Good Family Dog, But Also Guard Dog

[Christina]

Irish Wolfhound.

Most people won't mess with them because they are so big.

[Guest Ams]

Shar Pei could be an option. It would take some careful homework re temperament though.

[Starkehre]

Keep in mind that Boxers and Bullmastiffs are brachy breeds and a little more attention should to be paid towards their welfare in hot conditions... acreage... QLD... sounds like a very warm environment.

Yeh, it sort of depends a lot on what you mean by "will protect if need be"

I can speak for my breed only and will say that a Rottweiler with a sound and correct temperament is not likely to attack an intruder. They may alert bark, they may growl, they may bail up an intruder, they may try to chase one out, they may even trap them in, but not usually attack. And one that would attack is one that I would not want to own... but that's just me. A good guard is usually more than enough of a deterrent.

The sharp ones I see generally have weak nerve, confidence issues and are a nuisance to live with as they are hypervigilant, super reactive and untrustworthy, which is not what anyone wants.

Depending upon the owner's style of leadership, a well bred Rottweiler with correct health and temperament could be an excellent suit. They are a very affectionate, fun, and loyal member of their family.

Edited December 29, 2013 by dyzney

[Airedaler]

A Curly Coated Retriever could also be an option - great watch dogs but delightful with the family.

[Podengo]

Big dark coloured dog that barks, really that is enough to put most people off.

[Steve]

Even though you havent had a large dog before I hadnt either until I got my first one and now Id never live without one.Look at the Maremma

Yells a lot at strangers - doesn't bite unless it has to and loves you to bits.

[Justrace]

I had a Rottweiler and a blue heeler x kelpie, people would come over and be concerned about the Rottweiler yet it was the heeler that would bite if you came into the yard without us. The Rottweiler would have probably help a burglar carry the stuff to the car She was an amazing dog around kids and other animals. Did take about 2 years for her to mature though.

[indigirl]

Boxers are fantastic with kids but they have a deep bark that makes ppl wary. They are companion guard dogs who make fabulous family pets.

[Allerzeit]

Keep in mind that Boxers and Bullmastiffs are brachy breeds and a little more attention should to be paid towards their welfare in hot conditions... acreage... QLD... sounds like a very warm environment.

Yeh, it sort of depends a lot on what you mean by "will protect if need be"

I can speak for my breed only and will say that a Rottweiler with a sound and correct temperament is not likely to attack an intruder. They may alert bark, they may growl, they may bail up an intruder, they may try to chase one out, they may even trap them in, but not usually attack. And one that would attack is one that I would not want to own... but that's just me. A good guard is usually more than enough of a deterrent.

The sharp ones I see generally have weak nerve, confidence issues and are a nuisance to live with as they are hypervigilant, super reactive and untrustworthy, which is not what anyone wants.

Depending upon the owner's style of leadership, a well bred Rottweiler with correct health and temperament could be an excellent suit. They are a very affectionate, fun, and loyal member of their family.

I echo Dyzney's post - very well said and I agree completely :)

The part that I have bolded would be my main concern, not knowing enough about the OP and their experience with more dominant breeds - but provided the OP was a confident leader, willing to responsibly train and socialise their dog, and the dog was responsibly bred, then a rottweiler would certainly be my recommendation :)

[Red Fox]

Hi grooming isn't a problem, did think about a Rottweiler but have never had a dog of that size, do they mature fast or more slow like a lab. Was quite interested in a Ridgeback have done a little research, how are they with children and training etc? One of my good friends has only ever owned German Shepherds. The one he has now is lovely very placid and quite but looks like she is on the job.. they live on 50 acres. But the 1 he had previously was very flighty and quite aggressive usually with horses, cows other dogs etc..He got him as a pup from a registered breeder but had heaps of trouble with him, I think they ended up putting him down. Any Ridgeback breeders in Qld that anyone could recommend would be great you can PM me. I also want something that will protect if need be, looking the part is a bonus.

A Ridgeback will bark and likely bail up an intruder, possibly corner and hold them too, but (unless cornered and threatened) are very unlikely to follow through with a actual bite. They don't have the nerve and given the option would rather run than fight. They are quite territorial though and unlikely to let a stranger onto the property without the owner around. Very loud, intimidating bark as well.

