What are the best Protection dogs out there? both personal and estate.

[Renee750il]

Having owned GSDs since I was twelve and been around a more than a few highly bred GSDs and other similar breeds used by various law enforcement agencies on fairly intimate terms . . . . and having lived with Filas now, you're right, there is no comparison - it's just in the opposite direction. I still love the GSD - but I have to recognize their very definite limitations by comparison. And first hand, long-term daily exposure.

They're lovely dogs - within their scope. I'm pretty much ruined now as far as wanting much more, but very few people really want, or need the capacity of a Fila - or are prepared to put up with the idiosyncracies that come with the whole package, lol!

Some of us who live with Filas have come to the conclusion that they're aliens - from Sirius, the Dog Star

 

[squirtsmom]

I love my pitbull/boxer, she is very protective. But I use my double barrel shotgun for real protection.

 

[Renee750il]

There ya go, Squirt

The only time I've ever shot a gun was hunting mistletoe one Christmas with a boyfriend's family And I was the only one who actually got any, lol! As little as I know about firearms, I'd be a lot better off bludgeoning someone with one than trying to actually shoot it

 

[Kase]

For personal I've got to say Casey. Shes so friendly to both people and dogs but we've been in a few situations. Once with a dog going for me and the other a man in the park. Both times she protected me. The dog was lunging for me so she went for its throat and forced it to back down, then she stopped once it had backed away. With the guy, well he wasn't as close to me so she just stood in between us and warned him, he went away. If he had advanced would she have followed through? yeah I can say she would have but only because she was protecting me. She isn't unstable, shes sooo unbelieveably friendly and has a beautiful golden temprament BUT if anything threatens me she will protect me. So I've got to say shes the best protection dog I could ever ask for, I hope that she never has to protect me again but I know she will if needs be.

 

[MelissaCato]

hummmm

I vote for Dobermans............hehe, not biased or anything!
Personal protection is their whole reason for being, that is what they were bred for originally, read their history!!

and most do not need to be trained for this (personal protection) it is in their nature to protect those they love!

I agree ACooper. Of all the dogs in my life, the Doberman is by far the most "pre-programed" protection dog EVER from birth. They do have a tendency to be "dog aggressive" big time. I think regardless of work or show dobermans when you see a tiny pup from birth, it will be a protection dog in the making. JMO.

 

[whatszmatter]

Having owned GSDs since I was twelve and been around a more than a few highly bred GSDs and other similar breeds used by various law enforcement agencies on fairly intimate terms . . . . and having lived with Filas now, you're right, there is no comparison - it's just in the opposite direction. I still love the GSD - but I have to recognize their very definite limitations by comparison. And first hand, long-term daily exposure.

They're lovely dogs - within their scope. I'm pretty much ruined now as far as wanting much more, but very few people really want, or need the capacity of a Fila - or are prepared to put up with the idiosyncracies that come with the whole package, lol!

Some of us who live with Filas have come to the conclusion that they're aliens - from Sirius, the Dog Star

Not that i'm trying to start a breed war, or my dog is better than yours, but what "definite limitations" does a good working GSD have that the Fila doesn't?

I like Fila's, but what do they bring to the table that surpasses a working GSD other than size? A dog that will keep people away, yeah, most I've seen I'd rather not go by, but in terms of atheletic ability, ability to engage an attacker in all scenerios, endurance, ability to adapt to extremes in weather and social situtations, etc, they don't have what a GSD does, unless of course you're comparing them to really crappy GSD's.

 

[showpug]

If I were to purchase a protection dog it would be a Great Dane. Best protector I ever owned was a dane...

 

[ACooper]

.......ive been around rotties and dobes that would just lick any stranger to death but after reading about these filas it doesn't seem like there are many like that

I have to point out that "being around" and attempting to harm are two different things.
If they have been raised right, Dobermans are loving family pets, they will love visitors and guests as well. But trust me when I say you do not want to do something they see as a threat to anything or anyone they care about.
He may have been licking your face 5 minutes ago, but that won't save your bottom once he decides you are unwelcome.

If I were to purchase a protection dog it would be a Great Dane. Best protector I ever owned was a dane...

Absolutely my second choice after a Good doberman!! You just have to consider the amount of food these guys eat!!!!!! And the black and white ones are sooooo cute, like a little cow! and are you trying to tell us your dane protected you better than your pug?? come on, I don't believe that,( hehehe )your pug could 'cute' someone to death!!

