Yard dog options, a 'scary' type

[throwaway2022]

Morning all, hope this hasn't been done to death! I've worked with dogs for years so very experienced but I've not had much to do with anything bigger than a medium sized breed. Just moved to my own little field and as a single lady, I must admit that I'm feeling a bit on edge when I'm there alone and it's dark. I've got the time for doggy number four so I'm strongly considering getting something 'scary' looking, not interested in a full on protection dog but one that's off-putting to look at with maybe a bark on command would be amazing. Sooooooo, any breed recs please? Always loved the look of long haired GSDs but I'm very open to options.

To live indoors at home with myself and three children, youngest is 10 but very small so nothing too naturally bouncy. Love dobes but I'm sure the ones I've met are crossed with a kangaroo!! We already have three little dogs, smallest is 8.5" and 2.5kg, and we have an indoor cat. Looking for something as chill as possible in the house, obviously happy to cater for mental/physical needs but I don't want something that's 'on' 24/7.

Cat is a new development, never had one before we got her last August so I'm not experienced with introducing the two further than her meeting our three. I'd have been open to an older dog, probably prefer to not have the puppy stage if I'm honest but is that a bad idea with the cat, it feels risky? The dogs don't go upstairs so she does have her own space to escape to. Would like another cat at some point too so a breed that is generally chill with them is a must.

 

[Thistle]

How about a Staffie, they're generally great with children (also known as nanny dog) small enough to fit with your pack and many people are a bit wary of them. They're nice clean non hairy dogs in the house, very loyal to their owners. I've owned a few, absolutely love them. I think that mentally they're big dogs in small bodies. They're generally quite intelligent and trainable.

 

[meleeka]

I wouldn’t recommend a Long haired German Shepherd. I have one and the mud she collects is extreme! She also takes all day to dry so not a great dog for being in fields in the winter. Apart from that she’s an ideal guard dog.

On that basis, I’d say a short haired dog would be best.

 

[Jenko109]

What about a ridgeback?

 

[Equi]

I’d not say a staff. They’re not guard dogs by nature, and anyone dodgy wouldn’t be put off by one.

the barkyest dogs I’ve had have actually been Labrador/collie/shepherd mutt crosses. They’re not going to protect you but they are big enough to make someone think twice lol

 

[ponyparty]

I’m biased but a Manchester Terrier. Look similar to a Dobe but smaller and EXCELLENT guard dogs. I am alerted to people walking past the house, sometimes even cars daring to drive past, a leaf dropping in the garden ? on a daily basis.

In all seriousness though - they’re a good size to complement the dogs you’ve got currently - I’m a bit wary of mixing very big dogs with very small dogs based on past experience. My Manchester has lived with a cat and been around yard cats with no major problems, and is excellent with my son (he was 3 or 4 when my son was born). He has a very menacing growl and bark; the breed is naturally standoffish with strangers (which can be a pain at times), you’d be alerted to anyone close by well in advance! I’m sure mine’s too much of a wimp to actually do anything if I was in danger, but he certainly looks menacing when in full barky growly guard dog mode.

Added bonus, good ratters if you have any at the yard!

ETA: Being terrier savvy and having a good sense of humour required for MT ownership ??

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

You can't beat a Rott or RottxLab imho. But I think you would need to start a pup to be sure of being good with the cat. Rotts tend not to be very jumpy, because they are not built for it and are very trainable. Ours have all been good with children but of course they shouldn't be left alone with them and the xan he clumsy.

 

[ihatework]

Rottie.
Go reputable breeder and train like any other dog, lovely lovely family dogs when done right

 

[misst]

The rotties I have know are lovely dogs but are not especially friendly with strangers so would be good at looking guardy I think. They have been loyal family dogs and protective of their families. They are however heavy and big so not sure I would mix with my small terriers. They do fulfill the brief otherwise though.

 

[FestiveG]

The rotties I have know are lovely dogs but are not especially friendly with strangers so would be good at looking guardy I think. They have been loyal family dogs and protective of their families. They are however heavy and big so not sure I would mix with my small terriers. They do fulfill the brief otherwise though.

We had a Rottie with labs, a small sheep dog type and two jrts, they were all fine together

 

[AmyMay]

The rotties I have know are lovely dogs but are not especially friendly with strangers so would be good at looking guardy I think. They have been loyal family dogs and protective of their families. They are however heavy and big so not sure I would mix with my small terriers. They do fulfill the brief otherwise though.

My little Bichon’s first friend was a rottie. She was incredibly gentle with my tiny little puppy.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

Rottweiler so I can drool! I’d avoid long haired anything thinking of the mud potential, it’s why we didn’t get a Keeshond. Talking of which, he was the barkiest dog ever. Maybe an established spitz X? Not too hairy! I wonder if Shiba Inu’s are barky?

 

[throwaway2022]

Thanks everyone, I’m thinking a rottie might be perfect!! I shall report back ?

