Sti spec d

I have just got a Shar Pei she is really good lets you know when some one is outside or if the door goes and barks but then is ok with people once we tell her to leave. We used to have a Bassett hound but over the 13 years of having her she only ever barked a hand full of times. It nice to hear the dog barking when the door bell goes it just lets people know she is inside. Just make sure you do research in to the breed you want.

Devildog

If you have to ask, given the criteria you set, then my only advice to you would be not to get one.

Especially not a Rottie, GSD, or any of the other "substantial breeds mentioned on here"

It will only end in disaster.

Luan Pra bang

I don't really have to ask but thought I would survey the opinions of scoobynet in the hope that it would broaden my knowlege of the subject. I was initially going to get a rottie puppy but have now been looking into a rottie rescue centre. I quite like the idea of an English mastiff, and the history of the breed is interesting but they seem a little bit unfit to me whenever I see one they are fat.

Luan Pra bang

Why ?

al02uk

iTrader: (1)

get one of these.......

would even put yourself off coming home

Snazy

I think the sole use of the phrase guard dog has caused concern.
Not for one second suggesting you are looking for dog to teather outside all day and night, but sadly some do end up like this, as guard dogs.

Maybe a more detailed explaination of its living enviroment, and role in the family etc will make things sound more normal.

You dont have to justify yourself to anyone of course, but I think there is concern for how the dog will be raised, and what sort of temprement you will end up with.

Hope that makes sense.

Devildog

Simple

You asking about a dog. You clearly have no experience from your post. Worst of all, you want something big and scary to "guard" your motorbike.

Typically, all of the breeds in question require proper training, consistency and an owner knowledgeable about pack ranking.

If you want a guard dog, spend £1000's of pounds and buy a professionally trained dog. If you want a family pet that will bark at intruders to your garden, buy a terrier.

Better still, spend the money on some decent visible security. It will be more effective than a dog.

If I've read you wrong, and you do know whats required, then I apologise. But I doubt very much you'd have to ask the question on Scoobynet if you did.

If you are prepared to research, train, work with, understand pack ranking, and stimulate mentally, then your best bet from a territorial point of view would be something like a Doberman or a Rottweiler. If you are going to leave the dog for a long period of time on a regular basis then 2 are preferable.

You'll then have a fantastic, loyal, loving, bomb proof family pet that will also appear to be the spawn of satan if someone comes to your gate/door/fence.

But if your not, and you go ahead anyway, don't come crying on here if at all goes wrong and your untrained, confused, bored, stressed dog ends up an unruly problem (at best) or bites someone (or worse) at worst.

If you have little or no experience with dogs, or dogs of this type, then no reputable Rottie breeder or rescue centre will sell/give you a dog without significant vetting. Mention you want a guard dog, and you've got no chance.

If you do find a breeder to sell you a pup, then they won't be reputable and I would have serious doubts about the dogs breeding.

Luan Pra bang

I have plenty of experience with dogs but generally small animals, working and gun dogs as I grew up a country boy and thats the kind of breed that was suited to our lifestyle. I have quite alot of experience in training all kinds of animals and if you have ever broken a stallion I can promise you that dog training is no harder.


.

I asked the question becuase there are people on here who have more experience than me about the breeds they own and buying a dog without first getting a good understanding of common traits of the breed would be thick, doggie websites are generally not the be all and end all. I have also started researching already hence using scoobynet as a research tool.

I don't really have a problem with people offering opinions, if I did I would certainly not ask on here but people who wander wether I am capable of looking after a dog should probably be aware that I grew up with dogs,cats, chickens ,parrots, pigs and usually between 15 and 20 horses.

Devildog

Mate,

I've never broken a stallion, but I do regularly work with horses. And I can tell you that whilst there are similarities, there are also significant differences.

On one hand you say you've got loads of experience, yet on the other you state that you've had dogs that were a "nightmare to train", mentioning problems with a Staffie, a breed that, like other breeds mentioned, can be headstrong.

al4x1

heres a different suggestion which the people who need a big dog to look hard won't appreciate but get a Jack Russel or two, In your situation they are perfect with the garden dog proofed they will happily use the cat flap so no having to leave doors open or having a dog flap the size a person can get through. They sound a lot bigger than they are and will make enough noise to upset most potential burglars. Great dogs round the house and being so active means they wear enough energy out on walks to be fine left for hours while at work. I had a pair and they were fine left for 8 hours at a time and actually weekends saw them stick to routine and sleep most of the day. You won't get the mess you get with a big dog and they're definitely characters.

Snazy

lol @ wont get the mess, $hit is $hit, just smaller, can still tread in it cant ya?
That said I do love a good JR with character, fun dogs without a doubt

Mine are fine for 8 hours alone at home if required, but as with any dog, I prefer to keep time alone to a minimum.

Just to clarify, I dont use my dogs to look "hard", just happy

rooferman

iTrader: (6)

Our Boxer "Boosh" hates being left alone......He doesn,t leave your side when you get home and thats after being left for only an hour or two max....!!!

Wouldn,t even consider leaving him for any longer as he stays in his crate if we are out.......Thankfully I am lucky enough to be able to take him to work and the missus works from home 90% of the time....

Only problem we have is we are going abroad next year and dont really heve anyone who can look after him.....not keen on him going to a kennel....

Dave Y

iTrader: (52)

Another way of doing this is post up what type of dog we have and give an honest description of good and bad points.I will start,
Alaskan Malamute...... can be stubborn,tends not to like other breeds of dog,will chew if bored.Needs exercise can be over protective.When she moults twice per year once for males you could stuff a mattress.Wouldnt be without her.

Snazy

Or you could over complicate it .....

Alaskan Malamute x2 (1 bitch 16 month, 1 dog 2 years 2 months)
Stubborn, but intelligent. Dog not over keen (but not agressive) on other dogs, but does not get excited. Bitch loves all other dogs, but gets way too excited lol. Need a lot of exercise, but like "me" time too, and happy to sleep and do their own thing.
Not chewed a single thing thats not been given to them to chew, and non destructive. Coat blowing.... stick with wooden or laminate flooring or you will kill hoovers. Furminator makes light work of coat blowing. Both blow twice a year, bitch also tends to blow after seasons.

.... All that said.... They are everything to me, and I cant imagine being without them. Mal's for me for life now

PS, useless guard dogs, but a great deterrent lol