In my experience Ridgies are good with people and kids they know. Not so good with those they don't and take time to accept newcomers into the home (though some are more social than others). Reasonably active, as puppies they are likely to knock over small kids so you would have to watch that if the kids are young. Not overly prey driven but still wouldn't chance them not to chase stock without any training. The majority that I have met are not dog aggressive either.

As for breeders in QLD, my pick would be Riginal or Starridge. Not sure how often they breed though.

Breeders list is here http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/breeders/rhodesian-ridgeback.asp?state=QLD&Submit=Go

[sheena]

Hi grooming isn't a problem, did think about a Rottweiler but have never had a dog of that size, do they mature fast or more slow like a lab. Was quite interested in a Ridgeback have done a little research, how are they with children and training etc? One of my good friends has only ever owned German Shepherds. The one he has now is lovely very placid and quite but looks like she is on the job.. they live on 50 acres. But the 1 he had previously was very flighty and quite aggressive usually with horses, cows other dogs etc..He got him as a pup from a registered breeder but had heaps of trouble with him, I think they ended up putting him down. Any Ridgeback breeders in Qld that anyone could recommend would be great you can PM me. I also want something that will protect if need be, looking the part is a bonus.

A neighbour of ours (neighbouring farm) had two ridgebacks, two young children, cows, pigs & chooks. No problems, but obviously they need some training just like any other dog :) Easy to find the ticks & grooming wouldn't be a problem. They certainly looked the part, but were quite friendly to people they knew.

Edited December 29, 2013 by sheena

[persephone]

What dog ?

One you feel comfortable and safe with , have the skills to train , have the fencing to contain , and which has a stable and solid temperament .

ANY dog has the potential to be a watch/guard dog ....some more than others.

Size and appearance can be a deterrent to unwelcome visitors ....but a dog who barks confidently ..even if it's a little dog, can often also be a deterrent .

Over the many years , we have had various ;watch' dogs , varying from a dachsieX... to an old English Sheepdog , to an ACD, to a dane X to a Lab X, to Koolies They would all deter anyone from entering the property ..and would bite if pressed/told.

ANY dog who will confront a stranger runs a risk of attack/poisoning , don't forget .

[Animal House]

1388298268[/url]' post='6381585']

Hi grooming isn't a problem, did think about a Rottweiler but have never had a dog of that size, do they mature fast or more slow like a lab. Was quite interested in a Ridgeback have done a little research, how are they with children and training etc? One of my good friends has only ever owned German Shepherds. The one he has now is lovely very placid and quite but looks like she is on the job.. they live on 50 acres. But the 1 he had previously was very flighty and quite aggressive usually with horses, cows other dogs etc..He got him as a pup from a registered breeder but had heaps of trouble with him, I think they ended up putting him down. Any Ridgeback breeders in Qld that anyone could recommend would be great you can PM me. I also want something that will protect if need be, looking the part is a bonus.

You could look at an older dog as well (whatever breed you choose) as the dogs temperament is already known. DOL has mature dogs listed, in the main page. Link: http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/dogs.asp

What dog do you currently have? Whichever one you get, still needs training, socialising, etc etc, GSD require a lot of training/exercise/stimulation, so you need to figure all of that into choosing a breed as well. Having acreage is great, but you still need to take them for the walk/run etc.

Edited December 29, 2013 by Cazablanca

[Starkehre]

Keep in mind that Boxers and Bullmastiffs are brachy breeds and a little more attention should to be paid towards their welfare in hot conditions... acreage... QLD... sounds like a very warm environment.

Yeh, it sort of depends a lot on what you mean by "will protect if need be"

I can speak for my breed only and will say that a Rottweiler with a sound and correct temperament is not likely to attack an intruder. They may alert bark, they may growl, they may bail up an intruder, they may try to chase one out, they may even trap them in, but not usually attack. And one that would attack is one that I would not want to own... but that's just me. A good guard is usually more than enough of a deterrent.

The sharp ones I see generally have weak nerve, confidence issues and are a nuisance to live with as they are hypervigilant, super reactive and untrustworthy, which is not what anyone wants.

Depending upon the owner's style of leadership, a well bred Rottweiler with correct health and temperament could be an excellent suit. They are a very affectionate, fun, and loyal member of their family.

