This is a very specific thread, so those who are experienced dog owners would be best in answering this.

I live in a very bad part of town, with soon to be only my dad and myself, and lately, my dad and I have been entertaining the thought of getting a dog for possible protection while I'm alone in my house. I'm a homeschool student (a junior to be exact), and am gone for only a period of about three hours, two times a week, so I figure I should have a lot of time to train a puppy if I get one. I understand the responsibilities of having a dog, so I'm trying my best to get a dog that would fit well in my household, as I don't want to get a breed of dog that's too much for me to handle, and end up spoiling the dog because of it.

These are some of the things I'm looking for in a dog... As I said, I hope to be able to get a breed of dog that would do well as protection. A medium sized dog preferably, maybe around rottweiler sized, and a dog that isn't too high energy. My dad and I don't do a lot of going out, and I am not a naturally active person, so unless I exert myself to try and satisfy an energetic breed's needs, a more tame, though playful breed would be nice. Again, this is my first time owning a dog, so a dog that a new owner could adapt to easily is preferred. A breed that does well inside, with exception to being taken out for walks and the like, as my house doesn't have a fenced yard. And, last but not least, I hope to get a dog that could do well with smaller animals, such as cats. (I have a cat... Would raising a puppy with the cat be a smart idea? I don't want a breed that has a tendancy to be small animal aggressive!) Also, I live in the city, so a dog that does well in the city would be a help.

I'm not looking for appearance. I'm looking for loyalty and trust, and a good sense of protection, mainly. It puts my dad at ease, leaving me here alone, to have a dog around that could help protect the family.

Any breed suggestions would be appreciated!

I wouldn't call a Rottweiler a medium sized dog but just the look & sound of them would be a deterrent to any prowler and I believe most dogs would protect their owner if push came to shove...most of my dogs (German Shorthaired Pointers) have been great guard dogs (all bark) and when you let them know it's ok they'll stop barking...if someone came to my door I didn't know and I was alone in the house I would hold my barking GSP back like he might attack them...worked every time...tho I have no doubt he would have protected me if I was in real danger!! If you're alone a lot of the time just having a dog with you can give you comfort & some security & such great company they will tune into your feelings, if afraid or happy or just lonely...all dogs are high maintenance to begin with...all puppies have high energy levels...it's all in the training...they have to learn manners, respect and you must be the leader...you get out of your pet what you are prepared to put in...don't worry about the cat if you bring a puppy home and it's raised with the cat there'll be no problem...the cat might be a bit put out tho!!

yes, rotts are considered large dogs.

am I understanding that you only are home schooled for 6 hours a week? I thought a pretty full schedule was required.

are you sure you will be safe & comfortable taking a puppy out a couple times in the middle of the nite?

mostly it is the barking that deterrs ill intended people from breaking in.

you may want to rethink the "puppy" part of this as I don't think that would be a good fit with your lifestyle. all dogs need exercised with walks etc daily & as for a puppy they need even more - & most are puppy-ish until 2 or 3 years.

does it have to be a pure bred? why not take a trip to your local shelter & window shop? you could talk to knowledgeable people there. there are also rescues for PB as well as mixed breeds.

if you do get a puppy, do not take it out of your yard until ALL of its vaccines are completed & that should be 16 weeks.