Which dog is better/smarter for guard/family dog?

[SMMAssociates]

Sammy thinks you should get a Jack Russell Terrorist like himself.

Why should I be the only one to suffer....

ANY dog can make a good alarm system. I'm not sure if I want an "attack" dog.... We've had three since getting married in 1975. A terrier-poodle mix who was afraid of the neighbor's cat, but yappy enough to wake us. A cocker who didn't know the difference between grass and carpeting, and wasn't adequately territorial for about the first year. And, Sammy, who's idea of fun is pestering me to feed him when I'm sleeping.... He's also good at telling me that anybody on the block has visitors, and, lately, likes to have barking contests at 0600 with a little terrier-ish mutt up the street.

My little sister's got an Akita right now. Junior's about ten years old, and is downright nasty, but was fairly good with her kids when they were teenagers. He tends to go hide in his cage when people come over, and rarely barks. Mostly decorative .... (Looks like a small Husky.)

My daughter decided us empty nesters needed another dog when she moved out, and gave us Sammy. First puppy, and she told us that he doesn't bark, and doesn't shed. He immediately discovered barking, and has shed enough to knit another dog. There are dog hairs on the floor of my car....

Or, I suppose, you could go with an alligator, or, like a Plastic Surgeon in town, get a lion. (He eventually had to get rid of the lion, but just imagine a burglar finding that after kicking in the office....)

Regards,

[ks_dad2two]

Originally Posted by W7ACT

Neither one. I'll take my Ankle bitter any day over those two my vote is for a Chihuahua every time.

That's our indoor dog/outdoor [we let her go out back in the summer!]mostly indoor, her name is sissy and she is a bitch! she yaps at anything and nothing and as a mean dog to other people [ exept a half a dozen people] but she is my wifes and mine indoor dog!

[amishclark]

rhodesian ridgeback gets my vote...

[tcroc]

GSD all the way !!!
Mine makes most people look stupid,lol

[XD 9 Loaded Sub-Compact]

Thats a tough choice. German Shepards are really good dogs, but I voted for Doberman. My buddy's dad have some they are intimidating as hell to an outsider but the biggest wuss when the owner is present. The contrast in behavior from warning/attack behavior to instant obiedence is impressive.

[Surferfl7]

Can't wait to get me a German Shepard. I grew up with one when I was little and now finally have the space for one. They are excellent dogs and great around the family.

[Water-Man]

In my experience (I've had GSD's & Dobe's all my life) the GSD is the better guard dog and the Dobe is the better guard-family pet dog. Good luck one way or the other.

[bowl443]

120 degree heat... I don't think any breed can take that. But maybe the Dobbie, because of it's shorter coat.

My advice is to meet the parents of the puppy you are looking at. A breed standard is just that, a standard. It doesn't mean that every dog in that breed acts a certain way.

Get to know the parents and observe the puppies. Don't pick the most timid and don't pick the most aggressive. Don't remember if you said you had kids or not, but if you do, bring them around the parents and puppies.

Ofcourse, I'm biased, but you can't beat an even tempered Akita for both family protection and loyalty.

[SpringfieldXD.40]

Originally Posted by SMMAssociates

Sammy thinks you should get a Jack Russell Terrorist like himself.

This video might just convince the OP : YouTube - Claudia Romard & Mr. Murphy

[wbyrd]

I agree with SMMAssociates ....

My JRT "Chopper" is an outstanding guard dog, she lets me know anytime someone's walking up to the door ... and she keeps the neighbor's cat off my fence!

She is the best dog I've ever had and is friggen hilarious!