So my government class was talking about ways to prevent burglars and my teacher said that one of the best ways was to have a large dog and a small dog. Now it got me thinking - I know no dog is guaranteed to protect me, but in a year or two when I'm living by myself as a single gal I would feel much safer with a guard type dog. Please understand that even though I intend this dog to be for a specific purpose he will be loved and spoiled just as much as my other pets. So I would like some information on good guard dog breeds now I also realize that every dog is an individual, but still I want to know which breeds are more prone to what behaviors and would generally make better guard dogs. I have a 14 lb boston terrier that sounds the alarm when anyone pulls up and goes after anybody she perceives as a threat but I would like a dog that was a little more threatening and could do a little more damage if need be. I am particulary interested in dobermans and bullmastifs. not to offend anyone but pitbulls aren't an option.

Honestly a Bull Mastiff while proctective probley wouldn't be the best choice in the world. And im personally not a fan of Dobermans.

But if you look at my thread about Belgian Tervurens they may be the breed for you. But if you do not want a dog with such a thick coat I would go with a Belgian Malinois. They are extremely smart dogs and quick learners. Sweet and sociable with those they know but also very protective. Really I think any of the Belgian Shepherds beat out any other breed as a guard dog.
I do have a male Tervuren who is trained in personal protection. I also have an Akita trained in personal protection as well. And though Hiro is wonderful as a guard dog. I have to admit Sebastiaan my Terv is a bit better. Though I would also say check into Akita's as well.

With ANY protection breed you are going to want to do your homework. That also means finding a reputable responsible breeder. You want a healthy and mentally stable dog especially a protective breed. I should mention though that the Belgians are known for no major health problems. BUT you want to male sure the breeder only breeds dogs that pass health and temperment tests. So they produce stable puppies. It sounds alittle anal but if you want a good dog this is what you should do.

I would imagine you will be renting for sometime - that means if they even allow dogs there will most likely be size restrictions & perhaps breed restrictions as well. if you will be having renters insurance some breeds may be banned. some municipalities have breed bans. bottom line is usually a small dog

if you take one of those self protection courses, they will tell you all you need is a dog to bark - now granted I doubt a chihuahua is going to scare to many people.

here is one trainer with credentials that I have heard many people speak highly of Questions & Answers on Schutzhund Protection Work

the intruder steps over the sleeping rott ,but does not evade the attention of the small dog.
a statement i read yrs ago,concerning the rott i dont think so!
it makes me smile.
what country do you live in?we need to know so we know what type of guardian breed is avaliable to you.
i will continue on,im going to burst a bubble here ,the akita is pretty much bottom of the list as a guardian . ive debated guard dogs on other forums,there were slaughtered.
one training expert on akitas admitted they were no where near the following breeds i will mention.
one poster stated his mate had two akitas to guard his paint store,the dogs were stolen,i think he was winding up!
but anyway im sure there are some good akitas as guards,go for the american akita.
down to serious guards.
a fila brasilero is a large mastiff type breed,all i can say is this breed is more than capable of guarding and on seeing a threat on its family,causing death to a fully grown man.

am bandogges are good for protection,one named jaws trained by joseph lucero is well known in the protection feild.

the presa is getting more and more popular in the states sinse the diane whipple death,
a dog on looks alone you wouldnt mess with.redstar kennels do a lot of work with them.

an american bulldog can be effective ,i know a lot of people who speak highy of them ,but there not for me.

some swear by the cane corso, they can do a good job ,most are overated.

the gsd a breed i admire, used so much to work ,led the way that the rest of the breeds had to follow.

belgian malanois used extensively, it has it all,but like the gsd,doesnt have the power of the other breeds i mentioned to be a true manstopper.

doberman another breed falling down the ladder used as a guardian,another breed i admire,these are harder to get that are capable to work,most i meet are nervous.

a lot that people say against the rottweiler is they have rank issues,meaning they are not as efficent as other breeds,doesnt really hit the nail on the head. overbreeding by byb has resulted in a lot not coming up to standard.
there is no such thing as other breeds better for guard work than a rott.
as longas a well bred rott with a stable desired temperament and defensive drive,not the prey drive the schnutzhund dogs are locked with,will meet and exceed most expectations.

by the way,never came across a young female who needs these breeds.

I live in the states. people keep talking about a gsd what is that?

Originally Posted by KelliM

I live in the states. people keep talking about a gsd what is that?

A gsd is a German Shepherd.

In reply to the topic... You could get a Rottie (Rottweiler), Doberman, Mastiff or Great Dane...
I know a few people who have Mastiffs/ Great Danes with small dogs, you'd just have to make sure you would have enough room for one...

thanks guys I'm really starting to think danes could be the dog for me - don't worry I have several years to research!

Gsd is German shepherd and i like German shepherd...:)

A German shep

GSD is actually German Shepherd DOG which is the proper name of the dog.