 

[casablanca1]

I would think it depends heavily on the circumstances. The best guard/protection breed for someone living on a sheep ranch in Wyoming is not going to be the best guard/protection breed for someone living in a studio in New York. If you're looking for the best dog overall, in terms of what will most intimidate a human being, and will be capable of the most damaging bites, that's going to be the biggest dogs, just for their size and strength advantage. Frankly, I think it's a bit of a disturbing topic. Security is one reason I have my dog, so I don't think there's anything wrong with asking that of them. But I think a lot of people are getting a lot 'more' dog than they need, and the entire dog-owning community is paying the price.

 

[Renee750il]

Not that i'm trying to start a breed war, or my dog is better than yours, but what "definite limitations" does a good working GSD have that the Fila doesn't?

I like Fila's, but what do they bring to the table that surpasses a working GSD other than size? A dog that will keep people away, yeah, most I've seen I'd rather not go by, but in terms of atheletic ability, ability to engage an attacker in all scenerios, endurance, ability to adapt to extremes in weather and social situtations, etc, they don't have what a GSD does, unless of course you're comparing them to really crappy GSD's.

Sorry, I'm not comparing them to crappy GSDs. Quite the contrary. And after living with both, I stand by my statements. They are far superior athletes, quicker, more agile, more adaptable to extremes, scenarios, endurance, more physically and mentally flexible . . . just all around. Not to mention even the brawniest GSD is fragile by comparison. It took me a long time to admit it, because the GSD has always been my pick of all dogs before now, but now I know better.

Gods . . . I hope Charley never sees this . . . he'd never let me live it down, lol!

 

[SizzleDog]

ACooper - exactly! My two can be as lovey dovey and cookie-driven as the next dog, but beware when you're misbehavin'... because the Dobermans will get you. You can't outrun them, you can't outsmart them, and you can't best them in a battle of strength and power.

A dog doesn't need to be huge or ridiculously powerful to take down a human being - humans are weak. A bite from an angry Dalmatian and a bite from an angry GSD probably feel the same .

I choose Doberman simply because protection has been hardwired into the breed - it was their original purpose. I have known no other breed that has been so in tune with their surroundings. Even asleep, Dobermans keep their ears perked for sounds of "bad guys".

Currently, Ilsa is resting in front of the patio doors, intently watching the world go by. Ronin is on patrol... he'll come up to me for a patting, then go to the door and listen for signs of anything... then pester Ilsa, then back to the door, then back to me... comstant vigilance is the Dobe's motto.

 

[BigDog2191]

Well, I do believe the OP has heard an array of many amazing dogs and what's left is for him to choose based on the level of protection he wants and what suits him best.

 

[gdsgregory]

Protection dogs

"What are the best Protection dogs out there? both personal and estate."

Personal and estate.

I believe that this should have us looking at two different breeds
One for personal and one for estate.
Owning Filas I obviously have a bias and will stand by my statement that there is no better protection to be offered than that from a Fila when looking at securing the estate. I work nights in a crime ridden country in South America and am happy to leave my wife and family in the hands of Lennox and Leica my Fila guys.My property is walled six feet high and secured by a locked gate with warning signs. There is no compromise when either I am not at home or when it is dark or if you are a stranger. Even close friends can not make a quick or unexpected move towards either my wife or daughter without receiving "attention".

However, I truly do believe that you can not fully train a fila as it is my experience that even with very good training if your fila's threat assessment is different to yours there is nothing you can do to prevent it from responding.
(Am gonna get some replies to this I bet!)
Because of this I would choose an East German Rotti for personal protection closely followed by a Malinois. A well trained animal from good East German lines is an amazing performer being incredibly loyal fearless fast and intelligent. Anyone who has come face to face with one of these animals can immediately see the difference when comparing to other lines.
A fila off estate is I believe a liability however well trained it is whereas a good Rotti or Malinois can be fully trusted in any environment.
I love the fila but do not see it as an all round protection dog whereas the Rotti or Malinois is without question an allrounder.

Just my 2 cents.....

 

[Renee750il]

That's right . . . you dont' 'train' a Fila - with a Fila, it is always a partnership built on trust and respect and building an understanding of how life is. They learn to respect your judgement and you learn to respect theirs and how to read and respond to each others' thoughts and emotions. Incredibly rewarding.