 

[Cortez]

The best guard dog we ever had was a Rottweiler X Great Dane. He was HUGE, black and had a great, very intimidating bark. Got along with every animal we had (lots, and varied) and never harmed a fly.

 

[rabatsa]

I knew a fantastic Rottie x greyhound lurcher. He was rottie coloured and slighter built with an amazing deep bark.

 

[Surbie]

Also a big fan of Rotties!

 

[Btomkins]

You are correct that all dobes are at least 50% kangaroo ? Also they can be very prey driven and they absolutely hate the cold so rubbish in the winter ? They're also a bit (lot) nuts!

My vote would probably be a rottie.

 

[splashgirl45]

I would have said Rottie , I would have one if I had room , I would want one from a puppy though

 

[JBM]

I’d not say a staff. They’re not guard dogs by nature, and anyone dodgy wouldn’t be put off by one.

the barkyest dogs I’ve had have actually been Labrador/collie/shepherd mutt crosses. They’re not going to protect you but they are big enough to make someone think twice lol

Collie crosses could definitely be good guard dogs! Depends on the breeding lines
We have 3 collies 2 who act like guard dogs on the farm and one who’s scared of strangers and runs away ? Sam would be an ideal guard dog (full collie)

 

[PurBee]

The best guard dog we ever had was a Rottweiler X Great Dane. He was HUGE, black and had a great, very intimidating bark. Got along with every animal we had (lots, and varied) and never harmed a fly.

That an interesting cross! Dont suppose you have a pic to share? We had G D when i was younger which caused me to fall in love with the breed - their deep bark is awesome. Ours was a softy, loving all the other smaller dogs and cats in the house ?

 

[Cortez]

That an interesting cross! Dont suppose you have a pic to share? We had G D when i was younger which caused me to fall in love with the breed - their deep bark is awesome. Ours was a softy, loving all the other smaller dogs and cats in the house ?

I may have an actual photograph somewhere (pre digital age), I'll have a look.....

He was a beautiful dog; we got him when he was a tiny puppy (too young to be off mummy really), and they had unfortunately already docked his tail which made him look like some sort of Devil Dog. We "may" have enhanced this with a big 'ol spiked collar.......nobody ever came in our yard uninvited.......

 

[SusieT]

With young children I would not recommend getting an adult 'scary' looking dog. You just don't know enough about the history or personality to make that a safe decision for your children. At ten they are not that big if a GSD or Mastiff or Bull type snaps for an unknown reason. An adult in a busy household is also a bit less easy to predictably integrate- at least with a puppy you know if they do bite or there is an issue the damage potential is much lower.
What about intruder alarms, increased lighting or cctv or good fencing? Overall would be much less expensive.
A large labrador might fit your bill . A Great dane? But might be a bit large in the house. Irish wolfhound? a Dogue de Bordeaux might be a good shout - scary but gentle often? Or a GSD but you would need to visit the parents and see them a lot to assess if they are 'go go go' dogs.

 

[SusieT]

Geese might also be a good option? Excellent guard animals!

 

[meleeka]

Geese might also be a good option? Excellent guard animals!

Oh yes, absolutely. Next doors is a brilliant guard goose. It doesn’t make a sound unless someone it doesn’t know is near it, then it makes an almighty noise. I wouldn’t want to go near it if I didn’t know it.

 

[Mrs. Jingle]

The best guard dogs we ever had were collies, also very cat friendly but all our collies were raised from pups with the cats and young children too. Having said that one of our labradors that we got as a three year old is an extremely threatening and protective guard dog. So much so we have to watch her very carefully when strangers come to the house. She is as soft as a kitten with us though, so nothing we have trained her to do, just naturally very defensive of us and our property. Our vet thinks that is why she was probably a failed show dog, far too reactive to being handled by and around unknown people etc. and rejected for breeding that temperament on too. So any breed can be a bit of a gamble I think.

I think I would choose your breed and go for a puppy and train it how you want it with cats and guarding etc. I certainly wouldn't risk getting an older dog that is already guarding, a bit risky IMO.

 

[Mrs. Jingle]

Geese might also be a good option? Excellent guard animals!

Yes my father kept geese purely for guarding and they were better than any of the dogs!

 

[Cortez]

Geese might also be a good option? Excellent guard animals!

Blimey, if you're worried about small kids and "scary" dogs you should be really worried about geese! Our geese would take the hand off you, and could easily break a small child's arm - they "attack" by hitting you with their wing, as well as pecking. Our postman wouldn't get out of his van until we'd put the "vicious swans" in.

 

[skint.spotty]

Carpathian

 

[Mrs. Jingle]

until we'd put the "vicious swans" in.

??

 

[PurBee]

Blimey, if you're worried about small kids and "scary" dogs you should be really worried about geese! Our geese would take the hand off you, and could easily break a small child's arm - they "attack" by hitting you with their wing, as well as pecking. Our postman wouldn't get out of his van until we'd put the "vicious swans" in.

a family member into boating told us a story of a fellow boating mate having his leg broken from a swan‘s wing!