Any idea what dog I should get?
- Thread starter DoggyLuva1128
- Start date
Hmm. The American Bulldogs I've met have loved and welcomed absolutely everybody. Overall, a horrible guard dog. But they are very formidable-looking, so I'd imagine they would be a good deterrant on that basis alone. But how old are your children? They're very energetic, so they may accidentally bowl over small children.
Perhaps a rottweiler or bullmastiff would be good, too.
Perhaps a rottweiler or bullmastiff would be good, too.
DoggyLuva1128 said:
I want a dog who can protect the home and look after the family, a guard dog basically. But one who can be friendly with kids and playful.
1)What dog is right for me?
2)Do you think a American BullDog falls in these Characteristics?
1)What dog is right for me?
2)Do you think a American BullDog falls in these Characteristics?
I like collies and terriers, myself. They are both a bit nippy and tend to bark - makes them good watchdogs, but they can be a little scary to small children or strangers as they're very energetic and mouthy (not biting, but jumping around with their mouths hanging open) - they're not the most peaceful dogs. They can keep up with the kids, though, and they'd die to protect their families. Terriers tend to be a bit snotty with other dogs, but they are light enough (except for the Airedale) for a child to control. Both collies and terriers are very conscious of their territory, which means they're both great watchdogs and will not passively watch someone threaten their family.
While I don't like Labs particularly, they are very popular family dogs and they are (the reason I don't like them) very territorial, and pretty assertive watchdogs. The only caveats are - some breeders are creating monster labs, similar to the oversized Rotties, and these would be absolutely too much dog for a child to handle.
They can get walked 3x a day. Play outside everytime i got to the store so that would be like 2 more times. It will b alone for a couple of hours like 3-6 but I can get my sister to watch the dog, she offered. I've had dogs all my life..but I wouldn't say I'm experienced. My lifestyle is easy and I like to be outside alot. Just hanging around the park
I agree, American Bulldogs can look scary but are usually just too friendly for guard dogs if people is what you want to be protected from. They from what I have seen are very good with children. Most Bullmastiffs I have met are similar in personality but slightly better watch (not guard) dogs. (from what I have seen I have only know a few BMs)
I think the dog you are looking for is a Rottweiler, they are very good with kids. The first three dogs I owned in my adult life were Rotts. They are great watch and guard dogs. They seem to have an excellent skill for picking out the bad guys and know who friends are. They are very good with kids, they like to herd (not hurt lol) kids. My Rotts used to gently push my nephews with their butts, and shoulders until they had them where they thought was a safe place.
On time I was in the front yard with my two male Rotts (Moose and Bear) and the UPS guy comes rolling in. My 6 year old nephew was playing with them in the yard. Right away my oldest male stops playing and begins herding Jason (nephew) away from the UPS truck and Bear put himself halfway between Jason and the driver. Neither dog barked or growled but it was easy to see from their posture that they meant business. Keep in mind I never trained them do anything (except basic stuff like Stay, Sit, Down etc)
The only flaw in the Rott (as with all large dogs) is they have short life spans and thus will break you heart sooner. They are more prone to seperation anxiety than other dogs I have owned also
They are truly devoted dogs and will make you very happy.
I think the dog you are looking for is a Rottweiler, they are very good with kids. The first three dogs I owned in my adult life were Rotts. They are great watch and guard dogs. They seem to have an excellent skill for picking out the bad guys and know who friends are. They are very good with kids, they like to herd (not hurt lol) kids. My Rotts used to gently push my nephews with their butts, and shoulders until they had them where they thought was a safe place.
On time I was in the front yard with my two male Rotts (Moose and Bear) and the UPS guy comes rolling in. My 6 year old nephew was playing with them in the yard. Right away my oldest male stops playing and begins herding Jason (nephew) away from the UPS truck and Bear put himself halfway between Jason and the driver. Neither dog barked or growled but it was easy to see from their posture that they meant business. Keep in mind I never trained them do anything (except basic stuff like Stay, Sit, Down etc)
The only flaw in the Rott (as with all large dogs) is they have short life spans and thus will break you heart sooner. They are more prone to seperation anxiety than other dogs I have owned also
They are truly devoted dogs and will make you very happy.
I guess I should mention that any dog that feels it is part of the family will be protective of you and your home. Knowing that you need to consider other factors. A chihuahua may be protective but it's not going to be that intimidating. Some dogs may not fit your active lifestyle. Others may shed too much or not suit the climate you are in. Others may not be good with children. They are all factors