What breed is right for me?

[Zeusophobia]

I've been looking for a BIG dog to gaurd my house and scare away trespassers. I'm fairly dormant and I have no kids small enough that I would have to worry about the dog mauling them. I was thinking Mastiff or Bullmastiff. I'm not a first time dog owner so I don't think there's any training issues that I wouldn't be able to overcome. Thanks for the help.

 

[Dobiegurl]

From your post, I'm getting the picture of a dog chained outside just to scare people. Do you want a dog as a companion or just for security? If its only for security call BRINKS!!!

 

[Zeusophobia]

Nah, I'm thinking companion aswell. I work at home so I have plenty of time to spend with the dog.

 

[bubbatd]

I'd go for a good house dog and companion first.... most dogs will warn and guard ..... I'd rather have a 24 hr. " friend" and take my chances with a once in a blue moon need of an attack dog.

 

[joce]

Tell us more of what you want. Do you want a dog that will velcro to you or one that will do fine sitting by himself? Long hair,short? Shedder? Do you jog or anything?

Mastiffs are great but I am for some reason partial to dobes

 

[Zeusophobia]

Tell us more of what you want. Do you want a dog that will velcro to you or one that will do fine sitting by himself? Long hair,short? Shedder? Do you jog or anything?

Mastiffs are great but I am for some reason partial to dobes

I don't want to groom the dog TOO much, taking him to the groomer every once in a while is doable. I don't mind a dog that follows me around, that would only make him a better companion.

 

[Dobiegurl]

I think any big dog such as Mastiff/Bully breeds would scare off intruders. If someone comes through a barking bullmastiff then your going to need a lot more than a dog to stop that person.

 

[joce]

The mastiffs I know jsut like to sit in the sun Look into a dobe if you want something right there with you. They are great

the only thing with mastiffs Is from what I have heard they try to be quiet and thne surprise the intruder and thats not generally the best thing with a "guard dog". I met a lady at the vet once that said hers sat on a guy that tried to break into her garage

 

[Dobiegurl]

The mastiffs I know jsut like to sit in the sun Look into a dobe if you want something right there with you. They are great

the only thing with mastiffs Is from what I have heard they try to be quiet and thne surprise the intruder and thats not generally the best thing with a "guard dog". I met a lady at the vet once that said hers sat on a guy that tried to break into her garage

Yes, they are considered velcro dogs. I have aquired an 85lb tail. Everywhere I go he's right there.

 

[RD]

I know a Fila Brasileiro who creeps around like a cat when a stranger is around. No big vicious "display", he just stays calm and silent. It's almost like he thinks he is the 180lb invisible dog. I do agree that Mastiff-type breeds seem to be quieter protectors than dogs like GSDs and Dobermans. But, even though they are quieter, a person would be an idiot to walk into a Mastiff's yard/house. Usually the size of the dog alone is enough to deter intruders.

 

[FoxyWench]

if youd rather have a "scary" dog that will be a good companion and make lots of noise to warn people of their presnece therfore deter, then id go with a dobe (i think a GSD or other shepard would require too much grooming)
if you want a dog whos got the look but would more likely to keep quiet, let the guy in stalk him for a second then "guard" then a mastif type breed would be a better bet in my opinion.

either one makes a wonderfull companion but need constant firm but kind training and all dogs should be companions no chaining him up outside please...

 

[corsomom]

I use to have an english mastiff, she was sweet as pie, but just her size and bark was enough to deter any wrong doers. I have cane corsos mastiffs now, alot different than an english, very suspicious of strangers. wonderful with the family. there are some beautiful corsos in rescue that would make a great companion for the right family.What kind of dogs do you have experience with?

 

[Zeusophobia]

I use to have an english mastiff, she was sweet as pie, but just her size and bark was enough to deter any wrong doers. I have cane corsos mastiffs now, alot different than an english, very suspicious of strangers. wonderful with the family. there are some beautiful corsos in rescue that would make a great companion for the right family.What kind of dogs do you have experience with?

I've had a Cockerspanial, Britneyspanial, and a poodle. The Britneyspanial was pretty viscious, I learned alot about dogs early on by watching my parents screw up.

 

[BlackDog]

I've had a Cockerspanial, Britneyspanial, and a poodle. The Britneyspanial was pretty viscious, I learned alot about dogs early on by watching my parents screw up.

I personally don't think a poodle, cocker spaniel, or brittany would scare anyone. Not only that, but they aren't meant to be guard dogs. The cocker and brittany were originally bred for hunting and the poodle was originally a water retriever.

 

[filarotten]

Well, as a Fila mastiff owner, and a German Rottie owner, I can say...my Rottie is straight forward and to the point. Barks, and growls warnings...first. Brutus, my Fila will bark, at a distance...but, someone up close, no barking or growling...He is very sneaky and very quiet about it, much like a cat. I have to watch him closely. Both are velcro dogs, but my Fila has a much shorter velcro strip than my Rottie. Both are gentle loving dogs, they love attention and their family. Each would protect me.
I would suggest one of the Mastiffs(there are several) or a Great Dane. All are gentle giants in their own rite. All will protect you, all need to be socialized and obedience trained, and all want to be next to you. But, research to get the one that fits your lifestyle best. Each one has different traits that may, or may not appeal to you.
None of the above dogs would be good outside only dogs. They must be near their owner, even my Rottie requires that love and affection.

 

[BigDog2191]

I wouldn't recommend a German shepherd for you because they shed like CRRRAZY.

But on the other hand, loyal, loving, trusting, and velcro guard dogs is what they are.

But similar to a GSD in that aspect is Doberman, and they have smooth short hair which may not shed very much.

 

[Danegirl2208]

Great Danes and Mastiffs are big dogs, but they are not "gaurd dogs"..but their size is a ditorent i feel safe very safe with my dane around, who is going to mess with me when i have a 170lb dog sitting at my side?? lol though my boy would not hurt a fly his size is intemidating, masiffs and danes do not make good outdoor dogs and should never be chained, they like to be inside as part as the family. like i said they are not gaurd dogs my boy barks at anyone approaching the house but warmly welcome everyone.

 

[Xena]

Any dog will protect its owner and property if needed to.
The Bullmastiff was solely developed to be a Guard Dog it is his built in instinct. A Bullmastiff was required to move silently through marshy scrub land, his silent ability was required to be able to spring on an unsuspecting poacher. The Bullmastiff is not a breed that will chase for hours on end, but is quite capable of running down a man at great speed on short spurts. With most breeds they use their five senses, hearing, vision, smell, touch and taste.

 

[bubbatd]

Why don't you and your Dad visit the HS together ??? Bet they have just what you want !