I echo Dyzney's post - very well said and I agree completely :)

The part that I have bolded would be my main concern, not knowing enough about the OP and their experience with more dominant breeds - but provided the OP was a confident leader, willing to responsibly train and socialise their dog, and the dog was responsibly bred, then a rottweiler would certainly be my recommendation :)

Exactly Allerzeit and why I said it.

Not everyone has the inner fortitude to raise a Rottweiler how it should be raised. They are not difficult to raise and train, however if you are a push over and not an assertive handler that is confident and capable of following through with commitment and instruction, then the Rottweiler is not for you.

This may sound a little odd (and by no mean do I mean this in offensive way) but I often say that you can tell which people would make good Rottweiler owners by looking at how well behaved their children are :D

Edited December 29, 2013 by dyzney

[Starkehre]

What dog ?

One you feel comfortable and safe with , have the skills to train , have the fencing to contain , and which has a stable and solid temperament .

ANY dog has the potential to be a watch/guard dog ....some more than others.

Size and appearance can be a deterrent to unwelcome visitors ....but a dog who barks confidently ..even if it's a little dog, can often also be a deterrent .

Over the many years , we have had various ;watch' dogs , varying from a dachsieX... to an old English Sheepdog , to an ACD, to a dane X to a Lab X, to Koolies They would all deter anyone from entering the property ..and would bite if pressed/told.

ANY dog who will confront a stranger runs a risk of attack/poisoning , don't forget .

This is good!!

IMO the most suitable dog for you and your situation is more about you as a dog handler/owner and less about the breed of dog. and I think this is the same in any situation. The dog anyone would like is not necessarily the best suit for their handling skills, knowledge and experience.

Edited December 29, 2013 by dyzney

[Nekhbet]

A Ridgeback will bark and likely bail up an intruder, possibly corner and hold them too, but (unless cornered and threatened) are very unlikely to follow through with a actual bite. They don't have the nerve and given the option would rather run than fight. They are quite territorial though and unlikely to let a stranger onto the property without the owner around. Very loud, intimidating bark as well.

I'm seeing a lot of ridgies lately that are afraid of their own farts let alone act as any kind of guard dog. Yes they will bark but its out of sheer stress and fear, and they're ready to bolt.

I would get a rottweiler. Perfect family dog, but I would say get a male. Leave him entire, don't desex him and get him from good lines. Males are a bit quieter then females but the territorial instinct to ward people off is there. They're also extremely loyal, great with kids, very tolerant and will follow you to the ends of the earth. Also not too drivey or whingy.

As for a guard dog, that is not a dog that 'attacks' on command. That is a personal protection dog, and they are trained to defend in a controlled manner on specific areas and hold the offender with their grip. A protection dog does not chew up a person like an untrained 'attack. A guard dog is a dog that will ward off intruders with their presence and defensive behavior, and if pushed into confrontation will provide some defense to themselves. Then you have manstoppers, dogs trained to go for the more delicate areas such as face, neck and chest.

[persephone]

Then you have manstoppers, dogs trained to go for the more delicate areas such as face, neck and chest.

manstoppers?

we had one of those - Mum's OESD who would, ermm, crotch grab!. It was definitely a man stopper!! They would think she couldn't see ,because of her fringe.......

[Purdie]

Perhaps a big black Labrador with a deep bark would be all you need.

My Wolfhound x would alert us to anyone at the gate and then would trot along beside them to the door.She looked scary and people would cross the street when they saw her. She was great with all children, followed them around and looked out for them.My son got into the shed where he was not allowed to be and she barked and i went and got him out.

Once when i was home alone with 4 littles

a man came in the yard and she saw him off over the fence.I found a pack of cigarettes and a lighter on the ground at the back door.

She protected us very well.

[persephone]

some labs have amazingly deep and attention-grabbing voices ..and yes, black dogs are great!

[mita]

I notice you're in Qld. Consider having a chat to the good people who run Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue Qld. Happens to be a favourite Facebook page of mine! Those folk are very good in establishing the type of home that a particular Ridgie would best fit. Making a good 'fit' benefits everyone all round.... new owners & the dog:

https://www.facebook.com/RhodesianRidgebackRescueQld