THE Dogs Thread (merged)

by **madison** » Sun 26 Jun 2005, 17:28:31

So, what kinds of dogs make great Guardian animals? I'm looking for a smart, loyal, family dog or two (who is safe for kids) to eventually guard my family and future farm animals. I know donkeys make great sheep and goat guardians (plus can pull plows and carts), and eat less than horses (and take up less space), so I'll get a nice jenny some day. But...

What about dogs? I want a GUARD dog, not a HERDER who will want to chase and harry the animals (though I like Australian Shepherds). Anyone have any thoughs on Great Pyranese? Anatolian Shepherds? Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

Any dog lovers here? (And I'm not talking Fido burgers, lol).

by **I_Like_Plants** » Sun 26 Jun 2005, 17:59:49

I'll speak up for the Rhodesian Ridgeback, a neighbor had one and that dog, named "Bowser" of all things, was extremely intelligent and loyal.

by **Petro** » Sun 26 Jun 2005, 18:10:49

Rhodesian Ridgeback are great animals. my dogs are getting old, and I don't think about it too much as it upsets me, but after they're gone and if I have the courage to do it again...I think it will be RR's.

But a brightly dyed hot-pink toy poodle will always discombobulate any one or thing by sheer shock.

What would you do if you saw and angry pink poodle charging at you haha

by **turmoil** » Sun 26 Jun 2005, 18:23:07

I have an Australian Shepherd with some hound. She's a heeler, a sniffer, and a barker.

by **The_Virginian** » Sun 26 Jun 2005, 18:28:47

a Quality Boxer, hard to find where I used to live.

BTW NO dog is 100% safe with infants, just keep in mind as a precaution.

by **turmoil** » Sun 26 Jun 2005, 18:53:43

i will add that she gets along with my cat too!!!, if you are interested in a multi-species household.

by **Petro** » Sun 26 Jun 2005, 19:10:05

Boxers are a brilliant breed of dog, they make you laugh on grey days, always the clown and I love them...but they can be problematic with respect to health...considering the premise of this post was (I assume), post peak, this might become a factor in selection. /shrug

by MD » Sun 26 Jun 2005, 20:04:01

What is your real purpose in having a dog, other than as a companion /pet?

Early warning system
Invasion deterrant
Pest control
Herd control

If you have a small farm/garden, without herding animals to deal with, beagles, dachsunds, and other small game hunters might be the best bet. They will keep rabbits, squirrels, and groundhogs at bay while providing early warning to intrusion, and some deterrant to burglary and home invasion. They are also less expensive to feed.
Large dogs consume a lot of food, so unless you just love the breed or want strong personal protection, I would lean towards the smaller breeds.

Cats are also important to many farm cultures, for rodent control especially. Semi-feral cats that were occasionally fed table scraps were an important part of my grandparents farm. They lived in the barn, never in the house. Occasionally one or two were locked in the cellar for a few days if rodents appeared in the house.

by **gt1370a** » Sun 26 Jun 2005, 21:12:12

I have a German shepherd that is very smart, loyal, protective... I've worked hard to try to socialize him too, so he is not aggressive, loves kids, plays well with other dogs. He is protective of his territory though, doesn't like strangers being around the house or yard - but I taught him not to be defensive of food or toys. I think they will be whatever you teach them to be, but it does take a time committment.

This is a very strong breed too, this one's father has popped two car tires with his teeth. Police and military use them... someone told me that in training dogs, a German shepherd was the only breed that would go through a glass door to protect its master.

Someone mentioned an Australian shepherd... we had one of those and it was the stupidest animal I've ever seen. It would stand in a creek and bark and fight its reflection for HOURS. It would attack the wheels on the lawnmower when anyone was driving it. Very aggressive dog too, it would bite peoples' legs when they were just standing around talking, not doing anything threatening. Maybe it was just that dog though, and they are supposed to be good herders...

Anyway, I think German shepherds have the best balance of size, intelligence, personality, etc., but that's just me.

by **RonMN** » Sun 26 Jun 2005, 21:16:28

If you're looking for a "breed" of dog...you're doing it wrong.

Many decades if inbreeding for dog shows have left many many breeds mentally unstable.

I would suggest to go to the humane society & look for a mut (mine is a 60 pound yellow lab/shepard mix).

Not only look for a mut but also look more for the attitude!!!

The last time i did this was 10 years ago...hundreds of black labs (what i was looking for) all wanting homes & a good papa...and i had tears in my eyes...i went thru every kennel & thought "i went thru all this heartache & i'm not going home with a dog"...and then in the second to the last kennel was the perfect dog for me...i didn't even have to look at the very last one! and she WAS NOT a black lab. But it didn't matter & now (ten years later) i still have the best, most loyal, most faithful dog in the world!

