are also quickly out of the puppy, "chewing everything in sight" stage. They are relatively healthy & have a life span expectancy of 12-15 years.
We love our Maks!
They were originally bred to be "companion" & watch dogs for Dutch barge captains.
They were never bred to be guard or attack dogs or to herd - but to be watch dogs. They are very alert & will bark to let their owners know when someone approaches. However, they are also excellent w/ children & are often used as therapy dogs. (One was used as a therapy dog for the 9/11 rescue workers at Ground Zero.)
They're medium-sized dogs & kinda look a little like overgrown Pomeranians & are the most biddable (not as stubborn) of the spitz dogs.
We have a Keeshond, & his bark is that of a much bigger dog, and he barks whenever anyone that he doesn't know approaches our house. He actually has a very scary bark! (We also have an alarm.) We have a bay window in our living room, & that's one of his favorite places. He likes to stand alert at the window - almost like he's standing at the prow of a ship the way his ancestors did. At night, he *has* to sleep in the hallway outside our bedrooms. We don't make him sleep there, & he normally starts out at the foot of our bed. However, at some point, he gets up & goes into the hallway. It's like instinctively he needs to be where he can see all our bedrooms & keep a watch out all night.
Keeshonden typically train relatively easy. Ours house-trained very quickly! Even w/ all their hair, they only really shed twice a year. Their coat is kept natural, & they only need bathing about once a month. They don't have a doggy odor, & frequent bathing actually hurts their coat. They need to be brushed about once a week. They are also quickly out of the puppy, "chewing everything in sight" stage. They are relatively healthy & have a life span expectancy of 12-15 years.
We love our Maks!
You know, I hadn't really thought about Keeshonds when we were looking into a second dog, but a family we knew a long time ago had one, and it seemed like a wonderful dog. Reminded me a bit of the personality of the Sheltie I had growing up. Thanks for mentioning it, I will put that on our list to consider (whether guard dog or not!)
kimblebee
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I would suggest a shih tzu. Sure, they aren't imposing..but they are yappy with strangers. They are good family pets and don't bite but sure do raise a fuss when a stranger comes around. At least, that's how ours is. I HATE that he barks at leaves and a pot boiling on the stove but I don'tind when he barks when someone knocks at the back door. I never get mad at him for that because I want him to alert me of that.
Charles Patten
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They are very alert & will bark to let their owners know when someone approaches
The Mystery Machine
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A security system would be better than a dog if you are worried about theft as well as good lighting.
In addition, checking all windows and putting locks on windows is a good idea, esp. if you have a basement. My sister put window locks on her basement windows after the teens in her neighborhood told her that they can pop out a basement window in seconds without a lock.
Soldier's*Sweeties
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I agree with everyone else about the security system.
But I really believe that ANY dog loyal to their family can be a guard dog whether it be a smaller dog alerting their human by barking or a larger dog physically protecting them.
Boxers are family dogs. I have no doubt that my boy would fight to the death to protect us... And he doesn't even really like kids. My cousin's breed of choice is Rotties. His dogs are the biggest babies you've ever seen. They would unlock the door and show a thief the valuables
But I really believe that ANY dog loyal to their family can be a guard dog whether it be a smaller dog alerting their human by barking or a larger dog physically protecting them.
Boxers are family dogs. I have no doubt that my boy would fight to the death to protect us... And he doesn't even really like kids. My cousin's breed of choice is Rotties. His dogs are the biggest babies you've ever seen. They would unlock the door and show a thief the valuables
I would vote for lab, but only because my two labs stopped a would-be robber from breaking into our house last year. The thief had pried the screens off of my bedroom window and got the window a few inches up before my dogs apparently went nuts and scared him away. They are not at all aggressive in real life and we didn't get them to be guard dogs, but man are they scary looking when somebody comes to the door! Even our mailman won't come on the porch of our house when I don't have the wooden front door closed.
Personally, I don't put much stake in security systems. Both my sister and a close friend of mine has had their home broken into while their home security system was armed. In both cases the alarm went off, but the thieves just continued to take their things. There are so many false alarms, apparently, that the police respond very slowly to those types of calls. And my friend lives in a fully-gated community as well!
Personally, I don't put much stake in security systems. Both my sister and a close friend of mine has had their home broken into while their home security system was armed. In both cases the alarm went off, but the thieves just continued to take their things. There are so many false alarms, apparently, that the police respond very slowly to those types of calls. And my friend lives in a fully-gated community as well!
I also disagree that just an alarm system is better than a dog. Law Enforcement continuously says a barking dog is one of the best deterrents. Thieves are opportunistic and are going to pick the house with the best chance of not being caught. If your house has a barking dog and the one down the street is silent, unless they are specifically targeting you, a thief is going to pick the silent house. The best scenario is a dog and a security system.
We have livestock guardian dogs. This is a group of dogs that have been bred to protect their flock from predators. In absence of a flock, their family becomes their flock. So they protect their flock (family) with their life and their flock includes any other pets in the house. So, they won't become aggressive with the children because they are their charges.
They also realize what their propery is so off property, as long as they are well socialized, they are sweethearts because they are off the job.
However, most of the breeds in this category are not for rookie dog owners. An owner needs to be experienced enough to be able to be a firm owner, know how to thoroughly socialize, and be consistent with obedience training. Otherwise you have a very dangerous dog.
Cons: They bark a lot. That is their job.