There's my 2 cents

P.S. for any non-dog person reading this...please remember...putting them down in their old age is part of the package deal...don't let them down on that one!!!

by **MisterJoe** » Sun 26 Jun 2005, 23:51:30

Living here in the US, I would look for a dog who has been around for a while (30 000 years). A dog that can protect me, my family, my community, helps me hunt and who can take care of himself when needed.
The American Indian Dog, that's the one Folks!!!
http://www.ameridogs.com/BreedAmIndian.htm

by **k_semler** » Mon 27 Jun 2005, 00:06:28

Capture a grey wolf, and breed it for 6 generations, or at second best, get a Husky and feed it gun powder. You will have a dog loyal to your family, but will kill with ease any intruder. There is nothing quite like a 175lb wolf flying at you at 15 MPH to make you realize that you should not have been there. It helps to have an AR15 on standby just in case they live through it, (of your dog is killed somehow). *Hint: Get the M-16 drop-in sear.*

by **MisterJoe** » Mon 27 Jun 2005, 01:04:34

Well Mr. semler, the M16 doesn’t seems to work in Iraq, nor did it work in Vietnam, nor did the "LE FUSIL FRANCAIS MAS 36'" worked for the French in their struggle to keep Algeria as a colony, 1954 to 1962, or Indochina before that (1945 to 1954). We could move on to the British colonies and so forth. Basically the question was "So, what kinds of dogs make great Guardian animals?"
Animals.......... not gun
Myself I go for the Remington 870 (with an American Indian dog)

Peace.(I hope!)

by **k_semler** » Mon 27 Jun 2005, 01:39:17

Good point. Althought it does help if you clean your weapon on a reglar basis. Anyhow, I still say go with the Husky fed gunpowder since puppyhood. Nothing quite like a 175 pound animal with bloodshot eyes lunging at your throat to make you realise you have seriously fucked up, and entered the wrong place. Imagine seeing the fangs ready to attack as the animal lunges at you with the sole purpose of killing you regardless of what happens to it's self. Not many animals are like that. A husky is your best friend in times of need. Not only is it a stout pack animal, but a very effieint killer. That is, unless you feel like breeding 6 generations of grey wolf to get it domesitcated enough to where it won't kill you. :twisted:

I would go with the Husky if I were you.

by **Specop_007** » Mon 27 Jun 2005, 01:53:06

German Shepard
Ridgeback, as previously mentioned. Really like those.
Akita
English Mastiff, as previously mentioned.

by **seldom_seen** » Mon 27 Jun 2005, 02:06:49

In my highly biased opinion: Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Best All around dog. One of only a few American Breeds.

Super mellow around the house, very smart and friendly. Will protect the children. Notorious for resucing drowning children. Guard dog? unbeatable. Always on guard for intruders and takes a very personal interest in protecting you and your stuff.

by **k_semler** » Mon 27 Jun 2005, 02:15:15

Imagine staring this down:

Think you can make it? Do you feel lucky today mother f--ker? KILL HIM!

by **spear** » Mon 27 Jun 2005, 08:38:27

First ,I dare say that one can not really rely on being safe with just one dog.Or two for that matter.
The most that one animal will do is give the person enough time to prepare (possibly)for the given confrontation.
This response coming from obsevation of packs of shepherd dogs.
If you dont have at least THREE dogs dont rely 100 percent on your canine friend to save you.
If a dog ever attacks you and you dont have a weapon,grab his ears and twist,the attack ends there.But dont let go. This will give you the opportunity to do what must be done to save yourself,meaning kill it.
Personally I have two German shepherds.I would like to have three,but they eat and shit too much.and fight amongst themselves.
These dogs are more like body guards for my wife and son,
Rotweillers are also very good with children despite contrary belief.
Keep in mind that any dog can be stopped, but a pack of dogs....well thats harder.

by **Specop_007** » Mon 27 Jun 2005, 10:27:01

Dogs arent meant to stop an intruder. There meant to alert you and buy you time to get prepared. Its the difference between having time to wake up when you hear the barking and grab your sidearm versus waking up to the knife at your neck.

And I beg to differ on Rotties. I wouldnt own one for any reason, and I damned sure wouldnt own one with kids.
They have a tendency to try to establish dominance in the household, which usually means challenging you. If your prepared to have your dog turn on you to establish itself as the alpha in the house, and are willing to beat the everloving holy shit out of the dog to show him that wont be the case, then by all means buy one.
But remember, he could just as easily challenge your wife or child.

by **Riverside** » Mon 27 Jun 2005, 20:20:43

I also say go for a mutt. They do have less health problems, and I have seen some pretty interesting combinations! My dog Bubba is a black lab/ rotti mix. He looks more like a lab and is very friendly with people he knows, but very few strangers get out of the car here. His bark and growl are very intimidating, especially with his hackles up. He is great with the kids. I think his size is good too, not too much to handle, but big enough to be threatening.

My FIL has a great dane who is the most gentle dog I've ever known, he wants to be a lap dog. I don't know too many people who would want to take on a great dane either. But they do eat, alot.

Carla

THE Dogs Thread (merged)

THE Dogs Thread (merged)

Who is online