They are horrible obedience dogs because they were bred to think for themselves so may have other decisions when asked to do something. You always, always have to keep this in mind and see the world through your dogs eyes. That trash man may be taking away trash but your dog may see it as stealing your possessions. Some of the tougher breeds in the group have been known to go through plate glass windows to protect their flock. That is also the reason you will never see a LGD as a police dog. Even though they are excellent guardian dogs, you cannot trust that they will always follow your commands. So those German Shepherds you see that can be called off an attack command at any point, not so with a LGD. Their mindset would be that this is a bad guy and my handler is not as smart as me so I am making the decision to get this guy. In that same vein, they should never be off leash. If you want a hiking dog that you can take off leash, the LGD is not it.
Again, looking at the world through your dog's eyes, you have to anticipate reactions. When my boys were little, we crated the dogs when they had friends over. A rousing game of tackle football in the backyard could be interpreted as somebody attacking their boy and their sole job is to protect their boy which would not be good for the visitor.
They don't play. The prey drive has been bred out of them so they won't fetch, play frisbee or really have much interest in toys unless it is to be attacked and chewed up.
They are aloof with strangers. They are affectionate with their family but aloof with people they don't know. However unlike the traditional guard dog, if properly introduced, the will allow your vusitors into the flock.
They absolutely do not have the typical need to please their owner. They are independent, more cat like. So you will not get the clingy, needy dog.
They are an unusual group of dogs, especially the more primitive breeds in the group. I could never own a typical dog anymore.
Some of the breeds in the LGD group are the Kuvasz, Komondor, Maremma, Tibetan Mastiff, and a few more. We have one of the tougher breeds, but the one I would recommend for a beginner is the Great Pyrenees. They are the mildest of the LGDs and have been bred enough for city life that you have the benefits of the LGD temperament with enough companion behavior to make it a good family fit.
But make sure you get one from a breeder that follows the the ethics of the national breed club. They are a favorite of puppy mills and can have bad temperaments and health issues when not bred with experience.
Google Livestock Guardian Dogs. They are a very interesting subset of dogs. They make incredible family guardians and companions.
We have livestock guardian dogs. This is a group of dogs that have been bred to protect their flock from predators. In absence of a flock, their family becomes their flock. So they protect their flock (family) with their life and their flock includes any other pets in the house. So, they won't become aggressive with the children because they are their charges.
They also realize what their propery is so off property, as long as they are well socialized, they are sweethearts because they are off the job.
However, most of the breeds in this category are not for rookie dog owners. An owner needs to be experienced enough to be able to be a firm owner, know how to thoroughly socialize, and be consistent with obedience training. Otherwise you have a very dangerous dog.
Cons: They bark a lot. That is their job.
They are horrible obedience dogs because they were bred to think for themselves so may have other decisions when asked to do something. You always, always have to keep this in mind and see the world through your dogs eyes. That trash man may be taking away trash but your dog may see it as stealing your possessions. Some of the tougher breeds in the group have been known to go through plate glass windows to protect their flock. That is also the reason you will never see a LGD as a police dog. Even though they are excellent guardian dogs, you cannot trust that they will always follow your commands. So those German Shepherds you see that can be called off an attack command at any point, not so with a LGD. Their mindset would be that this is a bad guy and my handler is not as smart as me so I am making the decision to get this guy. In that same vein, they should never be off leash. If you want a hiking dog that you can take off leash, the LGD is not it.
Again, looking at the world through your dog's eyes, you have to anticipate reactions. When my boys were little, we crated the dogs when they had friends over. A rousing game of tackle football in the backyard could be interpreted as somebody attacking their boy and their sole job is to protect their boy which would not be good for the visitor.
They don't play. The prey drive has been bred out of them so they won't fetch, play frisbee or really have much interest in toys unless it is to be attacked and chewed up.
They are aloof with strangers. They are affectionate with their family but aloof with people they don't know. However unlike the traditional guard dog, if properly introduced, the will allow your vusitors into the flock.
They absolutely do not have the typical need to please their owner. They are independent, more cat like. So you will not get the clingy, needy dog.
They are an unusual group of dogs, especially the more primitive breeds in the group. I could never own a typical dog anymore.
Some of the breeds in the LGD group are the Kuvasz, Komondor, Maremma, Tibetan Mastiff, and a few more. We have one of the tougher breeds, but the one I would recommend for a beginner is the Great Pyrenees. They are the mildest of the LGDs and have been bred enough for city life that you have the benefits of the LGD temperament with enough companion behavior to make it a good family fit.
But make sure you get one from a breeder that follows the the ethics of the national breed club. They are a favorite of puppy mills and can have bad temperaments and health issues when not bred with experience.
Google Livestock Guardian Dogs. They are a very interesting subset of dogs. They make incredible family guardians and companions.
nugov2
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A lab. They are wonderful family dogs!! Out first baby we had for 12 years before she passed in May was a yellow lab. She was gentle with the kids, but protective of any stranger approaching the house. We now have a lab/boxer/terrier mix we rescued in August. He is 2 and really been great. They are so smart and easy to train.
We have an alarm system on our house though. It give me extra piece of mind. I'd get both!
We have an alarm system on our house though. It give me extra piece of mind. I'd get both!
piglet too
I will take a Mudslide please
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My favorite family-friendly large dogs are the Bernese Mountain Dog or Newfoundland.
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